We have just two weeks remaining of our regular cycling season! When we switch into “off-season” mode it will be a matter of weather-dependency and you’ll also start seeing some other activities such as hiking, and cross-country skiing.  But for now, let’s ride! We have a few rides already posted and more may appear on the calendar as the week progresses.  For all the up-to-date ride info, you’ll need to refer to Cycle Club either on your phone or via a web browser. More rides could be added as the week progresses!

Monday September 20 (Helmut): Gravel Ride: 10:00am, Woodland Trailhead, 199-101 Woodland Rd., Roseneath
Monday September 20 (Anita): (Level 3 and 4) Evening Ride: 5:30pm Evening Ride, Kings Field in Port Hope
Tuesday September 21 (Dennis): (Level 2) Morning Ride: 9:30am at Westwood Park
Thursday September 23 (Dennis): (Level 2) Morning Ride: 9:30am at Donegan Park

RSVP: We need to know how many to expect You can RSVP two different ways.

1. The easiest way! Use Cycle Club to RSVP. Either login to Cycle Club on the web, or download the app and go from there. If you haven’t already done so, start here: Cycle Club website/app
2. Still a valid way to RSVP: Leave a comment right on the website to say you are coming!

If you encounter any tech difficulty with the new system, let us know, we’ll walk you through it! Secretary@northumberlandhillscyclingclub.com.

Notice of change:  The start time for Saturday’s ride  (September 18) starting in Hastings has been changed to 11:00am.

We have two rides this weekend! On Saturday afternoon Randy is leading a road ride from Hastings out toward Campbellford and Healey Falls (72km) and on Sunday morning Helmut will be leading his fabulously fun Gravel Ride! Here is the short & simple info:

Saturday September 18: (Level 3—72km) Afternoon Ride: 11:00am, starting in Hastings (NE corner of Water and Bridge St.)
Sunday September 19: Morning Gravel Ride, 10am, Hazel Bird Nature Reserve, 9636 Beavermeadow Rd.

RSVP: We need to know how many to expect You can RSVP two different ways.

1. The easiest way! Use Cycle Club to RSVP. Either login to Cycle Club on the web, or download the app and go from there. If you haven’t already done so, start here: Cycle Club website/app
2. Still a valid way to RSVP: Leave a comment right on the website to say you are coming!

This week’s rides have been posted! Here’s a quick summary of what’s happening. All the details about time, start location, and further information is all found at Cycle Club, either on the web, or via the app on your mobile phone.

Monday September 13: Morning Gravel Ride: 10am Woodland Trailhead, Northumberland Forest
Tuesday September 14: (Level 2) Morning Ride: 9:30am at Westwood Park
Tuesday September 14: Gravel Ride: 10:00am, McDonald Road Parking lot, 1km north of Centreton
Thursday September 16: (Level 2) Evening Ride: 5:30pm, St. Marys Church in Grafton
Thursday September 17: (Level 3) Evening Ride: 5:30pm, Centreton, across from the Library

RSVP: We need to know how many to expect You can RSVP two different ways.

1. The easiest way! Use Cycle Club to RSVP. Either login to Cycle Club on the web, or download the app and go from there. If you haven’t already done so, start here: Cycle Club website/app
2. Still a valid way to RSVP: Leave a comment right on the website to say you are coming!

If you encounter any techs difficulty with the new system, let me know, I’ll walk you through it! Secretary@northumberlandhillscyclingclub.com.

The days are getting shorter, so rides are starting earlier in the evening.  Be sure to have your lights charged up and on your bikes! Sunset this coming Thursday is 7:32pm!  Advance notice! 

NEW THIS WEEK:

1. The NHCC is now using the Cycle Club platform to announce club rides and also for members to RSVP. If you haven’t already done so, you’ll need to register (free) for an account in order to RSVP for rides, view who will be riding, etc.
2. This coming Sunday will be the first of our weekly Sunday morning Gravel Rides with Helmut. You can view the information about this coming Sunday on Cycle Club!

Below is the weekly summary of our Club Rides for this coming week.

