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SATA News May 2018
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Meeting local artists.
Our rides include lots of stops, like this tour with Iris Patterson of SeaStar Pottery
Fisherman's Reserve, Three Fathom Harbour  (May 17, 2018) 

Shore Active Transportation Association  Love staying active

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Help us plan activities and advocate for safe, connected Active Transportation in our communities.  Basic membership is free.
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F O L L O W on F A C E B O O K
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May Updates 

Wet and foggy conditions

The last few weeks have brought fog and plenty of rain to the Eastern Shore.  The good news is that those spring showers have once again resulted in the long-awaited May flowers.  Spring is visible through the rapidly opening buds and the wonderful range of greens in the trees and grasses.  Hummingbirds have been sighted.  The forsythias are in full sunshine-yellow and it won't be long before the apple and cherry blossoms show their delicate flowers.  It is a wonderful time of year to enjoy all the natural beauty around the province.  

Plans are proceeding for the Gaetz Brook Greenway, beginning with the bridge work starting next month.  You can read more in this month's SATA Trails Updates.

June will also include our Annual General Meeting (AGM).  You're invited to come for updates - and cake to celebrate our achievements in the past year. Get the details in SATA AGM

Unfortunately, the spring rain led to several event cancellations this month but, as always, there were chances to get out and explore. There aren't as many pictures this month but there are some lovely views of the shore in our SATA on the Road section.  Pictures this month from Mona Bordage and Mary Elizabeth O'Toole.  If you have pictures of a SATA event, please share them on our Facebook page - and you might even be included in this prestigious newsletter.

Our scheduled events for the next month include a variety of biking and hiking options as well as a special combined celebration for Bike Week / World Ocean Day.  We're starting the season with some slow and easy rides to get us back into cycling fitness but offering some more challenging rides later in the month.  Read more in the Upcoming Events of this newsletter and find detailed descriptions - including meeting times and places - on the activity page on our website.  Remember to check our Facebook page for most current information, including any necessary cancellations.

Finally, you won't want to miss In Other News because there is lots going on in the next couple of months.

That is it for May. Everyone at SATA wishes you a June full of adventure, sunshine, family time and lots of safe, healthy, outdoor activity.  We hope to see you at our AGM or on one of our Thursday outings.

SATA AGM

Reports, updates and election of officers 

The Shore Active Transportation Association  (SATA)
and SATA Trails Association
invite you to attend

Our Annual General Meeting (AGM)
& Celebration of Active Transportation
 
at the Royal Canadian Legion
6644 Highway 7, Gaetz Brook

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

5:30  Walk on Gaetz Brook Greenway
6:30 - 8:30   AGM - Election of officers, updates, presentation, celebratory cake
 

SATA Trails Update

Bridge work will begin in June

This information has been updated from last month's newsletter. 
 

Work is now expected to begin on the Gaetz Brook Greenway bridges approximately the first week of June (subject to change). 

The work is being done by Municipal Group of Companies commonly known as Dexter Construction) to address structural and safety issues. It will take approximately four (4) months.

During construction, "use at your own risk" signs will be placed at access points to the trail.  Additional signage will be placed at the bridges to indicate that bridges are under construction.

The SATA Trail Society thanks you for your patience during the construction phase.

Stay safe. If you use the trail during construction, be aware of the risks and use extra caution.

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We are still collecting memories, stories and pictures about the area around the abandoned trail bed along the Gaetz Brook Greenway.  This will help inform signage along the completed trails.

Share your stories about features of cultural, historic or natural interest through the Contact Us page on our website or  info@shoreat.ca.

SATA on the Road

The cold never bothered us anyway. 

Have you been out walking or riding this month?  Whether it is a SATA outing or your own exploration, we want to hear about your Active Transportation outings, especially in the HRM area. Post directly on our Facebook page or submit a paragraph or two for our newsletter by sending it to  info@shoreat.ca

We are always looking for new places to explore so if you have an idea for a SATA adventure, we would love to hear. Share images or descriptions on our Facebook page, email them to us at (info@shoreat.ca), or talk to one of our event leaders when you join one of the Thursday outings.

