• A flashlight or headlamp (you’ll need it!)
• A solid pair of hiking shoes
• Your sense of adventure

The Labour Day Ride & Really Big Potluck is Almost Here!

Mark your calendars—our 3rd Annual Labour Day Ride & Really Big Potluck is happening on Monday, September 1st, and you won’t want to miss it! It’s one of the season’s biggest social events, and if last year was any indication, it’s going to be EPIC again. Guests are welcome!

We’ll be doing our usual out-and-back route, just like we did on Canada Day. It’s super simple: we ride out for 45 minutes, then turn around and ride back—so everyone finishes together, regardless of pace. After the ride, we’ll kick off a laid-back potluck social, where everyone brings something to share. Think: salads, desserts, sandwiches, chili, chips, cheese, fruit—you name it. No need to overthink it; the beauty of a potluck is in the surprise!

What to bring:

• A dish to share (anything goes!)
• Your own drink of choice
• A lawn chair

Location and timing details are available in your Cycle Club Events Calendar.
Note: If the weather forecast looks significantly better a day earlier, we’ll move the event to Sunday, August 30th—so keep an eye out for updates!

Ride Start Times – Check Before You Go!

As we head into late summer, the days are getting shorter and the heat is finally easing off. Because of this, ride start times may vary—especially in the evenings. Most evening rides will begin earlier as we move through the month to make sure we’re wrapping up before sunset.

Also, with the shift from dry to wet weather, this is a good time to remember that Ride Leaders may cancel rides up to one hour before start time. So be sure to check the Events Calendar before every ride—it’ll save you from showing up to an empty parking lot wondering what happened!

A Quick Word About Safety

As the season winds down, it’s natural to get a little relaxed about safety—but this is exactly when we need to stay sharp. Here are a few important reminders to keep everyone safe and ensure a great experience for all:

• Announce your pass: Always call out “On your left” when overtaking another rider. It’s a simple courtesy that prevents surprises and keeps the ride smooth for everyone.
• Give space when passing: Never pass too closely. Leave enough room for someone to swerve or adjust unexpectedly—because it does happen.
• Follow the rules of the road: We are subject to the rights and responsibilities of the Highway Traffic Act, so that means obeying all stop signs, red lights, construction barriers, and other traffic laws—no exceptions.
• Be an ambassador: When we’re out on the road, we represent all cyclists. Set a good example: ride predictably, respectfully, and responsibly. Your actions can shape public opinion.
• Draft others carefully—and sparingly: Drafting is a great tool, but it’s a lot like tailgating on the highway. You never know when the rider ahead might brake or swerve. Only draft closely if you know and trust the habits of the person in front of you. Otherwise, leave enough space to react safely. Pacelines can be efficient, but they come with risk—ride smart.

Here’s why group riding is actually safer for cyclists and more predictable for drivers:

Group riding reduces the risk of fatal collisions

According to multiple international studies:

• Cyclists riding alone are passed significantly closer by vehicles than those in a group — increasing the chance of being sideswiped or clipped.
• A UK study (Walker, 2007) found that drivers passed solo riders just 1.18 meters away, but gave larger groups nearly 1.5 meters — beyond the legal safe-passing minimum in many areas.
• A Queensland (Australia) study showed cyclists in pairs or small groups were less likely to be involved in a near-miss than those riding solo.
• Visibility is key: 70% of fatal crashes involving cyclists occur in low-visibility conditions, including when a cyclist is alone and harder to see (NHTSA, 2023).

Groups are easier to See, Predict, and Pass Safely

• A single cyclist can be hidden by trees, curves, or glare.
• A group draws attention. It’s a visual block — like a slow-moving vehicle — and this helps drivers register that they must change lanes or slow down.

In traffic psychology, this is called “salience” — things we notice, we avoid hitting. More cyclists = more salience.

Drivers behave more safely around groups

This one might surprise you:

• When cyclists ride alone, drivers are more likely to take risks — passing too closely, honking, or brushing by.
• In contrast, drivers tend to treat groups of cyclists like they would a farm vehicle or a garbage truck — with more patience, space, and caution.

Cyclists are trying to get home safely too

Most group riders:

• Obey the law (two-abreast riding is legal in most of North America),
• Use hand signals,
• And understand the risks of the road because they are among the most vulnerable road users.

