Category: BIG Ride

BIGMTB Ride | Sept 29th 9:30

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GCC’s Jim Brogden presents the 2024 BIGMTB!

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

The Ride starts at GCC’s sponsor Flow State Bike Co. in Arkell.

These are ‘Ride Leader’ led rides.

There are two ride groups: Advanced & Intermediate.

Groups will separate based on ability and be assigned to ride groups at Flow State.

The Rides will include Arkell Spring Grounds, Smith Property and Guelph Lake.

There is a supported rest stop on the west side of Watson Rd just south of Stone.

Afterwards, riders will head 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 ($40) or buy a ‘Day Pass’ ($10) to ride the Arkell trails. It’s quite a reasonable annual contribution to keep these trails open and maintained. How much does a bike tire cost? A GORBA Membership is the cheapest part of your riding season. No more excuses, get your GORBA membership here today!

This is a GCC and GORBA combined event.

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

Start Location: Flow State Bike Co.

Click image for directions.

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

Niagara 200km – Remote Start – June 15

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Saturday Destination Ride | June 15, 2024 | Start at 19 Bascary Cres, St. Catharines, ON

THIS IS A REMOTE START, VERY LONG DISTANCE RIDE. PLEASE READ EVERYTHING IN DETAIL – There will NOT be a sag wagon (no driver to rescue you). You are responsible for getting yourself to and from the start lines.

The time has come! We will be touring the vineyards, escarpment, and waterways of the Niagara Region. Lunch and Coffee stops are available on route with a BBQ at the finish line. This will be the first of two 200km rides that will act as qualifiers for the GCC 300km ride later this year. We’ll be doing a remote start from my folks place in St. Catharines. Please anticipate traffic if you are driving down the morning of. The group will leave at 8AM sharp, so it is recommended you arrive by 7:30am to get your gear in order. Bring money for coffee and lunch stops, bonking on this ride will not be a fun time. Tail lights as always are a good idea.

Food is paramount when riding distances like this. Do not skip out on an opportunity to eat at one of the stops, you will have a much nicer time if you are well fueled.

Once you reach the finish line we will be celebrating your big accomplishment, my parents will be running the BBQ with burgers, sausages, and a celebratory beer available. Please Drink Responsibly especially if you are driving.

Talk with your friends, coordinate carpooling to save gas money and minimize the number of cars in my parents neighborhood.

This route concentrates all of its elevation gain and loss in 5 key areas. Please review the course and prepare accordingly. Niagara has some excellent MUP’s located along the Welland Canal and Niagara River. In peak summer there will be other trail users on these paths. Yield to pedestrians, slow down and call your passes. (Route specific info is available in the RWGPS file)

  • Most GCC riders have never taken on a ride longer than 160km before. Distances like this require more prep work than shorter distance rides. Considering this, we have some mandatory gear that everyone must bring. We might prevent you from riding if you do not have the following at the start.
    • Flat Kits
    • Pump
    • Multi Tool
    • 2 Bottles
    • Cell Phone
    • Snacks and Electrolytes
    • Front and Rear Lights
    • Money for refuel stops

Recommended Gear

  • Some nice to haves that may make your experience more enjoyable
    • Sunscreen
    • Lip Chap (8+ hours on the bike can lead to extra dryness)
    • Chamois Cream
    • Gloves
    • Rain Gear

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 Moving Speed
Blast (R1,R2)214km30ish kph
Fast (R3,R4)214km26-27 kph
Relaxed (R5,R6)214km<26 kph
It is very, extremely, mega highly recommended that you have at least one 100km+ ride completed at one of the above speeds in 2024 prior to participating. Whatever group you choose to ride in, you will likely be working hard by the end.

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: 19 Bascary Cres, St. Catharines, ON

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

DRIVING/PARKING: Let’s try to carpool. The start (19 Bascary Cres, St Catharines, ON) is in the suburbs on the edge of town. There is on street parking. Please be respectful of neighbours and of traffic laws. DO NOT block driveways or fire hydrants. There is a park “Shauna Park” around the corner that has a parking lot if you, for some reason can’t find parking.

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

2024 BGR | Sunday June 9th

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It’s GCC’s 6th Annual Big Gravel Ride!

Like always, we promise that many of you will ride in some places that you have never been before!