Atlantic View Trail, Fisherman's Reserve (May 17, 2018) 
 
It was a foggy day but spirits were bright.

Mona described it this way: "The art of running away without leaving home - cycling, lobster, laughs with good buds!"

Upcoming Activities

Something for everyone.  Come explore!

BIKE WEEK / WORLD OCEANS DAY 
Thursday, June 7, 2018

This week we have two great events to celebrate: HRM Bike Week and World Oceans Day (June 8th).  Join us at Clam Harbour Beach for one or more activities. 

We have two ride options, both starting at 9:00.
Option 1 (easy) - a 20 km slow-paced ride to Owls Head and Little Harbour 
Beach to Little Harbour

Option 2 (moderate to challenging)
A 50 km ride with a faster pace route that goes to the Deanery Project in Ship Harbour, back through DeBaies Cove and Clam Bay, on to Memory Lane Heritage Village and back to the beach.
Beach to Deanery and Memory Lane

We are also offering a guided hike option. It starts at 10:30 and takes about 1 hour. Explore the secret beaches and headland trail at the eastern end of the long beach.

After our adventures, Lori Taylor will lead us in beach yoga.  This session is suitable for everyone. No experience is necessary. Bring a towel or mat if you like.

While we explore and appreciate the beaches, we'll also do a beach clean-up.

Stay for a picnic potluck.  Bring something to share. We'll provide mussels. 

Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water and dress in layers.

Upcoming outings:

Thurs., May 24 - Lawrencetown Beach to Eastern Passage (two ride options, 30 or 45 km)

We will take the Atlantic View and Shearwater Flyer Trails to Caldwell Rd.  Some riders will turn here and stay on trails for a easy 30km ride. Others will cycle on to Eastern Passage  then return through the hills of Cow Bay with a visit to Rainbow Haven Beach. 45km with several biter hills

Thurs., May 31 - Gully Lake Wilderness Area (14 km walk, 4-5 hours)

Gully Lake Trail has sugar maple, red and white spruce woods, and a huge variety of lichens, mosses, and wildflowers. The trail passes many old logging camp sites, Salmon River log brow, Small Pox clearing, a wilderness lake, many brooks, and 4 waterfalls.

Thurs., June 7  - Clam Harbour - Celebrate Bike Week AND World Oceans Day

Join us for a beach hike or one of two bike options, then stay for yoga on the beach, a potluck lunch, and a beach clean-up.  Read more in the highlighted description above - or visit our Activities Calendar on shoreat.ca

Thurs., Jun 14 - East Chezzetcook Bike/ Walk
We will explore Conrods Beach and the Lower East Chezzetcook Beaches where we will see the damage that the winter storms have caused to this area.  We'll finish with lunch on Patricia's new deck. 

Thurs., Jun 21 - Musquodoboit Harbour / Martinique Beach
(road or trail options)

The road option travels along East Petpeswick Rd to Martinique Beach Provincial Park. There are a few hills but the views are beautiful! We will drop into the beach to eat our snack.  We will also offer a trail option for those who want to learn to cycle and / or find the road a challenge.


Visit our  Activity Calendar for all event details and new events.  As always, be sure to watch our Facebook page for the most current news on outings, updates, weather changes, and event pictures.  

Remember:

  • SATA events are open for participants of all ages and abilities and follow a relaxed pace.  Events are at a relaxed pace with time for discovery and photography.
  • We would love to hear any suggestions for new routes - or old favourites. Talk to activity leaders, share on our Facebook Page or contact info@shoreat.ca with any ideas.

In Other News

Updates from other organiziations working to improve Active Transportation in Nova Scotia

Atlantic Canada AT Summit - May 23-24, 2018

The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities’ Active Transportation Committee, in partnership with the Province of Nova Scotia and the Halifax Regional Municipality, is planning the first Atlantic Active Transportation Summit, to be held on May 23-24, 2018 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This two-day event will host guest speakers from across Atlantic Canada to inspire attendees and promote information sharing amongst communities and practitioners.

