Cashing in on Cycle Tourism 2.0 Agenda

Introduction & Ice Breaker

Simcoe Loop Trail: An Ontario Tourism Success
The 160-kilometre Simcoe Loop Trail is a loop of rail trails and connected bike paths that weave through the diverse landscapes of Simcoe County. The trail offers a mostly flat cycling experience with towns every 30 kilometres. Brendan Matheson, from Tourism Simcoe County, initiated this project, and since then, more than 13 townships have collaborated to support the trail that attracts hundreds of cyclists every year. Brendan will discuss how the trail came to beand the positive impact cycling tourism has had on local businesses.

Cartwright Springs Brewery and the Log Driver's Waltz: A Valley Cycle Tourism Success Story
Cartwright Springs Brewery is nestled along the picturesque hills west of Pakenham, next to a spring for which the Brewery is famous. Andre Rieux, the manager and owner of the Brewery, welcomes cyclists and the business they bring. Enter Jen Adams and Eric Betteridge, the creators of the Log Driver's Waltz (LDW), an 800-kilometre bikepacking loop through the Ottawa Valley, Gatineau Hills and the Pontiac in Quebec. Each spring, the Log Drivers and Cartwright partner on a spring rally training ride from Ottawa. Each summer, hundreds of riders come to Almonte for the Grand Depart of the LDW, with many more cycling it throughout the season. Attendees will enjoy hearing Andre discuss how cyclists have positively impacted his business, and Jen and Eric will share how the businesses along the spectacular route have
benefited as well.

Tourism Wins: What Has Been Working Well
Deanne Farrar, an avid cyclist in the Combermere area, is passionate about seeing the world by two wheels. She will lead this discussion session, focusing on what has been effective tourism strategies to date for businesses in Renfrew, Lanark, and Frontenac Counties.

Trends in Cycling Tourism
Louisa Mursell, the Executive Director of the Ontario By Bicycle Network, will share how cyclists enjoy more than just riding a bike; they also appreciate culture, landscape, and food. For a number of years, the organization has conducted surveys of cyclists to track cycle tourism, including spending on cycling trips, as well as their income, expenditures on bicycles, and more. This data enhances everyone’s understanding of how cyclists and businesses interact.

Hans on the Bike: My experience from the Saddle

Hans on the Bikce is a popular cycling blog based in Ottawa, Ontario. Hans previously served as the President of Bike Ottawa for five years and now works for a tour company showcasing the
city to visiting cyclists. His blog offers maps, ride advice, suggestions for local businesses to explore, and a wealth of other helpful information. With extensive experience in bicycle travel, attendees will enjoy hearing from Hans.

Final Session: What can we do to make Renfrew, Lanark and Frontenac Counties the premier destination for cycling tourism?
Join Erin Norris, responsible for Industry Relations & Digital Marketing at the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association, as she leads a conversation to generate ideas for making our region a top choice for cycling tourism. She understands the different markets and works in the business of building relationships, helping to market businesses in the Ottawa Valley.

Ignite Sessions: Success in Our Own Backyard
There will be a series of brief sessions throughout the day showcasing the successes happening in Lanark, Renfrew, and Frontenac Counties. Attendees can look forward to updates on new cycling maps, the use of Ridewith GPS for cycling routes and a design idea for potential rest stations.