Ride cancellation notice: There will be no NHCC rides this evening due to rain (surprise surprise!) and potential thunderstorms. Let’s hope for better weather next week!

Cycle Transitions is pleased to announce that it has again secured a Canada Summer Works grant for the purposes of hiring a student to work in the shop. This is a repeat of the last three years – very successful endeavours – where our summer employee tended to the shop, assisted patrons and took care of sales. This year we will hire another student to fill that role.
This is a call for applicants; if you know of someone who could ably fill this role, please have them send their cover letter and resume to Bruce Bellaire – brucebellaire@gmail.com or Rick Nonnekes – rnonnekes@gmail.com. Our application deadline is May 21, the projected start date to be near the end of May or the beginning of June. The grant allows for 9 weeks at 30 hours per week with an hourly pay rate at $15. A copy of the job description can be found here.

A few reminders about 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.

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: Monday, May 6

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

Level 1: Wednesday, May 8

Ride leader:  Dennis Benson
Start time: 6:30 pm
Start location:  Donegan Park, D’Arcy Street, Cobourg

Tues May 7 Level 2 Ride: Donegan Cobourg

We will try again to have the weather cooperate. We will meet at Donegan Park parking lot at the foot of D’Arcy St. Cobourg. After a short safety chat about signaling and protocols like “Car Back!” we will ride along Lakeshore up to Hwy 2 and take Willmott to the lakeshore again so that by the time we make Normar Rd. the Cobourg Cycling Club Time Trialers will have been long gone. We will go along Hwy 2 in the bike lane to Archer’s Rd and then back to Donegan via Hwy 2.

Helmets are a must. Water bottles highly recommended. If you are coming by car and have a foot pump you can come a bit earlier so we can make sure everyone’s tires are up to pressure.

There is a hill to get over the railroad tracks on Hwy 2 at the east end of town. We will be taking frequent breaks to get our breath, drink and socialize. I will be wearing a wool vest under a high visibility windproof jacket, a buff, cargo pants and gloves.

Start Time: 6:30
Ride Leader: Geoffrey Honey
Start Location: Donegan Park parking lot 25 D’Arcy St. Cobourg.

Thurs May 9 Level 2 Ride: Wicklow Beach

We will build our stamina and group riding techniques out in the quiet county atmosphere of Wicklow Beach Boatlaunch. If you need a lift for your bike to the start at the boatlaunch or if you can offer a lift for another please chime in in the comment section so that we can make sure everyone can participate.

Remember that it is cool still by the lake so you will need wool or fleece under a windproof layer. Bring water. I will be dressed as for Tuesday. This lovely ride near Lake Ontario is mostly flat so you can practice safe group riding techniques on gentle inclines.

Start Time: 6:30
Ride Leader: Geoffrey Honey
Start Location: Wicklow Beach Boatlaunch, 133 Lakeport Rd, Colborne

The weather is looking reasonable for Tuesday as long as the rain stays away. Wednesday…..we’ll see.  We’ll do the ride that was cancelled last week on Tuesday, a nice and short 26km distance just to get your legs moving again after a long winter. Then on Wednesday we go a little longer, out to Port Hope and back for 36km. 

Monday May 6, 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.

Wednesday May 8, Level 3

Ride Leader: Anita Macklin
Start Time: 6:30 pm
Route: 36 km North Port Hope
Start location: Westwood Park (Carlisle Park between Ewing and Westwood)

Tuesday’s route takes us along Danforth Rd. Then down into Grafton (nice and fast! Big Ring all the way down!). Then, on Thursday we do an out and back….straight up to Millbrook and then another fast ride back down! Lots of speed to be had this week.

Tuesday May 7, Level 4 (44km)

Ride Leader: Randy Albon
Start time: 6:30
Sunset: 8:21pm
Route Map (44k): Printable Route Map (44k) or link to it on Ride With GPS
Start location: Cobourg Community Centre

Thursday May 9, Level 4 (45k)

Ride Leader: Randy Albon
Start time: 6:30
Sunset: 8:23pm
Route: Straight up County Rd. 10 to Millbrook then back again (out and back)
Start location: George Hamilton Public School parking lot in Welcome

Last week we were rained out, so we’ll give it another try for this Friday. It’s a not-so-crazy 46Km up to Bewdley and back. Bring a few $$ in case the group decides to stop for goodies at the store, or a coffee. This week the ride will be lead by Mike Collins, and the pace will be around a Level 3.

Start Time: 10:00 am
Ride Leader: Mike Collins
Route Map: “Ride to Bewdley and Back” Link on Ride With GPS
Start Location: Hamilton Township Municpal Offices