The 2025 cycling season is off to a great start, and we’re already a month in! Sure, the weather’s been throwing us a few curveballs—wind, rain, cold (and sometimes all at once!)—but that hasn’t stopped the smiles or the great rides.

A big shoutout to the 40+ members who came out for our Safety Training Session in May! Not only was it a fantastic turnout, but it also means we’re keeping safety front and center while riding together.

We’re thrilled to have 142 members out pedaling at all levels so far this year! With 56 rides already offered so far, there’s been plenty of variety—beautiful routes, scenic views, and lots of good vibes all around.

Here are a few snapshots from the past month—check out those happy riders!

Club member Miche, is planning an exciting four-day weekday cycling tour in September to explore three scenic trail systems in the Midland and Penetanguishene area! This tour offers something for everyone, with rides tailored to different skill levels—provided we have enough participants in each group (2 people per Level minimum).

Tour Base:
The event will be based at the Quality Inn in Midland, though participants are welcome to arrange their own accommodations. Level 4 rides will depart directly from the Inn, while other levels may need to drive to nearby starting points to avoid traffic and longer distances.

Tour Itinerary:

Monday, September 15 – Arrival and Warm-Up Ride

• Arrive in Midland in the morning
• Group ride begins at 1:30 p.m.
• Explore a picturesque trail from Penetanguishene that follows the river’s edge, featuring rolling terrain and scenic views.
• Ride the Mid-Penn Link – a beautifully paved path through wooded areas.

Tuesday, September 16 – Waubaushene & Tay Shore Trail

• A longer day in the saddle.
• Level 4: A 120 km loop through Waubaushene, Wasaga Beach, and back via Penetanguishene.
• Levels 1, 2, and 3: Enjoy the Tay Shore Trail with options to explore Port McNicoll and Victoria Harbour via out-and-back routes.

Wednesday, September 17 – Tiny Beaches & Awenda Park

• Another adventurous day.
• Level 4: A 119 km route through Balm Beach and Awenda Provincial Park.
• Levels 1, 2, and 3: Ride along Tiny Beaches Road South towards Wasaga Beach (please note limited parking in the area).

Thursday, September 18 – Final Ride & Departure

• A casual afternoon ride in Lagoon City, perfect for the journey home.

Additional Information:

• RSVP by June 30 to Secretary@northumberlandhillscyclingclub.com with your name and riding level. This helps us plan for group sizes and logistics.
• Non-riding partners and friends are welcome!
  Midland offers pleasant walking paths, the Martyrs’ Shrine, Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons historic site, and small-town shopping. Penetanguishene features a lovely waterfront park, and Wasaga Beach is a short drive away.

We’re looking forward to a great week of riding, exploring, and camaraderie. Don’t miss out!

Whether you’re here for the fun, the fitness, or a bit of both, there’s something for everyone as we are hoping for better riding weather ahead. Many of us are already back in the saddle, enjoying the whoosh of air in our faces, reconnecting with friends, and rediscovering the joy of being outside. These early-season rides are about more than just fitness—they nourish the body and the spirit. For some, that’s exactly enough. Others may be feeling the pull to build strength, endurance, and speed as the season progresses. If that sounds like you, read on—we’ve put together a simple guide to help you ride with more purpose, without losing the joy.

Training by Feel: Ride Intensity Made Simple

You don’t need high-tech gadgets to get fitter or faster—just a good sense of how your body feels during a ride. Training based on perceived effort is an intuitive and accessible way to guide your rides. Think of it as tuning in to your body’s signals. Here’s how to think about different training intensities, what they feel like, and why they matter:

Zone 1–2: Easy Effort (I could do this all day)

These are your casual spins—the pace where conversation flows, breathing stays easy, and your legs feel light. Ideal for social rides.

Why it matters:

• Builds aerobic base
• Boosts fat metabolism
• Enhances blood flow for recovery
• Strengthens your cardiovascular system with minimal stress

Good for: Long social rides, warmups, cool-downs, and recovery days (those days after you rode hard).

Zone 3: Moderate/Tempo (I’m working, but I’m fine)

You’re riding at a steady pace where you can still talk in full sentences, but you know you’re exercising. This is where endurance fitness really begins to build.

