The calendar says it is spring.

However, the temperatures and the winds and the lack of sunshine over the last few days of March have presented conflicting opinions about that.

But a glimmer of hope, a day of sunshine and moderate winds, was in the forecast, and it coincided with a Community Ride in Harrow, organized by Bike Windsor Essex. And low and behold, the day was indeed sunny and a few degrees above freezing and the winds weren’t as fierce as they had been even a day earlier.

About twenty five cyclists from communities around Essex County and the City of Windsor, as well as at least one rider from Detroit, gathered in Harrow. The group headed south along Dunn Road to the hamlet of Colchester. A southwest wind meant that a tailwind propelled the group along the paved shoulder of County Road 50 to North 42 Winery. Tastings of some of their wines were appreciated by many in the group.

After a group photo with a backdrop of the Viewpointe Winery vineyard, the group rolled north and then back to the west on quiet roads towards Harrow. Some of the riders started to make some plans to revisit the area and stop at a couple more wineries next time. The last stretch of the ride back into Harrow was on the Greenway rail trail, which was firm and dry.

Whether riders were getting out for their first ride of the season, or had managed to ride outside (or inside) throughout the relatively mild winter of 22/23, everyone was glad to be out on a bike on a gloriously sunny day. The ride was about 20 km long and lasted 2 hours, with several stops to regroup along the way (plus the break at North 42 Winery).

Bike Windsor Essex holds more community rides over the summer. Typically there is one in Kingsville during each of the later spring/summer/early fall months. These rides are open to everyone. All types of bikes, including those with pedal assist, are welcome.

Keep an eye on our social media pages for updates, as the dates and locations for future rides are established.

‘Til then, enjoy the ride!