Crothers' Woods (The Bike Trail)

Back at Crothers' Woods.  This time to check out more of the bike trails, and not just the natural, untouched settings surrounding the forests.  Some of the trails are really challenging and not for beginners.  When I am not feeling sure of some the hills, I remain on the foot trails at times when I'm a little less than confident.  I'll just use my bike as an excuse.  


The forest is a cool place to be in an otherwise hot day though.  I am not looking forward to when I can't go riding anymore, since I find myself always anxious to get back out and ride again.  


Click here to see parts of the trail: Crothers Woods Trail 
Note: dear Reader don't think it's me, or ever will be me in the video :)

Overall, the trails are safe and are usually fenced off after if the conditions are too muddy).  Generally just respect the conditions, as well as your own limitations and other riders who are less agile (like me)...  

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Heading out, while crossing the train tracks, I noticed a truck up ahead riding the 'rails' to do some weekend maintenance.  He thought it was pretty "hilarious" laughing his head off while I squealed as he let out a loud honk <wiseguy :P>

Crothers' Woods (additional photographs)

Awesome open fields with wild flowers

Some time just before dusk last Thursday (August 18th) we had a weather storm watch, but I had an itching to go out for a ride and decided to take my 

A paved trail that I had to follow...

chances anyways.  I had read more about 'Crothers' Woods' and was amazed that this area of the valley was relatively 'untouched since 1787'! I mean I don't want to insult anyone's math abilities, but that's over 2 centuries ago and in the heart of Toronto.  That's rare here.  So that in and of itself was a reason for me to go back.  I saw a few guys on mountain bikes here and there tackling the steep walls and extensive gullies, pretty amazing athletes to do feats like that.  Then I walked my bike up a hill and followed a road that was freshly paved and curiously and comfortably rode along it until I came a dead end with a backhoe and roller.  I really hope I won't be seeing a thoroughfare coming through here off of Bayview avenue, but it is Toronto and the city has to do what they have to do I guess.  I can't complain though since there is so much park and forestry left here any ways.

just before dark and checked Leaside bridge more closely

So I turned around and went back the other way to the top of the valley passing by some dog walkers and spotted a large bird (couldn't make it out) and then the clouds rolled in and looked somewhat angry but nothing really panned out.  It was getting darker so started back  home on the trail and instead took a closer look at Leaside bridge, close to the Don River which was about 50 metres away from the bike trail.  I noticed an animal moving ahead (without my glasses I don't really notice much :) so I went in walking my bike to take a closer look.  Camera ready I saw a bunny that just stood there.  He (or she) must have stayed put for dummy to take a perfect picture.  I must have taken about 5 different shots of it trying to get the best 

Overlooking the valley below

one.  I laughed to myself thinking I'm probably taking a picture of a piece of wood.  But one of the setting on the camera let off a flash, and the bunny was gone in a flash! The picture you see here is the best of a bad lot.  I also never seen the Don River from the Leaside bridge before and the graffiti on the walls of bridge showed me I wasn't the first to discover its beauty.  Night coming soon, I left to go home and the skies waited for me to open the lobby doors before opening up and letting out a downpour for the next hour or so, cooling off the temps to a more comfortable degree. 

Crothers' Woods

An awesome find, a relatively untouched area of the Don Valley since 1793, but the area has had it's share of history.  If you're interested you can link up the history section on wikipedia at Crothers' Woods.  

The wooded area is a welcome cool down especially after a heated ride through the valley under the hot sun.  It's much like a trip up north once you enter into the mountain biking terrain.  Lots of maple and oaks around.  I am not an agile enough athlete to handle the bike  through the woods, but working on it.  Prefer the smoother trails by far, but sometimes you run into rough territory to get to the good stuff.  

Here's some pics of some of the surroundings.  I really need a better camera, especially for the film footage.  Summers winding down and perfect timing too as the trails have pretty much been all but covered soon.