Please note: **All participants for this week’s rides must be fully COVID vaccinated**

1. Tuesday September 7th: (Level 2) Morning Ride
Start time: 9:30am
Ride Planner: Dennis Benson
Length of Ride: 1.5 – 2 hours (No route provided)
Terrain: B
Pace: Level 2
Type of ride: Group
Start Location: Westwood Park, on Carlisle St., between Westwood and Ewing

2. Wednesday September 8th: (Level 1) Morning Ride
Start time: 9:30am
Ride Planner:  Jim Breckenridge
Length: 1.5-2 hours (No route provided)
Terrain: A
Pace: Level 1
Type of Ride: Group
Start location: Peace Park, Cobourg

3. Thursday September 9th: (Level 2)  Evening Ride
Start time: 5:30pm
Ride Planner:  Dennis Benson
Length: 1.5-2 hours (No route provided)
Terrain: B
Pace: Level 2
Type of Ride: Group
Start location: Diamond Head Industrial Mall parking lot, Wilmott St., Cobourg

4. Thursday September 9th: (Level 3)  Evening Ride
Start time: 5:30pm
Ride Planner: Debbie Parks
Distance: 34km
Terrain: C 
Pace: Level 3
Type of ride: Re-Group
Start Location: Park across from the Centreton Public Library

5. Friday Floater Ride in PEC
Start time: 10:00am
Ride Planner: Bill Glover
Distance: 72km
Terrain: B
Pace: Level 3
Type of ride: Group
Start location: Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area

6. Sunday Gravel Ride
Start time: 10:00am
Ride Planner: Helmut Bock
Distance: 22km
Terrain: C
Pace: Not to crazy fast!
Type of ride: Group
Start location: Hazel Bird Nature Reserve, 9636 Beavermeadow Rd. E

RSVP: We need to know how many to expect You can RSVP two different ways.

• The easiest way! Use the new Cycle Club App
• Leave a comment right on the website to say you are coming!

Important for Active Members: For the remainder of 2021, if you are planning to Ride or participate in off-season activities: Starting the week of September 6th the NHCC will change the way that rides and other events are announced as well as the way you respond to say you will come to an event.   We will be using a software solution called Cycle Club. The Cycle Club app is available for your mobile phone, or if you don’t have a cell phone you can access it via your computer.  We tested it out and really like! We think you will too! It’s super user-friendly to use and has the following features:

• RSVPing to rides a snap (and un-RSVPing too!)
• See who else is riding
• Each ride has a Discussion section where members can leave messages for others to see
• Access the route map (if applicable)
• Get notifications right in the app about ride cancellations and more

Get ready for Cycle Club!

1. Download the Cycle Club App: Cycle Club App is available on both iOS and Android platforms. Alternatively, you may use Cycle Club App via web browser here.
2. Sign up, or Sign in: If you’re new to Cycle Club App, follow the steps to sign up and create your Cycle Club App profile. Remember to use the same email as you did to register for your specific cycling club. If you have an existing account, just sign in!
3. Search for the NHCC: Click the “+” sign to search for the Northumberland Hills Cycling Club
4. Once you are granted access to the Club you can view and attend events, read announcements, and more!

Tech help is here! It’s really easy to get started, but in the unlikely event that you need a little help, feel free to contact Anita who will get you set-up fast! Contact secretary@northumberlandhillscyclingclub.com

Plenty of ride opportunities this week, including a great rail trail route for the Friday Floater.  

Please note that for all rides this week, those choosing to ride must be fully vaccinated. We will rely on your honour to respect the Ride Planners request.

1. Tuesday August 31st: (Level 2) Morning Ride
Start time: 9:30am
Ride Planner: Dennis Benson
Length of Ride: 1.5 – 2 hours (No route provided)
Terrain: B
Pace: Level 2
Type of ride: Group
Start location: St. Mary’s Church in Grafton

2. Tuesday August 31st: (Level 1) Evening Ride
Start time: 6:00pm
Ride Planner:  Jim Breckenridge
Length: 1.5-2 hours (No route provided)
Terrain: A
Pace: Level 1
Type of Ride: Group
Start location: Donegan Park, D’Arcy St., Cobourg

3. Wednesday September 1st: (Level 3)  Morning Ride
Start time: 9:30am
Ride Planner:  Bill Glover
Length: 36km
Terrain: C
Pace: Level 3
Type of Ride: Re-Group
Start location: Donegan Park, D’Arcy St., Cobourg

