Rail Trail Ride, 2024

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT EVENING RIDES: The days are getting shorter quickly.  After this week Ride Leaders may choose to either a) shorten the ride distances or b) adjust the start time to as early as 5:30.

The Quick Facts: Upcoming Activities (Monday, August 12th to Sunday, August 18th)

Tuesday August 13th: Evening Ride
(6pm start) Level 1 Start location:Donegan Park
(6pm start) Level 2 Start location: Cobourg Memorial Arena, 206 Furnace St, Cobourg (25-30km)
(6pm start) Level 3 Start location: Cycle Transitions 4th St. off D’Arcy Building 17 Northam Industrial Park Cobourg (39km)
(6:15 start) Level 4 Start location: Beagle Club Trail Head, 101 Beagle Club Rd, Harwood (44km)

Thursday August 15th: Morning Ride
(10am start) Level 1 Start location: Westwood Park, 655 Carlisle Street, Cobourg (18km)
CANCELLED (10am start) Level 2 Start location: Ray Benns Memorial Park, 2360 Northumberland County Rd 23, Centreton (distance TBD)
(10am start) Level 3 Start location: Haldimand Community Memorial Arena, 10766 County Road 2, Grafton (41km)

Thursday August 15th: Evening Ride
(6:15pm start) Level 4 Start location: Baltimore Recreation Centre, 23 Community Centre Rd, Baltimore (51km)

Sunday August 18th: Morning Ride
(10am start) Level 1 Start location: *PENDING A RIDE LEADER* Sylvan Glen, 3634 Sylvan Glen Rd, Port Hope (25km)
(10am start) Level 2 Start location: Haldimand Community Memorial Arena, 10766 County Rd. 2, Grafton (30km)
CHANGED (10am start) Level 3 Start location:Newtonville Car Pool Lot, 1645 Newtonville Road, #1503, Newcastle, Ontario (35km)
(9am start) Level 4 Start location: King’s Field Park at 28 Victoria St., South, Port Hope (75km—100km for the keeners of the group)

20 days till the Labour Day Weekend All Levels Ride and Potluck!

Who: All Levels! All members (plus your significant other)
What: Labour Day Weekend Ride & Potluck
When: Sunday September 1st, 10am Ride, 11:30 Potluck (Rain date: Monday Sept. 2nd)
Where: Randy & Anita’s home

(2023) The Trestle Bridge on the rail trail ride from Jackson Park toward Omemee & beyond.

This week we are switching things up a bit: Level 2s are going on a 2+ ride on Thursday morning—meaning a little more distance, a little more adventure, but the pace will be easy, and there could be ice-cream involved! On Sunday the Level 1s, 2s and also the 4s will be riding the rail trail from Jackson Park in Peterborough (not the earlier 9am start time). There’s an historic trestle bridge at the 13km mark, and should anyone want to ride as far as Omemee there’s a vintage bicycle show to visit.

The Quick Facts: Upcoming Activities (Monday, August 5th to Sunday, August 11th)

Tuesday August 6th: Evening Ride
Level 1: No ride 
(6pm start) Level 2 Start location: Donegan Park, 25 D’Arcy St., in Cobourg (Distance: 25km)
(6pm start) Level 3 Start location: Westwood Park, 665 Carlisle St., Cobourg (Distance: 40km)
(6:15 start) Level 4 Start location: Hamilton Township Municipal Offices, 2585 Majestic Hills Drive (Distance: 42km)

Thursday August 8th: Morning Ride
(10am start) Level 1 Start location: Baltimore Recreation Centre, 23 Community Centre Rd, Baltimore (Distance: 18km, or 1.5 hours)
(10am start) Level 2+ Start location: Hamilton Township Municipal Offices, 2585 Majestic Hills Drive (33km)
(10am start) Level 3 Start location: Haldimand Community Memorial Arena, 10766 County Road 2, Grafton (41km)

Thursday August 8th: Evening Ride
(6:15pm start) Level 4 Start location: Haldimand Memorial Arena, 10766 County Road 2, Grafton (Distance: 51km)

Sunday August 11th: Morning Ride
(9am start) Level 1 Start location: 610 Parkhill Rd W, Peterborough (Distance: 26km)
(9am start) Level 2 Start location: 610 Parkhill Rd W, Peterborough (Distance: 30km+)
(10am start) Level 3 Start location: Baltimore Recreation Centre, 23 Community Centre Rd, Baltimore (39k)
(9am start) Level 4 Start location: 610 Parkhill Rd W, Peterborough (Distance: 66+km)

26 days till the Labour Day Weekend All Levels Ride and Potluck!

