There are three Sunday Road Ride options with two different lengths, with two different paces.
The Petite Tours (Medium distance) 70-90 km
The Grand Tour (Longer distance) 90-130km
Ride Leaders will construct two unique routes. The shorter Petite Tour route (70-90km) may be a shortcut version of the longer Grand Tour route (90-130km), or a unique route that heads in the same general direction.
Meet: Guelph East End Public Library parking lot.
Time: Be ready to pedal at 8:00 AM May-Sept (11:00 AM April & Oct). Meet 10 minutes before the start to get organized into the appropriate groups.
Parking: Available at the Library
Routes: The route is set by the Ride Leaders and changes each week.
You MUST be an GCC member to ride. You must pre-register on the ride posting.
The Three Sunday Road Rides
The Grand Tour
Longer Distance
Quicker Pace
29 – 31 kph
Non Drop
Distance: 90 – 130km
This is a longer distance road ride for riders who want a longer sustained level of effort. This ride often features stops for mid-ride refuelling.
You’re ready because you are a very experienced group rider, have a very high level of fitness and can ride four consecutive hours at 29 kph speed or greater. Note: Speed Group references may alter to compensate for length.
Petite Tour A
Medium Distance
Quicker Pace
29 – 31 kph
Non Drop
Distance: 70 – 90km
This is a medium distance ride at a moderate speed for riders who need to be home by lunch on Sunday. This ride often features stops for mid-ride refuelling.
You’re ready because you are an experienced group rider, have a good level of fitness and can ride three consecutive hours at 29 kph speed or greater.
Petite Tour B
Medium Distance
Moderate Pace
27 – 29 kph
Non Drop
Distance: 70 – 90km
This is a medium distance ride at a moderate speed for riders who need to be home by lunch on Sunday. This ride often features stops for mid-ride refuelling.
You’re ready because you are an experienced group rider, have a good level of fitness and can ride three consecutive hours at 29 kph speed or greater.
- Speed Groups will ride no faster than their maximum posted speed average
- Sunday Rides are not ‘drop’ rides, however, if you are struggling, chat with the Ride Leader
- Good riding practices and all rules of the road apply
- Stop at stop signs – this bears repeating
The WEEKLY RIDE POSTS page is where the Ride Leaders post all the details for the upcoming rides including the route map, speed groups, length and any other relevant notes and reminders. Ride cancellations will also be up-dated on the postings no later than 1 hour before the start of the ride.
Click this button to see the current ride postings
FAQs
Is there a minimum number of riders per Speed Group?
Yes, three. And yes, three riders can work together well. It’s a great exercise.
Is there a maximum number of riders per Speed Group?
Yes, Speed Groups will be limited to no more than 16 riders for traffic safety.
What happens if there is lots of demand for one speed Speed Group?
Multiple versions of that Speed Group may run.
What happens if I choose a Speed Group that’s too fast for me?
Chat with the Ride Leader. There are options and techniques to save energy on a group ride while still maintaining speed.
What happens if I choose a Speed Group that’s too slow for me?
Stay with your current group for the entire route and start with a different Group next week.
How long are the routes?
Route length will be posted on the web site. The route changes each week.
What must I do when I get to a Stop Sign?
Stop (does this really need to be said?). Seriously, just stop.
Anyone going through a stop sign will get a serious dressing down with consequences from GCC officials or possibly killed by a motorist. So… just stop.
What to do if someone is breaking away or surging ahead?
Don’t chase them, let them go. Maintain your Speed Group’s speed average.
What to do if someone is lagging or struggling to keep up?
Ask them if they are ok. If they are ok but can’t maintain your Speed Group’s average, they need to chat with the Ride Leader.
What to do if someone is behaving dangerously?
Report it to a Ride Leader or GCC Club Board Member
What to do if someone has crashed?
The entire ride Speed Group must stop and address the situation as best as possible in accordance with Club Guidelines.
What to do if someone has had a flat or a ‘mechanical’ problem?
The entire Speed Group must stop and address the situation to make sure the rider is able to get going again safely or other transport has been arranged.