Gladstone Hotel Rolls Out Gallant Bikes-to-Borrow

TORONTO - June 25, 2013 - PRLog -- Just in time for summer, the Gladstone Hotel is pedalling a new way for its guests to explore downtown Toronto, complimentary hotel bikes, in partnership with trendsetting Gallant Bicycles.

From July 2013, guests can Bikes-to-Borrow from the Gladstone’s boutique hotel exhibition space, café buzz and 37 singular artist designed rooms through trendy West Queen West’s geared up and bucolic spots like nearby Trinity-Bellwoods Park, as well as to the downtown core or on a longer designated cycle route featuring Sunnyside Park, High Park, and the Martin Goodman-Waterfront trail to the hotel’s west.

For safety’s sake – and just in case – the Gladstone’s sleek and charming Bikes-to-Borrow come complete with helmets, baskets, bike locks, rain jackets, an official Toronto cycling map – and even an optional picnic lunch box for tucking in the front.

“The Gladstone Hotel caters to guests who are ahead of the curve and on the move,” said General Manager Alec Badley.
“Our new Bikes-to-Borrow program with a like-minded urban community business like Gallant Bicycles is a natural extension of the Gladstone Hotel’s commitment to be accessible, active and green.  Like the TTC stop right outside our doors and our regular cultural walking tours, Gladstone guests now have another way to explore Toronto, on a bike that is as distinctive, creative and customizable as the place they’re staying.”

Painted and assembled to order right here in Toronto’s Junction district, stylishly sturdy Gallant Bikes are an ideal companion for both busy city roadways and scenic urban trails.  A choice of two striking, modern-retro frame designs is enhanced by countless opportunities for casual cyclists to personalize their ride, from 14 paint colours to a full range of drivetrains and Canadian-made accessories.

“The Gladstone Hotel’s bikes are based on Gallant’s No. 2 frame, inspired by classic designs like incredibly popular Dutch commuter bike seen everywhere across Holland,” noted Gallant co-founder Tony Mammoliti

“It’s is an easy, relaxed, fun ride and we’re happy to have Gladstone Hotel guests out cycling around Toronto as ambassadors for Gallant’s brand-new Bloor West store.”

The first pair of Bikes-to-Borrow arrives at the Gladstone Hotel just in time for the Canada Day long weekend and can be signed out by hotel guests on a first-come, first-served basis.  As to why the hotel went with basic black for their rides, Badley quipped, “There are so many great paint options at Gallant we couldn’t decide.  It’s up to guests’ imaginations, and black never goes out of style.”

ABOUT THE GLADSTONE HOTEL: A landmark since 1889 and Canada's oldest continuously operating hotel, today’s Gladstone Hotel is an urban hub for food, music, travel and over 90 engaging and diverse art openings each year   Guided by a carefully crafted social, cultural and environmental commitment, this Toronto boutique hotel encompasses 37 unique artist-designed guest rooms, the popular Gladstone Café and Melody Bar, three exhibition spaces and two floors of memorable event venues, all tucked within a painstakingly restored Victorian meets modern gem complete with its original hand-operated elevator.  Find out what’s on now at this leading art hotel, make reservations and fuel your fun-loving, creative side by visiting www.gladstonehotel.com or calling 416-531-4635.  Family-owned since its inception, the Gladstone Hotel is managed by Sequel Hotels and Resorts.

ABOUT GALLANT BICYCLES: Launched by local entrepreneurs Jason Wood and Tony Mammoliti (also the founder of YNOT Cycle) in March 2013, Gallant Bicycles are a powerful combination of simple design and personal specialization, custom assembled and painted in Toronto.  To start your Gallant ride, stop by 678 Bloor Street West or go to www.gallantbicycles.com.