We’re going to attempt the ride to Millbrook and back, hoping that the roadwork north of County Rd. 9 has been completed. It’s a nice route all the way up to Millbrook on County Rd. 10 and coming back, with some nice rolly-type hills. The route should be about 45k approximately (route map to follow), and we’ll start at the Township of Hope offices on County Rd. 10.
Start time: 6:30pm
Ride Leader: Anita Macklin
Start location: Hope Township Office parking lot
Route map: to come
This Sunday we’re off to Wolfe Island, an area highly recommended for cycling due to relatively few cars on the roads. The terrain should be fairly flat and those wanting to get in a few kilometers can probably get in at least 70km if you ride to the east and back as well as south and back. Because it’s an out and back ride on the same roads, you can turn back any time and make what you want of the ride so it can be suitable for all levels. There won’t be designated ride leaders so those wishing to do the same level should stay together as a group.
There are opportunities to purchase some food at the convenience store or at the one or two restaurants in Marysville, (and Slickers ice cream is sold in town!), but the rest of the island doesn’t provide that chance. Either plan on buying something in Marysville, and/or bring fluids, snacks, and lunch with you. Leigh Thompson will be driving onto the island and will have a cooler with her if you wish to have her transport something for you.
We’re planning on catching the 10:30 ferry so make sure you allow time to park, get your stuff together, and be ready to board by then. There is some free parking available, as well as paid parking so be prepared to pay, just in case! The ferry is free and takes 20 minutes to cross.
Because this ride involves driving to Kingston, please let us know if you are planning to come. Maybe riders can arrange car pooling amongst yourselves, and we’d like to make sure we don’t miss anyone who wants to be part of the day. It’s also helpful if you indicate the distance you’re interested in.
Date: Sunday, August 7th
Time: please get to the parking lot around 10:00, be ready to catch the 10:30 ferry
Level: suitable for all
Meeting Location: near the dock of the ferry to Wolfe Island
Dennis will lead a ride from Wicklow Beach heading west to Grafton. The pace will be slow, easy, and true to Level 1 policy, no one gets left behind. This is a pretty ride and we’re always happy to enjoy the views!
Date: Monday, August 1st
Time: 6:30
Meeting Location: boat launch parking lot at Wicklow Beach
Level of difficulty: 1
Ride Leader: Dennis Benson
If you haven’t left town for the weekend and want to get out for a ride at 9am, we’ll head along the Waterfront Trail Eastbound. No route map is necessary since it’s a signed route. This will be a group ride (no ride leader), and the pace will be determined by group consensus. If you are interested in riding, please leave a comment indicating your preferred distance and what level you wish to ride at (Level 2, Level 3 etc.) By doing so, others will know that there’ll be someone to ride with at their pace. Also, since it’s out-and-back you’ll be able to turn around at any given point. As a guide: riding to Colborne and back will be about 50km total, and riding to Wicklow Beach round trip will be about 36km. If you just want to go short and sweet, turn around at Nuwatin for a round trip of 27k.
Mark your calendar for next Sunday! The NHCC will be heading out of town to Kingston in order to tour Wolfe Island. Road trips are fun! More details to follow later in the week.
Start time: 9:00am
Start location: Donegan Park
Route: Waterfront Trail Eastbound
Tonight’s ride cancelled, and merged with tomorrow night’s ride: Since there’s a severe thunder storm watch in effect, we will cancel tonight’s ride. However, you are welcome to participate in tomorrow night’s level 4 ride at a Level 3 pace if you wish. It is only 38K and we will just head out in two groups, level 3 and level 4.
It was a great route last week, lots of rolling hills and plenty of downhill (we won’t talk about the uphills) so we’ll do the same route this week but in reverse. We saw some fabulous scenery over Rice Lake and some excellent pavement along Rice Lake scenic drive, some of the best in the area! We’ll stop briefly in Harwood to re-load water bottles. Even in reverse, there’s a really nice long downhill finish.
Start time: 6:30pm
Ride Leader: Anita Macklin
Start location: Hamilton Township Offices parking lot (Burnham and Majestic Hills Rd.)
Route Map: Level 4, Rice Lake South (reversed) 38k route map here Link to route on Ride with GPS
Dale has been doing a great job as sweep on some of our rides, and this week we’re putting him at the front of the group as our leader. Dale has taken the club safety course and is dedicated to making it a safe but fun ride. He’s made up a route for us that takes us out of town and with an option to try out some hills at one point. If a bit of hill climbing doesn’t interest you, Maria will lead that group back on the shorter route. You can see how you feel about it once we’re on the ride and at the “decision point”.
Time: 6:30
Meeting Location: park at Westwood and Carlisle
Ride Leader: Dale Pierce
Level of Difficulty: Level 1 with an option of Level 1+
It’s FAST-ride night! That means we are going for speed, not strength & hills. We cannot lie (we’re honest citizens here)….there are always a few hills. We have a new start location and new route with two distances to choose from, beginning from the Hamilton Township Offices parking lot. We’ll head up to Gore’s Landing and then take Rice Lake Scenic Drive to Harwood. That’s the point where you’ll decide whether or not to take the extra 10k extended route or just head south on Harwood Rd.
Lights on bikes: Believe it or not the days are getting shorter and sunset is officially at 8:46pm, meaning lights on the front and backs of our bikes are required as of 8:16. If you haven’t already outfitted your bike with lights it’s time to do so.
Start time: 6:30pm
Start location: Hamilton Township Offices parking lot (Burnham St. and Majestic Hills Rd.)
Ride Leader: Anita Macklin
Route map (37k): Printable map (to come), or link on Ride with GPS
Route map (47k): Printable map (to come), or link on Ride with GPS
Hey, how about leaving a comment to let others know which distance you hope to do?
This Friday morning we are hoping to help the county with their cycling video project and are looking for a couple of volunteer cyclists to come out for 9:30am in either Port Hope or Cobourg (exact location to be confirmed). We’ll do a little movie-star work while riding our bicycles! Leave us a comment to let us know you can help out and we’ll be sure to get the particulars to you.
As far as what to wear, since the video will focus on safety and a little tourism we’ll leave the NHCC jerseys and other such logo-covered attire at home and go with a little less “branded” clothing.
This Sunday we’re heading outta town for something different. We’ll be meeting at Beavermede Park in Peterborough and follow the Rotary Greenway Trail and continue along to Lakefield. For those who want a little more you can proceed to Young’s Point. Since it’s out of town, we’ll make the start time 10:00am.
The return trip to Lakefield will be about 30km and to Young’s Point about 55km, so choose your distance! It’s scenic, and all pretty flat & easy so suitable for all levels. Some of the route is along paved trails, a little on the road, and some on packed limestone, but the whole route is great. Bring your camera!
We plan to stop in Lakefield for ice-cream, so bring a few $$ with you!
Start time: 10:00
Ride coordinator: Anita Macklin
Start location: Beavermede Park parking lot
Let us know you are coming! Leave a comment. Maybe even offer/seek a ride up to Peterborough with others.