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Shimano partners with Peterborough to build cycling routes

Peterborough and the Kawarthas and Shimano route signs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bZAOE9t6BU

Shimano, which keeps many Canadians pedalling, is working to help riders explore the roads around its Canadian home. Shimano Canada has formed a partnership with Peterborough and the Kawarthas Tourism. The region, which is roughly 130 km northeast of Toronto, is this country’s base for the Japanese bicycle-parts manufacturer. The project that the two organizations are working on is the creation of cycling routes around the city. They are plotting these courses both on the road and on the web.

On Wednesday, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Tourism and Shimano launched more than 300 km of riding with three loops, and shorter versions of each loop. The full loops that run out of the small city and into the countryside range in length from 60 km to 100 km, while the shorter routes are 45–80 km. Each route has plenty of signs to keep you on course, as well as 4-foot by 4-foot kiosks with maps.

Peterborough and the Kawarthas Tourism worked with the County of Peterborough, the City of Peterborough and Shimano, as well as the local cycling community to develop the routes. “The cycling community in the Peterborough area is quite active,” said Kelly Jessup, tourism marketing communications lead at Peterborough and the Kawarthas Tourism. “So, we sat down with a number of cyclists to find the routes that they are using on a regular basis.” The online component of this project extends the sharing of local knowledge. Not only does it tell you about where to stop, eat or stay along the routes, but the local riders also tell you the highlights of each. Strava segments are planned for those who want a little extra challenge.

“If you are training or just challenging yourself, these routes let you break away in a different, scenic environment,” Jessup said. “And you can breathe some real fresh air.”

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas cycling routes

Peterborough and the Kawarthas and Shimano route signs