It's the first weekend ride of the 2019 season!  We will start out with a route that offers three different distance options. Sunday looks very promising for weather (Sunshine and warmth!).  We tend to start out together then break off into different pace groups according to ability. Our country roads are still a bit rough, so please be cautious.

What to expect for weekend rides: 

• Rides vary in distance, as short as 35km or as long as 100km+ depending on the chosen route(s) for the day
• The pace is flexible on weekends—anticipated pace will be posted along with other details. There is a little less pace structure than evening rides
• Weekend participants should have access to a route map, either printed or available on your phone to refer to
• There is an expectation that you be prepared in the event of a flat tire—please have a spare tube and tire changing kit with you
• Always bring a few $$ in the event that the group stops at a convenience store etc.
• Participants who enjoy longer distances are welcome to leave Comments to coordinate some pre-ride extra kilometres before the ride's official start time, or to plan a ride extension afterward

IMPORTANT: Please leave a comment if you plan to ride on the weekend: Ride leaders work hard to be available and try to accommodate varied abilities on weekends. Leaving a comment lets the ride leader and others anticipate potential pace groups. Many people rely on the comments feature to assess whether to ride, especially if travelling a distance by car to the start.

Start time: 10:00 am
Ride leader: Debbie Parks
Route Maps for “Uphill Downhill” route:
-Level 2+: 36K printable route map here, or link to Ride with GPS
-Level 3: 56k printable route map here, or link to Ride with GPS
-Level 4: 69k printable route map here, or link to Ride with GPS  
Start location: Cobourg Memorial Arena on Furnace St. in Cobourg

What to expect on Level 1 rides. If you are new to cycling or haven’t cycled in many years, Level 1 is the place to start. We discuss the Highway Traffic Act and what is expected from cyclists. You will learn how to ride safely and confidently in traffic. So come join us for fun, fitness and friendship!

Level 1 offers instructional rides for new cyclists at a leisurely steady pace but in a relaxing environment. Safe cycling practices and bike handling skills are developed. Experienced cyclists sometimes participate in order to enjoy a slower social ride and the opportunity to mentor others.

• Any type of bike goes—mountain bike, hybrid, road bike, beach cruiser.
• Easy, fun pace, lots of social talk time.
• No fancy spandex bike shorts required!
• Experienced ride leader to show the way.
• No experience necessary (though you need to know how to actually ride your bike)
• Best for those who have no idea how far they can ride.
• Distances between 10 and 20 km total distance at a nice slow pace.
• Learn group riding techniques (from a recreational perspective).
• Frequent stops as needed. May sometimes stop for ice-cream, freezies, or soft-drinks.
• You will never be abandoned on the road.
• Experienced riders to encourage you along

These are fun rides. Great for any age, any fitness level, and any bike. Helmets are essential! (We never compromise safety).

Level 1: Wednesday May 1

Ride leader:  Dennis Benson
Start time: 6:30 pm
Start location:  Diamond Head Industrial Mall at 210 Willmott Street, Cobourg

The weather has been just a little crazy lately, but let’s hope that it holds out for the first ride of the season this coming Wednesday. If necessary, ride-cancellation notices are posted on the website a few hours before the ride start.

What to expect on Level 3 rides: The key to Level 3 is that the pace and difficulty of the ride will be incrementally faster than Level 2 and incrementally slower than Level 4. There will be a ride leader setting the appropriate pace.

• Road bike strongly recommended
• Participants should be comfortable riding in a group formation, both single file and two-abreast
• No one gets dropped; at the same time, pushing the pace will not be tolerated
• Rides may include a mid-route break (daytime rides only), typically at a convenience store or similar
• Distances for evening rides begin at around 25km
• Speed (pace) for the season starts at around 20km per hour on flat pavement (faster or slower in response to hills and wind conditions)
• Distances and speeds will increase as the season progresses

Note: There are maximum pace parameters for Level 3. The NHCC offers a Level 4 Ride (Tuesdays & Thursdays) designed to have no restrictions on pace so you can ride fast & wild (but safely, of course). 🙂

Wednesday May 1st, Level 3

This route is 26km long. This ride will depart from the arena on Furnace Street at 6:30 pm. We will head north to Baltimore (via Division/ Ferguson/ Racetrack) and then head back to Cobourg (via Nagle)

Ride leader: Anita Macklin
Start time: 6:30 pm
Route map: (26k) Baltimore and Back Route map on Ride With GPS
Start location: Cobourg Memorial Arena, 206 Furnace St.