GCC Admin – Guelph Cycling Club

WEEKLY RIDE POSTS

BIG100 2023 | Sunday Sept 17th, 2023

GCC Admin September 17, 2023 September 20, 2023BIG Ride, Rides

BIG100 – 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.

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

Two routes have been carefully scouted and prepared by several seasoned GCC long haul road masters. There will be a rest station along the way and we will be riding some very interesting and not often travelled roads! Please be aware that there will be some unpaved sections on the routes in order to improve safety and keep riders off of busy roads.

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:

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, gear storage on site, arrive early to stow some gear – come early for this.
Multiple pace groups per distance (see above)
Staggered start to finish at a similar time
There area a few unpaved sections to keep us off busy roads. They have been ridden recently on road tires. 23s and larger will suffice. However, there are still a few short busy sections that can’t be avoided. Single file in those areas is suggested.
There is a GCC supported rest stop at 56k in Ayr and a paid stop at 132k at Picard’s Peanuts.
The BIG100 is open to GCC Club Members only
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 rest stop where we will have some great snacks and water waiting. The 160K has a second paid rest stop, 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

BIGMTB Ride | Sept 10th, 9:30 & 11 AM

GCC Admin September 10, 2023 September 10, 2023BIG Ride, MTB, Rides

GCC’s Jim Brogden presents the 2023 BIGMTB!

Jim has led the development of the Arkell Spring Grounds with fellow GCC and GORBA club members.

The rides will begin from the parking lot in front of the Guelph Youth Music Centre, see image below.

These are ‘Ride Leader’ led rides.

There are three ride groups: Advanced, Intermediate and Medium. Everyone rides the Guelph Lake trails. After Guelph Lake, the Intermediate and Advanced riders will continue down Watson Rd. to ride the Smith property and/or Arkell Spring Grounds depending on group.

There is a supported rest stop on the west side of Watson Rd just south of Stone. Riders will divide into two groups there. Advanced does both Smith and Arkell, and Intermediate only does Arkell.

The ‘Medium’ group will ride most of the trails at Guelph Lake, both ways for some.

Afterwards, riders will head back to our sponsor Fixed Gear on Alma Rd. for refreshments and food.

As required by the city of Guelph, you must be a GORBA member to ride the Arkell trails. For $35, it’s quite a reasonable annual contribution to keep these trails open and maintained. How much does a bike tire cost? A GORBA Membership might be one of the cheapest accessories of your riding season. No more excuses, get your GORBA membership here today!

This is a GCC and GORBA combined event.

Time	Option	Trails	GORBA Membership
9:30 AM	Advanced	Guelph Lake, Smith Property & Arkell	Yes
9:30 AM	Intermediate	Guelph Lake & Arkell	Yes
11:00 AM	Medium	Guelph Lake only	No

Members only. To become a GCC member join HERE

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

Start Time: please be ready to pedal at 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM

Start Location: Guelph Youth Music Centre 75 Cardigan St

SATURDAY Gravel Ride | Sept 9, 9 AM & 10:00 AM

GCC Admin September 5, 2023 September 8, 2023Rides, Sunday Gravel

This is a special Saturday remote start in Belwood (no gravel ride this Sunday – BIGMTB) supporting the Water Cycles Bikes and Blues Festival. G2/3 will start at 9:00 AM and G1 at 10:00 AM. Please email Meg if you need a ride or have room for other people and/or bikes. If you wish to ride directly from Guelph, also please email Meg; we will coordinate departures and give you a route that connects you to the ride.

The ride starts from the Belwood baseball field and weaves through Grand Valley and around the Luther Marsh (avoiding the current hunting closures) before returning to Belwood.

There is a coffee stop at Landmark Gardens (~67km) for bevies and some of the best cookie and light snack options in the Grand Valley.

A benefit concert at the Skol House in Belwood follows the ride, featuring blues music, beer garden, BBQ, and kid’s activities, benefiting the Waterloo-Wellington Children’s Groundwater Festival which serves thousands of students in the Upper Grand school district annually. Water Cycles Expeditions uses adventurous bike tours and events to reconnect people and water through cycling. The festival celebrates the end of the “summer of water cycling” which has included locally led rides and tours from Kansas to Kenya across a global network of community hubs. Check out the highlight reel for this event and some recent coverage on CBC and the LA Times. Tickets to the benefit concert are available at a discount for GCC members with a promo code GCC2023 at the Water Cycles website.

