My first ride was out of Ottawa back in 2003 and it was fully intended to be a "one-off" bucket-list adventure, but I have not stopped since. No two tours are the same, but the scenery is always inspiring. The trees stand like century soldiers paying tribute to your efforts as you push your physical limits to ride for this cause.
The feeling of camaraderie and enthusiasm add to the fun, and I enjoy every single tour that I have done. I knew I would be helping to improve the lives of trees, but I never realized how much this event would change my life!
As a lead-up to the ISA International Conference – held in Toronto this August – I have helped organize a shorter, Canadian version of the fundraiser: "Tour des Trees - Eh". This will be a one day ride on July 26, 2013, from downtown Toronto to Niagara Falls via Oakville (140km). For those who want a shorter ride, two other options are available. All funds raised will go towards the Canadian TREE Fund.
A big part of this event will include opportunities to network with fellow riders and arborists along the shoreline route. A kick off ceremony will be held in Oakville's Coronation Park, including a welcome from Mayor Burton, a ceremonial tree planting and tree care demonstrations by Oakville’s Canopy Club. Participants will also be treated to an excellent barbeque lunch along the lakeshore, and a complimentary winery tour.
This is sure to be a memorable ride for anyone in the Arbor Industry or for any tree enthusiast. And anyone can register to ride - it may just lead to a full Tour des Trees one day!
Warren Hoselton is a veteran 12 time Tour des Tree rider as well as an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist (# ON-229). Warren works for the City of Toronto’s Parks Forestry and Rec Department as the Parks Supervisor on Toronto Island. En route during the tour, Warren also head-lines the tour’s educational outreach program with his “Professor Elwood Pricklethorn’s Trees Please” program, a tree-mendously informative and interactive arbor-presentation for children of all ages.