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Toronto Tri scene

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canuck8

Apr 25, 12 2:03

Post #1 of 30 (1355 views)

Toronto Tri scene	Quote \| Reply

Hey all,

Moving to Toronto in July ( confirmed ) after 19 years in Singapore.
My focus over the past six weeks since we decided to migrate has been on everything but the Tri scene in Toronto.

Good bike and running shops, cafe's , Tri clubs, pools, popular races in the region , etc.
Haven't really found much on ST , but my search skills are pathetic.

Still deciding on exactly where we will buy a condo , but so far it looks like within a ten minute train ride from the Financial Centre and possibly Forest Hills, Eglington, Beach , Financial/Entertainment District.

For what it's worth I have been in the sport 10 years (5 IM , 15 halves, numerous running races ).
Any links, info, advice, etc. greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance !

Terry

" Dream big and strive to separate yourself"
Chris Lieto...Oct. 2006

art_k82

Apr 25, 12 3:48

Post #2 of 30 (1333 views)

Re: Toronto Tri scene [canuck8] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Hey man,

Feel free to shoot me a PM if you have more questions.

For starters, you've got the inaugural Toronto Triathlon Festival - http://www.torontotriathlonfestival.com happening on July 22nd this year. Might be too soon for you though. There are also the two race series that runs in the GTA: Multisport Canada and Trisport Canada, both of which run really good races. There's also a Toronto Island Triathlon that occurs later in August, and it's one of my personal favourites on the calendar.

As for stores, check out the best independent running and triathlon store - http://www.runningfree.com They don't sell bikes but they've got everything else you need!

Also, if you're working in the financial district, there is only one club to join - the Toronto Athletic Club - http://www.torontoathleticclub.com - it's really the only club that has a swimming pool that is within the heart of the financial district.

rhys

Apr 25, 12 4:20

Post #3 of 30 (1319 views)

Re: Toronto Tri scene [canuck8] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Hi there,

to add what Art K. has summarized, here a few tri clubs in the area:

www.torontotriathlonclub.org
www.c3online.ca (I am a member. Workouts are all north of city in the country)

also, bike shops that specialize in triathlon include:

Endurosport (Full disclosure, they sponsor my bike team. Brands include Cervelo, Cannondale)
Gears (Full disclosure, they support my tri club. Brands include Felt, Specialized)
Duke's (super convenient and been in the city since 1914. Best mechanic in the city. Brands include Trek, Cervelo, Cannondale)

Toronto is the most concentrated triathlon race scene in North America. The Trisport Series has 9 races including a 70.3. It is owned by the WTC. Recharge with Milk series has 11 races and is privately, 100% Canadian owned.

The Toronto Triathlon Festival is the only race that has a circuit in the downtown core of Toronto. It will be a special event but timing for you could be tough as Arthur stated it runs July 22.

That is 21 races to choose from in 3.5 months!

Welcome eh!
http://www.rhysspencer.blogspot.com/

Staer

Apr 25, 12 4:57

Post #4 of 30 (1300 views)

Re: Toronto Tri scene [canuck8] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Check out this thread I started a little while ago:
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=3739418

rbuike

Apr 25, 12 5:31

Post #5 of 30 (1285 views)

Re: Toronto Tri scene [canuck8] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

There are lots of great race series and lots of great shops. From a shops perspective most have been outlined already (Endurosport, Gears, Dukes) but Wheels of Bloor (also Wheels of Oakville), Neworld Runner/Neworld Cycle in Burlington are good as well.

If you are looking for coaching there are a ton of options as well but I am partial to NRGPT (www.nrgpt.com) but I am sure others will post their thoughts as well.

From a cycle cafe perspective that is one thing that is lacking but there are tons of great cafes outside the city for refills on those long rides.

Rodney
TrainingPeaks Ambassador
ICEcot Athlete | Team Vega Athlete
http://barefoottriathlete.ca

IamRobot

Apr 25, 12 5:38

Post #6 of 30 (1276 views)

Re: Toronto Tri scene [canuck8] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Ahare started a thread at BeginnerTri and put together this awesome map:

http://maps.google.ca/...2F2012Triathlons.kmz

No shortage of places to race in the Ontario region.

