Cycle route shows Muskoka’s best
While Muskoka’s lakes seem to get all the publicity, local cyclists know that Muskoka’s roads are some of the best in the nation. This month the 8th annual Spin The Lakes Cycle Tour highlights some of the best riding Muskoka offers.
Jim Brendish is founder of Spin the Lakes. “The Spin the Lakes tour really started with a passion for cycling,” Brendish explains. “I wanted to bring an event to our area that would bring recognition to road cyclists.”
On Saturday, May 25, the ride starts and finishes at Hidden Valley resort in Huntsville. The routes range from 20 or 50 kilometres to the flagship 173 km route which sees riders travel around Lake of Bays through Baysville, Port Sydney and Rosseau.
“The event follows a very challenging route,” says Brendish. “I don’t think there is a single kilometre that is flat.”
New this year is an event specifically for kids. The
FamilyFundo kids ride runs Friday evening for all kids 12 and under. This event is free and includes a group ride, cycling clinics and prizes. For more information visit
www.bikemuskoka.ca
Celebrate historic Chautauqua events
The weekend of May 31-June 2 is the time to indulge yourself in some Humour, Health and Happiness, at the Muskoka Chautauqua Reading Circle event in Port Carling and at the J.W. Marriott The Rosseau Spa & Resort.
On Friday evening from 8:30 p.m. passport holders for the event can sip delicious hot chocolate or coffee, and chat with distinguished guest speakers in the The Library at The Rosseau. Then, on Saturday, check out expert guest speakers who will speak about how managing your diet, your fitness, the intricacies of the health care system, and your motivation to make your dreams come true will all contribute to your health and happiness.
Munch a delicious and healthy lunch while learning about local heroes of humour and health care – Stephen Leacock and Norman Bethune. Enjoy Steve Paikin, as he steers a morning panel and later reflects on the theme of the day.
Join the fund-raising dinner for Muskoka Chautauqua, catered by Crossroads Pub, and laugh with dinner speaker, Terry Fallis.
Then, Sunday morning, come to the Rosseau for a Chautauqua breakfast and hear celebrated raconteur, Charlie Wilkins, reflect on his own attempts to achieve humour, health and happiness as he wraps up the weekend.
Spend an evening in age of elegance
The Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre is inviting guests to step 100 years into the past as they enjoy a historic evening of dinner, dancing and entertainment.
On June 1, the museum will hold its first annual gala fundraiser being billed as 1913 An Age of Elegance. From 6 p.m. to midnight, those attending will have fun dressed in formal or heritage fashion.
The guest of honour for the gala event is author Gabriele Wills, who’s wrote The Summer Before The Storm, Elusive Dawn and Under The Moon. The Summer Before the Storm is the theme of the evening because it is set in the early 1900s in the glamorous days of olde Muskoka.
Tickets are priced at $125, with those making a purchase receiving a tax receipt for $50. Contact Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre at 705-687-2115.
Lots of Laughs at comedy festival
The Cottage Country Comedy Festival returns to The Rosseau JW Marriott Resort & Spa on May 10. It will include another spectacular line up of homegrown Canadian comedy talent that will be recorded to air on CBC’s hit show Laugh Out Loud to over a million listeners across Canada.
The annual gala will feature five of Canada’s top stand-ups with a premium blend of skyrocketing talent and established stars, including headliner Dave Hemstad. Hemstad, a three-time Canadian Comedy Award nominee and regular on CBC’s The Debaters has become a fan favourite across
the country.
Also travelling to Muskoka for the sixth year of the festival will be such acclaimed performers as Tim Nutt (Just For Laughs), Alex Pavone (The Comedy Network), Kate Davis (CTV’s Comedy Now) and Graham Chittenden, host of MTV’s Showtown.
Museum offers free admission day
The Muskoka Lakes Museum in Port Carling is hosting an Open House to kick off their 2013 season on Saturday, May 18.
“It’s part of the International Museum Day celebrations,” explains curator Doug Smith, adding that the free admission gives people a chance to visit the museum and see what is new.
“Visitors can sneak a peek at our new Cottage Room exhibit,” says Smith, explaining that it features a scale model of Elsinore cottage, which is located on Lake Joseph, and was built in 1887. “Other new exhibits in 2013 follow an anniversary theme,” says Smith. The Anglican Church building is 100 years old this year, re-built in 1913 after a fire. “We have a new Fur Trader’s game at the museum for the kids,” says Smith. “It’s a combination survival game and scavenger hunt throughout the museum.”
An intriguing line-up of lecturers, new Catto Gallery art shows, and special events round out the season. Details are available at (705)765-5367 and at
www.mlmuseum.comPlant the right trees
The Muskoka Conservancy has a busy month planned for May.
On May 4, they are hosting a workshop at which people can learn how to become turtle guardians by improving and protecting their habitat and monitoring its success.
May 6 is the last day to order plants through the Conservancy’s annual Native Tree and Plant Sale. Trees will be available for pick-up on May 11 in Bracebridge, Bala and Huntsville.
Miss Canada III returns for visit
The famed racing boat Miss Canada III , predecessor to Miss Canada IV, will be returning for a Muskoka visit this summer.
She goes on display this summer at the Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre in Gravenhurst and will be the centrepiece of the Race Boat Glory, Muskoka Legends Live On commemorative exhibit and will be there from June to October.
The Miss Canada III is on loan from the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, New York. The Miss Canada III was designed by Douglas van Patten and built in 1938 by Greavette Boatworks. “She was built right across the road from the museum,” says Mary Storey, of the Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre.
In 1939, Miss Canada III was declared the 7 Litre Class World Champion when she won the President’s Cup, which was presented to drivers Harold and Lorna Wilson by U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt at the White House. In 1947, Miss Canada III set the 7 Litre Class World Speed Record at 119 m.p.h.
“Of all the boats built in Muskoka this is by far the most important one,” says Storey.