About the routes: Everyone rides to the first Rest Stop. Once there, depending on how the conditions are and how you and your group are feeling, you can choose to add a small or large additional loop to your ride before heading back on the main route to Fixed Gear in Guelph. The short route, to the Rest Stop and then home, is 83km. If you choose to add the small additional loop, your ride will be 96km long. If you choose to add the large additional loop, your ride will be 118 km long. Save both the long and medium routes into your bike computer. Load the long route to start the ride. If you only want to do the medium route after the Rest Stop, switch to that route in your bike computer. Both Long and Medium routes follow the Short route home. Choose your own adventure!

The start and finish are at our sponsor, Fixed Gear Brewing on Alma street.

There are five speed groups this year. Each with a different start time.

BGR GroupGroup NameRoad
Comparison		Gravel
Comparison		Start Time
BGR-1OMG!R1
R2		9:00 am
BGR-2FastR3G18:45 am
BGR-3QuickR4
R5		G28:30 am
BGR-4ModerateR6
R7		G38:15 am
BGR-5RelaxedR8G48:00 am

Sign up soon to ensure you get a spot!

The route has been pre-ridden by a little 70 year old lady who has given it her seal of approval.

Load the route on your bike computer if you have one, here’s how. No really, you should really load it.

GCC Team Car polished, fed & groomed all ready for another BGR!

The Essentials:

GCC members only. To become a member join HERE

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

Start Time: Relaxed 8:00 AM; Moderate 8:15 AM; Quick 8:30 AM; Fast 8:45 AM; OMG 9:00 AM

Start Location: Fixed Gear Brewing 20 Alma St S

Start and Finish here at Fixed Gear Brewing at 20 Alma St S

The Details:

  • 50 Entries only!
  • You must be a GCC Club Member to take part.
  • Five speed groups.
  • Staggered start to finish at a similar time.
  • Free ON-ROAD parking around Fixed Gear Brewing (don’t park at the auto shop!).
  • Gear storage on site inside FGB, arrive early to stow your post-ride gear etc.
  • Make sure your bike is in good working order to ‘start’ and finish the route.
  • Carry tools to fix your bike.
  • Bring mosquito repellent in case of woodland repairs.
  • Carry two large water bottles.
  • Load the route if you have a computer.
  • Be prepared to get yourself home if you can’t finish the route.
  • GCC is providing a food & water station out on the route.
  • Registered participants get one free beer provided by our sponsor FGB.
  • Bring cash or card for additional post ride bevies.
  • Registered participants get Wood Oven Pizza as well.
  • Door Prizes awarded randomly from some of our great sponsors.
  • This is a multi surface event which may include, but not be limited to, mud, rocks, forest, roots, branches, gravel, stones, dust, pavement, mosquitoes, ticks, hobbits, dragons, tears, smiles… (maybe).
  • Tire recommendations: Minimum 30 mm wide with at least a file tread pattern, 50 psi max.
  • Rain or shine.

Route Maps below.

Load the Medium & Long routes into your bike computer.

You can always shortcut the Medium or Long route (at the Rest Stop) to become the Short route. You can decide with your group, depending on conditions, on how much more fun you want to have. The Medium or Long routes go through the Rest Stop twice.

Routes by Kazimir Malevich c. 1916

GCC BIG CX | October 29th 11am, 12pm, 1pm

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GCC is putting on a fun day of Cyclocross riding for club members!

In a very exciting last minute development, we have had a property come available to us that is ideal for our first ever ‘Club Members Only’ Cyclocross Ride! Join us this Sunday, October 29th just outside of Guelph to ride or watch your clubmates on a private course winding through forests and fields of ribbon.

Do we hear you say that you have never ridden cyclocross? Or that you don’t have a CX bike? Or that you’re not really interested in going all out? Maybe your off season is in full swing? No problem, you can ride for fun in the ‘Casual’ event at noon.

Feeling a bit more adventurous? Try the ’Faster’ event at 1 PM! There’s even a Kid’s event at 11:00 AM.

If you really don’t want to ride, you and your family are still welcome to come by and check it out!

Free hot chocolate and home baked snacks!

Gravel and mountain bikes are welcome! 

Extra bonus for all who ride there!

  • 11:00am Kids/Open Ride
  • 12:00pm Casual
  • 1:00pm Faster

You must be a GCC member to ride!

Come out in the final days of the season and ride your bike with your GCC club mates one more time before going full subterranean Zwift! 

GCC members only. To become a member join HERE

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

Start Time: The course is available to ride at 10:00 AM

Start Location: 13233 First Line Nassagaweya

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

Click map for directions

BIG100 2023 | Sunday Sept 17th, 2023

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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

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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.

