The weather is about as perfect as it can get! Slap on some sunscreen, we’re heading out along the Waterfront Trail to Newcastle, circumnavigate the Port of Newcastle then ride back again. Make the distance as short as you want, by just turning around at any point and come back if you feel it’s just too far. If you can’t make it out on Thursday, we’ll do the same route on Sunday morning.

This Thursday morning ride will be self-leading (meaning, there may not be a ride leader available) So, arm yourself with the map or be sure you can access it on your cell-phone. Also be sure you have a tire changing kit just in case.

By the way, a quick poll for the morning riders.

Start time: 9:00am
Start location: Port Hope Town Hall
Level of difficulty: Level 3 and Level 4
Route Map: 57k printable route map here or view it on Ride with GPS

If you are an early riser and want to get in some added distance, meet at 8:30 at the Park on Carlisle and bike over to Port Hope. That would make you super awesome! 🙂 Leave a comment please…others might wanna know what you are planning to do.

It looks like it’s going to be a hot one so let’s have an ice cream run!

Date: Monday, July 6th
Time: 6:30
Start Location: Donegan Park
Ride Leader: Maria Siemiaszko

NOTE: Tonight’s ride is cancelled due to inclement weather

This route is 28.5 km long. It has a few more hills than we have done before but we are all stronger cyclists compared to a few weeks ago. It’s a no-drop ride, we will work together and support each other.

Notes: Helmets are mandatory. Please bring your membership card with you.

Start Time: 6:00pm
Start Location: Arena on Furnace Street
Ride Difficulty: Level 2
Ride Leader: Roberto
Route Map:  View the link on Ride with GPS

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.