Riding for Fun, Fitness and Friendship since 2011!

Northumberland Hills Cycling Club (NHCC) is the largest and most active cycling club centred around Cobourg, Ontario. With 100+ fun people to ride with, 11 regular season weekly rides, hiking and snowshoeing in off-season, and endless friendships to be made!

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ALL THE WHEELY FUN CLUB NEWS!

Prep Step: Get your Bike Ready

Holy chromoly, cycling season is here (almost!)

The sun is shining. Your heart’s pumpin‘ anticipation for the 10am meetup. You find your shorts buried in the drawer (strange… they definitely shrunk). You’re ready for blastoff. You and your bike? Reunited at last. You’re groovin’. You might even show up early.

Start Strava. Grab bike.
…What the heck??? A flat tire?!

Now your hair’s on fire and your heart’s pumping backwards (still unclear if that’s medically possible).

Let’s go Proactive!

ABC Check (your 60-second miracle worker)
A – Air: Tires pumped?
B – Brakes: They stop you… right?
C – Chain: Not squeaking like a family of mice?

Charge ALL the things
Lights. Bike computer (Garmin/Wahoo). Electronic shifting.
If it beeps, blinks, or shifts—charge it.

Lube That Chain
Happy chain = smooth ride = fewer weird noises = happier you.

Quick Spin Around the Block
This is where your bike whispers, “Hey… remember me?” Better now than 5 km into the ride.

Helmet Check (protect the noggin)
Level. Snug. No wobble. Straps in a nice little “V” under your ears.

Homework (yes, actual homework)
Print your Emergency Contact Info and carry it.
Adds approximately 0.0002 g of weight (0.0004 g if you go full luxury with a ziplock snack bag).

A little prep now = a lot less “whattheheck???” later.

Prep Step: Get Sized for a Club Jersey

Starting this season, NHCC club jerseys will be sold online only. In the past, the club carried inventory for in-person purchase, but once existing inventory is depleted, that will no longer be the case. We’re moving to a new supplier (Corsino)—which means new cuts and fits.

Hey, whoooooahhh—what about trying one on first?

We’ve got you covered! For a limited time, our supplier has provided a Fit Kit Size Collection, allowing you to:

  • See, try on, and admire all available sizes for two styles: Quick-Dry (Comfort Fit) and Elite (Semi-Race Fit)
  • Decide your preferred size and style without any pressure to buy

Even if you plan to wait before ordering, this is your chance to know your perfect fit before the online store opens.

How to Check Them Out:
Send us a quick message at: secretary@northumberlandhillscyclingclub.com
We’ll send you the address so you can drop by and try the jerseys

Bonus Tip: While you’re trying the Fit Kit, you can also check if any of our existing cash & carry inventory works for you—bonus if it does, because they’re bargain priced (plus instant gratification!)

Cost

Cash & Carry Jerseys: Regular short sleeve ($85 including tax), Premium short sleeve ($125 including tax)

New Corsino Jerseys (online): Short sleeve (approximately $130 including tax)

Club Jersey Fit Kit – Try Before You Buy!

At Thursday’s Membership Night, we’ll have our Jersey Fit Kit available for you to try on!

This is your chance to check out the different styles and sizes to find the fit that works best for you. Please note that these jerseys are for fitting purposes only—they are not for purchase.

Once you’ve found your ideal size and model, be sure to make a note of it so you’re ready when our online club jersey store opens soon.

Bonus: We will also have a limited selection of jerseys available for cash & carry, so if we happen to have your size and preferred style on hand, you may be able to take one home that night!

Reminder: Membership Night starts at 7:00 PM (Thursday, March 26) at the Baltimore Recreation Centre.

Taking a few minutes to get the right fit now will help ensure you’re happy and comfortable when it’s time to order. See you there!

Join the Northumberland Hills Cycling Club

At the Northumberland Hills Cycling Club (NHCC), our members say the NUMBER ONE reason they join is simple: To make new friends. Whether your goal is to ride for fun, improve your fitness, explore beautiful country roads, or challenge your heart and lungs, NHCC offers a welcoming community of cyclists who enjoy riding together.

