We reconnect communities and water through cycling.
Our rides tell a story about water. Led by volunteers around the world, Water Cycles rides celebrate natural wonders, cultural heritage, and the powerful connections that humans have to water - and each other.
Welcome to the season of Water Cycles.
Our rides are as diverse as our riders, ranging from family rides and gravel adventures in our backyard along the Grand River, to global grassroots rides led by volunteers from around the world. We are building a global network of water cyclists that empower communities and we would love for you to join us.
Image courtesy of Six Nations Tourism
Two Row by The Grand
Be a part of the ripple effect! Help University of Waterloo students and members of Six Nations co-create a reconciliation‑focused learning experience in the Grand River watershed. Water Cycles Expeditions is partnering with Two Row on the Grand and Six Nations Tourism to offer a 10‑day bicycle tour traveling from Cambridge to Port Maitland (July 15–24, 2026), honouring the Two Row Wampum and the Silver Covenant Chain in the spirit of peace, friendship and respect.
Please consider supporting this pilot initiative through a tax deductible donation to our scholarship program and help shape a more connected, respectful, and sustainable future on the Grand River watershed. This pilot will set the foundation for future years with an aim of expanding participation across the UW, Six Nations, and watershed communities.
The Rural Romp
The Rural Romp ride celebrates the Grand River and the food and farm culture it nurtures. Our second annual self-guided rural romp ride took place September 27th, 2025 (starting and ending in Belwood) in connection with the Wellington County Fall Rural Romp with an after party at Water Cycles HQ in Belwood.
Grand Adventures
Grand Adventures are creative bike tours that explore the Grand River. Volunteer-run bike rides weave across this 300km-long heritage river with options starting in Elora and Waterloo, and more planned. Download the routes for a self-guided ride, or join us for small group rides. .
Bikes & Blues Festival Becomes Grand River Gravel
The Bikes and Blues Festival was a day of fun and community building held in 2023 and 2024. We took a pause on the event in 2025 to prioritize educational programs and community research in the Grand River watershed.
Water Cycles Expeditions has partnered with Substance Projects which has taken over the event for 2026. The event will include a professionally organized race in the Upper Grand, starting and finishing in Belwood, ON on August 1st, 2026. A portion of the proceeds will support Water Cycles and its growing environmental learning initiatives.
Pop-up Rides in your community!
Anyone can organize a water cycle! From Kansas to Kenya, and across the world, people are crafting local rides and routes that reconnect their community to rivers, wetlands, and all things water. Create a ride for family, friends, your local cycling club or any group you choose, with rides for all levels and abilities. Join a growing network of water cyclists and become a local community ambassador. We have a simple kit to help you get ready.
Meet The Founders
-
Dustin Garrick
Dustin is a co-founder of Water Cycles and a professor of water and community development at the University of Waterloo, where his work focuses on how people value and share water. As an avid cyclist, you can find Dustin riding across the Upper Grand and Headwaters region of Southern Ontario, sharing his favourite routes with friends, students, and the community.
-
Heather Garrick
Combining her passion for conservation, education, and outdoor adventures, Heather co-founded Water Cycles Expeditions in 2022, utilizing her 15+ years of experience as an entrepreneur, consultant, business leader, teacher, and environmental educator across the globe. Heather’s love of adventure has taken her all over the world and she now calls the Belwood area of Ontario home.