We’re not on the road to block traffic

We’re on the road because it’s often the only safe place to be.
Bike lanes aren’t always available, and road shoulders — like the lanes themselves — are frequently unsafe, obstructed, or scattered with potholes and gravel. These hazards might not affect motorists, but they can be dangerous, even life-threatening, for cyclists.

Cycling in a group (and occasionally occupying an entire lane) is not an act of aggression. It’s self-preservation.

Safety–Backed by evidence, driven by care

At the NHCC, we’ve spent years learning and applying evidence-based cycling safety practices, not just because we love to ride—but because we care deeply about keeping each other safe. If your mother, son, daughter, or father wanted to ride a bike, wouldn’t you want them surrounded by people who prioritize safety above all? 

Group riding isn’t just tradition—it’s a proven method of protecting lives on the road, even if it seems counterintuitive to some. Our choices are informed by research, guided by experience, and driven by a simple goal: to help everyone return home safely.

Final thought: A little space saves a lot of lives

Next time you see a group of cyclists on the road, know this:

• They’re not trying to slow you down — just trying to stay alive.
• Most drivers can pass a group safely with a delay of only 10–15 seconds.
• That short wait could save someone’s spouse, friend, or parent.

Thanks for sharing the road

As we near the midpoint of another great cycling season at the Northumberland Hills Cycling Club (NHCC), it’s a good time to do a little mid-season safety tune-up!

With warmer weather, more riders out on the road, and plenty of great conversations happening on group rides, it’s easy to get comfortable—and that’s a good thing! But it’s also a perfect moment to refresh a few key habits that help keep everyone safe, respectful, and riding strong together in a group.

A Few Friendly Reminders for the Road:

Follow the Rules of the Road

Just like any road user, cyclists are expected to obey traffic signals, stop signs, and all other rules under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. Predictability and communication help keep group rides smooth and safe.

Single File or Two Abreast—Never More
It’s perfectly legal to ride two abreast when conditions allow, but we never ride three (or more) across. When traffic is tight or visibility is limited, single file is sometimes (but not always) a safer and more courteous choice. Single file is the expectation when there is a paved shoulder or bike lane provided.

Taking the Lane Is Sometimes the Right Move
On narrow roads where it’s unsafe for vehicles to pass side-by-side, cyclists are permitted by the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) to take the full lane. It’s not only legal—it’s smart riding when safety calls for it.

Perception Matters
Even when we’re doing everything right, how we ride can influence how people see cyclists in general. A little extra courtesy goes a long way in building goodwill with our neighbours on the road.

Stay Cool Around Conflict
If tensions flare with other road users—whether in person or online—it’s best not to engage. A calm, non-reactive approach helps keep everyone safer and reflects well on all cyclists.

We’re All in This Together
Whether you’re a new member or a seasoned rider, we all play a role in creating a positive cycling culture. Let’s keep setting a great example and showing that group cycling can be fun, safe, and respectful.

Thanks for riding with us—and for helping make NHCC a club we can all be proud of. See you on the road! Ride Safe. Ride Smart. Ride Together.

There’s no better way to celebrate Canada Day than with good people, open roads, and great food. With a renewed sense of Canadian pride in the air this year, we’re especially excited to come together as a club and mark the day with one of our favourite traditions: the Canada Day All Levels Ride & Super Big Potluck! 

Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Time:
Ride starts at 10:00am (Out-and-back format—45 minutes each way)
Potluck begins around 11:45am
Start Location (All Levels 1–4): 8303 Smylie Rd., Cobourg
RSVP: Let us know you’re coming via the Events Calendar in your Cycle Club account

We’ll be all wrapped up by 1:00 so you can continue onto other Canada Day celebrations you have planned. Or, you can stay and linger with friends as long as you like!

Celebrate Canada—On Two Wheels

We’ll kick off the day with an easy-paced, All-Levels ride—designed for everyone, from Level 1 to Level 4. This is about fresh air, friendly faces, and the shared joy of cycling. It’s a perfect chance to appreciate the natural beauty we’re lucky to have right here in Canada!

