June is Bicycle Month in these here parts.

For the past eight years, the town of Mississippi Mills has made the month of June officially “bicycle month”. Each year a group of dedicated volunteers who believe passionately in the importance of bicycle friendly communities put together dozens of fun events for lovers of two-wheeled transportation throughout the month of June. Activities include guided rides, bike tours to local establishments, educational events, movies, workshops, and potluck dinners. The guided rides ramble along our peaceful back roads, through village, farmland, and forest. There is a Birders on Bikes ride where this year they hope to surpass last year’s sightings of 42 species. Olympian cross country skier Perianne Jones will be leading rides for more intrepid types! Go have a look at their Facebook page here.

The Mississippi Mills Bicycle Movement

Last year Sumack Loft and web partners Foil Media were approached by Jeff Mills of Mills Community Support to create a new brand and website for a one-stop shop for all things two wheeled in our area  — the Mississippi Mills Bicycle Movement, an online resource to help the community be as bicycle-friendly as possible, compiling all of the parts in one place.

Brand development includes the new logo which presents the whimsical depiction of a cyclist floating along on a cloud, with supporting graphics featuring the rolling hills, rivers, and farmland which make Mississippi Mills such a hospitable and delightful area to cycle through, with quirky fluffy clouds dotting the sky.

While the brand graphics are featured for both the new Bicycle Movement website as well as Bicycle Month promotional materials, each year the organizers choose to promote a local artist with bicycle themed artwork, this year’s artist being the inimitable Rosemary Leach. Rosemary’s paintings explore the rich character of familiar objects; with a focus on what is warm, personal and evokes a story — a milk carton strapped to an old bicycle, espresso on a messy countertop. Her compositions honour a contemplative approach to everyday life and a celebration of lives deeply lived. You can see her work on her website here.

Are you a cyclist who loves to explore new ground? I invite you to head out to Mississippi Mills this June and experience Bicycle Month with us. Heck, come on out to Sumack Loft and let’s have coffee. It’s a beautiful ride. Give me a call!