This is one of my personal favourite gravel rides that takes us on the winding trails of Kitchener/Waterloo. Its a whole lot of fun and there will be several times where you’ll say “I had no idea this was here!” or “NOW I know where we are!”
We’ll start at the usual spot by the Guelph Youth Music Centre and head out of town and make our way to the straight, flat and somewhat boring Guelph-Goderich railtrail. We’ll make our way to the north end of Waterloo where we’ll hit the Grand River Trail. Lots of tight twists and turns along the Grand River. The halfway point is at the Woodfired Cafe, where you will have a chance to refuel. From there, we’ll ride the Walter Bean Trail through Kitchener to the south end near highway 8. After that, its all road until we get back to Guelph.
The forecast is looking good, so that means there might be a fair number of pedestrians. Ride safely and slowly around people, make yourself known and thank people as you go by.
IMPORTANT: We normally have two groups each led by a sanctioned club ride leader. Unfortunately, the person who normally leads the G2 Intermediate ride won’t be around (yeah, what a jerk, right?). As the sole ride leader, I will ride with the G1 Advanced group and we will make periodic stops at any tricky spots to make sure everyone is on track. Hopefully, this will work for all parties. If this proves to be untenable, then the G2 group may continue on their own, but it will no longer be an official, sanctioned GCC ride. This means that you won’t be insured by the club should something happen.
At least one member of the G2 group MUST load the route on your bike computer, to minimize any chances of getting lost. Please make a comment in the ride sign up form to let others know if you are able to load the route on your bike computer. If you don’t know how to do it, here’s how.
Disclaimer: Depending on rider turn out, some Speed Groups may have to be combined.
The Speed Groups on this ride are:
Advanced G1 24-26 kph average
Intermediate G2 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 8:00 AM
Start Location: Guelph Youth Music Centre 75 Cardigan St
Check here for weather cancellation posted no less than one hour before the ride begins
Route: Both the G1 & G2 Speed Groups will follow this map:
