This article is taken from speaking notes given by Rita Dillon, President, Niagara Freewheelers Bicycle Touring Club, on Sept. 13, 2024, upon the dedication of a tree in Harold Black Park, Fonthill, to outstanding Freewheelers.

Know what makes a great cycling club? Really great people! And in that large group of club members there are many who are simply outstanding.

Reading back over the newsletters for the past thirty years, we find, from the time of our founders, that the Freewheelers have been fortunate to have members who have gone far beyond expectations. They have generously given their talents, time and expertise. They have built the club from small beginnings to the vibrant organization we enjoy today. Many were elected to the executive to serve for one year and yet stayed for five years or more.

Others got political, such as pushing for bike lanes and safer roads for cyclists. One was the driver behind the building of the greater Niagara circle route, an absolute gem in our region and a trail that Freewheelers are riding every day of the week. We had regional councilors tirelessly promote cycling causes, while other members would ride thousands of miles looking for new and interesting routes all around the region. They produced ideas like the tour de Vine, biking in the new year and the most amazing extravaganza for 12 years in the Waterloo area. Presentations were made to regional counsel to support the continuation of the ferry at Port Robinson. Others helped in quieter ways but every one of these people moved the Freewheelers forward and improved recreational biking for every cyclist who comes to this area. They have elevated the status of the Freewheelers from ‘just a bike club’ to a valued and contributing member of the Niagara region. A list of members’ names who have been honoured as outstanding members will be coming soon to the Freewheeler website under Our Legacy tab https://thefreewheelers.com/
These are truly outstanding people, and we have decided in light of our 30 plus years that they will be honored today with the dedication of this beautiful Honey Locust tree in Harold Black Park. The plaque reads…

This tree is dedicated to the outstanding members of the Niagara Freewheelers Bicycle Touring Club, in recognition of their time and talents spent in service to the club and to the advancement of recreational cycling in the Niagara Region

Another part of this project is our new Adopt a Road. For 20 years the Club organized the cleanups for a section of Lakeshore Road along with Newark Park in Niagara on the Lake. Now we have decided to move to a new location closer to the majority of our members and that will be Haist Street between Welland Road and Foss Road as well as Harold Black Park.

The sign for our newest addition can be found on Haist St. near the intersection of Foss Rd.

This location will be much more convenient as we start rides from here several times a week, and now after the clean up, we can also take a little rest on the bench under Our Tree.