Mississippi Mills Bicycle Month

Perhaps it’s a bit like seeing tons of red cars after you’ve just bought one, but it seems to me that there are more bikes in our midst since Bicycle Month rolled into town three years ago. I saw a facebook post from a “friend” today who had just bought a WSD (woman’s designed specific) Trek bicycle. Another friend had just bought a replacement wheel for his polo bike. (Accidents do happen in that high-energy, high-skilled creative sport). Yes spring is in the air and two-wheelers everywhere are rolling out of garages.

As is customary with bicycle month, art and culture play a leading role. See the events listed under “Arts/Cultural” to see the wide variety of cultural events we’re organizing this year. This year’s signature art piece is Dale Dunning’s “Wheeled Sentinel” seen below. Much like Mississippi Mills Bicycle Month’s quirky nature has bicycles redefining our lives, Dale’s sculpture redefines the bicycle. Our banner above features the new Bicycle Month logo designed by local graphic artist Sam Hamilton. We love it and will use it everywhere to brand our event, our town, bicycles, our event, our town, bicycles…

Keep checking our site for the latest bicycle month news, and see you in June!

At their last meeting the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Mississippi Mills carried the following resolution;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Mississippi Mills proclaims “June as Bicycle Month in Mississippi Mills” and encourage resident participation.

That’s yet another reason to have a look at the wide variety of events offered here and add a few to your activity calendar. Better yet, keep that bike handy and find lots of excuses to just go for a spin.

 Your mother always said breakfast was the most important meal of the day, and Mayor John Levi agrees. On Tuesday, May 24 from 8:00-9:00 a.m. outside the Almonte Old Town Hall, Mayor Levi

Ride to Capture the Silver Chain

invites you to a free breakfast of cereal, fruit and Equator coffee. To add to the party atmosphere, the Ramsay Women’s Institute will be on hand with their peddle-powered smoothie maker.

This event is the official launch of the 2011 Silver Chain Challenge for Lanark County. The purpose of the challenge is to encourage bike ridership throughout the county during Mississippi Mills Bicycle Month in June. At the end of the month, one deserving community will be awarded the Silver Chain to proudly display for the year. Come support your community as Mayor Levi issues a friendly challenge to the Lanark mayors and reeves.

Follow the Silver Chain Challenge link above for more details!

Owner Bill Barrie stands behind the desk at Almonte Bicycle Works at 101 Bridge Street, across from the Legion, in Almonte. Bill has started repairing  a number of bicycles and has made his first sale of a new bike to Clayton resident Mike Doyle. Don’t wait too long to take in your bike for a tune up as bikes are already lining up!

Open for business!

613-256-5282

Town of Mississippi Mills installs new bicycle racks.

Thanks to a Ministry of Transportation “Transportation Demand Management” grant, the Town, with partner RIMM (Riding in Mississippi Mills), is installing 20 such racks in Almonte and the hamlets of Mississippi Mills. This rack and one other were installed at the Almonte Old Town Hall.

Mill Street Books is looking for true stories that will inspire, encourage and entertain bicycle enthusiasts. Open to ages 13 and up. Prizes and winners’ stories will be featured on our website. Check the events menu for more details.

Bicycle Month plans are coming together. Confirmed events include parade and street party, bicycle rodeo, art show, guided rides, Tour de Miss Mills, and much more.  Check back often for updates on Bicycle Month’s exciting events.
For opening day activities click here.

Mississippi Mills Bicycle Month is a volunteer-run community festival in June which celebrates everything bicycle – art and film shows; guided rides for birders, heritage buffs, stargazers, seniors and families; bike safety and maintenance courses; games, rodeos, competitions; and much more.
Now and throughout June, we need volunteers to help organize, promote, and run events. We’ll match your talents, ideas and time commitments with tasks and people you’ll enjoy working with.
To join our bicycle-friendly group email us at  bicyclemonth@gmail.com or call 256-3234.

Mill Street Books Short Story Writing Contest Winners
Thank you to everyone who entered the Mill Street Books Writing Contest. Entries came in from across the country, and judges had a tough task selecting the winners. Prizes were $200 cash, and $100 and $50 gift certificates to Mill Street Books. Click on title to read story.

Winner – The Dirt Gang by Jim Moran

2nd - The Summer of ’64 by Arthur Clarke

3rd - Last Flight of the Albatross  by Richard Rathbone

2010 Writing Contest Details