Why it matters:

• Trains your body to sustain effort over time
• Increases muscular endurance
• Raises your lactate threshold (the point at which fatigue sets in)

Good for: Steady solo rides, long weekend rides with consistent pacing.

Zone 4: Threshold (Talking is tough now)

This is the upper edge of your aerobic capacity—the hardest pace you can hold for 20–30 minutes. You’re breathing hard and focused, and conversation is minimal.

Why it matters:

• Improves your ability to ride hard without fatigue
• Increases your power and stamina
• Helps you ride faster for longer stretches

Good for: Intervals, hill climbs, time trial practice.

Zone 5+: High-Intensity (I can’t keep this up for long!)

These are short bursts of all-out effort—like sprints or steep climbs. Breathing is rapid, legs are burning, and you’re counting the seconds until it’s over.

Why it matters:

• Boosts your maximum aerobic capacity (VO₂ max)
• Improves speed and acceleration
• Builds fast-twitch muscle response

Good for: Short interval sets, hill repeats, group sprints

How to Balance Your Effort Across the Week

A well-rounded approach to getting stronger and faster doesn’t mean pushing hard every ride—in fact, it’s quite the opposite. For most riders, especially in the early season, about 70–80% of your total mileage should be in Zones 1–2 (easy, conversational pace). These rides build your aerobic base and help your body adapt without overloading it. Roughly 15–20% can be at a moderate to threshold pace (Zones 3–4) to build strength and endurance, and no more than 5–10% should be spent doing high-intensity efforts (Zone 5+). Keeping the bulk of your riding at a lower intensity ensures you recover well, stay consistent, and have the energy to push when it really counts.

The Takeaway: Every Ride Has a Role

Not every ride needs to be hard to be beneficial. In fact, most of your riding should feel easy to moderate, especially early in the season. Sprinkle in a bit of intensity when you’re ready, and remember—rest is where the magic of adaptation happens.

Whether you’re spinning for smiles or pushing your personal best, you’re doing it right. The beauty of cycling is that it offers something for everyone—joy, connection, fitness, and freedom—all in one ride.

Ride safe, stay warm (for now!), and we’ll see you on the road!

Mountain Biking on Saturday at 10am! The weather this week isn’t looking too promising for our regular road rides, but there are still some adventures to be had. Helmut’s holding out some hope for a little clearing on Saturday morning.  Meet at Beagle Club for 10am for some mountain biking.  Members can RSVP on the Cycle Club app. 

Date: Saturday May 24
Time: 10am
Distance: about 20km
Location: Beagle Club Trailhead, Northumberland Forest

Most of this week’s rides keep us cruising close to home, but Sunday brings a dash of adventure for two of our groups! The Level 1 crew will be soaking in the sights along the gorgeous, flat Waterfront Trail starting in Whitby—perfect for an easy spin and some lake views. Meanwhile, the Level 4 gang is headed to Newcastle for a new flat route cooked up by Miche. So whether you’re sticking around or heading out of town, there’s a great ride with your name on it this week.

Weather… What is it even doing?

Lately, the weather’s been doing its own thing—sunshine one minute, rainclouds the next. We’ve seen forecasts ranging from 11°C to 18°C, with wind from the southeast in one app and northeast in another. And don’t even get us started on the rain predictions—0%, 30%, and 70% all for the same morning! Here’s the deal: when things look iffy, our team goes full weather-nerd mode—radar maps, wind charts, cloud patterns… the whole shebang. We try to call it right (most of the time we do!), but Mother Nature loves to mess with us.

If the forecast’s looking questionable, keep an eye on the Cycle Club app for ride updates. We’ll make the call at least 90 minutes before start time whenever possible—especially to help out those loading bikes or riding to the start.

Safety Factor—Why Group Rides = Safer Rides

Sure, solo rides have their charm, but when it comes to safety, group rides are the way to roll. Here’s why riding with your cycling buddies is not just more fun—but also a whole lot safer:

• You’re way more visible: A solo rider can disappear visually along the side of the road—but a bunch of bright jerseys in formation? That’s hard to miss. Drivers notice and respect a group more readily.
• Everyone’s signaling & staying predictable (hopefully!): Group rides have a rhythm—steady formations, clear hand signals, and calls that help everyone anticipate what’s coming. It’s like a moving team of traffic-savvy superheroes.
• Drivers give you space: There’s a psychological effect at play: drivers are more cautious around a group. Plus, they can’t ignore a little cycling peloton taking the lane with confidence.
• More eyes = safer ride: When you ride solo, you’ve got one set of eyes. In a group, everyone’s scanning for potholes, sketchy drivers, or stray squirrels—and sharing the intel instantly.
• You’ve got backup: Flat tire? No worries. Someone’s got a pump. Feeling unwell? Help is right there. In a group, you’re never left on your own to deal with a hiccup.
• Motivation magic: Riding with others keeps you focused, helps with pacing, and let’s be honest—it’s harder to ignore a stop sign when your whole group is doing the right thing.

