Author: Christopher Lambert

Cancelled: Sunday Road Tours | October 13

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Due to poor sign up and the cold and wet forecast I have cancelled the road ride for October 13th. If you are still itching to ride this Sunday, check out our gravel option.

The route this weekend is a loop around the outskirts of Guelph. The idea is that this will give you the option to head back home at whatever point which suits you depending on your Thanksgiving Day plans. My hope was that this would entice a few more out for at least part of the ride. Bring money for a coffee stop in Hespeler and tail lights are a good idea.

Load the route on your bike computer if you have one, here’s how.

All rides need a minimum of 3 members signed up in order to officially run. If a ride has the required number of riders, but no Group Captain riding with them, that group ride will be considered cancelled. The group can decide among themselves to hold an ‘unofficial’ ride and follow the route. All group riders take it upon themselves to know the route and are responsible for their own safety.

Ride groups will be:

NameDistanceAverage Speed
Grand TourLonger Ride29-31 kph
Tour AMedium Length Ride29-31 kph
Tour BMedium Length Ride27-29 kph

GCC members only. To become a member join HERE

Advance sign-up required. Reserve your spot by clicking HERE

Start Time: please be ready to pedal at 9:00 AM

Start Location: East End Library at Starwood and Watson

Check here for weather cancellation posted no less than one hour before the ride begins

Route: The Tour Medium Distance Ride will be following the map below

Route: The Grand Tour Longer Distance Ride will be following the map below

Cancelled: Road Tours, Sunday October 6, 2024

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There seems to be a number of rides happening out of town this weekend! So due to a lack of available Ride Leaders, this Sunday’s Road Tours have been cancelled. Please check back next weekend as we will have something on offer.

If you are looking for a route for this weekend, you can always head to our route library for a curated selection of road and gravel routes. You can find it under Ride Info – Riding Routes.

Thursday Advanced Road Ride | September 5th 6:00PM

It’s our final weekday ride of 2024. Come on out for one last blast on the tarmac before we switch fully to grass and gravel for the fall cyclocross season. I have resurrected the east side loops this week to give us a bit of a crit feel to our final ride.

Load the route on your bike computer if you have one, here’s how.

Disclaimer: Depending on rider turn out, some Speed Groups may have to be combined.

The Advanced Speed Groups

Ride GroupSpeed GroupAvg SpeedGroup Name
ADV AR1 & R236+Hammerfest
ADV BR334-36Faster
ADV CR432-34Very Fast
ADV DR530-32Fast

GCC members only. To become a member join HERE

Advance sign-up required. Reserve your spot by clicking HERE

Start Time: please be ready to pedal at 6:00 PM

Start Location: East End Library at Starwood and Watson

Check here for weather cancellation posted no less than one hour before the ride begins

Route: The Advanced A Speed Group (R1 & R2) will follow this map:

Route:  The Advanced B, C & D Speed Groups (R3, R4 & R5) will follow this map:

BIG100 2024 | September 8th

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Imperial & Metric Century Rides!

The GCC road ride of the year with local beer and gourmet wood oven pizza to top it off!

It’s time to see how your fitness has progressed throughout the season. Or you can just come along for another Sunday ride, you decide what this will be for you.

There are two century distances to choose, 100 miles (160km) or 100 kilometres. Each with multiple speed groups.

Riders should lower their personal expected speed average for these longer rides from what they might be used to on a TAM Ride.

This event is limited to 50 club members as per the capacity of Fixed Gear Brewing Alma location. Sign up early to make sure you get a spot!

Below is the departure schedule for each speed group based on expected speed average. Please choose wisely and responsibly.

Two routes have been carefully prepared and scouted. There will be a rest station along the way and we will be riding some not often travelled roads! Please be aware that there will be some short, unpaved sections on both routes.

Ride is unsupported – you must be prepared to fix your bike or make your own way home in the event of a breakdown.