Who: All Levels! All members (plus your significant other)
What: Labour Day Weekend Ride & Potluck
When: Sunday September 1st, 10am Ride, 11:30 Potluck (Rain date: Monday Sept. 2nd)
Where: Randy & Anita’s home

Level 3s having fun on their Sunday ride.

PRE-ANNOUNCING: Labour Day Weekend All Levels Ride and Potluck

Mark your calendars! On Sunday September 1st we are having our Labour Day Ride & Potluck for all Levels. It’s simple—everyone goes for an out- & back ride 45 minutes each way, then we all lay out our shareable potluck dish and feast like there’s no tomorrow! We had a lot of fun last year so we’re making it an annual event.  Get onto the Cycle Club app and let us know you are coming.  10am for the ride and 11:30 for the Potluck at Randy & Anita’s place on Smylie Rd. (Rain Date will be Monday September 2nd).

The Quick Facts: Upcoming Activities (Monday, July 29th to Sunday, August 4th)

Tuesday July 30th: Evening Ride
Level 1: No ride 
(6pm start) Level 2 Start location: Cobourg Memorial Arena, 206 Furnace St, Cobourg (Distance: 22km)
(6pm start) Level 3 Start location: 4857 Mastwoods Rd., Port Hope (Distance: 34km)
(6:15 start) Level 4 Start location: Haldimand Memorial Arena, 10766 County Road 2, Grafton (Distance: 54km)

Thursday August 1st: Morning Ride
(10am start) Level 1 Start location: 2 Acadia Drive, Cobourg (Distance: 18km, or 1.5 hours)
(9:30am start) Level 2 Start location: Donegan Park, 25 D’Arcy St., in Cobourg (Distance: 39km)
(10am start) Level 3 Start location: Cobourg Community Centre 750 D’Arcy St. Cobourg (Distance: 44km)

Thursday August 1st: Evening Ride
(6:15pm start) Level 4 Start location: Baltimore Recreation Centre, 23 Community Centre Rd, Baltimore (Distance: 49km)

Sunday August 4th: Morning Ride
(10am start) Level 1 Start location: PENDNG A RIDE LEADER (Time/Distance: TBD)
(10am start) Level 2 Start location: King’s Field Park at 28 Victoria St., South, Port Hope (Time/Distance: based on weather. Anticipating 1.5 to 2 hours)
(10am start) Level 3 Start location: Location change: King’s Field Park at 28 Victoria St., South, Port Hope  (Distance: 42km)
(7:45 meet time for carpool to Napanee) Level 4 Start location: Carpool parking on at Hwy 45 at (Distance: 108km)

We hope everyone enjoys the fun and camaraderie on NHCC rides. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a newcomer, safety is our top priority to ensure that every ride is enjoyable and worry-free. As we gear up for more adventures, we’d like to remind everyone of our essential safety guidelines. Let’s pedal forward with confidence, knowing we’re all looking out for each other on the road.

