I just completed a ride that took in both Bickel Hill and the Jaimesons. The grade on both of them reached 15%. After riding the Jaimeson  today I’m thinking that this route is a wee bit much for our inaugural L3 weekday ride so I have decided to will make it a little bit easier.
This route is 25k long. We will meet up at the arena and then head north on Ontario Street.

Start Time: 6:00 pm
Start Location: Arena on Furnace Street
Ride Difficulty: Level 3
Route Map:  View the link on Ride with GPS
Ride Leader: Mike McLellan

Sponsored by: George Hussey & Green Canoe Outfitters and 92 King Restaurant

The 4th Annual Tour de Northumberland Hills begins tomorrow! It’s a special event spread out over three weeks and coincides with the Tour de France. This 21-stage ride parallels the distances covered by participants in the Tour de France but on a 1:10 distance ratio. With every stage completed you enter your name on our spreadsheet and for those who complete half of the stages each week will qualify for the weekly prizes or even the grand prize draw. Ride all or just the required minimum of three stages—it’s your choice. Don’t worry about fitness or gear—this is designed for every level of fitness, and the distance is manageable!

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Note: For July and August, morning rides start at 9:00am

Nothing but sunshine and warmth this weekend! There are a number of people leaving today for the first ever NHCC-cycling-tour so will not be around to participate in the regular Sunday ride. However, there is a ride for those who are still here. Two distances, so take your pick. Ride either distance at a Level 3 or a Level 4 pace, the only difference being that Level 3’s should ride together in a group and Level 4’s may (and usually do) start off in a group but typically break off into smaller groups according to pace.

There will be no ride-leader present on this ride (due to the Cycling Tour), so please ensure you have your map with you and leave a comment so that others know there will be someone to ride with.

Start time: 9:00am
Start location: The arena on Furnace St. in Cobourg
48km Route map: Printable route map here or view it on Ride with GPS
65km Route map: Printable route map here or view it on Ride with GPS
Level of Difficulty: Level 3/4

The NHCC is fortunate enough to have new, enthusiastic volunteers who have recently completed the required safety course and are qualified to lead rides! In response to the recent survey and in order to best serve the needs of all skill levels we have established a new ride schedule for July – September. We’ll give it a try and see how it goes! As of Monday, July 6, the new Regular ride schedule will be in effect:

Evenings:
Monday Evening, Level 1: Maria Siemiaszko
Tuesday Evening, Level 2: Geoffrey Honey and/or Roberto Almeida
Wednesday Evening, Level 3: Mike McLellan
Thursday Evening, Level 4: George Hussey

Mornings:
Thursday and Sunday Mornings, Levels 3 and 4: Anita Macklin

Regular Level Rides: Weeknights are reserved for regular difficulty rides, meaning that they conform to the speed and difficulty as outlined in our new standards.

Plus (+) rides:  Plus (+) rides, (i.e. Level 1+  or Level 2+) are a little more difficult than the Regular level of difficulty and may occur periodically on other days & times outside of the regular schedule (i.e. Saturday).

Ride Standards and level of difficulty: We have clearly defined standards to expect in each of the ride levels so that participants know what to expect when they choose to join a ride.

To see complete details about the level of difficulty to expect on any given ride, print out our Ride Standards right here for your reference.

We’ve usually posted hikes during the off season, but if anyone feels like a hike Thursday evening (and aren’t already planning on doing the Level 4 ride), you’re welcome to come for a full moon hike at Maria’s, outside of Warkworth. This hike is weather permitting only, but the forecast is looking pretty good right now. We’ll start hiking at 8:00. watch the moon rise at 9:20, and finish up around 10:00. Comment if you are coming and we’ll provide you with the address/directions.

Date; Thursday, July 2nd

Time: 8:00 pm

Location: Maria’s house, outside of Warkworth

Activity: 2 hour hike (leave the bikes at home for this one!)

We did that little survey and we listened to what Club members want! In response, we are offering a new weekly ride to our calendar. Thursday nights will be Level 4 ride night. This week is the first evening Level 4 ride, lead by George Hussey (so you know you’re gonna go fast!). We’re keeping the first one simple, going for speed rather than hills. Please note that road bikes are required for Level 4 rides.

Level 4 expectations: Level 4 rides are advanced rides, suitable for those with road bikes only. They are for those who can average of 25km per hour or more on flat road, and are prepared for whatever hills may come, be it Bickle Hill, or Hill 60. If it’s a flat route, speeds will naturally be greater than if it’s a hilly route. In either case, it’s a ride meant to challenge you.

Start time: 6:30pm
Start location: Industrial Park on the east end of town
Route: Waterfront Trail Eastbound

Leave a comment, please: Being a newly introduced ride and night, please leave a comment to let George and others know you plan to ride.

We know you are a hardy, enthusiastic lot of cyclists willing to brave the elements, but we are going to set you free tomorrow. We are cancelling the Sunday rides to Presqu’ile and will re-schedule them.

Monday’s ride will be led by another of our official new ride leaders, Colin Banfield. He’s planning a route heading to the east end, and true to his field of expertise will check the weather radar beforehand in case of potential inclement conditions.

Time: 6:30 pm
Start Location: parking lot behind the Dutch Oven
Ride Leader: Colin Banfield

Looking for something to do on Canada Day? We’ll have an All-Levels Ride in the evening to inspire you, and get you thinking. Then afterward there is a special screening just for the NHCC of the inspirational Marinoni: The Fire in the Frame documentary at The Loft in Cobourg. ($10 per person). Note about parking: downtown Cobourg may be at a premium on Canada Day so we encourage people to arrive at the film by bicycle. There is a bike rack available.

Giusseppe Marinoni is the legendary Italian-Canadian frame builder and cyclist who at 75 attempts to set the world record for longest distance cycled in one hour for his age group. The Loft is a small, specialty film house in Cobourg with a great atmosphere and location.

Start time (Ride): 6:00pm
Start location: The parking lot on Carlisle between Westwood and Ewing
Film Location: The Loft, 201 Division St., upstairs
Start time (Movie): 8:00pm
Movie cost: $10
Coordinator: Anita Macklin

The route will be an out-and-back route that everyone can ride at whatever pace they wish. You will ride for 45 minutes then turn around and come back, everyone finishing at 7:30, just in time for the movie.

We have an enthusiatic group of newly minted ride leaders, and one of them, Roberto, has offered to lead a ride this Saturday. With more ride leaders we have the potential to post more rides, for all levels, so a big thank you to all of our volunteers!

Date: Saturday, June 27th

Time: 10:00

Start Location: the park at Westwood and Carlisle

Level: 2 plus (a little more distance and a little faster pace, but this route is pretty flat)

Map: this is along the Waterfront Trail so none required

Ride Leader: Roberto Almeida

Please help Roberto plan for this ride by letting him know if you will be there.