The Details:

  • The BIG100 is open to GCC Club Members only
  • Rides start and end at Fixed Gear Brewing, with a free beer at the end for participants. Water & soft drinks are also available
  • Rain or shine (unless very bad weather or warnings issued by EC)
  • Free parking and gear storage at Fixed Gear Brewing, arrive well before your start time if you want to stow some gear.
  • Multiple pace groups per distance (see above)
  • Staggered start to finish at a similar time
  • There are a few short, unpaved sections in both imperial and metric century routes. They have been ridden recently on road tires. 23s and larger will suffice. There are also a few short, busy sections that can’t be avoided. Single file in those busy areas is suggested.
  • There is a GCC, volunteer supported, rest stop in Wellesley for both routes and a second, paid stop in Elora for the 160 groups.
  • Post ride food provided by our incredible sponsor Fixed Gear Brewing
  • Door Prizes from Speed River Bicycle and Paramount Sports
  • Bring cash or card for additional post ride bevies
  • Pace group adjustments may occur subject to popularity
  • Make certain your bike is tuned up and in good condition for your ride
  • Ride is unsupported – be prepared to make your own way home in the event of a breakdown
  • Participants must pre-register to allow for food prep

Both routes share the first, volunteer supported, rest stop in Wellesley, where we will have some great snacks and water waiting. The 160K has a second paid rest stop in Elora, bring some cash for that.

GCC members only. To become a member join HERE

Advance sign-up required. Reserve your spot by clicking HERE

Start Time: please be ready to pedal at your prescribed time.

Start Location: Fixed Gear Brewing 20 Alma St S

Rain or shine , but check here for EXTREME weather cancellation posted no less than one hour before the ride begins

Fixed Gear Brewing – 20 Alma St S, Guelph, ON N1H 5W5 – Click above image for directions

The Metric Century – 100K Map:

The Imperial Century – 100 Mile (160 km): Map

Thursday Intermediate Road Ride | August 22 6:00PM

The route this week will make a counter-clockwise loop through Arkell, Rockwood and Eden Mills. This will be my first ride with the Thursday Intermediate crew, and I’m looking forward to riding with you all. Bringing lights is always a good idea.

Load the route on your bike computer if you have one, here’s how.

Disclaimer: Depending on rider turn out, some Speed Groups may have to be combined.

The Intermediate Speed Groups

Ride NameSpeed GroupAvg SpeedGroup Name
INT AR628-30Moderate
INT BR726-28Social
INT CR824-26Relaxed

GCC members only. To become a member join HERE

Advance sign-up required. Reserve your spot by clicking HERE

Start Time: please be ready to pedal at 6:00 PM

Start Location: East End Library at Starwood and Watson

Check here for weather cancellation posted no less than one hour before the ride begins

Route: The Intermediate A & B Speed Groups (R6 & R7) will follow this map:

Route: The Intermediate C Speed Group (R8) will follow this map:

Tuesday All Members Ride | July 30th 6:30PM

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WEATHER UPDATE: Radar looks good! Ride is on!

CONSTRUCTION DETOURS: Please take note of NEW ROUTES.

ATTENTION: The Start & Finish of the rides are at Flow State Bike Co. parking lot. See map image below. If possible, ride your bike to the start rather than driving.

Do not park on the Flow State lot! There is some limited parking by Arkell United Church.

REMINDER: Obey the rules of the road at all times.

All routes are a little bit longer now due to construction.

They will remain the same for several weeks giving riders an opportunity to see how they progress in fitness week-over-week. Bringing lights is always a good idea.

Load the route on your bike computer if you have one, here’s how.

Disclaimer: Depending on rider turn out, some Speed Groups may have to be combined.

The Speed Groups on this ride are:

Speed GroupAvg SpeedGroup NameFormation
R138-40+HammerfestRace Tactics
R236-38Hammerfest LiteRace Tactics
R334-36Team PursuitConstant Rotation
R432-34Very FastPaceline
R530-32FastPaceline
R628-30ModeratePaceline
R726-28SocialPaceline
R824-26RelaxedPaceline

GCC members only.  Join HERE

Advance sign-up required. Reserve your spot by clicking here.

Start Time: please be ready to pedal at 6:30 PM

Start : Parking lot at Flow State Bike Co. in Arkell

Check here for weather cancellation posted no less than one hour before the ride begins

Take care entering into Flow State Parking lot while construction is happening.

Route: The R1 – R3 Speed Groups will follow this map:

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Route: The R4 & R5 Speed Groups will follow this map:

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Route: The R6, R7 & R8 Speed Groups will follow this map:

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Cancelled: Sunday Tour de Guelph Road Ride | June 23th 7:30AM

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Ride Cancelled due to thunderstorm risk

We are supporting the Tour de Guelph’s Hospital Fundraiser by signing up, paying our money (fund raise and donate more if you can) and riding our bikes. There will be no other club rides this day.