Cycling in a Group and Interacting with Traffic

• Follow the Law
  Obey all traffic signs, signals, and road markings. Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers.
• Leave a Gap for Passing Vehicles
  When riding up hills or on narrow roads where you are impeding faster traffic, leave a gap for cars between every group of riders that occupies more than the length of a transport truck . This way motorists can take advantage of shorter passing intervals and eventually move piecemeal around the entire group. (Plus, it just makes us that much more 
• Be Visible
  Wear bright and reflective clothing and equip your bike with a white front light and a red rear light. The Highway Traffic Act requires them from 30 minutes before sunset and 30 minutes after sunrise.
• Ride Predictably
  Maintain a steady line and avoid sudden movements and use hand signals for turns and stops. Erratic movements can be dangerous in a group setting. Ride predictably and consistently, holding a straight line and avoiding sudden changes in speed or direction.
• Use the Correct Lane Position (Destination Positioning)
  Ride in the right-most lane that serves your destination but take the lane when it’s too narrow for cars to pass safely.
• Communicate Clearly
  Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you and use hand signals and verbal cues to indicate your intentions. Whether you’re turning, slowing down, or stopping, clear communication helps the group, as well as motorists respond and adjust accordingly.
• Passing Correctly
  Generally, slow traffic stays right, so you should try to pass others on their left. Clearly announce “on your left” to warn the cyclist ahead that you are passing and provide sufficient space (at least 3 ft).
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings
  Continuously scan the road ahead, behind, and to your sides. Use a mirror if it helps. Also be vigilant for road hazards like potholes, debris, or uneven surfaces. Use hand signals to indicate these to riders behind you. Regularly look over your shoulder before making any lateral movements. This becomes crucial when riding in close proximity to others.
• Intersection Safety
  Approach intersections with caution. Position yourself correctly for your intended direction (destination positioning). Do not announce “Clear”—road conditions change quickly and what’s clear for the first may not be for the next, or last person.
• Avoid the Door Zone
  Ride at least one meter away from parked cars to avoid being hit by opening doors.
• Pass Safely
  Pass other cyclists and pedestrians on the left and only when it’s safe, signalling your intention to pass with the audible cue, “On your left!”
• Control Your Speed
  Group rides are more enjoyable when everyone is riding at a comfortable and consistent pace. Be mindful of the group’s agreed-upon speed, and avoid surging ahead or falling behind without warning.
• Right Turns by Motorists
  Be aware of right-turning vehicles. Position yourself to be visible and avoid being in their blind spot.
• Left Turns
  Signal your intention early and move into the appropriate lane position, choosing the centre of the turning lane, not the edge.
• Roundabouts
  Follow the rules of the roundabout. Yield to traffic already in the roundabout, signal your exit, and take the lane to prevent cars from passing too closely.
• Use Bike Lanes
  When available, use designated bike lanes and paths. Ride single file in bike lanes, not two abreast.
• Ride Defensively
  Assume that drivers might not see you. Be prepared to take evasive action if necessary.
• Plan Your Route
  Choose routes with lower traffic volumes and slower speeds. Plan rest stops if needed.
• Regular Bike Maintenance
  Keep your bike in good working order. Regularly check brakes, tires, gears, and lights.
• Offer Help and Support
  Group rides are a team effort, and supporting one another is key. If a fellow rider is struggling, offer encouragement and assistance. A strong sense of camaraderie makes the ride more enjoyable for everyone.
• Never Overlap Wheels with the Person in Front
  There is no recovery from a front wheel deflection. All it takes is for the person in front to move sideways a few inches… if someone is overlapping his wheel, that someone will go down along with practically everyone who is behind him.

By adhering to these guidelines and principles, we can enjoy safer and more enjoyable group rides while interacting with traffic on the road.

Benefits (and Appropriateness) of Riding Two Abreast

Benefits of Riding Two Abreast

• Increased Visibility
  Two cyclists riding side by side are more visible to motorists than a single file line, making it easier for drivers to see and recognize them as a group.
• Traffic Calming
  Riding two abreast can, under the right circumstances, naturally slow down traffic behind the cyclists, encouraging safer passing behaviours from drivers.
• Shorter Passing Distance
  A group riding two abreast takes up less longitudinal space on the road compared to single file, shortening the distance cars need to cover to pass the group safely.
• Communication and Social Interaction
  Riding side by side allows cyclists to communicate more easily, which can be particularly beneficial for group cohesion and safety.
• Protection Against Dangerous Overtaking
  Two-abreast positioning discourages dangerous overtaking by vehicles in narrow lanes, as drivers are less likely to attempt to squeeze past without giving ample space.

When It’s Appropriate to Ride Two Abreast

• Wide Roads with Low Traffic
  On roads that are wide enough to accommodate both cyclists and vehicles, and where traffic is light, riding two abreast is generally safe and appropriate.
• Group Rides
  In organized group rides where maintaining cohesion is important, riding two abreast can enhance safety and group management.
• Urban Areas with Low Speed Limits
  In town and in other urban areas with low speed limits, riding two abreast can help calm traffic and make cyclists more noticeable.
• Country Roads with Good Visibility
  On country roads where there’s good visibility and drivers can see the cyclists well in advance, riding two abreast can be safe and practical.
• Legal Provisions
  In Northumberland County and surrounding area, there is no prohibition on riding two abreast. Most places allow it under certain conditions, but it’s important to be aware of local laws when travelling.