Searching MapMyRide for the Toronto Area can give you some starting points for ride routes:

http://www.mapmyride.com/...es/?location=toronto

And not to slight ST at all, but BT has a sub-forum just dedicated to Ontario. Not super active, but helpful people.

I'm competing against my current fitness level, and planning to kick my a**!
Please help support my 2013 Ride to Conquer Cancer: http://www.conquercancer.ca/goto/esoosalu

canuck8

Apr 25, 12 6:13

Post #7 of 30 (1258 views)

Re: Toronto Tri scene [IamRobot] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Thanks very much to all of you who have posted responses to my queries. They will give me a great starting point.

I was unaware that there is such a comprehensive race scene in the area......fantastic !

I have been in touch with the Toronto Health Club and reserved membership slots already, last month. Looks like an awesome gym.

As I have absolutely NO winter ( or non tropical ) training or race gear, I will have a bit of shopping to do.

I will not require coaching, but thanks for the link anyway.

As far as routes for riding / running, this will definitely come in handy as I do not know the area at all.

Thanks again for all of the responses !

Terry

" Dream big and strive to separate yourself"
Chris Lieto...Oct. 2006

Jan de Visser

Apr 25, 12 6:17

Post #8 of 30 (1252 views)

Re: Toronto Tri scene [canuck8] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

canuck8 wrote:

As I have absolutely NO winter ( or non tropical ) training or race gear, I will have a bit of shopping to do.

Believe it or not, if we have an even somewhat normal summer the tropical gear will help you in July and the first half of August.

Formerly known as Chipmunk

canuck8

Apr 25, 12 6:30

Post #9 of 30 (1243 views)

Re: Toronto Tri scene [Chipmunk] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Chipmunk wrote:

canuck8 wrote:

As I have absolutely NO winter ( or non tropical ) training or race gear, I will have a bit of shopping to do.

Believe it or not, if we have an even somewhat normal summer the tropical gear will help you in July and the first half of August.

That is very comforting :)

Terry

" Dream big and strive to separate yourself"
Chris Lieto...Oct. 2006

scobig

Apr 26, 12 4:50

Post #10 of 30 (1167 views)

Re: Toronto Tri scene [canuck8] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Feel free to drop me a line when you arrive (or say hello at the Toronto Athletic Club) if you want to pick my rather limited cranial matter (expat, financial services industry, 3 IM's a year, used to live in Asia, etc).
______________

Blog | Twitter | Epix Gear | The Art of Health

devashish_paul

Apr 26, 12 4:59

Post #11 of 30 (1158 views)

Re: Toronto Tri scene [canuck8] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

....sorry you're having to move from Singapore! I'll let the Toronto folks comment in the triathlon scene there, but it is pretty decent. Welcome back to Canada!

cannondale.com |infinitnutrition.ca | bushtukah.com
Whiteface Hill Climb + Epicman Lake Placid 3k/180k/21k June 6/7 2013, Epicman Tremblant 10k/260k/42.2k 11-13 July 2013

iron_mike

Apr 26, 12 4:59

Post #12 of 30 (1158 views)

Re: Toronto Tri scene [canuck8] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

the road riding options can be quite frustrating if you live downtown. however, the mountain biking is awesome! if you've got a mountain bike you can get in some excellent singletrack in the don valley - right in the middle of town!

as for racing, i assume you plan to buy a car? if so, the south-western ontario racing scene is possibly the healthiest in the world! spring and fall duathlons, and multiple tris every weekend all summer within a few hours of toronto. you're absolutely spoiled for choice!

university of toronto has an indoor 50m pool and 200m track (plus outdoor 400) in the heart of the downtown (college and spadina). it's been a few years, for me, but i think the University club used to take outside members, too. at the very least, you can join the university athletics center and use the facilities.

