I used to be in great shape. I’d bike 20km each day; had no problem running 5km; could easily spend an hour at the gym.
Now my body just aches thinking about heavy exercise. So when the Turas Mór in Creemore came up, I deferred to my wife, who’s in much better shape than I am. “You wanna do it?” I asked. “I’ll bring my camera,” I said. “I’ll wander.”
I exaggerate about the heavy exercise – I must be in decent enough shape to keep up with our energetic one-year-old, but I’m not ready to bike long distances. I know I’ll get back into shape again, but for now, I’ll let my wife be the athlete in the family while I type out words on my laptop and hide behind a camera.
And a good stroll around Creemore was just the ticket for me this past weekend. I do love a good stroll. And I definitely love Creemore. It’s one of the nicest weekend getaways in Grey Bruce Simcoe, and I’m not the only one who thinks that. It’s become a popular spot for those outside of our region as well (I’m looking at you TO).
There were bigger crowds than usual on Saturday May 9th for the 8th Annual Turas Mór, a bike event for all skill levels, put on by Creemore Springs Brewery.
Inspired by the vintage rides of Europe, Turas Mór means ‘Great Journey’ in Gaelic and calls on “the quirky, curious, adventurous, and eccentric riders to join in Creemore for a rain or shine ride celebrating our community and of course……great, fresh beer”
We watched as hundreds of eager riders lined up for the Challenger Ride, everyone excited to give their all for 40km. The Classic and Expert Rides had left already and would be touring a 60km route and 85km through the rolling hills of Creemore. We were waiting on the bagpiper (a nice touch, I gotta say) to signal the start of the 20km Leisure Ride.
Everything had been bumped up a little with rain expected, but the storm never came. So my wife enjoyed a beautiful ride and I was able to stroll the little town, sit at an outdoor café and watch the bikers come in one by one.
It wasn’t long before I ran into an old friend from Toronto, and old friend from London, an old friend from Collingwood. It seems that Creemore is the place to run into old pals. I guess we’ve all traded our late Friday nights for Saturday morning brunches in beautiful little towns.
I also ran into a new friend from Creemore – Sarah Beairsto stopped to say hello. She’s the Events Coordinator for Creemore Springs Brewery and one of the organizers of the Turas Mor.
I told her what a well-organized event Turas Mor is and that we’d be back again next year. They really thought of everything – complimentary coffee and pastries pre-ride was a nice touch; the bike service station to pump up our tires was a lifesaver; and my wife was impressed with the charcuterie board pit stop at 10km.
Afterwards, the après ride festivities really kicked off, and we happily took part. Men With Knives served up some tasty tacos that paired nicely with Creemore Spring Brewery selection and non-alcoholic options, while live music kept everyone’s toes tapping in the tent.
With the sun shining, our bellies full and legs tired, we returned home with a nice little trip to Creemore under our belts. Well, my belt, I guess. My wife was still wearing her biking outfit.
I wasn’t kidding when I told Sarah we’d be back next year. We’re already planning our rides. My wife will level up to the 40km Classic and I’ll limp in with a 20km Leisure ride with my hybrid bike. My daughter will be two by then so could probably handle a good 5km on her tricycle.
Words and photos by Jesse Wilkinson
