9 Years. 5 Routes. 1 Cause.
The 9th Annual Mike Ride is on Sunday, May 5th, 2019!
Whether he was working as a bicycle messenger downtown, commuting to McMaster University, or cycling up Sydenham Hill or down Sulphur Springs, Mike loved to ride. Help us show [them] the way and spread Mike’s message of making Hamilton a more cycle friendly city at this year’s Mike Ride!
Join us at Collective Arts Brewing, as we experience the joy of cycling while raising funds for bikes, safe infrastructure and programming so that 100% of children who are able can cycle or walk to school each day.
Kids can have fun with crafts and bike decorating at the Kid’s Activity Area sponsored by Today’s Family.
ROUTES AND TIMES
There are 5 different routes this year, ranging in length and difficulty, so everyone regardless of cycling experience can pick a route that fits their skill set.
75km – Joy Ride
Sign-in: 8:00 – 8:30 am.
Welcome and safety: 8:30 – 8:45 am.
Ride start: 8:45 am
Ride through the beautiful countrysides of Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, and Lynden, stopping for rests at Rousseau House and Grupetto Coffee. It’s the 50KM Classic Route large-sized for early risers! This route follows paved multi-use trails, roads with and without dedicated bike lanes. It is suitable for all types of bikes and riders comfortable in moderate traffic.
50km – HamBur Loop
Sign-in: 8:15 – 8:45 am
Welcome and safety: 8:45 – 9:00 am
Ride start: 9:00 am
The HamBur Loop cycling route links existing trail networks and traces sections of North America’s oldest road race, the Around the Bay – first run in 1894. The HamBur is designed for touring cyclists to experience the region on two wheels. Terrain is 80% paved and 20% packed and loose gravel suitable for hybrid, cyclocross and mountain bikes. The HamBur has links to The Waterfront Trail, The Great Trail and Greenbelt paths.
50km – Classic Route
Sign-in: 8:30 – 9:00 am
Welcome and safety: 9:00 – 9:15 am
Ride start: 9:15 am
Challenge yourself to a few moderate hills as you tour through the beautiful towns and countrysides of Ancaster, Dundas and Greensville. Enjoy pitstops at Rousseau House and Grupetto Coffee. This route follows paved multi-use trails, and, roads with and without dedicated bike lanes. The Classic suits all bike types. Some cycling experience in moderate traffic is recommended.
25km – Cafe Ride
Sign-in: 9:15 – 9:45 am
Welcome and safety: 9:45 – 10:00 am
Ride start: 10:00 am
Take a leisurely jaunt into beautiful Dundas with a pitstop at Grupetto Coffee. Cycle paved and multi-use trails, ~1km of packed gravel Rail Trail, moderately busy roads with dedicated bike lanes or cycling signage.
5km – Waterfront Ride
Sign-in: 10:15 – 10:45 am
Welcome and safety: 10:45 – 11:00 am
Ride start: 11:00 am
Bike or walk Hamilton’s Waterfront Trail around Bayfront Park on a combo of paved multi-use trails and low traffic roads with dedicated bike lanes. This route is suitable for all ages, skill levels, and bike types.
Kids Parade
Gather at Eastwood Park: 12:15
Parade start: 12:30
No registration required. We encourage kids to decorate their bikes before the parade at the bike decorating station located in the Today’s Family Kid’s Program at Eastwood Park.
All routes start at Collective Arts Brewing. Each route is tailored to ensure all participants experience the joy of being on a bike, regardless of their cycling experience. Please note that during the Mike Ride, roads will not be closed to traffic, so all of the rules of the road must be followed. For more information, please see Ontario’s Guide to Safe Cycling.
Don’t have a bike to ride? Why not rent a SoBi bike? We’ll have some onsite.
AFTER THE RIDE
Stay for the midday festivities, and come back in the evening for Hamilton Music Collective’s annual fundraising concert featuring Steve Strongman and The Original Blues Brothers™Band.
We’re joining forces with Hamilton Music Collective (HMC) to launch the inaugural Music and Motion festival, a full day of family-friendly events at the Collective Arts Brewery. Our 9th annual Mike Ride will be followed by an afternoon of music- and motion-inspired activities, including an instrument petting zoo and the children’s bike parade. Come back and join us in the evening for HMC’s annual benefit concert featuring Steve Strongman and The Original Blues Brothers™Band.
Music and Motion brings the magic of music together with the transformative power of motion to inspire greater cultural engagement, creative expression, and a clear path to a healthier, more fulfilling future for Hamilton’s youth. Funds raised at Music and Motion will support the development of new programming and increased opportunities for Hamilton’s next generation.
Ride in the morning, rock at night, and play in between!
Register to Ride Buy Concert Tickets
A secure bike valet will be available on site for a voluntary donation.