Toronto Pride Ride Sunday June 14, 2009

Queer West Fest- Toronto Pride Ride Sunday June 14, 2009.


QUEERS ON GEARS - Critical Mass bike ride.

The 5th Annual Queer West Fest Pride Ride, put on by the Gay West Bicycle Club

A little different route this year. We meet 12:30 pm at ZOOTS CAFE, 1438 Dundas St. W. one business west of Gladstone north side of street at noon. Cycle up Gladstone Avenue to College St. W., along to Ossington and North, to Harbord St.. Then East on Harbord through Queen's Park to Wellesley St. W. and over to Church St. Village.

Where we may stop for liquid libations and snacks. Leaving the gay village on Church St.. We will travel South, to Queen St. W., cycling leisurely westward to end our ride on the back patio of the CADILLAC LOUNGE, 1300 Queen St W., in Parkdale, the heart of the Queer West Village for jugs of libations, pizza, gossip and ruminations from 3 pm to 5 pm for a Queer West Festival party.

Call Michel, at Homo Bike Central: 416-551-1709 or try his cell phone: 416-879-7954 or write: torontodigitalq@yahoo.ca There were were close to 40 LGBTQ cyclists all ages, who joined us, on the Pride Ride in 2008. Membership is free. Helmets are recommended for all rides. Mandatory for those under 18. Out of town visitors, welcome to cycle in this event.

Toronto Bike Map (lanes paths and routes 2009)

Toronto's first annual Pride Ride was on June 11th, 2005. A dozen riders left Sunnyside Cafe, shortly after 10 A.M. on their way to the Eastern Beaches, as part of the 1st annual Pride Ride. Despite the plus 30 degree temps, we all made it. Once we reached our destination in the Beaches we had a great lunch on the boardwalk to fuel up for our ride back west. This was the first Pride Ride and from all accounts from those in attendance it was a great success, with many looking forward to the next one on the second weekend of July. It was leisurely paced with us arriving back in the Parkdale area shortly before 3 pm, an hour before Parkdale Pride began at the community health centre. The Pride Ride, is not associated with Pride Toronto Week.

4th Annual Toronto Pride Ride Sunday June 15, 2008. This was a leisurely three hour ride along Toronto’s waterfront from Sunnyside to the Beaches with about 20 cyclists. A non-profit bike club dedicated to providing a safe cycling experience for riders of all levels. The participant's were of all ages and genders, A sudden thundershower nearly, cut the ride short. The ride was from Noon to 4 pm, with a pub stop in city's east end.

Gay West Bicycle Club - Founded was founded in 2003 by Michel F. Paré This Bicycle Club has been here, providing enjoyable rides for all orientation for over five years.

The Club intends to be here, for as long as you continue to enjoy, cycling with us. This is also our "6th anniversary. Cyclist from as far away as Kingston, Montreal, Buffalo, Barrie, Port Credit have joined us on the trail

Our rider's range in age from 18 to 75, both male and female. Although we are based in the west end of Toronto, our members are from all parts of the GTA and beyond. Volunteers keep the wheels of our club turning, and one of the more visible ways to volunteer is to lead a ride or tour. We're always looking for new leaders. Fortunately, anyone can lead a ride or tour if given enough help beforehand.

We are a leisurely paced group of riders with a big focus on socializing and making new friends and parties. Our rides generally take in a snack and beverage break after the ride on the patio of some nice pub.

Our rides generally take place along Toronto's bike trails, with minimal time spent on roadways. Members are of varying levels and we aim to accommodate everyone.

Most rides are held Sunday afternoons and last approximately 3 hours. We occasionally plan social events throughout the year to stay connected during the winter season. The riding season is from April to October, with one to three rides per month. Membership is free. Helmets are recommended for all rides. Mandatory for those under 18. Out of town visitors welcome to join any event.



The Gay West Bicycle Club is an active member of The North America Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation http://www.glisa-na.org/ The North America Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation (NAGLSF) (dba: GLISA North America) is a democratically governed, regional association of LGBT sport organizations from northern North America. Modeled after existing multi-sport organizations, GLISA-NA’s members are sport teams, clubs, and associations throughout Canada and the United States and active Member of Toronto Bicycle Users Network (BUGS CLUBS) and Member of Toronto Cyclists Union http://bikeunion.to/