The TdG has several routes to choose from. Some are good for getting your family and friends out on their bikes. You may choose what you like however, We have selected the 100 km route to ride together as a club in several speed groups.

There are supported rest stops with food and water (we probably won’t stop at them all).

Visit GCC’s Tour de Guelph page on how to sign up. And have you heard? Tail lights are a good idea.

Arrive early enough to get your arm band from registration – 7:10 ish.

There are four Speed Groups to choose from (not mandatory).  Groups may be combined as needed upon rider numbers.

GCC members only. To become a member join HERE

Advance sign-up required. Reserve your spot by clicking HERE

Start Time: please be ready to pedal at 7:30 AM – Get your Arm Bands at 7:10ish in the Athletic Centre

Start Location: Athletic Centre University of Guelph

Start is in front of the University of Guelph’s W.F. Mitchell Athletic Centre

Check here for weather cancellation posted no less than one hour before the ride begins

Route: The Sunday GCC Tour de Guelph Ride will be following the map below.

CANCELLED. Learn to Group Ride | Monday June 10th 6:15PM

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LTGR is cancelled for tonight due to insufficient numbers. Perhaps it’s too chilly?!

All new club members are required to attend a Learn to Group Ride session (LTGR).

What is it? Instruction for those new to the club and/or Group Riding.

Where: Flow State Bike Co., 599 Arkell Rd

When: Learn to Group Ride will be offered weekly on Mondays starting May 6th through May 30, then on the first and third Mondays of June and July.

Parking: Arkell United Church, 600 Arkell Rd

How it will work: Riders will gather in the Flow State parking lot and identify themselves to the Ride Leader (usually in a red jersey). Riders will be given group riding instruction, followed by a parking lot lesson. Afterward, the riders will be led ride on public roads over an approximate 40km route with more instruction.

Who: You MUST be a GCC member or approved Try-a-Rider to attend.

Sign up closes at 4:00 PM on the day of the Ride. You must sign-up for the ride in advance. See below

GCC members only. To become a member join HERE

Advance sign-up required. Reserve your spot by clicking HERE

Start Time: please be ready to pedal at 6:15 PM

Start Location: Flow State Bike Co.

Check here for weather cancellation posted no less than one hour before the ride begins

Tuesday All Members Ride | June 4th 6:30PM

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ATTENTION: We have changed our start location to Flow State Bike Co. parking lot. See map image below. Please try to ride you bike to the start rather than driving, if you can. There is some limited parking in the area, but not on the Flow State lot.

Patio Social! The GCC June Social is happening after the ride at Fixed Gear Brewing on Edinburgh on the patio! Come straight there or meet after a quick shower at home. Grab some food and bevies while at Fixed Gear. Support the sponsor that supports the club!

NEW ROUTES! Welcome to the Mid Season Routes for the TAM Ride!

The routes are a bit longer now that the sun is setting later. Routes are also a bit more challenging with a few more hills. They will remain the same for several weeks giving riders an opportunity to see how they progress in fitness week-over-week. Bringing lights is always a good idea.

Load the route on your bike computer if you have one, here’s how.

Disclaimer: Depending on rider turn out, some Speed Groups may have to be combined.

The Speed Groups on this ride are:

Speed GroupAvg SpeedGroup NameFormation
R138-40+HammerfestRace Tactics
R236-38Hammerfest LiteRace Tactics
R334-36Team PursuitConstant Rotation
R432-34Very FastPaceline
R530-32FastPaceline
R628-30ModeratePaceline
R726-28SocialPaceline
R824-26RelaxedPaceline

GCC members only.  Join HERE

Advance sign-up required. Reserve your spot by clicking here.

Start Time: please be ready to pedal at 6:30 PM

Start : Parking lot at Flow State Bike Co. in Arkell

Check here for weather cancellation posted no less than one hour before the ride begins

Route: The R1 & R2 Speed Groups will follow this map:

Route: The R3, R4 & R5 Speed Groups will follow this map:

Route: The R6, R7 & R8 Speed Groups will follow this map:

Thursday Advanced Road Ride | May 23, 6:30PM

This Thursday, instead of one large loop, I have put together a series of right turning loops in the Nassagawaya area south of Rockwood. I figure, why not mix it up a bit.

Load the route on your bike computer if you have one, here’s how.