The Speed Groups on this ride are:

Advanced G1 25-28 kph average

Intermediate G2 23-25 kph average

Relaxed G3 21-23 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 (G2/3) 9:00 AM & (G1) 10:00 AM

Start Location: Belwood Baseball Diamond, 4 Smith Street, Belwood

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

Route: All Speed Groups will follow this map:

Tuesday All Members Ride | Sept 5th 6:00PM

GCC Admin September 3, 2023 September 4, 2023Rides, Tuesday All-Members Ride

This is the last TAM Ride of 2023!

Sorry to say it, but as the sun sets earlier and earlier, some groups will not make it back before dark next week. Don’t be too sad, Sunday rides will be going for another two months!

And the weather promises to make a beautiful evening of it and perfect patio conditions for the post ride social at our sponsor Fixed Gear Brewing at their Canteen location at 5 Edinburgh rd South. Meet out front on the patio.

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 Group	Avg Speed	Group Name	Formation
R1	38-40+	Hammerfest	Race Tactics
R2	36-38	Hammerfest Lite	Race Tactics
R3	34-36	Team Pursuit	Constant Rotation
R4	32-34	Very Fast	Paceline
R5	30-32	Fast	Paceline
R6	28-30	Moderate	Paceline
R7	26-28	Social	Paceline
R8	24-26	Relaxed	Paceline

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 : Calvary Baptist Church at Arkell and Carter Rds

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

Route: The R1 – R5 Speed Groups will follow this map:

Route: The R6 – R8 Speed Groups will follow this map:

Tuesday All Members Ride | Aug 29th 6:00PM

GCC Admin August 27, 2023 August 27, 2023Rides, Tuesday All-Members Ride

This is the penultimate TAM Ride of 2023, and the weather is looking reasonably agreeable at the time of posting. Be there!

These are the Late Season Routes for the TAM Ride! See maps below for changes.

These routes may seem similar to the early season routes, but the bottom loop is reversed – now with more hills, you’re stronger than you were in May! They will remain the same to the end of the season 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 Group	Avg Speed	Group Name	Formation
R1	38-40+	Hammerfest	Race Tactics
R2	36-38	Hammerfest Lite	Race Tactics
R3	34-36	Team Pursuit	Constant Rotation
R4	32-34	Very Fast	Paceline
R5	30-32	Fast	Paceline
R6	28-30	Moderate	Paceline
R7	26-28	Social	Paceline
R8	24-26	Relaxed	Paceline

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 : Calvary Baptist Church at Arkell and Carter Rds

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

Route: The R1 – R5 Speed Groups will follow this map:

Route: The R6 – R8 Speed Groups will follow this map:

Tuesday All Members Ride | Aug 22nd 6:00PM

GCC Admin August 20, 2023 August 19, 2023Rides, Tuesday All-Members Ride

It’s Photo Day on this TAM Ride! Put on your best kit, shine up your bike and comb your hair! We’ve been waiting for some good weather and the prediction is looking good. Act natural (and safe) and pay no attention to the man with the long lens hanging out of the car window.

These are the Late Season Routes for the TAM Ride! See maps below for changes.

These new routes may seem similar to the early season routes, but the bottom loop is reversed – now with more hills, you’re stronger than you were in May! They will remain the same to the end of the season 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 Group	Avg Speed	Group Name	Formation
R1	38-40+	Hammerfest	Race Tactics
R2	36-38	Hammerfest Lite	Race Tactics
R3	34-36	Team Pursuit	Constant Rotation
R4	32-34	Very Fast	Paceline
R5	30-32	Fast	Paceline
R6	28-30	Moderate	Paceline
R7	26-28	Social	Paceline
R8	24-26	Relaxed	Paceline

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 : Calvary Baptist Church at Arkell and Carter Rds

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

Route: The R1 – R5 Speed Groups will follow this map:

Route: The R6 – R8 Speed Groups will follow this map:

SUPER SUNDAY | August 13th, 2023

GCC Admin August 13, 2023 August 13, 2023Rides, Sunday Gravel, Sunday Road

GCC’s second ever Super Sunday! Another club event where all members can participate in their desired speed group in gravel or road riding, starting and finishing at the same place for everyone with a post-ride gathering! Come one, come all… come out and join the fun!

The event starts and finishes at our club sponsor ‘Fixed Gear Brewing’ on Alma Street.

