You might have seen them on the trail this morning, breezing through with a cheery smile and a friendly wave.  If you’re a regular on the Kissing Bridge Trailway section of the G2G it’s likely you’ve even seen them more than once.

As long as the weather is halfway decent and the snow stays away, Marg and Jim Blackler are on their bikes at least 5 days of the week and many of those days you’ll find them riding the KBT.  At 67 and 69 respectively, their endurance rivals that of cyclists a quarter their age – last year they logged over 5000 km on various trails throughout Ontario.

Being too busy through their working and child-rearing years, they only came into their new ‘lifestyle’ after Jim’s retirement 12 years ago.  Marg decided they needed a hobby that kept them active and settled on biking.  “Being in nature opens up your brain, it’s just a great way to start your day,” she enthuses, “Even with whatever the weather brings you can say, ‘That was a good ride!’”

The Guelph couple do sections on different trails but find the G2G Rail Trail convenient, with easy access to parking and locations where they can take breaks.  Riding anywhere from a 20 to 40 km loop, the Blacklers take a break halfway for a bite to eat and a rest before heading back.  They really appreciate having countryside trails on their rides for the landscape and for the safety.  On one of their trips earlier this year Marg was knocked over by a car in Elmira and spend 8 weeks recovering before hopping back on the proverbial horse.  Since then they have been taking it ‘easy’, only doing 20-25km per day and holding off on the longer rides for a little while longer until Marg is fully confident she has recovered her previous stamina.

Marg and Jim show no signs of slowing down anytime soon.  Jim is especially looking forward to the day they can ride the trail from downtown Guelph and out of the city without having to go on a road at all.  He’d like to do a mini holiday along the G2G spending a few days on the trail exploring and staying en route.  They’ve adjusted their bikes for long distance comfort – crank forward hybrids, slightly recumbent with noseless seats – and are not at all daunted by such a challenge.

The Blacklers praise the trail for encouraging people of all ages – seniors, young families, all skill levels – to “get out and get active, to enjoy Canada and be healthy.” They’re even training the younger generations: their 4 year old granddaughter rode with them for 9km this summer.  With frequent check ins and breaks she proudly showed them what an inspiration they are.
 

The G2G Rail Trail Experience is physically made up of three distinct trail sections within four counties and includes 13 communities.

The Experience also consists of the communication, education and events on the trail.  It takes much time and effort to coordinate this backdrop to the trail and we need more help! 

If you have time and skills to help with newsletter writing, social media marketing, event coordination and other enthusiasm ambassador roles please contact us at:  volunteer@g2grailtrail.com 

Currently we are looking for individuals for who would like the share their time and experience in; 

G2G Rail Trail Charitable Foundation – Board Members
G2G Rail Trial Events – Community Chairs & Captains
G2G Rail Trail Financials – Commitee Members
G2G Rail Trail Operations – Commitee Members

If you would like to volunteer specifically to help with the physical trail work parties to improve the trial, please email the contact for the section of trial in which you are interested; 

Kissing Bridge Trailway
Section: From Guelph to Millbank
Contact: Mike Curtis

Perth Harvest Pathway
Section: From Millbank to Monkton
Contact: Joel Phelan

Lake Huron Route
Section: Walton to Goderich
Contact: Grant Dawson
 

Annual SOTT Get off the Couch and on the Trail May 12, 2018
Come celebrate spring on the trail with our annual season opener – Spring on the Trail!  Kiosks at communities throughout the trail – save the date and watch for details!

Kissing Bridge "Day on the Course" June 6th, 2018
Always a fun day at the beautiful Ariss Valley Golf and Country Club. Whack a ball around the course, win a prize, raise money.  Registration starts at 11 am, boxed lunch and steak dinner included.

G2G End2End Challenge  #CanadaRides150 #CanadaWalks150  Annually the Week of July 1st, 2018 – 127 km of pure Canadian trail waiting to be filled with celebratory strides and rides.  Hike or ride for a section or go the distance on this special Canada 2017 challenge. Can you do the full 127km (150km with detours) this year?

Annual BBQ and General Meeting  Wednesday July 4, 2018
Learn what's happened on the trail over the past year and where it will be going in the next. A great evening out to share your enthusiasm for the trail!  Save the date and watch for details.