A Day in Niagara with Steve Bauer Bike Tours
by Rob Jones, originally published in March 2001
Steve Bauer is an athlete who has transcended his sport. Say his name to almost any Canadian adult and they will know who you are talking about. Wearer of the Tour de France's coveted Yellow Jersey, Olympic medalist, Canada's highest ever ranked professional road racer, Steve finally retired after the 1996 Olympics, closing the books on a 13 year professional career.
So, what do you do after such a career? In Steve's case, the answer was move back to his original stomping grounds in the Niagara region of southern Ontario and start a bike touring company!
I have known Steve for all of his career, mostly as a journalist and fellow cycling enthusiast. Since his retirement, we have continued to run into each other regularly, and have discovered shared interests in a number of areas, including the fact that we both have small businesses in cycling, and that we are passionate about the sport. When he told me that he was starting a bike touring company, I of course said, "we'll have to come and take one of your tours so we can write it up."
Unfortunately this did not happen for three and a half years until, finally, at a banquet we were both attending last fall, Steve said that they were running their last day tour of the season the following weekend. Wonder of wonders, Tracy and I actually had the day free!
Thus, on a Sunday morning in late October we were lined up with a dozen other people in the bright sunshine at the Yellow Jersey - the headquarters for Steve Bauer Bike Tours in Queenston (approximately halfway between Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake) - for a 30 kilometre jaunt through the local wine region.
Steve's wife, Belgian-born Annick Gies, was bustling about getting everything ready and loaded into the support vehicle she would be driving, while the tour leaders checked bike fit, helmets and answered questions of tour participants. While they have expanded into international offerings such as Tour de France trips and Costa Rica tours, the day trips through the Niagara region, with stops at local wineries, remain the staple of the company. Offered every weekend from May to October, the day tours are suitable for both the neophyte and experienced cyclist alike.
Our day was a perfect example of why Steve and Annick are so successful. We headed inland from Queenston, towards the Chateau des Charmes vineyards and winery. Following back roads between fields filled with row upon row of vines, it was easy to believe that you could be in rural France instead of 90 minutes from Toronto. The pace was as fast or slow as you liked, and anyone wanting to add or shed clothing just had to wait for Annick to roll up in the truck.
After about an hour of leisurely pedaling we pulled into Chateau des Charmes, riding through the vineyards themselves to get to the winery. This was the non-biking part of the day - an educational trip through the workings of the winery, followed by a wine tasting, and then a tasty lunch of baguette sandwiches, potato salad and fruits. It was almost a shame to get back on the road.
Leaving Chateau des Charmes, we headed back towards Queenston, making a detour to the Marynissen vineyard, where we sampled more excellent Ontario wine. We finished the tour with a ride along the Niagara Parkway, a route that runs between Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls, beside the Niagara River. We used the wide bike path running next to the gorge which the river runs through, stopping regularly to look at the view.
When we reached Queenston we had the option of finishing at the Yellow Jersey, or making an additional run to the Brock Monument at the top of Queenston Heights. Approximately half of the group were up to the challenge. It was, by far, the most effort we have put forth all day, but worth it just for the view. The Brock Monument is dedicated to General Brock, who led a successful fight against American invaders in the War of 1812.
Having paid our respects to General Brock, we coasted back down to Queenston, where Steve was ready to greet everyone and discuss their day. While we hadn't covered a lot of ground (by hardcore standards), we felt pleasantly tired and mellow after a day spent cruising around the countryside. For many participants it is an accomplishment to ride so far. For us it is a reminder of why we are involved in this activity and a chance to just ride our tandem without worrying about bike reviews, race reports or deadlines.
"Thanks Steve and Annick!"
Information:
- Day tours cost between $95 and $125. They include the use of a 21 speed Schwinn hybrid and a helmet (or you can bring your own), plus lunch, wine tours and full technical support. You can show up on the day, but pre-booking is recommended in the busy summer season.
- While the day tours are the 'bread and butter' of Steve and Annick's business, they also organize corporate rides and private outings for smaller groups. Steve and I were in B.C. for an event last spring, and he told me that the day he returned he was meeting a small hardcore group for 3 days of 100-150 kilometres/day rides.
- In 2000 Steve and Annick expanded into ultra-luxurious Tour de France trips. They were so well received that most of the 2001 series are already sold out. They are also exploring trip offerings in Costa Rica and Cuba.
- You can get further information from the Steve Bauer Tours website, or contact them at:
Steve Bauer Bike Tours
P.O. Box 428
Vineland, Ontario
L0R 2C0
Tel. (905) 562-0788
Fax (905) 562-0674
E-mail: bike@stevebauer.com