There are two start times, 8:00AM & 9:00AM depending on your group, NB.

Ride Leaders for each group will be (or already have) posted route maps, see below.

The club is footing the bill for pizza and one beer per club rider. Non alcoholic bevies will also be available.

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

The SUPER SUNDAY Rides Groups are:

Ride Group	Distance	Group Name	Pedal Time
R1 & R2	100+K	Road – Hammerfest	8:00 AM
R3 & R4	100+K	Road – Very Fast	8:00 AM
R5	85K	Road – Fast	9:00 AM
R6 & R7	80K	Road – Moderate	9:00 AM
R8	65K	Road – Relaxed	9:00 AM
G1	90K	Gravel – Advanced	8:00 AM
G2	90K	Gravel – Intermediate	8:00 AM
G3	83K	Gravel – Relaxed	8:00 AM

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 or 9:00 AM depending on your ride

Start : Fixed Gear Brewing on Alma Street

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

R1 & R2 Route

R3 & R4 Route

R5 Route

R6 & R7 Route

R8 Route

G1 & G2 Route

G3 Route

Tuesday All Members Ride | Aug 1st 6:30PM

GCC Admin July 30, 2023 July 29, 2023Rides, Tuesday All-Members Ride

This is the last time we use the Mid Season Routes for the TAM Ride in 2023! We switch to the Late Season Routes next week due to the shortening daylight. Time flies when you’re having fun!

Flow State Bike Company has a special treat waiting for each rider finishing this TAM Ride. Be sure to pull into the parking area behind their building at the end of the ride to receive yours!

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 Group	Avg Speed	Group Name	Formation
R1	38-40+	Hammerfest	Race Tactics
R2	36-38	Hammerfest Lite	Race Tactics
R3	34-36	Team Pursuit	Constant Rotation
R4	32-34	Very Fast	Paceline
R5	30-32	Fast	Paceline
R6	28-30	Moderate	Paceline
R7	26-28	Social	Paceline
R8	24-26	Relaxed	Paceline

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 : Calvary Baptist Church at Arkell and Carter Rds

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:

Tuesday All Members Ride | July 25th 6:30PM

GCC Admin July 23, 2023 July 25, 2023Rides, Tuesday All-Members Ride

This is the second last time we are using these routes in 2023!

These are the Mid Season Routes for the TAM Ride. 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. Especially this early in the season.

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.

Make sure you’re in the right kph speed group. Speeds are the same but the ‘R’ numbers have changed a bit since last season.

The Speed Groups on this ride are:

Speed Group	Avg Speed	Group Name	Formation
R1	38-40+	Hammerfest	Race Tactics
R2	36-38	Hammerfest Lite	Race Tactics
R3	34-36	Team Pursuit	Constant Rotation
R4	32-34	Very Fast	Paceline
R5	30-32	Fast	Paceline
R6	28-30	Moderate	Paceline
R7	26-28	Social	Paceline
R8	24-26	Relaxed	Paceline

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 : Calvary Baptist Church at Arkell and Carter Rds

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

oute: 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:

Tuesday All Members Ride | July 18th 6:30PM

GCC Admin July 16, 2023 July 16, 2023Rides, Tuesday All-Members 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.

Make sure you’re in the right kph speed group. Speeds are the same but the ‘R’ numbers have changed a bit since last season.

The Speed Groups on this ride are:

Speed Group	Avg Speed	Group Name	Formation
R1	38-40+	Hammerfest	Race Tactics
R2	36-38	Hammerfest Lite	Race Tactics
R3	34-36	Team Pursuit	Constant Rotation
R4	32-34	Very Fast	Paceline
R5	30-32	Fast	Paceline
R6	28-30	Moderate	Paceline
R7	26-28	Social	Paceline
R8	24-26	Relaxed	Paceline

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 : Calvary Baptist Church at Arkell and Carter Rds

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:

Learn to Group Ride | July 18th, 6:30PM

GCC Admin July 16, 2023 April 26, 2023Learn to Group Ride, Rides

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

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

Where do we meet: Calvary Baptist Church, 454 Arkell Road

When: Learn to Group Ride will be offered weekly on Tuesdays starting April 18th through May 30, then on the first and third Tuesdays of June and July. Rides in April begin at 6:00PM and from May on at 6:30PM.

