Rides are officially on! Weather's looking mainly sunny, although a little cool… 11 degrees at the start of the ride, increasing to 15 degrees by early afternoon. See you all at the park for the 10:00 am start.
Two rides tomorrow, both launching from Queenston Heights Park in Niagara:
- 103k Route – Jim Wadleigh is leading this ride, which currently consists of seven confirmed riders. This group will roll at a moderate pace, about 25 – 28 kph average, with a snack stop at the half-way point in Jordan.
- 125k Route - I will lead this ride, which currently consists of six confirmed riders. This group will roll at a faster pace, likely averaging 30 – 32 kph at ride's end, but with cruising speeds in the mid-30's on the flats. We'll have a mid-ride cafe stop in Beamsville.
Both rides will follow the same route until the 50k mark, so the option exists to start with the longer group and drop back to the shorter group if needed.
Carpooling is available with Jim Wadleigh, Daryl LeBlanc or me, although seats are filling up… see comments section for details. We'd like to get a sense for attendance, so would ask that those considering either ride and/or looking to arrange carpooling post to the comments section of this entry or click here to send me a message.
Finally, please take particular note of the 10:00 start from Queenston, which will give us a bit of extra travel time. We'll park and meet in the circular drive area–it's convenient to the washrooms, where there's room to change if desired. The drive to Queenston Heights should take about 1h 20m with no traffic. Anyone running late or needing en route nav assistance can call or text me at 519-400-5401.
Hope you'll consider joining us!
James
LONGER ROUTE
SHORTER ROUTE
The ‘long’ group of eight had a swell ride also! The roads in and around Fonthill never get old, and the twisty-turny, undulating Hollow Road is always a treat. Thanks to all for making the trip down, and a big thanks to Jim Wadleigh for leading the not-so-short ride.
Thirteen rider started this annual ride, roughly in two groups.
Group Animal, consisting of starting riders Jim, Jeremy, Anne, Karen, Larry, and Claire, finished with 111.05km, 633m climbing in 4 hours 15 minutes, for an average ride speed of 26.16kph. The extra 7 km and extra climbing can be blamed on Garmin (or, more likely Machine-Operator Interface, a term from Jeremy)
Awesome sights along the way, including giant ships, truly enormous hydro works, and miles of ripening grapes. Migrant workers on mountain bikes travelling at Islands speed, nice little snack stop at Zooma Zooma in Jordan, and good teamwork were highlights for me.
Thanks James Stewart for leading this annual event.
I have only one question….. where was everybody?
Maybe next year
As of 12:00 pm on Saturday, Jim Wadleigh and I each have one seat available in our vehicles, and Daryl LeBlanc has three. Please post to the comments section to arrange a ride with any of us (or others).
Thanks Wilfred. Good luck to you and all the club members riding Centurion this weekend.
That’s a mighty fine route you got there, James. Brother Ron, Bille and I will be battling it out up at Blue Mtn so we’ll ride it another time.
Sorry
5198203089
Brad
Hi,
I’m looking at getting a ride from someone for the long ride on Sunday.
If someone can text me that would be great.
Brad
I’ll echo that sentiment Jim… shaping up to be a great day!
By the way, anyone fancying some post-ride deliciousness on Sunday should consider hitting up the Avondale Dairy Bar for some thick, rich, old-timey milkshakes! You’ll find it at 461 Stewart Road, south of Carlton, about a 10 minute drive from the park.
WEATHER NETWORK for Sunday Sep 14
Mainly sunny, 16°C, POP 20%, wind SW 5 km/h
YES!!
As of Thursday at 2PM, my car has two people in it, me and Anne Nederend, who gets shotgun because she was first to contact me. Room for two more. IF YOU WANT TO CARPOOL, ontact me at jimwadleigh@rogers.com. Assembles at 0800 near Exhibition Park, leaves Guelph at 0830. Ride start time at Queenston Heights is 1000 sharp.
Both my Daughter and I will attend the shorter ride
In speaking with Jim Wadleigh, who will lead the shorter ride, we decided to switch it from the originally advertised 77k route to this newly drafted 102k route. The intent is to minimize exposure to Niagara Falls tourist traffic and maximize exposure to some beautiful, escarpment roads. Feel free to contact Jim directly (jimwadleigh@rogers.com) with your shorter-ride questions, or to reserve your spot in his car!
If anyone wants to carpool from near Exhibition Park, I have room in an Outback for 4 total with bikes (three in a Thule upright roof rack, one inside) and kit.
Just send an email to jimwadleigh@rogers.com to confirm. We will meet at 0800h, load up, have an espresso/latte, and leave by 0830h.
I will be leading the 77k ride, so we should be back by 4PM or earlier.
Rain or shine.
Last minute, call or text 519 830 8919
I will attend for the shorter ride
I am in and I can drive 1 or 3 others depending on if I take my car or van.