When to Avoid Riding Two Abreast

• When Bicycle Lanes Exist
  When a cycling lane exists (ex. Highway 2 between Cobourg and Port Hope) the group should ride single file.
• Narrow or Busy Roads
  On narrow roads where space is limited, or busy roads with heavy traffic, riding two abreast can impede the flow of traffic and increase the risk of accidents.
• Poor Visibility Conditions
  In conditions of poor visibility, such as fog, heavy rain, or at night without adequate lighting, riding single file can be safer.
• Steep or Winding Roads
  On steep hills or winding roads where sight lines are limited, riding single file can reduce the risk of sudden encounters with faster-moving vehicles.
• Local Restrictions
  Always comply with local traffic regulations, which may prohibit riding two abreast in certain areas or under specific conditions.

By understanding the benefits and appropriate contexts for riding two abreast, we can enhance our safety and the safety of others on the road.

The NHCC has Ride Leaders with extensive, formal CanBike Safety Training (Dennis Benson, Randy Albon, Maria Siemiaszko, Bruce Bellaire, or Anita Macklin.) —each are passionate about safety, and happy to discuss safety with members!

Level 3s, hangin’ out.

This week we have a Level 1 ride on Tuesday night (hooray for Anne, who will lead!) in addition to the regular Levels 2, 3, and 4.  On Sunday, Level 1s are going up to Lakefield from Beavermeadow Park along the beautiful Rotary Greenway Trail.  If you are looking for something different and interesting, you won’t want to miss this—especially since there’s ice-cream to be had in Lakefield.  Level 4s are stretching out their distances for Sunday rides and will cover a 79km distance this Sunday.

Important: The start time for rides may vary—check your start time carefully.

The Quick Facts: Upcoming Activities (Monday, July 22nd to Sunday, July 28th)

Tuesday July 23rd: Evening Ride
(6pm start) Level 1 Start location: Wicklow Beach Boat Launch (Length: 1.5-2 hours)
(6pm start) Level 2 Start location: Haldimand Memorial Arena, 10766 County Road 2, Grafton (Distance: 29km)
(6pm start) Level 3 Start location: Bewdley Community Centre, 7060 Lake Street, Bewdley (Distance: 38km)
(6:15 start) Level 4 Start location: Haldimand Memorial Arena, 10766 County Road 2, Grafton (Distance: 47km)

Thursday July 25th: Morning Ride
(10am start) Level 1 Start location: King’s Field Park, Victoria and Sullivan St. Port Hope (Distance: 18km)
(10am start) Level 2 Start location: King’s Field Park, Victoria and Sullivan St. Port Hope (Distance: 28km)
(10am start) Level 3 Start location: Northumberland Hills Public School, 2246 Spring Street, Castleton (Distance: 40km)

Thursday July 25th: Evening Ride
(6:15pm start) Level 4 Start location: 23 Community Centre Rd, Baltimore (Distance: 50km)

Sunday July 28th: Morning Ride
(10am start) Level 1 Start location: Beavermead Park, 2011 Ashburnham Dr, Peterborough (Distance: 35km, or 3 hours)
(10am start) Level 2 Start location: Sylvan Glen Conservation Area parking lot, Port Hope (half way between Dale Rd and 4th Line) (Distance: 30km)
(10am start) Level 3 Start location: McDonald Trailhead of Northumberland Forest, 507 McDonald Rd, Grafton (Distance: 41km)
(9am start) Level 4 Start location: Donegan Park, 25 D’Arcy St., in Cobourg (Distance: 79km)

The happy smiles of our Level 1 riders last week.

Important: Some morning rides may opt for earlier start times in order to beat the heat of the day—check your start time for each and every ride.