 

A Ride for Everyone

Each week during the riding season, members can choose from 11 scheduled club rides at different paces and distances. With more than 226 rides already scheduled for the upcoming season, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and ride.

Last season the club had 152 members riding across four different levels, each designed to match different riding styles, abilities, and goals.

Our Ride Levels

  • Level 1 – Social & Easygoing
    Level 1 riders embrace the simple joy of cycling. The pace is relaxed, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery, take breaks, stop for a treat like ice cream, and share laughs along the way. It’s all about the pleasure of being on two wheels and the camaraderie of the group.
  • Level 2 – Comfortable & Adventurous
    Level 2 riders enjoy longer distances on scenic country roads at a comfortable but engaging pace. These rides strike a great balance between fun and challenge, allowing riders to build confidence and endurance while still enjoying the journey.
  • Level 3 – Strong & Motivated
    Level 3 riders are experienced cyclists with a solid fitness base who enjoy moderately long distances that may include more hills and a little more speed. These rides offer a satisfying challenge while maintaining a balance between effort and enjoyment.
  • Level 4 – Challenging & Performance-Focused
    Level 4 riders are strong cyclists who enjoy pushing themselves and working toward fitness goals. These rides are speedy, fast & demanding, but the camaraderie of riding with like-minded cyclists makes the effort rewarding.

More Than Just Cycling

NHCC is about more than just riding. Members also enjoy epic potluck socials and special events, and this year we’re planning a three-night multi-day cycling getaway in September.

A Club Built by Volunteers

Behind the scenes, the club is led by a dedicated board of directors and a committed team of volunteer ride leaders who work hard to organize rides and create a welcoming experience for all members.

It’s more than just cycling — it’s where friendships begin.

Be the person who can help – 3 spots left in our free First Aid Course

Our club-funded Emergency First Aid course will take place this Sunday, March 15 at 8:30 a.m. at the Cobourg Firehall. This is a full-day course, taught by a certified Instructor, and participants will receive a certificate in Emergency First Aid training upon completion. There is no cost to participants—the club is covering the full cost.

While many Ride Leaders have taken the course in the past, you do not need to be a Ride Leader to participate. We encourage any member who rides regularly to consider taking advantage of this opportunity. Our goal is to have enough trained members across all ride levels (Levels 1–4) so that if an emergency ever occurs during a ride, there will likely be someone nearby with first aid training.

We currently have 3 spots remaining. If you are interested message us at secretary@northumberlandhillscyclingclub.com

If all spots are filled, we will also maintain a short waitlist in case a space becomes available.

Countdown to Friday’s NHCC FilmFest (Friday March 6)

It’s an opportunity to begin the anticipation of riding our bicycles again! Friday night is our Bicycle Shorts Film Fest. Casual, delightful, shorty films about bicycles, cycling adventures, and all the fun that two-wheels can generate! It promises to be a fun night out with fellow cycling friends, old & new—we hope to see everyone there!

*$5 per person to help cover our venue cost. 

Dates: Friday March 6th: 7:00-9:00pm
Location: Baltimore Recreation Centre

RSVP! Members, please use your Cycle Club Events Calendar to RSVP so that we know how many to expect. 

Guests are welcome! All you need to do is let us know so that we can make sure we have enough seating set up, and popcorn on hand for everyone! secretary@northumberlandhillscyclingclub.com

NHCC’s ”Bicycle Shorts Filmfest”: Friday March 6

Snow, shmow. Days are getting longer and thoughts of those glorious future cycling days are swirling. While we wait, we have our 2nd Annual  Bicycle Shorts Film Fest coming your way! Randy has collaborated again with Rob Wilkes of VeloVID.com to bring you a new batch of short videos curated into a great collection of cycling and inspiration. They’ll play it on the sorta biggish screen at the Baltimore Rec Centre and there will of course be popcorn! It’s a fun night out with friends—we hope to see everyone there! Bring your friends—Guests are welcome (drop us a note to let us know if you are bringing extras, so we can ensure adequate seating)

*$5 per person (pay at door) to help cover our venue cost. 