Disclaimer: Depending on rider turn out, some Speed Groups may have to be combined.

The Advanced Speed Groups

Ride GroupSpeed GroupAvg SpeedGroup Name
ADV AR1 & R236+Hammerfest
ADV BR334-36Faster
ADV CR432-34Very Fast
ADV DR530-32Fast

GCC members only. To become a member join HERE

Advance sign-up required. Reserve your spot by clicking HERE

Start Time: please be ready to pedal at 6:30 PM

Start Location: East End Library at Starwood and Watson

Check here for weather cancellation posted no less than one hour before the ride begins

Route: The Advanced A Speed Group (R1 & R2) will follow this map:

Route:  The Advanced B, C & D Speed Groups (R3, R4 & R5) will follow this map:

Sunday Road Tours | May 19, 8:00 am

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A couple options this long weekend. The longer route is going to climb the Kelso escarpment a couple times, along with a few other lumps, so if you want some vertical training please join us. However, if that’s not your thing then there is a flatter, slightly shorter, route on offer also.

Bring money for a coffee stop at the Kilbride Country Store and tail lights are a good idea.

Load the route on your bike computer if you have one, here’s how.

All rides need a minimum of 3 members signed up in order to officially run. If a ride has the required number of riders, but no Group Captain riding with them, that group ride will be considered cancelled. The group can decide among themselves to hold an ‘unofficial’ ride and follow the route. All group riders take it upon themselves to know the route and are responsible for their own safety.

Ride groups will be:

NameDistanceAverage Speed
Grand TourLonger Ride29-31 kph
Tour AMedium Length Ride29-31 kph
Tour BMedium Length Ride27-29 kph

GCC members only. To become a member join HERE

Advance sign-up required. Reserve your spot by clicking HERE

Start Time: please be ready to pedal at 8:00 AM

Start Location: East End Library at Starwood and Watson

Check here for weather cancellation posted no less than one hour before the ride begins

Route: The Tour Medium Distance Ride will be following the map below

Route: The Grand Tour Longer Distance Ride will be following the map below

Sunday Road Tours | April 14 11:00am

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CANCELLED

With on again, off again rain this morning I am cancelling the ride. The weather looks like it may clear up this afternoon so, if it does, I hope you get out for a ride.

Hopefully this Sunday will be a great day for riding. There is a chance of rain in the forecast, so check back here for weather cancellations. Sunday’s routes will head eastwards along 22, with a cafe stop at Holtom’s bakery in Erin. At this point the Tour groups will loop back home but the Grand Tour will head on to Inglewood and the Badlands climb before the return trip to FlowState.

Bring money for a coffee stop and tail lights are a good idea.

Load the route on your bike computer if you have one, here’s how.

The format for our Sunday Road Tours will be a little different this year: 1 meet-up time, 3 separate ride groups, leaving at intervals, a Ride Leader or Group Captain with each group.

All rides need a minimum of 3 members signed up in order to officially run. If a ride has the required number of riders, but no Group Captain riding with them, that group ride will be considered cancelled. The group can decide among themselves to hold an ‘unofficial’ ride and follow the route. All group riders take it upon themselves to know the route and are responsible for their own safety.


Ride groups will be:

NameDistanceAverage Speed
Grand TourLonger Ride29-31 kph
Tour AMedium Length Ride29-31 kph
Tour BMedium Length Ride27-29 kph

GCC members only. To become a member join HERE

Advance sign-up required. Reserve your spot by clicking HERE

Start Time: please be ready to pedal at 11:00 AM

Start Location: East End Library at Starwood and Watson

Check here for weather cancellation posted no less than one hour before the ride begins

Route: The Tour Medium Distance Ride will be following the map below

Route: The Grand Tour Longer Distance Ride will be following the map below

Sunday Road Tours | October 15, 10AM

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Autumn has certainly arrived. With cooler temperatures and darker mornings I’ve opted for a later start. This weekend we will tackle the Kelso escarpment. Once up the east side on Steeles Ave and then, after a loop through Campbellville, Kilbride and the Bronte Creek valley under the eye of Mount Nemo, up the newly paved Appleby Line. Should be a lot of type two fun!

I haven’t posted a Tour route however there are a number of escape route options should you want a little less of the “fun” 😉

Bring money for a coffee stop or two and tail lights are a good idea.

Load the route on your bike computer if you have one, here’s how.