-mike
____________________________________
http://utoronto.academia.edu/MikeCallaghan

http://howtobeswiss.blogspot.ch/

DuDooD

Apr 26, 12 6:08

Post #13 of 30 (1136 views)

Re: Toronto Tri scene [canuck8] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Don't forget to save some $ for a good home trainer. No cycling in the winter...worst 4 months of the year for me. I hate snow.

Fleck

Apr 26, 12 6:08

Post #14 of 30 (1136 views)

Re: Toronto Tri scene [iron_mike] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

as for racing, i assume you plan to buy a car? if so, the south-western ontario racing scene is possibly the healthiest in the world! spring and fall duathlons, and multiple tris every weekend all summer within a few hours of toronto. you're absolutely spoiled for choice!

Bingo

This is the absolute truth. If you are a triathlete and you like to race, if you live in Southern Ontario or the GTA you live right in the middle of the best race scene in North America. The number of high quality very well run races is amazing.

Many people go on and on about the other triathlon "meccas" and hot-spots, none of those places can beat So. Ontario for the number and quality of races that we have!

Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog | EventsOnline | Bibnumbers.com

FatteLatte

Apr 26, 12 6:17

Post #15 of 30 (1127 views)

Re: Toronto Tri scene [DuDooD] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

DuDooD wrote:

Don't forget to save some $ for a good home trainer. No cycling in the winter...worst 4 months of the year for me. I hate snow.

This year there basically was no snow! Outdoor riding every month this winter, not consistently, but it was pretty good for northern clime standards.

IamRobot

Apr 26, 12 6:29

Post #16 of 30 (1121 views)

Re: Toronto Tri scene [DuDooD] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

DuDooD wrote:

Don't forget to save some $ for a good home trainer. No cycling in the winter...worst 4 months of the year for me. I hate snow.

This winter had my wanting to get a singlespeed cross bike.

Did buy rollers however...

I'm competing against my current fitness level, and planning to kick my a**!
Please help support my 2013 Ride to Conquer Cancer: http://www.conquercancer.ca/goto/esoosalu

canuck8

Apr 28, 12 1:12

Post #17 of 30 (1026 views)

Re: Toronto Tri scene [scobig] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

scobig wrote:

That would be very helpful !

Thanks very much ! I will definitely get in touch with you once I am there.

Terry

" Dream big and strive to separate yourself"
Chris Lieto...Oct. 2006

canuck8

Apr 28, 12 1:16

Post #18 of 30 (1025 views)

Re: Toronto Tri scene [devashish_paul] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

devashish_paul wrote:

....sorry you're having to move from Singapore! I'll let the Toronto folks comment in the triathlon scene there, but it is pretty decent. Welcome back to Canada!

Thanks Dev.......It's not a case of having to move from Singapore, I WANT to move from here....badly.
Was supposed to happen a year ago until I was offered a position I simply could not refuse, shortly after th firm went belly up thanks to John Corzine.

After 19 years away, very vry excited to get back to Canada :)

Terry

" Dream big and strive to separate yourself"
Chris Lieto...Oct. 2006

canuck8

Apr 28, 12 1:21

Post #19 of 30 (1023 views)

Re: Toronto Tri scene [iron_mike] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

iron_mike wrote:

the road riding options can be quite frustrating if you live downtown. however, the mountain biking is awesome! if you've got a mountain bike you can get in some excellent singletrack in the don valley - right in the middle of town!

as for racing, i assume you plan to buy a car? if so, the south-western ontario racing scene is possibly the healthiest in the world! spring and fall duathlons, and multiple tris every weekend all summer within a few hours of toronto. you're absolutely spoiled for choice!

university of toronto has an indoor 50m pool and 200m track (plus outdoor 400) in the heart of the downtown (college and spadina). it's been a few years, for me, but i think the University club used to take outside members, too. at the very least, you can join the university athletics center and use the facilities.

I do not own a mountain bike t the moment and have zero experience riding one, but if I find training to be too cumbersome on my bike I my well buy one nd check out the Don valley. Always up for something new that provides a sufficient Phyiological benefit.

Yes we will be buying a vehicle and hopefully I will be able to get some racing in this summer.
Appreciate the IMO about the university Mike, that will suit if I can get in the to train.

Thanks agin.

