It’s here – the first official ride of 2015! We’re starting off with a Level 1 (easy, easy – check out the definitions of our ride classifications under NHCC Rides). We will spend a bit of time reviewing the rules of the road and group riding before we head off on an easy paced spin in town. Make sure you have air in your tires, wear your helmet (it’s mandatory in our club), and bring your membership card or completed membership form/waiver and payment for those who have yet to join. This is a no drop ride and is ideal for those looking to start off riding in a club or experienced riders out to enjoy a recovery ride. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring water or your favourite sports drink.

Start time: 6:30 pm
Start location: Donegan Park
Ride leader: Maria Siemiaszko

If you make a comment below, click on the box “notify me of follow-up comments by email” and you’ll receive an email when others comment, and most importantly, if any changes are made regarding the ride. Otherwise you’ll have to keep checking the post yourself.

With the cooperation of the weather, some riders have been enjoying a few pre-season rides, but our official regular riding season will commence this coming Monday, May 4th. Look for posts in the next coming days for all of the levels. Level 1 will kick off the season on Monday with a ride at 6:30 (details to be posted). The best way to stay informed about the details of every club ride and/or event is to be sure you have subscribed to our website by providing your email address in the right hand column of the website where it says “Subscribe to receive Email Notifications”.

If you haven’t already joined, you can bring your completed membership form and payment to your first ride. If you want to try it out first, bring a completed waiver and $5. You are permitted a maximum of three guest rides before committing to full membership, at which time guest fees are deducted from the $45 membership fee.

A reminder about upcoming Cycling Tours: The first NHCC Cycling Tour takes place July 3 to 5. There will also be a shorter, easier overnight tour to Presqu’ile August 8 and 9, followed by a ride to Ottawa August 21 to 30 so save those dates if you are interested, and look for more information on these tours to come.

It’s going to be a great season and we’re all looking forward to it!

From those who have yet to get on their bikes this year, to the year round cyclists, you can make this ride what you want it to be! The Lang Hastings Trail is a crushed limestone multipurpose rail trail that runs from Hasting to Peterborough, a round trip of just under 60km. You can turn back at any point you’d like, whether it’s at 5km or the whole distance. It’s possible to ride it with a road bike, but hybrid, cross, touring, or mountain bikes handle the surface best.

Date: Sunday, April 26th
Time: 10:00 (be ready to start the ride)
Start Location: parking lot beside Banjos (just south of the river, west side of County Road 45)

Since this a linear ride, there will not be a ride leader. The trail quickly heads into the countryside so make sure you bring enough fluids and a snack.

If you plan to ride, comment below so we know to expect you.

Just so you can start planning your summer, we want to let you know about some cycle touring the NHCC has planned in response to interest shown by our membership. Cycle touring means self-contained cycling trips for pleasure, adventure and autonomy rather than sport, commuting or exercise. Touring can range from single to multi-day trips, even years.

This year, the NHCC is offering members a few local based tours to introduce people to the concept of Cycle Touring. The first tour will take place the weekend following Canada Day (July 3–5th).

Friday, July 3: early afternoon start from Cobourg going to Warkworth (Maria’s house).
Saturday, July 4th: Warkworth to west of Perrytown (Ruth and Peter’s)
Sunday, July 5th: back to Cobourg

As this will be an introduction to cycle touring, we don’t expect all riders to have all of the appropriate touring gear nor do we expect you to run out buy it all beforehand. It will be an opportunity for you to see what others may have and get advice on do’s and don’ts. A support vehicle will be available to carry gear that you aren’t able to carry on your bike as well as to offer assistance if needed. A SAG wagon will carry snacks and drinks for riders. Included in the cost of the tour are dinner Friday and Saturday evenings and breakfast Sunday morning. (Not included are Saturday morning breakfast at a diner in Warkworth, Saturday lunch, and alcohol.)

At each overnight stop, there will be plenty of space to pitch a tent (which can be carried by the SAG vehicle). There will also a limited number of indoor beds, couches, and floor space.

We need to know how many people are interested, helping to determine if a need to rent porta potties exists, which will influence the cost. We’re estimating a cost of $60 to $70 per person for the weekend.

Other tours we are planning are a one night trip from Cobourg to Presqui’le, then back the next day. This will be the shortest and easiest trip. Also in the potential planning stages is ride to Ottawa.

Stay tuned for more details, and do leave a comment to let us know you are interested!

We’re going to have another evening cross country ski on the multipurpose Lang Hastings Trail this Saturday evening. For those who have snow shoes, you are also welcome to enjoy the outing. The trail is flat so it’s easy to navigate in the dark.

Date: Saturday, February 28th
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Place: park along the sports field on Bay Street West in Hastings.
Leader: Maria Siemiaszko

Please indicate if you will join us, and if you are interested in car pooling.