New for 2015, NHCC Cycle Touring

Just so you can start planning your summer, we want to let you know about some cycle touring the NHCC has planned in response to interest shown by our membership. Cycle touring means self-contained cycling trips for pleasure, adventure and autonomy rather than sport, commuting or exercise. Touring can range from single to multi-day trips, even years.

This year, the NHCC is offering members a few local based tours to introduce people to the concept of Cycle Touring. The first tour will take place the weekend following Canada Day (July 3–5th).

Friday, July 3: early afternoon start from Cobourg going to Warkworth (Maria’s house).
Saturday, July 4th: Warkworth to west of Perrytown (Ruth and Peter’s)
Sunday, July 5th: back to Cobourg

As this will be an introduction to cycle touring, we don’t expect all riders to have all of the appropriate touring gear nor do we expect you to run out buy it all beforehand. It will be an opportunity for you to see what others may have and get advice on do’s and don’ts. A support vehicle will be available to carry gear that you aren’t able to carry on your bike as well as to offer assistance if needed. A SAG wagon will carry snacks and drinks for riders. Included in the cost of the tour are dinner Friday and Saturday evenings and breakfast Sunday morning. (Not included are Saturday morning breakfast at a diner in Warkworth, Saturday lunch, and alcohol.)

At each overnight stop, there will be plenty of space to pitch a tent (which can be carried by the SAG vehicle). There will also a limited number of indoor beds, couches, and floor space.

We need to know how many people are interested, helping to determine if a need to rent porta potties exists, which will influence the cost. We’re estimating a cost of $60 to $70 per person for the weekend.

Other tours we are planning are a one night trip from Cobourg to Presqui’le, then back the next day. This will be the shortest and easiest trip. Also in the potential planning stages is ride to Ottawa.

Stay tuned for more details, and do leave a comment to let us know you are interested!