Dates: Friday March 6th: 7:00-9:00pm
Location: Baltimore Recreation Centre

RSVP! Members, please use your Cycle Club Events Calendar to RSVP so that we know how many to expect. 

Gearing Up for 2026: NHCC Events & Updates

Although it’s winter, the NHCC has been anything but hibernating! If you haven’t renewed your 2026 membership yet, now’s the perfect time. You’ll know it’s time when you try to log into the Cycle Club app and… can’t get in. (Oops. 😅) We’ve got a fantastic lineup of events coming your way:

Ride With GPS Advanced Training

Monday, February 16 • 6:00 PM (Smylie Rd in Camborne)
Ready to level up your route-building skills? This advanced Ride With GPS session is for members who already know the basics and want to go further. We’ll review key planning tools and explore advanced features like Heatmaps, custom cues and POIs, route editing tools, working with multiple routes, and creating routes from Strava files — all to help our map-makers up their game.

NHCC “Bike Shorts” Film Fest

Friday, March 6 • 7:00 PM (Baltimore Recreation Centre)
Back by popular demand! Rob Wilkes of VeloVID.com is once again curating an awesome collection of short cycling-themed films for an evening of fun on the big(ish) screen at the Baltimore Rec Centre.
  • Free popcorn & Bottled water
  • $5 admission (to cover event costs)
  • Guests welcome!
It was a blast last year — don’t miss it.

Emergency First Aid Training

Sunday, March 15 • 8:30 AM (Cobourg Fire Department)
The NHCC has arranged free Emergency First Aid training for up to 12 members at the Cobourg Fire Department, delivered by a certified Heart & Stroke Foundation instructor.
Our goal? To have trained riders across all Levels so we increase the chances of having first aid knowledge on any given club ride.
Spots are limited to 12 — so get your name in early!

Membership Night & Gear Swap

Thursday, March 26 • 7:00 PM (Baltimore Recreation Centre)
A fan favourite every year! Come kick off the season:
  • Meet Ride Leaders
  • Purchase a club jersey
  • Chat about the upcoming season
  • Reconnect with your cycling buddies
If there’s enough interest, we’ll host a Gear Swap — buy, sell, or trade bikes, cycling gear, and related items. Even if you’re already a member, this is the night to get excited for the season ahead.

Every Tuesday Night: Hike & Wings

Tuesdays • 6:00 PM (Start locations vary)
Our off-season tradition continues! We meet every Tuesday evening for a 1.5–2 hour hike — exploring town, countryside, and all the hidden gems you can only discover on foot. We’re talking:
  • Jacob’s Ladder
  • The Beach
  • Christmas lights at the park
  • Hidden bridges
  • Full-moon photo ops
  • Even a surprise northern lights sighting one night!
  • Fresh air, good company, and wings after? Always!

Stay in the Loop

Pop into your Cycle Club account for full details and to RSVP for any of these events. Winter may still be here… but cycling season is getting closer every day. Let’s make 2026 our best year yet!

Just one week till the AGM Social and Gear Swap (Thurs. Nov 20th)

The AGM Social and Gear Swap is coming up on Thursday November 20th. Members, you have the opportunity to round up bicycles, cycling bits and parts, and any related gear to sell/swap for the first hour of the evening (6:30-7:30).  Pretty simple—you sell & keep all proceeds! You may even have items to give away—and that’s welcome too! Note: If you plan to bring a bicycle, please let us know so we can provide stands. Also let us know if you’d like some table space for other gear so we can plan accordingly. (Secretary@northumberlandhillscyclingclub.com).  

6:30-7:30 is the magic hour where you can buy your 2026 membership for just $35

Forest Hike: Saturday at 10am

It’s a beautiful time of year to be out in the forest, and the weather is looking fine!! Helmut’s got a morning hike planned and will take the group onto the Oakridges Trail, meandering through the forest.  Meet at the Morris parking lot, on the east side of Hwy 45, south of Beagle Club Rd. Guests are welcome! 

Date: Saturday, November 8, 10:00am
Start location: Northumberland Forest, Morris Trailhead

If you’d like to come as a Guest, just let us know! Secretary@northumberlandhillscyclingclub.com