May 1st is the “official” one year anniversary of the Northumberland Hills Cycling Club. We’re going to mark this special occasion by riding and then heading into The Mill after our ride for lunch. It’s a great opportunity to socialize a bit and see what each other actually looks like without bike helmets and sunglasses.

The route is 41km long, and the map also provides an optional 10.7 km extension for those wanting a little more distance. If you wish to ride about 30km you can modify the route and travel straight across Dale Rd., skipping the part that goes north.

Reservations have been made on the Pub level of The Mill, where we can hang out and be a little more casual. Take a look at their menu in advance if you wish to do a little pre-planning. Their lunch items tend to be in the $10-15 range. Family and friends are all welcome for the Lunch.

Start time: 10:00am
Start location: The Mill Restaurant parking lot, Cobourg
Route map: “Anniversary Ride” 41.7 or 52.4km route map here
LUNCH RESERVATION: between 12:30 and 1:00 (Menu here)

Please RSVP below to mention how many will be coming to The Mill so we can make sure they can squeeze us all in. And if you’re riding, please mention that too so people can anticipate if there are others riding their preferred distance.

In case you missed it today, this ride will happen again on Sunday. Pick the distance that best suits you. The “Grafton East” offers three distance options—31, 36 or 51km. Meet at the arena right on Highway 2 in Grafton and we’ll go from there. If you’re really feeling up to it, you can ride your bikes to and from the start point as well, adding some extra distance! 🙂

If you want to check on the weather, there are three links on the home page that will connect you to the weather forecast, or radar if you wish.

Start time: 10:00am
Start location: Grafton Community Centre
Route map: “Grafton East” Freewheeler route map here 

Please print out the map and bring it with you. It’s always nice to know where you’re going, isn’t it?

It was just one short year ago, on May 1st that the Northumberland Hills Cycling Club officially became a club and it’s been a fabulous year, hasn’t it? Since the one year anniversary falls on a Tuesday this year, we’re going to fudge it a little and do an Anniversary Ride on Sunday April 29th. More details will be posted next week. But in the meantime, mark it on your calendars and plan on splurging a little after the ride. We’re going to head into The Mill for lunch after the ride. No need to RSVP yet….you can do so when we officially post the ride.

Thursday is going to be great! The weather man promises. This “Grafton East” offers three different distances for you to choose from. You may even be able to check out the map and make it even shorter if necessary. This is one of the Freewheeler’s routes, so we can thank Brian Hedney for what’s sure to be a great route.

Start time: 10:00am
Start location: Grafton Community Centre
Route map: “Grafton East” Freewheeler route map here 

If you take a moment to mention below what sort of distance you want to go, it will help others to also plan ahead. See you on the road! Oh, by the way….print out the map and bring it with you. You never know when you’ll need it enroute.

This Sunday we’ll do it all again: Start at Precious Corners and head straight up toward Rice Lake and then come back again. Please mention below if you are interested in exploring a shorter version—there may be others who might also plan accordingly with you.

Parking Cars:
So that we don’t clog up the parking lot at the store on Dale Rd., let’s park cars around the corner on Theresa St. instead and then mosey on over to the store on our bikes where we’ll meet. If you don’t know where Theresa St. is, someone will probably be there and will point you in the right direction.

Club Jerseys:
By the way, for those of you who want to order jerseys, we’ll start taking orders in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, we have two remaining jerseys available right now. One men’s large, and one women’s medium. If anyone is interested in them they are $65 (tax incl.).

Start time: 10:00am
Start location: Dale Rd. Store parking lot
Route map: Precious Corners to Harwood route map here

Please print out a map and bring it with you.

This Thursday we’ll start at Precious Corners and head straight up toward Rice Lake and then come back again. The route is 41km, but there are a couple of places that offer an opportunity to bail out if the distance is just a little too far for you. Please mention below if you are interested in exploring a shorter version—there may be others who might also plan accordingly with you.

Note: We’ve already had a couple of instances of flat tires along the way, so it’s probably a good time to mention that there are a few essential items that you should have with you at all times: a spare tube and also a pump or C02 cartridge to inflate it with.

Start time: 10:00am
Start location: Dale Rd. Store parking lot
Route map: Precious Corners to Harwood route map here

Please print out a map and bring it with you.

If you’re not busy hunting for easter eggs, or preparing ham or turkey, plan on digging out the bicycle and going for a club ride. Just like Thursday, this route’s 38.5km but you can shorten it to 19.5km if you wish, and also bypass the big Crossen Hill climb. But don’t let hills scare you. Everyone does them at their own pace and if you want to take a scenery break part way up, that’s okay too.

The extended option: At 25k: head west on Vimy Ridge, then south to Bethel Grove, then Jibb, and then re-join the group in Camborne.

Start location: The Mill Restaurant parking lot, Cobourg
Route map: “The Big Loop” route map here
Start time: 10:00am

Again, its helpful if you comment below, mentioning what distance you’re hoping to ride. It will let others do a little mental planning and don’t worry—we won’t hold you to it, you can still change your mind when you’re out there. We just like to get a rough idea.

Nothing but sunshine predicted for this week, so we’re riding! This route’s 38.5km but you can shorten it to 19.5km if you wish.  If you think you might want to ride longer, take a look at the route and start discussing your options.

For the faster folks wanting more distance: If you think you might want to add some distance, right around the 25km mark there’s an opportunity—head west on Vimy Ridge, then south to Bethel Grove, then Jibb, and then re-join the group in Camborne and if you’re fast, everyone can still finish together. How way cool is that!  🙂

Start location: The Mill Restaurant parking lot, Cobourg
Route map: “The Big Loop” route map here
Start time: 10:00am

Hey, while you’re commenting below and making that commitment to ride, take a moment also to mention what distance you’re hoping to ride. If you can’t make it, don’t worry, we’ll do it all again on Sunday!