The Quick Facts: Upcoming Activities (July 15th to July 21st)

Tuesday July 16th: Evening Ride
Level 1: Haldimand Community Memorial Arena, 10766 County Rd 2, Grafton
(6pm start) Level 2 Start location: Sylvan Glen, 3634 Sylvan Glen Road, Port Hope
(6pm start) Level 3 Start location: Westwood Park, 665 Carlisle St., Cobourg
(6:15 start) Level 4 Start location: Ball’s Mill Conservation Area, 2971 Regional Rd 15 (Harwood Rd), Baltimore

Thursday July 18th: Morning Ride
(10am start) Level 1 Start location: Wicklow Beach Boat Launch 133 Lakeport Rd, Colborne
(9:30am start) Level 2 Start location: Brighton Public Boat Launch at 162 Harbour Street, Brighton
(10am start) Level 3 Start location: Cobourg Memorial Arena, 206 Furnace St., Cobourg

Thursday July 18th: Evening Ride
(6:15pm start) Level 4 Start location: Hamilton Township Municipal Offices, 8285 Majestic Hills Dr, Cobourg

Sunday July 21st: Morning Ride
(10am start) Level 1 Start location: Loyalist Parkway/County Road 33, left turn at Salem Road. Millennium Trail Parking, Consecon
(10am start) Level 2 Start location: Hamilton Township Municipal Offices, 8285 Majestic Hills Dr, Cobourg
(10am start) Level 3 Start location: Haldimand Community Memorial Arena, 10766 County Rd 2, Grafton
(9am start) Level 4 Start location: Hastings Pisces Park, at 5 Dit Clapper Dr, Hastings

Photo of the Week: Level 4 Ride along the Waterfront Trail near Newcastle—it’s a gorgeous route!

Let’s count on the residual hurricane rain staying away! In the meantime, we have some great rides planned.  Level 1s will be exploring the neighbourhoods of Port Hope on Thursday and then heading out of town on Sunday to ride the Waterfront Trail starting in Whitby.  For those who haven’t been on that section of the trail, let us tell you it is FANTASTIC—and worth the drive! Level 3 s are heading to Brighton/PEC on Sunday for a great ride with some optional social-time afterward at Northumberland Find Foods where it’s reported to have a fantastic tasting lounge with custom charcuterie boards and both alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, all reasonably priced. Level 4s have a Thursday night post-ride drinks & social afterward at Paul & Marina’s home. On Sunday the 4s also head to Brighton & PEC for a change of scenery.  

Important: Some morning rides may opt for a 9am start time in order to beat the heat of the day—always check your start times.

The Quick Facts: Upcoming Activities (July 8th to July 14th)

Tuesday July 9th: Evening Ride
Level 1:NO LEVEL 1 RIDE SCHEDULED (No ride leader available)
(6pm start) Level 2 Start location: Cobourg Memorial Arena, 206 Furnace St., Cobourg
(6pm start) Level 3 Start location: King’s Field at 28 Victoria St S. in Port Hope
(6:15 start) Level 4 Start location: Sylvan Glen, 3634 Sylvan Glen Road, Port Hope

Thursday July 11th: Morning Ride
(10am start) Level 1 Start location: King’s Field at 28 Victoria St S. in Port Hope
(10am start) Level 2 Start location: Sylvan Glen, 3634 Sylvan Glen Road, Port Hope
(10am start) Level 3 Start location: McDonald Trailhead, 507 McDonald Rd, (about 2Km north of Centreton Road)

Thursday July 11th: Evening Ride
(6:15pm start) Level 4 Start location: 104 Victor Road, Roseneath (Park on the road)

Sunday July 14th: Morning Ride
(10am start) Level 1 Start location: 249 Water Street, Whitby, Waterfront Trail Parking
(10am start) Level 2 Start location: (Pending a Ride Leader—TBD)
(10am start) Level 3 Start location: Northumberland Fine Foods, 39 Richardson Street, Brighton
(9am start) Level 4 Start location: Brighton Public Boat Launch at 162 Harbour Street, Brighton

ICYMI: The 3rd Annual NHCC Canada Day Ride and Pancake Breakfast had almost 50 members turnout for the fantastic weather and yummy food. 

This week we are hoping for some stable weather for a change.  July now means there are many people away on vacay, and unfortunately we have no Level 1 ride leader for tonight. All the others are a go, as usual! Carefully note all start times—they may vary. This week the Level 2s are heading to the Millennium Trail in Prince Edward County for some fantastic off-road exploration on a great trail. On Sunday, Level 1s are going a little out of town to explore the Lang-Hastings Trail while Level 3s hang out on the Waterfront Trail in Newcastle, and Level 4s will be doing their monthly Century Ride with is actually 107km this time around.