So grab your helmet, check the app for updates, and let’s roll together safely and smartly this week. Group rides aren’t just better—they’re safer, smoother, and way more fun. See you out there! 🌞🚲

The cycling season is finally here, and we couldn’t be more excited to see everyone back out on the roads! Whether you’re riding a high-end road bike, a trusty hybrid, or something a little more vintage, a few simple maintenance checks can go a long way in keeping your rides smooth, safe, and fun.

To help everyone get rolling, we’re kicking off the season with a few basic bike care reminders. Don’t worry—you don’t need to be a mechanic to do these. Let’s start with the most important (and often most overlooked) one:

Tire Pressure: Pump It Up—Every Week!

Air slowly leaks out of your bike tires even if you’re not riding, so topping them up regularly is key.

How often should you check your tire pressure?
Once a week is a good rule of thumb, especially if you’re riding frequently.

How much air should you put in? It depends on the type of bike and the tire:

• Road bikes: Usually 90–110 PSI (check the sidewall of the tire for a recommended range)
• Hybrid bikes: Typically 50–70 PSI
• Mountain bikes or wider tires: Often 30–50 PSI

Always check the side of your tire for the manufacturer’s recommended pressure range—and don’t go over it! Use a pump with a pressure gauge if you can, so you’re not just guessing.

Adjusting for rider weight:
Heavier riders may want to inflate their tires closer to the upper end of the recommended pressure range to help prevent pinch flats and improve rolling efficiency. Lighter riders can usually stay at the lower end for better comfort and grip. It’s a balancing act between comfort, performance, and tire wear, so feel free to experiment within the safe range to see what feels best.

Why it matters: Properly inflated tires make your ride smoother, reduce the risk of flats, and make pedaling easier. Under-inflated tires slow you down and wear out faster.

A Few More Basic Checks

Here are three quick things you can do before heading out:

• Spin the wheels: Make sure they spin freely and don’t rub against the brakes.
• Squeeze your brakes: They should engage smoothly and stop the bike firmly.
• Check your chain: Wipe it down if it looks grimy, and add a little bike-specific chain lubricant if it’s dry.

Advanced Tip: Check Your Chain Wear

If you’ve been riding a lot, your chain wears down over time—which can lead to poor shifting and expensive wear on your cassette. If you have a chain wear checker tool, you can use it to measure stretch. If the tool shows 0.75% wear, it’s time to think about replacing your chain. At 1.0%, it’s definitely time. Not sure how to check? Ask one of the more experienced riders or swing by your local bike shop—they’ll be happy to help.

Happy riding, everyone! Let’s make it a great (and safe) season. 

Join us for our Cycling Safety Session on Monday evening (tomorrow!) — a great refresher on group riding etiquette, safety tips, and how we roll at NHCC. Perfect for both new and returning members!

When: Monday, May 5
Time: 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Where: Baltimore Recreation Centre, 23 Community Centre Rd., Baltimore

No bike needed — just bring yourself and your questions!

We’re excited to kick off our 2025 Regular Season of rides! And by “Regular,” we mean these weekly, recurring group rides that you can count on:

Tuesday Evenings: Levels 2, 3, 4
Wednesday Mornings: Level 1
Thursday Mornings: Levels 2 & 3
Thursday Evenings: Level 4
Sunday Mornings: All Levels (1, 2, 3, 4)

All rides are listed on our Cycle Club Events Calendar, where members can view details and RSVP. Occasionally, you’ll also see special rides posted on the Ride Calendar that go beyond our regular schedule—so keep an eye out!

Don’t Miss a Ride—Set Up Your Cycle Club Account
Your Cycle Club account is your ride hub! It’s where you’ll find:

• Route maps
• Ride participant lists
• Notifications about cancellations or schedule changes
• And much more!