The Great Canadian Potluck

After the ride, we gather at Randy and Anita’s for our famous Super Big Potluck. In true Canadian fashion, we’re keeping it welcoming, casual, and joyfully unpredictable. Bring along your favourite dish to share—salads, butter tarts, maple-glazed anything, poutine-inspired snacks, or just your go-to homemade classic. If we end up with more dessert than dinner, we’ll consider it a win.

Please also bring a lawn chair and your favourite drink so you can kick back, relax, and take in the summer vibe with great company.

The really-horrible-weather Plan B: We aim to celebrate on July 1st, but if the forecast looks amazingly better earlier in the week, we’ll move the event to Monday, June 30. Stay tuned to the club calendar for updates.

Family, Friends & Non-Riders Welcome

Not everyone has to ride—friends and family are warmly invited to join us just for the gathering. There’s plenty of shade in the yard for relaxing conversation and some laid-back Canadiana spirit.

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or still dusting off your bike this year, come on out! This event is all about connection—across levels, and across our shared love of cycling in this great country of Canada that we call home.

Come ride, eat, and celebrate Canada Day—the way Canadians do best: together. 

Canada Day Ride & Potluck 

NHCC Members! Join us for one of the season’s highlights—our annual Canada Day Ride & Potluck! The main date is Tuesday, July 1, but we may shift to Monday, June 30 if the forecast looks better—stay tuned. Guests are welcome too!

It’s a relaxed out-and-back ride (45 minutes each way), followed by a potluck at 11:30 am. We’ll wrap up by 1:0pm so you can enjoy the rest of the day’s festivities.

*Details are in the Members Events Calendar on the Cycle Club app, so you can RSVP there.
*Bring a chair, your favourite drink, and something tasty to share!

The 2025 cycling season is off to a great start, and we’re already a month in! Sure, the weather’s been throwing us a few curveballs—wind, rain, cold (and sometimes all at once!)—but that hasn’t stopped the smiles or the great rides.

A big shoutout to the 40+ members who came out for our Safety Training Session in May! Not only was it a fantastic turnout, but it also means we’re keeping safety front and center while riding together.

We’re thrilled to have 142 members out pedaling at all levels so far this year! With 56 rides already offered so far, there’s been plenty of variety—beautiful routes, scenic views, and lots of good vibes all around.

Here are a few snapshots from the past month—check out those happy riders!

Club member Miche, is planning an exciting four-day weekday cycling tour in September to explore three scenic trail systems in the Midland and Penetanguishene area! This tour offers something for everyone, with rides tailored to different skill levels—provided we have enough participants in each group (2 people per Level minimum).

Tour Base:
The event will be based at the Quality Inn in Midland, though participants are welcome to arrange their own accommodations. Level 4 rides will depart directly from the Inn, while other levels may need to drive to nearby starting points to avoid traffic and longer distances.

Tour Itinerary:

Monday, September 15 – Arrival and Warm-Up Ride

• Arrive in Midland in the morning
• Group ride begins at 1:30 p.m.
• Explore a picturesque trail from Penetanguishene that follows the river’s edge, featuring rolling terrain and scenic views.
• Ride the Mid-Penn Link – a beautifully paved path through wooded areas.

Tuesday, September 16 – Waubaushene & Tay Shore Trail

• A longer day in the saddle.
• Level 4: A 120 km loop through Waubaushene, Wasaga Beach, and back via Penetanguishene.
• Levels 1, 2, and 3: Enjoy the Tay Shore Trail with options to explore Port McNicoll and Victoria Harbour via out-and-back routes.

Wednesday, September 17 – Tiny Beaches & Awenda Park

• Another adventurous day.
• Level 4: A 119 km route through Balm Beach and Awenda Provincial Park.
• Levels 1, 2, and 3: Ride along Tiny Beaches Road South towards Wasaga Beach (please note limited parking in the area).

Thursday, September 18 – Final Ride & Departure

• A casual afternoon ride in Lagoon City, perfect for the journey home.

Additional Information:

• RSVP by June 30 to Secretary@northumberlandhillscyclingclub.com with your name and riding level. This helps us plan for group sizes and logistics.
• Non-riding partners and friends are welcome!
  Midland offers pleasant walking paths, the Martyrs’ Shrine, Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons historic site, and small-town shopping. Penetanguishene features a lovely waterfront park, and Wasaga Beach is a short drive away.