The Quick Facts: Upcoming Activities (July 2nd to July 7th)

Tuesday July 2nd: Evening Ride, 6:00pm
Level 1:NO LEVEL 1 RIDE SCHEDULED (No ride leader available)
Level 2 Start location: Donegan Park, 25 D’Arcy St., in Cobourg
Level 3 Start location: Ray Benns Memorial Park, 2360 County Rd 23, Centreton
(6:15 start) Level 4 Start location: Haldimand Community Memorial Arena, 10766 County Rd 2, Grafton

Thursday July 4th: Morning Ride
(10:00am start) Level 1 Start location: Westwood Park, 655 Carlisle Street, Cobourg
(9:30am start) Level 2 Start location: Millennium Trail Parking Lot, on Salem Road, just east of Hwy 33 in Consecon
(10:00am start) Level 3 Start location: Haldimand Community Memorial Arena, 10766 County Rd 2, Grafton

Thursday July 4th: Evening Ride, 6:15pm
Level 4 Start location: Haldimand Community Memorial Arena, 10766 County Rd 2, Grafton

Sunday July 7th: Morning Ride, 10:00am
Level 1 Start location: Hastings Pisces Park, at 5 Dit Clapper Dr, Hastings
Level 2 Start location: King’s Field at 28 Victoria St S. in Port Hope
Level 3 Start location: Bond Head Parkette and Beach, 5 Boulton Street, Newcastle
Level 4 Start location: Cobourg Memorial Arena, 206 Furnace St., Cobourg

Level 4’s at Bond Head Parkette on their Sunday-moved-to-Monday Evening Ride.

 It’s coming up! On Canada Day, all Club members (all levels) are invited to join in on the NHCC Canada Day Ride and Pancake Breakfast (no cost) on Monday July 1st! First we ride at 10am—an out-and-back-ride for 45 minutes in each direction for 1.5 hours total, then we re-group at Randy and Anita’s for pancakes & the fixings at 11:30am! (sausage, strawberries & whipped cream, baked beans, fruit!). We’ll be all wrapped up by 1pm so you can catch all the other local Canada Day festivities.  IMPORTANT—RAIN DATE: In the event that the weather appears infinitely better for Sunday instead of Monday, the event could get shifted to a day earlier—Sunday June 30th (yeah, yeah, we know it’s a little backwards).  🙂

RSVP: Of course we will need to shop for provisions, so please RSVP by Friday June 28th—that’s our shopping day. Members and Guests: Please let us know you are coming by responding to the Event in your Cycle Club Events Calendar. If you plan to bring a guest with you, please use the Discussion feature there to let us know you’ll bring someone so that we can ensure we prepare enough pancakes.

The Quick Facts: Upcoming Activities (June 24th to July 1st)

Tuesday June 25th: Afternoon Ride (Level 1 only), 1:00pm
Level 1 Start location: Chubb Point Road in Grafton

Tuesday June 25th: Evening Ride, 6:00pm
Level 2 Start location: King’s Field at 28 Victoria St S. in Port Hope
Level 3 Start location: Diamond Head Industrial Mall, 210 Willmott St, Cobourg
(6:15 start time) Level 4 Start location: Hamilton Township Office, 8285 Majestic Hills Dr

Thursday June 27th: Morning Ride, 10:00am
Level 1 Start location: Haldimand Community Memorial Arena, 10766 County Rd 2, Grafton
Level 2 Start location: Haldimand Community Memorial Arena, 10766 County Rd 2, Grafton
Level 3 Start location: Westwood Park 665 Carlisle St. Cobourg

Thursday June 27th: Evening Ride, 6:15pm
Level 4 Start location: Haldimand Community Memorial Arena, 10766 County Rd 2, Grafton

Monday July 1st: Canada Day! Ride & Pancake Breakfast (All Levels)

Start time: 10:00am (Ride), 11:30am (Pancake Breakfast)
Start location: (Exact location will be found in the Cycle Club Events Calendar) (Please park on the side of the road)

NOTIFICATION OF CHANGE: The start location for Level 3 Ride on Tuesday June 18 will be: Wicklow Beach Boatlaunch parking lot, 133 Lakeport Rd, Colborne