For the past 13 years, cyclists from far and near have enjoyed a spring tour of Muskoka during the annual Spin the Lakes.
The event was started by local cycling enthusiast Jim Brendish. This year he has permanently turned the reins over to the Muskoka-Parry Sound branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA-MPS) as a signature fundraising event for the organization.
“Last year we partnered with Jim in the sense that the proceeds came to us, and after that event he offered to formally hand it over to us to continue the legacy that he built,” said event coordinator Kat Johnson. “It’s really nice that we now have a stable, annual event that we can run.”
It’s an ideal fundraiser for the organization given the link between physical activity and mental health.
“We wanted to partner with an activity like this because we do see that link. We recommend that people get out and be active but we don’t always have the resources to have physical activity programs running all the time within our agency, so to be able to partner up with an established event and promote that is a big part of it,” said Johnson.
Spin the Lakes volunteers and organizers (kneeling in front from left) Cienna Good, Aislinn MacLennan, Valerie Gibbs; (back row) Nicole Marshall, Kat Johnson, and Mandy Kennedy.
Despite the rainy weather, 575 participants pedalled their way around Muskoka’s lakes for the cause on three different routes all starting from Hidden Valley Resort: a 20km route that travels out North Portage Road to the South Portage boat launch and back again; a 96km route that circumnavigates Lake of Bays with an option to extend it to 105km; and a 170km route that travels around Lake of Bays and then across to Muskoka Lakes where it circles Three Mile Lake before returning to finish the loop around Lake of Bays.
Local bike shops Algonquin Outfitters and Muskoka Bicycle Pro Shop were on hand prior to the start to offer support to riders. The SportLab provided free energy drinks, and participants received a post-ride brunch at Hidden Valley Resort.
Cyclists begin the 96km/105km Spin the Lakes route at Hidden Valley Resort
Participants on the 96km/105km Spin the Lakes route enjoyed forest-lined roads like South Portage, pictured here, and views of Lake of Bays.
Lowell Greib from The SportLab served up hydrating energy drinks to participants
Proceeds from Spin the Lakes registration fees, pledges, an onsite raffle and donations will all support CMHA-MPS programs and services.
The event is held near the end of May every year and Johnson said they welcome anyone who wants to get involved as a participant or volunteer. Find more information on Spin the Lakes here.
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While I laud the effort and dedication of the riders, it would be nice if the participants were a little more sensitive to other users of the roads…especially Brunel between the High School and the Locks, where there is well-defined bike lane, with lots of room for single file riding. Instead, the more enthusiastic were wandering well into the driving lane. I am passionate about sharing the road, and appreciate that cyclists would share as well. Just saying…..