Cyclists and walkers from all over Ontario will descend on the tiny Ottawa Valley village of Killaloe on Sunday, July 5, for the third annual Tour de BeaverTails®. The Tour features four supported cycling routes for riders of all abilities, plus a guided walk through the historic village. Above: The 62-km riders are briefed by Ron Moss of OVCTA in the 2025 ride. (Photo submitted)
“I’ve ridden in many places, and I’ve never found better cycling anywhere,” says Tour founder and OVCATA co-chair Ish Theilheimer, who lives nearby. “I launched the Tour three years ago because I wanted to bring riders – and walkers – to this very special little village to ride some of the great roads in the area. Scenery, rolling hills, quiet roads, lakes and streams, lots of points of interest, and a super-friendly community – we’ve got it all.”
Riders take on refreshments and nourishment at the Wadsworth Lake water station on the 97-km tour. (Photo submitted)
The event is expected to raise more than $5,000 for the local food bank. It is a collaboration between the Killaloe and Area Lions Club, Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transporation Alliance (OVCATA), BeaverTails® Killaloe Kiosk, and the Township of Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards.
The Lions Club is in its third year as event organizer. It has used the funds raised for great causes including Vision Screening equipment the Club uses in schools to help identify kids who need glasses and the Killaloe and Area Food Bank, which will receive the money raised this year.
The Tour is named for the famous Canadian pastry company, BeaverTails,® which was born in Killaloe in the 1970s by Grant and Pam Hooker. “We’ve known each other since Killaloe Craft Fair days, and they said yes right away when I asked if they’re sponsor the event,” Mr. Theilheimer says.
The Tour offers four different rides for riders of all levels and experience PLUS a guided heritage walk through the historic village. Participants get a supported ride, a barbeque lunch, Ottawa Valley entertainment, an iconic Canadian snack provided by the Killaloe BeaverTails® Kiosk, and the satisfaction of supporting an important cause.
To learn more, visit the website: https://tourdebt.blogspot.com/ Those who register before June 1 get a free T-shirt.
Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transport Alliance (OVCATA),(2026,May22) Collaboration makes Tour de BeaverTailsl(R) unique [media release]