We’re looking forward to a great week of riding, exploring, and camaraderie. Don’t miss out!

Whether you’re here for the fun, the fitness, or a bit of both, there’s something for everyone as we are hoping for better riding weather ahead. Many of us are already back in the saddle, enjoying the whoosh of air in our faces, reconnecting with friends, and rediscovering the joy of being outside. These early-season rides are about more than just fitness—they nourish the body and the spirit. For some, that’s exactly enough. Others may be feeling the pull to build strength, endurance, and speed as the season progresses. If that sounds like you, read on—we’ve put together a simple guide to help you ride with more purpose, without losing the joy.

Training by Feel: Ride Intensity Made Simple

You don’t need high-tech gadgets to get fitter or faster—just a good sense of how your body feels during a ride. Training based on perceived effort is an intuitive and accessible way to guide your rides. Think of it as tuning in to your body’s signals. Here’s how to think about different training intensities, what they feel like, and why they matter:

Zone 1–2: Easy Effort (I could do this all day)

These are your casual spins—the pace where conversation flows, breathing stays easy, and your legs feel light. Ideal for social rides.

Why it matters:

• Builds aerobic base
• Boosts fat metabolism
• Enhances blood flow for recovery
• Strengthens your cardiovascular system with minimal stress

Good for: Long social rides, warmups, cool-downs, and recovery days (those days after you rode hard).

Zone 3: Moderate/Tempo (I’m working, but I’m fine)

You’re riding at a steady pace where you can still talk in full sentences, but you know you’re exercising. This is where endurance fitness really begins to build.

Why it matters:

• Trains your body to sustain effort over time
• Increases muscular endurance
• Raises your lactate threshold (the point at which fatigue sets in)

Good for: Steady solo rides, long weekend rides with consistent pacing.

Zone 4: Threshold (Talking is tough now)

This is the upper edge of your aerobic capacity—the hardest pace you can hold for 20–30 minutes. You’re breathing hard and focused, and conversation is minimal.

Why it matters:

• Improves your ability to ride hard without fatigue
• Increases your power and stamina
• Helps you ride faster for longer stretches

Good for: Intervals, hill climbs, time trial practice.

Zone 5+: High-Intensity (I can’t keep this up for long!)

These are short bursts of all-out effort—like sprints or steep climbs. Breathing is rapid, legs are burning, and you’re counting the seconds until it’s over.

Why it matters:

• Boosts your maximum aerobic capacity (VO₂ max)
• Improves speed and acceleration
• Builds fast-twitch muscle response

Good for: Short interval sets, hill repeats, group sprints

How to Balance Your Effort Across the Week

A well-rounded approach to getting stronger and faster doesn’t mean pushing hard every ride—in fact, it’s quite the opposite. For most riders, especially in the early season, about 70–80% of your total mileage should be in Zones 1–2 (easy, conversational pace). These rides build your aerobic base and help your body adapt without overloading it. Roughly 15–20% can be at a moderate to threshold pace (Zones 3–4) to build strength and endurance, and no more than 5–10% should be spent doing high-intensity efforts (Zone 5+). Keeping the bulk of your riding at a lower intensity ensures you recover well, stay consistent, and have the energy to push when it really counts.

The Takeaway: Every Ride Has a Role

Not every ride needs to be hard to be beneficial. In fact, most of your riding should feel easy to moderate, especially early in the season. Sprinkle in a bit of intensity when you’re ready, and remember—rest is where the magic of adaptation happens.

Whether you’re spinning for smiles or pushing your personal best, you’re doing it right. The beauty of cycling is that it offers something for everyone—joy, connection, fitness, and freedom—all in one ride.

Ride safe, stay warm (for now!), and we’ll see you on the road!

Mountain Biking on Saturday at 10am! The weather this week isn’t looking too promising for our regular road rides, but there are still some adventures to be had. Helmut’s holding out some hope for a little clearing on Saturday morning.  Meet at Beagle Club for 10am for some mountain biking.  Members can RSVP on the Cycle Club app. 

Date: Saturday May 24
Time: 10am
Distance: about 20km
Location: Beagle Club Trailhead, Northumberland Forest