Parking: At the Calvary Baptist Church, 454 Arkell Road

How it will work: Club members requiring instruction will gather at the Calvary Baptist Church and identify themselves to the Ride Leader of Group R8, the 24-26 kph speed group. Please arrive here and be ready to pedal 15 minutes prior to the start of the ride. After a brief chat and instruction, riders will follow the Ride Leader on a predetermined route and receive more en route instruction.

Who: You MUST be a GCC member to attend.

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 6:30 PM

Start : Calvary Baptist Church at Arkell and Carter Rds

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

SUPER SUNDAY | July 16th

GCC Admin July 15, 2023 July 16, 2023BIG Ride, Rides

WEATHER UPDATE: All rides are on!

The inaugural GCC Super Sunday! Another club event where all members can participate in their desired speed group in gravel or road riding, starting and finishing at the same place for everyone with a post-ride gathering! Everything, everywhere, all at once (great film btw!). Come one, come all… come out and join the fun!

The event starts and finishes at our club sponsor ‘Fixed Gear Brewing’ on Alma Street.

There are two start times, 8:00AM & 9:00AM depending on your group, NB.

Ride Leaders for each group have posted their route maps, see below.

The club is footing the bill for pizza and one beer per club rider. Non alcoholic bevies will also be available.

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

The SUPER SUNDAY Rides Groups are:

Ride Group	Distance	Group Name	Pedal Time
R1 & R2	100+K	Road – Hammerfest	8:00 AM
R3 & R4	100+K	Road – Very Fast	8:00 AM
R5	75-85K	Road – Fast	9:00 AM
R6 & R7	70-80K	Road – Moderate	9:00 AM
R8	60-70K	Road – Relaxed	9:00 AM
G1	90-100K	Gravel – Advanced	8:00 AM
G2	90-100K	Gravel – Intermediate	8:00 AM
G3	70-80K	Gravel – Relaxed	8:00 AM

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 or 9:00 AM depending on your ride

Start : Fixed Gear Brewing on Alma Street

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

R1 & R2 Route

R3 & R4 Route

R5 Route

R6 & R7 Route

R8 Route

G1 & G2 Route

G3 Route

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

GCC Admin July 2, 2023 July 4, 2023Rides, Tuesday All-Members Ride

Club Social after the TAM Ride on the patio out front at Fixed Gear Brewing Canteen on Edinburgh. A perfect night for it, see you there!

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 Group	Avg Speed	Group Name	Formation
R1	38-40+	Hammerfest	Race Tactics
R2	36-38	Hammerfest Lite	Race Tactics
R3	34-36	Team Pursuit	Constant Rotation
R4	32-34	Very Fast	Paceline
R5	30-32	Fast	Paceline
R6	28-30	Moderate	Paceline
R7	26-28	Social	Paceline
R8	24-26	Relaxed	Paceline

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 : Calvary Baptist Church at Arkell and Carter Rds

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:

Learn to Group Ride | July 4th, 6:30PM

GCC Admin July 2, 2023 June 25, 2023Learn to Group Ride, Rides

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

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

Where do we meet: Calvary Baptist Church, 454 Arkell Road

Parking: At the Calvary Baptist Church, 454 Arkell Road

Who: You MUST be a GCC member to attend.

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 6:30 PM

Start : Calvary Baptist Church at Arkell and Carter Rds

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

Tuesday All Members Ride | June 27th 6:30PM

GCC Admin June 25, 2023 June 27, 2023Rides, Tuesday All-Members Ride

WEATHER UPDATE: Ride is On!

Christmas has come early… the holes on Mountsberg road have been filled in! Oh, we are so easily pleased. But don’t get too complacent… when you round the corner heading north onto Centre road, that section of road is still potholed. That was clearly not on the order for the repair crew who were just meters away. So close! Cake without icing is still good, right?

Please note there is a new route for R1 & R2!

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.

Make sure you’re in the right kph speed group. Speeds are the same but the ‘R’ numbers have changed a bit since last season.

The Speed Groups on this ride are:

Speed Group	Avg Speed	Group Name	Formation
R1	38-40+	Hammerfest	Race Tactics
R2	36-38	Hammerfest Lite	Race Tactics
R3	34-36	Team Pursuit	Constant Rotation
R4	32-34	Very Fast	Paceline
R5	30-32	Fast	Paceline
R6	28-30	Moderate	Paceline
R7	26-28	Social	Paceline
R8	24-26	Relaxed	Paceline