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From Paris to Ancaster: Canada’s Spring Cycling Classic

The 22nd edition of the Paris to Ancaster (P2A) cycling race went off last weekend. This year, a record number of riders, 2,350 to be exact, took part. This sure sign of spring on the Ontario cycling calendar offers a chance for the pros to shake out the winter cobwebs with a fast ride on cyclocross or mountain bikes, and an opportunity for casual riders to challenge themselves over the 20, 40, or 70 km distances.

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What Is It?

  • P2A is an off road cycling race open to anyone with a bike and a helmet. Most ride mountain bikes or cyclocross bikes, but I spotted a unicycle, tandems, and a variety of parent-kid bike combinations this year.
  • The race starts in Paris and ends in Ancaster, as you may have already guessed, for the 70 km distance. The 40 km riders start in St. George, and the 20 km riders start and finish in Ancaster.
  • The course isn’t the toughest you will find (good news for many), with most of it traversing rail trail and smooth gravel surfaces. The legendary Powerline Powerslide (a 1/2km downhill muddy trough-like section) and the final climb up Martin Rd. to the finish line will be what you can brag to your friends about at the finish.

History

  • The race has been happening since 1994
  • Over the past few years, P2A has been attracting top level pros and also offers a VIP experience category where past registrants have been able to rub elbows with well known riders such as Curt Harnett, three time Olympic medalist and Steve Bauer, also an Olympic medallist and stage winner at the Tour de France.

Next Year

  • The 2016 edition of P2A will be held again in April 2016 – start training now and see why so many come back every year.

Early registration is not too expensive, less than $70 for the longest distance, so sign up as soon as it’s open and start training! http://www.parisancaster.com

Photos by Kent Keeler

Upcoming: YELLOWEEK presented by Veuve Clicquot

Last year was the inaugural Yelloweek Toronto presented by luxury champagne brand, Veuve Clicquot, and now this year it’s back again. It aims to be a multifaceted week long tribute to “Let Life Surprise You” including creativity, classy moments and of course, some fine bubbly, giving you a glimpse into the world of Maison Veuve Clicquot.
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Sport Your Support with HBC’s TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Collection

Yesterday, on April 29th, 2015, marking 100 days until the Parapan Am Games, the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games clothing collection was unveiled at the Glenn Gould Studio by Hudson’s Bay alongside Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Committees.
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Lunch is back at The Carbon Bar with ‘Mail It In’ Fridays

Last December, The Carbon Bar opened for lunch for a limited time, giving the lunch-time crowd a chance to sample some of the dinner favourites. Now, and just in time for the warm weather, lunch is back with ‘Mail It In’ Fridays with some new dishes from Chef Hidde Zomer and boozy cocktails.

We ordered two appetizers – the Hamachi Ceviche and the Sticky Pork. The ceviche was light and refreshing, and I especially liked the inclusion of pineapple and persimmon which balance beautifully with the tartness. The Sticky Pork was delicious as expected – the pulled work was tender and flavourful, with the apple and radish complementing it nicely.

For the mains, we could have opted for a favourite – the Pit Master Platter, which includes pork ribs, fried chicken, and beef brisket sandwiches among other things. Instead we chose dishes we haven’t tried before. We had the Cheeseburger and the Turkey BLT. I especially liked the burger – it was cooked to the just the right temperature to keep its juiciness, and the thick slices of oak smoked bacon just put it over the top.

We also tried two of the new cocktails on the menu – the Northern Borealis and the Hecho En Roble. The Hecho En Roble is a barrel aged cocktail that uses Avion tequila, Martini Bianco, and Aperol. The Northern Borealis uses Pike Creek rye, Sortilege maple whiskey, baking spices, banana, and egg white. There are a lot of great cocktails at The Carbon Bar, but the Northern Borealis is my new favourite for its subtle sweetness and the creaminess provided by the egg white.

Sadly we were pressed for time and weren’t able to order dessert, so that’ll be another reason to come back as the desserts we’ve sampled in our past visits have been awesome. The ‘Mail It In’ Friday lunches started on April 24th and will go on indefinitely. If you’re looking for a delicious, laid back lunch to ease yourself into the weekend, The Carbon Bar is open from 11:30 am to 2 pm on Fridays. And from 4 – 6 pm, complimentary beef brisket snacks are served barside, so it’s a great spot for after work as well.

The Carbon Bar is located at 99 Queen St. E, just east of Church St.

For more information:
http://thecarbonbar.ca
Twitter: @TheCarbonBar
Instagram: @TheCarbonBar
Facebook: TheCarbonBarTO

Photos by John Tan

In Photos: The 2015 Curve Ball for the Jays Care Foundation

How often do you get the opportunity to wine and dine on the home turf where the Toronto Blue Jays play? It’s baseball fun and carnival games for charity at the Curve Ball Gala where guests are treated to baseball themed entertainment and food while mingling and getting autographs and photo ops with the roster of the Toronto Blue Jays.
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