SATA reps will be making a presentation on some of our recent progress and challenges.  

Learn more at: unsm.ca/atlantic-canada-active-transportation-summit.html

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Volunteers needed JUNE 2 - Musquodoboit

On June 2 from 1pm until 4 pm the Musquodoboit Recreation Department and Library are hosting a Bike Week event at the Rink.
 
Volunteers are needed to help with various aspects of the afternoon (Dr. Doug's Bike Clinic, face painting, story telling, pumping up tires, helmet fit, helping with a scavenger hunt (on bikes), learn to ride drills, a bike course for kids, a Fuel Tent, etc.).

Contact Lynne Pascoe <lynne_pascoe@yahoo.com>

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Help support safe cycling - have your say about the new Traffic Safety Act
DEADLINE: JUNE 8

From the Bicycle Nova Scotia Newsletter: 

This fall, the Nova Scotia government plans to introduce a new Traffic Safety Act to replace the out-dated Motor Vehicle Act, which has not been rewritten since the 1920’s.
 
Bicycle Nova Scotia has been working with other partners in the province to push for changes to this legislation. Reviewing the act, we are suggesting that the public advocate for 5 changes that will have significant impact for the safety and rights of cyclists in the province.


Read more and find out how you can help.
Online form to submit your input. https://novascotia.ca/trafficsafetyact/
Current MVA: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/motor%20vehicle.pdf
The link to BNS blog post. about  what you can do.


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Marathons, Music and More on the Great Trail all summer
From the Great Trail summer newsletter:  Community is important for our well-being. And, what binds communities better than locally-organized, grassroots events - where neighbours get the chance to mix and mingle? 
 
We've gathered a selection of such events that take place on or near The Great Trail. A few of these happenings coincide with International Trails Day - an annual celebration to promote trail development, the use of trails and the healthy lifestyle they encourage. Other events are simply great reasons to get outside and meet new friends. 


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HRM Alliance - New Green Network Plan Timeline
June 21 - Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) Committee will review GNP 

July 17 - Regional Council votes on GNP 

From the HRM Alliance Newsletter: 
We hope to see the Plan a few days before June 21st, and will be reviewing it to make a recommendation to CPED. We will then be rallying support for the Plan prior to Council. What can you do? Give your Councillor a call once you hear from us on June 21st and ask them to adopt our recommendations! 
Read more about the Green Network. Plan

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Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie - Sun. Sept. 23, 2018
Ride Nova Scotia's Acadian Shore and experience breathtaking scenery, challenging routes and unrivaled hospitality! 

4 different route options ranging from 35 - 160 k.  Only $99 plus tax.   Sign up by July 31 for a ride shirt.

Learn more at: facebook.com/GranFondoBaieSainteMarie/

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Eastern Shore Native Mackenzie Myatt is having a great year!
Congratulations to Mackenzie, the U.S. national collegiate champion in both road and mountain biking. What an accomplishment!  Read more about her achievements in this Chronicle Herald article Myatt's career continues rolling after winning U.S. national road race championship

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Include some hiking in your summer plans
Are you looking for some great walks around the province this summer?  This list has some inspirational locations and a range of options and difficulties.  25 Incredible Hiking Trails in Nova Scotia.

Have you joined SATA yet?
Make your voice heard for Active Transportation on the Eastern Shore

 

Have you visited our website to register as a member?  Member numbers help us increase the impact of our campaigns.  If you haven't already joined, please take a minute to do so now and make your voice heard for a safe, sustainable active transportation network in Porters Lake and surrounding communities.

Basic membership is free but you must register.

We have introduced a Full Membership with an annual fee of $10.  This fee contributes directly to the cost of advocacy and AT events and also entitles you voting rights at the AGM.  Visit our Join Page to learn more. 

Help us achieve our vision of a safe, sustainable Active Transportation (AT) infrastructure  connecting communities across the Eastern Shore.
 

Hit the road. Hit the trails. Hit the beach. Stay active this summer.

Copyright © 2018 Shore Active Transportation Association (SATA), All rights reserved.


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