Before starting my blogging journey, I would find inspiration through a wide range of independent bloggers and resources. Through reading their very human stories of injury, challenges, and triumphs, I would find the motivation to be the best I could be.
Of course, the challenge was where to find all this great content. One of my favourite resources has always been Feedspot, where I’m proud to be listed as the 91st best Triathlon Blog on the web via their listing, Top 100 Triathlon Blogs. Thank you, Feedspot, it means a lot.
While reflecting on this accomplishment I started thinking about how hard it is to find great content on the web, and with that, I decided it was time to give back and recognize the blogs and resources that I turn to on a daily basis.
With that in mind, I’ve decided to share my personal link list, including a cross-spectrum of my favourite content producers and resources to assist you on your journey.
Do keep in mind, by no means is this a list of what many sites would consider to be the best content available on the Internet, or the most popular content out there, but more the content I’ve enjoyed or resourced the most over the years.
Two final things to note, these lists are shared in no particular order of preference, and if you have other great content to share, please do.
Best Running, Cycling, Triathlon Blogs
Team Colin Blog: Colin is a fantastic story teller, an active blogger, and mountain biker who writes about his races and the local Ontario mountain/gravel/fat bike scene. If I can learn to one day write half as well as Colin, I will be a very happy man.
Biking in a Big City: Enthusiast, cycling advocate, explorer are just a few of the words I would use to describe Jo and his blog, where he writes about the local biking scene and is my resource for cycling advocacy in Toronto.
Bowling by Bike: I came across Alex’s blog earlier this year, and I must say I love it. Alex’s blog, Bowling by Bike, is an intimate look at the trials and tribulations of someone whose life is driven by a passion for cycling.
Steve in a Speedo?! Gross!: I stumbled across this blog many years ago, I’ve followed it ever since. The best way to sum it up, just a guy from Minnesota writing about his training, his races, and the life of an amateur runner/triathlete.
Emily Rudow: Another blog I only recently discovered, and it’s a good one. Emily is a local Toronto girl, who holds the world record for running 74 consecutive marathons in 2017, and has now run over 1,000 consecutive days with over 10km of running. It’s safe to say she’s passionate about running, and it shows, definitely worth the read.
RideCycleSpin: Steve is another local blogger with a passion for gravel cycling, a great blog to follow if you’re interested in rides, reports, and reviews for the local Southern Ontario gravel scene.
The Dusty Musette: Bikes, gravel, adventure, what’s not to like.
The Spoked Traveller: Melanie’s byline says it best “Trails and advice cycling around the world as solo female cyclist and adventurer.”
Ultra Living: I first discovered Ultra Living when Jordan Wickett wrote about John Harrison Pockler’s FTK of the Bruce Trail. If you’re interested in learning running, trail running, ultra marathons, local/global legends, and most importantly, the adventures of an ultra-runner, he’s your man.
Run the North: I never thought I would be interested in reading about the Canadian running scene in the same way I do baseball, or hockey. Then I discovered Run the North, and guess what now I do. If you love running, this is definitely one to check out.
Riding Feels Good: Describes itself as “a growing on-line hub for the Canadian cycling community, ….with over 9200 members and rising.” For me, RFG is an excellent source of reviews, ride reports, and great posts from the local community.
DC Rainmaker: If you’re into sports tech, this man needs no introduction; if not, and you’re in the market, check him out for the most detailed product, unbiased product reviews on the planet.
TrainigPeaks: Besides being my favourite app for managing cross sport fitness and fatigue, TrainingPeaks posts some of the best articles out there, filled with excellent insights into training tips, workouts, race day advice, etc.
I Hope They Post Again – Best Inactive Blogs
Shut Up + Run: SUAR, if you’re still out there, I miss your blog. Although she may have stopped posting earlier this year, SUAR was the first blog I followed for her very human approach to running about life, training, and the personal side of running.
Riot on Racing: Although he may have stopped posting almost a year ago, Steve and his blog, are still an excellent resource for race reports, ride reports (one of my sources for planning the Cannonball 300), and other insights into the local scene.
Favourite Ontario Cycling Route Resources
Whether road cycling, gravel riding, or even looking for a day out of single track, there are so many great resources. Here are just a few of the sites I turn to when I need to change things up, and discovery somewhere new.
Although not listed, if you’re in need of some single track, there are many great places to explore not to far from the GTA including the Don Valley Trails, Centennial Park in King City, Jefferson Forest, Durham Forest, Ravenshoe, Rattlesnake Point, Albion Hills, Hydrocut, Gannaraska Forest, and many more.
Bikepacking Ontario: As described on its website, “We inspire exploring Ontario’s backroads and trails on two wheels with bikepacking routes offering a range of distances and difficulty. From easygoing overnighters to rollicking multi-day adventures, Bikepacking Ontario has a trip for you.”
SO Cycling: Southern Ontario Cycling is my go-to resource for road cycling routes all across Southern Ontario. Lance Donnelly, the site creator, has been kind enough to share his favourite routes discovered from years of running cycling teams across Ontario. If you’re in need of variety, this is definitely one of the best resources out there.
RideGravel: Although I haven’t ridden a route I’ve discovered from here yet, my gravel career has just begun, so that day will soon come. Although heavily skewed to Ottawa and the surrounding area, Ride Gravel is probably the most comprehensive list of gravel rides I’ve come across.
GravelRoad: Although there are only two routes posted so far, I hear they’re good ones, and I know Mike is putting the final details on a few more. Plus, he’s a fantastic photographer. If you’re looking for inspiration, check him out on Instagram @gravelroad.ca.
BT 700: The home of the BT 700 and my main source for bikepacking ideas in Ontario, many a great adventure can be found here, including the BT700, GNR Route, Log Drivers Waltz, the COLT, and a few international routes.
Durham Destroyer: I recently completed the 160km I’m Not Worthy edition of the Durham Destroyer, and it was awesome, great route, incredible scenery, and all in all a perfect day. In addition to the century, two other route versions are available, including the slightly less intense Rookie and the bikepacking Fully Monty.
Ontario By Bike: Ontario by Bike is probably the most comprehensive listing of cycling resources out there, including local cycling literature, listings of bike tours, and various other resources.
Bruce Peninsula Gravel Fondo: A collection of four routes that look to be worth exploring on the Bruce Peninsula.
Recommended Reads
I have yet to read any of these books myself, but they were all recommended to me by various people with the gravel and adventure riding communities.
Lands of Lost Borders – Kate Harris – Currently Reading
Paddle to the Amazon – Don Starkell
A Purpose Ridden – Ryan Correy – Next on My List
Cycling Home From Siberia – Rob Lilwall
Masked Rider – Neal Peart
Adrift – Steven Callahan
Thru Hiking Will Break Your Heart – Carrot Quinn
Ultimate High – Goran Kropp
Books by Angus Adventures
Paddle to the Arctic – Don Starkell
The Backyard Adventurer – Beau Miles
Stay Tuned…
In the not too distant future I plan to expand this post with my favourite resources for training, route planning, favourite Instagram accounts, and more.