TimeOptionTrailsGORBA Membership
9:30 AMAdvancedGuelph Lake, Smith Property & ArkellYes
9:30 AMIntermediateGuelph Lake & ArkellYes
11:00 AMMediumGuelph Lake onlyNo

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

Click image for directions.

SUPER SUNDAY | July 16th

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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 GroupDistanceGroup NamePedal Time
R1 & R2100+KRoad – Hammerfest8:00 AM
R3 & R4100+KRoad – Very Fast8:00 AM
R575-85KRoad – Fast9:00 AM
R6 & R770-80KRoad – Moderate9:00 AM
R860-70KRoad – Relaxed9:00 AM
G190-100KGravel – Advanced8:00 AM
G290-100KGravel – Intermediate8:00 AM
G370-80KGravel – Relaxed8:00 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

The 2023 BGR | Sunday June 4th

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It’s GCC’s 5th Annual Big Gravel Ride!

And like always, we promise that many of you will ride in some places that you have never been before!

About the route: 104km long. The start and finish are at our sponsor, Fixed Gear Brewing. There are four speed groups. Each with a different start time: Moderate, Quick, Fast and OMG!

Sign up soon to ensure you get a spot! This will sell out!

Local legend Martin Brubacher put this year’s route together and reports, “It’s dandy”. We agree!

The route has been pre-ridden by a little old lady of 68 years who has given her L.O.L. seal of approval.

We have also hired a new complaints department director, Helen Waite. If you have any complaints, you can now go to her. L.O.L.

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

GCC Team Car polished, fed & groomed for the BGR.

The Essentials:

GCC members only. To become a member join HERE

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

Start Time: Moderate 8:00 AM; Quick 8:30 AM; Fast 8:45 AM; OMG 9:00 AM

Start Location: Fixed Gear Brewing 20 Alma St S

Start and Finish here at Fixed Gear Brewing at 20 Alma St S

The Details:

  • 50 Entries only!
  • The BGR 2023 is open to GCC Club Members only.
  • 104km route.
  • Four speed groups.
  • Starts times: Moderate 8:00 AM; Quick 8:30 AM; Fast 8:45 AM; OMG 9:00 AM
  • Staggered start to finish at a similar time.
  • Free ON-ROAD parking around Fixed Gear Brewing (don’t park at the auto shop!).
  • Gear storage on site inside FGB, arrive early to stow post-ride gear etc.
  • Carry tools to fix your bike.
  • Bring mosquito repellent in case of woodland repairs.
  • Carry two large water bottles.
  • Load the route if you have a computer.
  • Be prepared to get yourself home if you can’t finish the route.
  • GCC is providing a food & water station at the halfway point.
  • Registered participants get one free beer provided by our sponsor FGB.
  • Bring cash or card for additional post ride bevies.
  • Registered participants get Wood fired Pizza as well.
  • Door Prizes awarded randomly from some of our great sponsors.
  • This is a multi surface event which may include, but not be limited to, mud, rocks, forest, roots, branches, gravel, stones, dust, pavement, mosquitoes, ticks, dragons, ferries, hobbits, adventure, sweat, tears, smiles, etc…
  • Tires recommendations: Minimum 30 mm wide with some file tread, 50 psi max.
  • Rain or shine.

Route Map below:

Route by Martin Brubacher – Finally!

BIG100 Century Rides 2022 | Sunday September 18th

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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 from: 160km (100 miles) or 100 kilometres. Each with three speed groups.

The two routes have been carefully scouted and prepared by seasoned GCC road master John Lyall. He assures us there are no hills – we don’t believe him (we’ve seen the route, oh…there are plenty o’hills!). There will be rest stations along the way and we will be riding some pretty cool and not often travelled roads – that, we believe!

The Details:

  • The 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 weather warning issued by EC)
  • Free parking, gear storage on site, arrive early to stow some gear – come early for this.
  • Three pace groups per distance (see above)
  • Staggered start to finish at a similar time
  • There are rest stops along the way
  • 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
  • Participants must pre-register to allow for food prep

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 Google Maps location

The Routes: Both distances share the first rest stop at 47.5 km where we will have some great snacks and water waiting. There will be some fresh baking provided by club member Shannon Brown who knows a thing or two about long rides and crazy climbs (she just rode 2K km and 20K of climbing with panniers in the Alps!). The 160K has a second paid rest stop in Kilbride at 107 km, bring some cash for that.

The 100 Mile (160 km) Imperial Century:

The 100K Metric Century Route: This route has been slightly adjusted due to a detour.