Many have not been on bikes since Fall, so we’ll start out easy with a 37k on Thursday. We are going to build more strength and increase endurance as the season progresses. Please ensure that you have a front and a rear light on your bike.

What to expect on Level 4 rides:  faster!  This is the level for those who like to ride fast and climb a few hills. There is a “ride leader” present on the ride but participants will set a pace according to the groups wishes and there is no cap on speed.

• Road bikes are required
• Participants should be comfortable riding in a group formation, both single file and two-abreast
• No one gets dropped. However, those wishing to push the pace may do so!
• Distance for evening rides begin around 35km and increases , up to 55km for evening rides and 100km+ for daytime rides
• Speed (pace) will be set by group consensus and may vary
• Participants are expected to have access to the route map and be able to navigate

Thursday May 2nd, Level 4

Ride leader: Randy Albon
Start time: 6:30pm
Sunset: 8:15pm
Route map: (37k) It's all Downhill from Here: route map on Ride with GPS
Start location: Donegan Park on D'Arcy St.

Thurs May 2, Level 2 Ride

Finally we get to begin our Level 2 Season!! We will meet at the parking lot at Donegan Park, Darcy St. Cobourg. Please come a bit early so we can make sure everyone's tires are pumped up to the right pressure. After a round of name introductions and a very brief safety primer for new members & refresher for returning members, we will make our way along Lakeshore to East Cobourg and out Hwy 2 along the bike lanes to Archer's Road and back. There is a hill to get over the railroad tracks. We will stop frequently to catch our breaths and socialize.

Weather looks to be cold and maybe even rainy. Watch this spot for cancellations on the day of the ride. A wind layer and good warm fleece or wool underneath may help with windchill. Helmets are a must and water bottles are a good idea. I will be wearing a hi-visibilty windproof jacket and stay dry cargo pants. Since the bugs are coming out in spite of the cold, I will also wear a buff or a scarf for my mouth as we ride.

Start Time: 6:30pm
Sunset: 8:15 pm
Ride Leader: Geoffrey Honey
Start Location: Donegan Park parking lot, 25 D'arcy St Cobourg K9A 1R7

A not so crazy 46Km up to Bewdley and back. I'm thinking maybe we can stop for a coffee? Or not. We will figure it out.

What to expect on a Friday Floater Ride? Well, its generally a Level 3 type route. Sometimes out of town, sometimes with a destination, such as a coffee break at Rhino's this time around. Generally riding at a tourist pace, meaning relax and enjoy the scenery. Participants usually expected to be self sufficient on such an event (that means being equipped to change a flat, and have access to a route map). I will be looking for ideas as to where we can ride this Summer apart from the the “usual” Cobourg routes.

Start Time: 10:00 am
Ride Leader: Randy Albon
Route Map: Link on Ride With GPS
Start Location: Hamilton Township Municpal Offices

It's the first weekend ride of the 2019 season!  We will start out with a route that offers three different distance options. Sunday looks very promising for weather (Sunshine and warmth!).  We tend to start out together then break off into different pace groups according to ability. Our country roads are still a bit rough, so please be cautious.

What to expect for weekend rides: 

• Rides vary in distance, as short as 35km or as long as 100km+ depending on the chosen route(s) for the day
• The pace is flexible on weekends—anticipated pace will be posted along with other details. There is a little less pace structure than evening rides
• Weekend participants should have access to a route map, either printed or available on your phone to refer to
• There is an expectation that you be prepared in the event of a flat tire—please have a spare tube and tire changing kit with you
• Always bring a few $$ in the event that the group stops at a convenience store etc.
• Participants who enjoy longer distances are welcome to leave Comments to coordinate some pre-ride extra kilometres before the ride's official start time, or to plan a ride extension afterward

IMPORTANT: Please leave a comment if you plan to ride on the weekend: Ride leaders work hard to be available and try to accommodate varied abilities on weekends. Leaving a comment lets the ride leader and others anticipate potential pace groups. Many people rely on the comments feature to assess whether to ride, especially if travelling a distance by car to the start.

Start time: 10:00 am
Ride leader: Debbie Parks
Route Maps for “Uphill Downhill” route:
-Level 2+: 36K printable route map here, or link to Ride with GPS
-Level 3: 56k printable route map here, or link to Ride with GPS
-Level 4: 69k printable route map here, or link to Ride with GPS  
Start location: Cobourg Memorial Arena on Furnace St. in Cobourg

What to expect on 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. So come join us for fun, fitness and friendship!

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: Wednesday May 1

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

The weather has been just a little crazy lately, but let’s hope that it holds out for the first ride of the season this coming Wednesday. If necessary, ride-cancellation notices are posted on the website a few hours before the ride start.

What to expect on Level 3 rides: The key to Level 3 is that the pace and difficulty of the ride will be incrementally faster than Level 2 and incrementally slower than Level 4. There will be a ride leader setting the appropriate pace.

• Road bike strongly recommended
• Participants should be comfortable riding in a group formation, both single file and two-abreast
• No one gets dropped; at the same time, pushing the pace will not be tolerated
• Rides may include a mid-route break (daytime rides only), typically at a convenience store or similar
• Distances for evening rides begin at around 25km
• Speed (pace) for the season starts at around 20km per hour on flat pavement (faster or slower in response to hills and wind conditions)
• Distances and speeds will increase as the season progresses

Note: There are maximum pace parameters for Level 3. The NHCC offers a Level 4 Ride (Tuesdays & Thursdays) designed to have no restrictions on pace so you can ride fast & wild (but safely, of course). 🙂

Wednesday May 1st, 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.