10001110100110101
Correction: Lots of idling.
MJNL and I went to visit her parents, but they had plans to go down to Niagara Falls, so we decided to tag a long. Her grandfather, grand uncle, and grand aunt also came along. The plan was to drive to Port Dalhousie, and we had warned them that traffic would be bad at the Ford plant, as we had driven past there a number of times and traffic was always bad around there. They did not listen, and we sat in traffic for half an hour around that area. We also sat in traffic further down as there was an accident on the highway just before we got off. Then we sat in traffic near Port Dalhousie as the single lane roads were unable to cope with the sheer volume of traffic that was pouring through into the area. We eventually gave up the thought of checking out Port Dalhousie and decided to head down to Niagara Falls instead. We took Lakeshore road, and nearly sat in traffic while meandering along the river. At least the scenery was nicer there.
We stopped by Fallsview Casino and parked underground. I was told that all you had to do was to spend a quarter and they would waive the fifteen dollar parking fee. But when we signed up for our cards, I was told that in order to qualify for deals, like free coat check or free parking, one must spend at least twenty dollars. Doh.
We did, at least, walk by the falls to look around. The place was busy but the weather was nice, so the view, although quite misty, was good. We decided to go back to Mississauga for Chinese food, and just as we left the city, we sat in traffic again. This time due to volume. I tried a detour after the first bridge, but that was a bust, and I think we spent more time finding our way through as the GPS was not very useful at picking a non-motorway route. My second attempt was a bit better as we took the Red Hill Valley parkway, but after looking at the map now, I realize that was not a very useful detour. Taking the 407 did help though. We ended up arriving at the restaurant after the other car, which stayed on the QEW all the way back.
Doh.
At least we ate our fill?
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 16:45:33 (UTC)
FYI, GO Transit runs seasonal weekend train service to Niagara Falls now. You'll have the problem of how to get around in Niagara Falls when you get there (bring a bike, local transit) and it's still a 2hr trip (not including the time it takes to get yourself to a GO station). But, if the QEW's backed up it might be an option. -- HKL
Grinning Reaper
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at 01:48:49 (UTC)
Yeah, I did find the Bike Train but I think it gets booked up quite quickly, and is not that cheap. Mind you, I would like to bike from Niagara Falls to Toronto via the Waterfront Trail and taking the train down sounds like the ideal way of doing it. However, riding two hundred kilometers in a day is not something I can do in my condition. Heck, one hundred kilometers will probably not be doable either. But next year, I would like to spend a weekend making that trip. I just need to find a place to crash along the way..
QYV
Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 20:51:10 (UTC)
Interesting, but the Bike Train to Niagara is run by VIA and they only have one trip per day. (I think it's the VIA/Amtrak train to NYC). GO transit runs multiple trips to Niagara Falls over a weekend. Unfortunately, GO trains aren't really set up to carry many bikes.
If you want places to spend the night on the cheap then you should consider university dorms during the summer when classes are out. They usually go for $30/night and on the Waterfront Trail you'll have access to Brock and McMaster. Erindale campus in Mississauga may be an option as well.
---HKL
Grinning Reaper
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at 02:49:03 (UTC)
Hmm, that's a great idea! A good way to spend a long weekend, enjoying the sights and riding for your health!
Now if I only had the time..
(And the will..)
QYV
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at 20:57:08 (UTC)
Blech, willpower is overrated. Remember my secret weapon during those 80+ km bike rides we did in our glory days? Yup, I'm serious -- you need...
3 Molar Gatorade Solution! Willpower is unnecessary when you can keep lactic acid at bay by imbibing litres of this stuff.
Unfortunately, I don't think MEC sells Gatorade powder anymore. Pity.
--HKL
Grinning Reaper
Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 00:19:30 (UTC)
Well, Gatorade powder never goes bad right? Right?
*taps rock hard lump of powder*
Any one else interested in participating?
QYV
Sunday, August 02, 2009 at 22:52:48 (UTC)
Yikes, you still have an original sample? There must be a best before date on that canister.
Drat, I'm quite interested...but it'll probably have to be next summer (especially if we want the cheap accommodations at universities). Hmm, I'll probably need to rent/borrow/steal a bike, too. Keep me posted if you decide to organize anything
--HKL
Grinning Reaper
Tuesday, August 04, 2009 at 13:52:53 (UTC)
Hrm, actually I am pretty sure that it is gone now. I remember that it was in my desk for the longest time, but last time I checked, I do not think it was still there.
I do have a bag of unopened Powerade crystals though.
I am interested in doing it. But not this year. Maybe next year during the Simcoe long weekend.
QYV