Speed will be between 29-31 kph average

GCC members only. To become a member join HERE

Advance sign-up required. Reserve your spot by clicking HERE

Start Time: please be ready to pedal at 10:00 AM

Start Location: East End Library at Starwood and Watson

Check here for weather cancellation posted no less than one hour before the ride begins

Route: The Grand Tour Longer Distance Ride will be following the map below

Sunday Road Tours CREEMORE | Sept 24 7:30AM

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Who wants to ride some hills?!?

This Sunday I propose we head to Creemore and climb some of the most beautiful roads in the region (not to mention some fun decents). We will begin and end our route in Creemore, at the Creemore Springs Brewery. Also in Creemore are YF Patissier and Bank Cafe for pre ride coffee and treats, and The Old Mill House pub if you’re feeling peckish after the ride.

As is usual for GCC remote starts, carpooling will be arranged. Once you have signed up, please contact me, Christopher Lambert, at clsomatherapy@yahoo.ca to let me know if you can drive, and if so, if you can take other riders and bikes, or if you need a ride. We will all meet at the East Side Library between 7:00 and 7:30AM to organize cars and riders. As there are no longer any country stores in Horning Mills or Badjeros, sad I know, I will be putting together a cooler with water for refills and some extra food, which will be placed at the top of the climb in Horning Mills for refuelling. If you have snacks you would like added to this please hand them to me at the library before we leave. Drive time to Creemore is approximately an hour and a half. We will aim to start riding from Creemore at 9:30AM.

Bring money for a coffee before and a beer after, and tail lights are a good idea.

By the way, the gravel sections at 64k and 89k aren’t actually gravel.

Load the route on your bike computer if you have one, here’s how.

Speed will be between 29-31 kph average

GCC members only. To become a member join HERE

Advance sign-up required. Reserve your spot by clicking HERE

Start Time: please be at the Library by 7:30 and ready to pedal at 9:30 AM

Start Location: East End Library at Starwood and Watson

Check here for weather cancellation posted no less than one hour before the ride begins

Route: The Grand Tour Ride will be following the map below

Sunday Road Tours | Sept 3 9:00AM

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Looks like we will be heading back into some summer weather for the long weekend. Great news for those heading out of town for one last hurrah before school starts again. That being said, it’s also fine weather for us that are staying in town and the roads should be quieter too! To celebrate let’s head out and get some Ayr. Start and finish will be from our fabulous sponsor Fixed Gear on Alma street (pardon the gravel ride start image below, it’s the only version I could find). And what better way to finish a hot ride then with a beer!

Depending on turn-out, we may need to combine groups. Bring money for a coffee stop and tail lights are a good idea.

Load the route on your bike computer if you have one, here’s how.

Speed will be between 29-31 kph average

GCC members only. To become a member join HERE

Advance sign-up required. Reserve your spot by clicking HERE

Start Time: please be ready to pedal at 9:00 AM

Start Location: Fixed Gear Brewery on Alma

Check here for weather cancellation posted no less than one hour before the ride begins

Route: The Tour Medium Distance Ride will be following the map below

Route: The Grand Tour Longer Distance Ride will be following the map below

Thursday Advanced Road Ride / August 24 6:00pm

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It looks like we will have a clear weather window for tonights ride! There is a 30% chance of rain, increasing to 60% after 8:00pm, so I can’t promise you won’t get a little wet. Come prepared.

Our route will take us over to the Nassagaweya area, where we we’ll chase each other around in circles before returning back to Flow State.

Load the route on your bike computer if you have one, here’s how. Lights are a good idea, especially at this time of year.

Disclaimer: Depending on rider turn out, some Speed Groups may have to be combined.

The Advanced Speed Groups

Ride GroupSpeed GroupAvg SpeedGroup Name
ADV AR1 & R236+Hammerfest
ADV BR334-36Faster
ADV CR432-34Very Fast
ADV DR530-32Fast

GCC members only. To become a member join HERE

Advance sign-up required. Reserve your spot by clicking HERE

Start Time: please be ready to pedal at 6:00 PM

Start Location: East End Library at Starwood and Watson

Check here for weather cancellation posted no less than one hour before the ride begins

Route: The Advanced A Speed Group (R1 & R2) will follow this map:

Route:  The Advanced B, C & D Speed Groups (R3, R4 & R5) will follow this map: