UPDATE 9 AM CANCELLED: I see that a bunch of riders have already made the prudent decision and removed their names from the signup list (which was very helpful in making a decision, thank you.) Based on that, the radar map and the hell that was P2A still fresh in my mind, I’m canceling the ride. See you next time.
UPDATE 8AM: I’m having a look at the radar and I can’t say I like what I see. I know the gravel grinders have pushed on but not sure that’s the right call for us roadies. Even if I cancel it, there’s nothing preventing a group of courageous souls from gathering at the library and doing their own thing: it just won’t be a club ride. Final decision posted at 9 a.m.
There’s a new format for these rides this year, one that formalizes the approach we occasionally adopted last year of combining the medium and long rides for as much of the route as possible. It makes building routes a bit more challenging but I really like building routes and riding in bigger groups on Sunday so I’m all for it.
My approach this week is to have everyone complete the “medium” section of the route, then have those interested in adding some more kilometres continue on. I will be doing the shorter version of the route because I’ve been feeling under the weather most of the week after riding for three-plus hours in the mud and rain at P2A last Sunday (the post-ride beers likely didn’t help either.)
The route will take us North through Oustic, then down 7th Line into Everton before stopping in Rockwood at the Whistle Stop for a refuel because the two other cafes in Rockwood aren’t open on Sunday morning. Then we’ll whip down to Moffat past Dar’s Delights (R.I.P. good doughnuts) then into Arkell via Watson Road.
For those interested in doing more, the extended remix adds another 50km or so down to Campbellville and back. I will assign a Road Captain to provide guidance for this group but let’s be honest, if you can do 125km in May, you probably don’t need to be told what to do. You should load the route on your bike computer if you have one, here’s how.
These rides are posted at 29 to 31 km/h and are No Drop so we’ll stay together and regroup if things break apart on climbs. We’ll go at a pace the whole group can reasonably sustain, remembering that’s OK to let the stronger riders do more work. I’ve built an entire cycling hobby on the benefits of this principle.
Alright, see you Sunday. Note the 10 a.m. start time. The weather doesn’t look too bad for a change… better than last Sunday, anyway, though that’s an extremely low bar as my immune system will try and tell you.
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 Tour Medium Distance Ride will be following the map below
Route: The Grand Tour Longer Distance Ride will be following the map below