4. Thursday September 2nd: (Level 2) 
Start time: 9:30am
Ride Planner: Dennis Benson
Length: 1.5 – 2 hours
Terrain: B 
Pace: Level 2
Type of ride: Group
Start Location: Westwood Park, on Carlisle St., between Westwood and Ewing

5. Thursday September 2nd (Level 1) 
Start time: 6:00pm
Ride Planner:  Jim Breckenridge
Length: 1.5-2 hours (No route provided)
Terrain: A
Pace: Level 1
Type of Ride: Group
Start location: Cobourg Community Centre, D’Arcy St. Cobourg

6. Thursday September 2nd: (Level 3) and (Level 4) 
Start time: 5:30pm
Ride Planner: Anita Macklin
Length/Distance: Two hours riding, out and back
Terrain: B
Pace: Level 3 or Level 4 (your choice)
Type of ride: Level 3, Re-Group, or Level 4, NON-Group
Start location: Donegan Park, D’Arcy St., Cobourg

7. Friday September 3rd: (Level 3) Friday Floater Ride
Start time: 10:00am
Ride Planner: Aandy Albon
Distance: 89km
Terrain: A (maybe B)
Pace: Level 3
Type of ride: Re-Group
Start location: OPS Community Centre, Lindsay

RSVP: We need to know how many to expect (COVID gathering limits apply) You can RSVP two different ways.

• The easiest way! Visit the NHCC Ride Calendar, click on the ride you are interested in, then click RSVP or,
• Leave a comment right on the website to say you are coming!

With Environment Canada’s heat warning in place yet again, we are going to err on the side of wisdom, safety, and staying cool, cancelling tonight’s ride (Thursday August 26). Let’s hope this heat and humidity breaks soon!

Lawdy it’s hot out there!  Some like it that way, others not so much.  For those who like the heat, we have four rides on the calendar.  Note that the morning start times are 9:30am. It’s always best to have running lights on your bike both day and night—white in front and red in the back.  Visibility is one key to your safety on the road! For evening rides please make sure you have a light that illuminates the road in front of you.  Even though the ride should be completed by sunset at 7:57 on Thursday, we always need to be prepared for unexpected delays (like flat tires)—cuz they happen!

NEW: On a trial basis while we navigate these challenging COVID times, we have empowered Ride Planners to exercise an option to request participants be fully vaccinated on their respective rides. 

Please note that for all rides this week, those choosing to ride must be fully vaccinated. We will rely on your honour to respect the Ride Planners request.

1. Tuesday August 24th: (Level 2) Morning Ride
Start time: 9:30am
Ride Planner: Dennis Benson
Length of Ride: 1.5 – 2 hours (No route provided)
Terrain: B
Pace: Level 2
Type of ride: Group
Start location: Westwood Park, on Carlisle between Westwood and Ewing

2. Tuesday August 24th: (Level 3)  or (Level 4) Morning Ride
Start time: 9:30am
Ride Planner:  Helmut Bock
Distance: 59km
Terrain: C
Pace: Moderate (Level 3) or Fast (Level 4)
Type of Ride: Re-Group
Start location: Balls Mill Conservation Area parking lot

3. Thursday August 26th: (Level 2) 
Start time: 9:30am
Ride Planner: Dennis Benson
Length: 1.5 – 2 hours
Terrain: B 
Pace: Level 2
Type of ride: Group
Start location: Donegan Park, D’Arcy St., Cobourg

4. Thursday August 26th: (Level 3) and (Level 4) 
Start time: 5:30pm
Ride Planner: Anita Macklin
Length/Distance: Two hours riding, out and back
Terrain: B
Pace: Level 3 or Level 4 (your choice)
Type of ride: Level 3, Re-Group, or Level 4, NON-Group
Start location: Donegan Park, D’Arcy St., Cobourg

RSVP: We need to know how many to expect (COVID gathering limits apply) You can RSVP two different ways.

• The easiest way! Visit the NHCC Ride Calendar, click on the ride you are interested in, then click RSVP or,
• Leave a comment right on the website to say you are coming!

Unfortunately friends, the rising numbers of COVID cases is cause for concern.  The NHCC has decided that now is not the time for the city-excursion to Toronto this weekend.  We will postpone this event indefinitely, and wait until the time feels right.