Altair 4

I'm looking for input on doing this ride over 2 1/2 days with a ride partner. I've ridden the Niagara Recreational Trail in the past (Ft. Erie to Niagara-on-the Lake), but I had family available as support to get back to our hotel. To me, the best part of the ride is probably Chippawa to NOTL and part of the Welland Canal Trail, maybe Port Weller to above the Flight Locks. The Friendship section along Lake Erie looks a bit boring.

I've been to the area many times, but my friend has not. So I'm thinking that the section from the Falls to NOTL could basically take a day if we stop and catch some of the attractions (Hornblower boat ride, Journey Behind the Falls, the Whitewater Walk, and the Aerocar plus maybe a winery further downstream).

I'm thinking B&B's for accommodations at Chippawa, NOTL, and the Canalside Inn at Port Colborne. What do you think about this itinerary (I'm 4.5 hours away driving time):
Day 1: Drive to Chippawa, spend the remaining day and evening in the Niagara area doing touristy things.
Day 2: Ride Chippawa to Niagara-on-the-Lake, 20 miles, 30 km. Take in the sights and attractions along the way. Is Route 55 out of NOTL an okay road to ride?
Day 3: Ride NOTL to Port Colborne, 31 miles, 50 km. maybe hit a winery, check out the canal views.
Day 4: Port Colborne to Chippawa, 35 miles, 56 km. Just ride it as there doesn't seem like there's much to see / do, and head for home in the afternoon.

I'm considering Mid-May for the ride but I've checked the historic weather for the area and it could be really pleasant (72F, 22C) or it could be (55 F, 13C). So I don't know about that. Mid summer can be really humid on the Niagara peninsula. I guess if we take the right clothes, we'd be okay if it were cool.

Any thoughts, comments, or suggestions? All would be appreciated! Thanks.

Dan Burkhart 

You might consider a winery tour. There are group packages, but you can do it on your own. The area is mostly flat, except for the escarpment, and roads are quite bike friendly.,