If you haven’t set up your account yet, start here: Cycle Club Account Setup 

Ride Cancellations
Safety first! Rides may be cancelled due to poor weather—like rain, high winds, or uncomfortably cold conditions. Cancellations are usually made by the Ride Leader, so it’s possible one Level might cancel while others still roll out. Notifications will appear in your Cycle Club account.

Ride Start Times
Morning rides usually begin at 10:00 am (sometimes 9am for Level 4)
Evening rides typically start at 6:00 pm (6:15 for Level 4)

That said, start times may shift depending on the weather (like earlier mornings in summer to beat the heat). Always double-check your Cycle Club Events Calendar for the most up-to-date times and locations.

Planning Ahead
All Regular Season rides are posted in advance so you can plan your calendar! However, flexibility is key—ride details may occasionally change based on group needs or Ride Leader availability.

Got Questions?
For the first two Sundays of the season, all rides start at the same location. After that, start points will vary depending on the ride Level.
If you have questions, come a bit early on Sundays—some of our more seasoned riders will be happy to chat and help you out.

FAQs

Why do I need a Cycle Club account? 
It lets you RSVP, see who else is riding, and keeps Ride Leaders informed (including access to your emergency contact info if needed).

Where do rides start? 
Start points vary based on Ride Leaders. Be sure to check your Events Calendar. Some times may shift in extreme heat or shorter daylight seasons.

Can I ask questions before a ride? 
Absolutely. Use the Discussion feature linked to each ride in your Cycle Club account—Ride Leaders or fellow members will chime in.

What about Guests? 
We welcome guest riders! Guests just need to sign a waiver (available on the NHCC website) and hand it to the Ride Leader. Guests can join us for up to 3 rides before needing a full membership.

What’s the deal with Ride Levels and Leaders? 
Levels 1–3: No Drop Rides—with a Leader and a Sweep (no one gets left behind!)
Level 4: Regroup style—riders meet up at pre-set locations during the ride.
Ride Leaders set the tone, support the group, and help keep things safe and smooth.

Which Level should I choose? 
When in doubt, start easy! You can always move up a level as you go. Feel free to switch between Levels depending on how you’re feeling.

See you on the road soon! 🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️
Let’s ride!

Just a quick reminder—our exciting event is almost here! Join us for an evening of fun and anticipation as we kick off the 2025 cycling season. Tomorrow, Thursday, March 27 at 7pm, we’re gathering at the Baltimore Recreation Centre to celebrate the upcoming cycling season and give you a sneak peek at what’s in store.

For just $40 (special event rate for that night only!), this is the perfect chance for current members, new members, or any cycling enthusiast to come together. Feel free to bring a friend (or more!) along to meet some of our ride leaders, find out about the ride schedule, and purchase a club jersey from our limited supply.

We’ve got a fantastic season lined up with rides suited for all levels, and we can’t wait to share more with you!

Save Time & Skip the Line – Pre-join online!

Want to avoid waiting in line at the event? You can save time byPre-joining ONLINE. When prompted for payment, simply remit $40 instead of the regular $45 rate. This way, you can breeze through the process and have more time to mingle, meet new people, and get excited for the upcoming season!

It’s that exciting time of year when we gear up for the upcoming cycling season—and that means Membership Night! We’ve got a special rate for that night only—$40! Whether you’re a current member, a potential new member, or simply a cycling enthusiast, we’d love for you to join us. Feel free to bring a friend or two (or more)! This is a great opportunity to meet some of our ride leaders for the 2025 season, get the inside scoop on our ride schedule, purchase a club jersey, and much more! We’ve got an amazing season planned with Rides for every ability to look forward to. We can’t wait to see you there!

Club Jerseys We have a limited supply of club jerseys on-hand, plus we’ll be taking orders if we don’t have your size (prices for new orders have yet to be determined).

Existing inventory:
Regular short-sleeve: $85
*Premium short-sleeve: $125
*Premium long-sleeve: $130
(*Premium Features: Reflective strip across the back pockets, additional side pockets, premium fabric sleeves, and laser-cut hems.)

Date: Thursday March 27, 7pm
Location: Baltimore Recreation Centre, 25 Community Centre Rd., Baltimore