Terry

-mike

" Dream big and strive to separate yourself"
Chris Lieto...Oct. 2006

canuck8

Apr 28, 12 1:26

Post #20 of 30 (1018 views)

Re: Toronto Tri scene [FatteLatte] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

FatteLatte wrote:

DuDooD wrote:

Don't forget to save some $ for a good home trainer. No cycling in the winter...worst 4 months of the year for me. I hate snow.

This year there basically was no snow! Outdoor riding every month this winter, not consistently, but it was pretty good for northern clime standards.

I have zero experience riding in cool climates / snow , etc.
I have been looking for a second hand Cyclops 200-400, so if I can find one, that will be my trainer.
If anybody knows of anywhere that sells second hand spinning bikes ala Cyclops, please post info.

Terry

" Dream big and strive to separate yourself"
Chris Lieto...Oct. 2006

canuck8

Apr 28, 12 1:30

Post #21 of 30 (1015 views)

Re: Toronto Tri scene [Fleck] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

This is really great news !
I am overcoming a pretty rough 2 years of medical misery, but truly on the road to recovery since early March. Although a steep recovery curve, I have resumed training after a forced hiatus of 4 months.

Look forward to getting stuck into at least a few events and in full force 45-49 by next season !

Thanks,

Terry

" Dream big and strive to separate yourself"
Chris Lieto...Oct. 2006

The Guardian

Apr 28, 12 6:59

Post #22 of 30 (963 views)

Re: Toronto Tri scene [iron_mike] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

There are a few groups that ride at 5:30 am weekdays and 6 on weekends - really strong riders and we take an entire lane (anywhere between 30 and 70 bikes). Very safe, good routes, easy to get in miles if you want. Check out the Morning Glory group for example if interested.

AndrewPhx

Apr 28, 12 9:58

Post #23 of 30 (934 views)

Re: Toronto Tri scene [canuck8] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Good luck in the move to Toronto. Having lived in both Toronto and Singapore I can appreciate why you are choosing Toronto. Just try not to have a heart attack when you start paying Canadian taxes. At least there is no road tax.

Also, beware the hyperbole on this thread. Fleck says " if you live in Southern Ontario or the GTA you live right in the middle of the best race scene in North America." What he should have said is the best 3 month race scene. If you want to race year round you need to live just a bit further south.

beston

Apr 28, 12 11:39

Post #24 of 30 (909 views)

Re: Toronto Tri scene [canuck8] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

welcome home.

The best group ride I've been on in T.O. is the Donut ride.
-No formal sign up, just show up ready to go
-Very slow until you get North of the city, then the pace picks up really quickly.
-There are are a couple of different routes that allow slower riders to take a short cut and meet up with the rest of the group at the half-way rest-stop.
http://www.donutride-toronto.ca/

There are lots of shops in T.O. that cater to triathletes (because we tend to open our wallets to anything 'aero'). Over the years, I've actually come to like Wheels of Bloor / Oakville (they seem to be the best place to wheel-and-deal).

This is quite west of T.O., but Cafe Domestique in Dundas is my favorite cafe. The owner, Krys, formerly worked for Cervelo and Mariposa. He often has one of Cancellara's / Hushvod's / DZ's / Satre's stage winning Cervelo's hanging on the wall. I'm addicted to the americano coffee that he makes. Might be a good destination if you're ever planning a ~100K+ round trip.

http://cafedomestique.com/

(This post was edited by beston on May 5, 12 5:35)

devashish_paul

Apr 28, 12 18:28

Post #25 of 30 (851 views)

Re: Toronto Tri scene [canuck8] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

First of all, welcome home!

Secondly, listen to what iron_mike and Fleck said.

Third, get a computrainer if you live downtown (not just Toronto, but downtown of any large city)....for 4 months per year and even on several weekday days, this is a great way to get in quality training!

cannondale.com |infinitnutrition.ca | bushtukah.com
Whiteface Hill Climb + Epicman Lake Placid 3k/180k/21k June 6/7 2013, Epicman Tremblant 10k/260k/42.2k 11-13 July 2013

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