Our group started the ride heading east through Port Credit and the recently completed Stavebank Park. Slowing down to catch a glimpse of a breathtaking sunrise along the lake, we watched the canoeists practising their techniques on the mouth of the Credit River. We then headed north along Stavebank through the autumn beauty of the estate homes lining the river. Passing through the tunnel under the QEW  (most riders did not know of its existence!) we headed north on Camilla Road toward the Cooksville Creek Trail.

The ride wound through Cooksville Creek’s trails blanketed by golden autumn leaves which led up to Iceland and Hershey Centre. From here we travelled westward on road to the Culham Trail which winds its way back down to the Credit River. A jog off the trail and we wound up in Mayor McCallion’s home town of Streetsville where we stopped for some hot chocolate and lattes courtesy of the local Starbucks.

We’re not still in Mississauga, are we?

After encountering a string of tranquil autumn scenes, including an early morning white-tailed deer off Mississauga Road, one cyclist was caught asking, “we’re not still in Mississauga, are we?”. All the pictures we could gather really couldn’t do the event justice. You really had to be there to experience it for yourself.  

Three hours into the ride and three quarters through, we gingerly headed back down to the Credit and watched the salmon fighting the headwaters upstream. The river was a classic fall scene with anglers out fishing, and hikers on the trail. We then headed out through  Erindale Park to the Mississauga Road South bike lane. This led us back to Saddington Park.

Safely back, we all headed off to the Clarkson Pump (our sponsor) for some well deserved veggies, wings and liquid refreshments. The smaller group of cyclists who were featured in the Missisauga News took the shorter Tour which headed west up the Culham Trail to Streetsville. They loved it so much that they are anticipating giving the full length tour a try next year.
 
Our total distance travelled was 47km and the ride time with stops was about five hours. The Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee is set to plan another grand cycling tour of Mississauga in 2009. We are expecting an even bigger group and look forward to seeing you there.

Follow the following links if you would like to follow the same enjoyable route on your own. We would love to hear your comments on the route:

Map of the 2008 Tour
Written Directions for the 2008 Tour

Because some portions of the Tour will travel along unpaved trails, a hybrid or mountain bike is recommended but not mandatory. Helmuts are mandatory as well as a signed waiver at registration. There is no cost to participants in this event.

Included is a stop at Starbuck’s in Streetsville, who will be providing free coffee to all riders. The Tour of Mississauga will finish off with complimentary wings and veggie platters at The Clarkson Pump & Patio. Gears bike shop will be there with their trailer at the starting point for mechanical support should people need some last minute tuning up before setting off on the tour. Gears will be at Saddington from 8am to 9:30am on Sunday.

Sponsored by:

• The Clarkson Pump
• Gears Bike Shop
• Starbucks Coffee of Streetsville

 View the video of the inaugural Tour de Mississauga event from 2007:
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