Tag: gravel

Sunday Gravel Ride | May 12, 9:00am

Sunday Gravel Ride | May 12, 9:00am

For this Mother’s Day ride we’ll keep it relatively short and simple so you can get back home in good time to celebrate the day. Just an easy out ‘n’ back/lollipop into Center Wellington. We’ll break in Elora with the option to refuel at the Mews or top up fluids and use the facilities at the Visitor Information Center.

Dress appropriately for the conditions and be sure to bring enough nutrition and fluids for yourself. Stay tuned for any updates.

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

Disclaimer: Depending on rider turn out, some Speed Groups may have to be combined.

The Speed Groups on this ride are:

CatNameAverage Speed
G1Fast26+ kph
G2Advanced24-36 kph
G3Intermediate22-24 kph
G4Relaxed19-22 kph

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.

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 9:00am

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: All Speed Groups will follow this map:

Sunday Gravel Ride | May 5th 11:00 AM

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10:20 AM UPDATE: New Route.

ATTENTION: The start time for this ride may be delayed due to rain passing through. Please monitor this post for updates. We are really keen not to cancel the ride and the start may be delayed by an hour or so.

Here’s a favourite excursion through Wilson Flats and Elora Gorge Park with a coffee stop in Elora. Bring money for that.

Tail lights are always a good idea.

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

Disclaimer: Depending on rider turn out, some Speed Groups may have to be combined.

The Speed Groups on this ride are:

CatNameAverage Speed
G1Fast26+ kph
G2Advanced24-26 kph
G3Intermediate22-24 kph
G4Relaxed19-22 kph

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.

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: Guelph Youth Music Centre 75 Cardigan St

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

Route: All Speed Groups will follow this map:

Wednesday Gravel Ride – May 1st, 2024, 6PM

Wednesday Gravel Ride | May 1st 6:00PM

Gravel season is upon us so lets get after ‘er. The weather forecast is decent but the final call will be made at 17:00 Wednesday. Lights would definitely be a smart idea.

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

Disclaimer: Depending on rider turn out, some Speed Groups may have to be combined.

The Speed Groups on this ride are:

CatNameAverage Speed
G1Fast26+ kph
G2Advanced24-36 kph
G3Intermediate22-24 kph
G4Relaxed19-22 kph

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.

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 6:00 PM

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: All Speed Groups will follow this map:

Sunday Not-the-P2A Gravel Ride | April 28th 9:00 AM

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Ride is on – we can turn back if it gets too yucky.

I am offering a local gravel ride for the few of us who chose to not spend a bunch of money (more than the annual GCC membership fee!) to ride a not particularly scenic route with a couple thousand other people : )

This is the 2020 BGR route, always a good early season ride. Unfortunately, there is no coffee stop (unless we want a late stop in Rockwood), so bring something for a roadside snack. As rain is predicted, the start time may be adjusted if there is a 3-4 hr predicted rain-free window later than 9AM. If there isn’t a rain-free window, the ride will be cancelled (there are still so many rides remaining with your annual membership fee!)

Mostly gravel, but tail lights are still a good idea.

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

Disclaimer: Depending on rider turn out, some Speed Groups may have to be combined.

The Speed Groups on this ride are:

CatNameAverage Speed
G1Fast26+ kph
G2Advanced24-26 kph
G3Intermediate22-24 kph
G4Relaxed19-22 kph

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.

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 9:00 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: All Speed Groups will follow this map:

Wednesday Coached Gravel Session #4 | April 24th 6:00PM

Welcome to the final ride in a series of coached Gravel training sessions for GCC!

Coached cycling sessions are instructed by qualified coaches and experienced athletes. The sessions are available exclusively for GCC members.

Series Focus: These sessions are intended to prepare GCC members for P2A and upcoming gravel rides & events. The purpose of these sessions is to improve gravel riding skill and fitness.

Target Riders: Gravel Speed Groups G1 & G2.

Required Equipment: Gravel specific bike setup with drop bars, clipless pedals and appropriate tires.

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 6:00 PM

Start : YMWCA Kortwright Rd

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

Click for Map

Session #4 Details: 

  • Ride as a group to the start of gravel & single track sectors. 
  • Ride gravel sectors at “effort” 
  • Ride single track for “efficiency” 
  • Start effort AFTER turning onto sector. 
  • Regroup at the end of gravel and single track sectors. 

Sectors:

  1. Gravel – Southbound on Side Road 12
  2. Single Track – Southbound through little tract
  3. Gravel – Northbound on Side Road 12
  4. Gravel – Southbound on Side Road 10
  5. Single Track – Northbound through little tract
  6. Gravel – Northbound on Pioneer Trail
  7. Single Track – Northbound on Crane Park Trail

Bringing lights is always a good idea.

Route: Riders will follow this map:

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

Sunday Gravel: P2A Prep

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Sunday Gravel Ride | April 21 11:00AM

*NOTE CHANGE TO G3 ROUTE*

I know a lot of GCC members are signed up to participate at the annual Paris to Ancaster (P2A) race next weekend. I also know some have been training hard for months, and some have just recently topped up their tires. Either way, this week’s gravel session offers a taste of what you can expect from yourself at the big race. There is a 106km route for G1, a 73km route for G2 and G3, and a 45km route for G4. Prepare for a non-stop ride by bringing sufficient hydration and nutrition, and be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. I promise my future ride leads will have coffee and snack stops again 😉

Be sure to check back here before Sunday morning for any updates.

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

Disclaimer: Depending on rider turn out, some Speed Groups may have to be combined.

The Speed Groups on this ride are:

CatNameAverage Speed
G1Fast26+ kph
G2Advanced24-26 kph
G3Intermediate22-24 kph
G4Relaxed19-22 kph

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.

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 11:00 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: All Speed Groups will follow this map:

CANCELLED! Wednesday Coached Gravel Session #3 | April 17th 6:00PM

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Sorry folks, 5 degrees with more rain at 7pm is just a bit too much. We’ll try again next week.

Welcome to another ride in a series of coached Gravel training sessions for GCC!

Coached cycling sessions are instructed by qualified coaches and experienced athletes. The sessions are available exclusively for GCC members.

Series Focus: These sessions are intended to prepare GCC members for P2A and upcoming gravel rides & events. The purpose of these sessions is to improve gravel riding skill and fitness.

Target Riders: Gravel Speed Groups G1 & G2.

Required Equipment: Gravel specific bike setup with drop bars, clipless pedals and appropriate tires.

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 6:00 PM

Start : G2G Trail Trailhead (Wellington Rd 39)

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

Click for Map

Session #3 Details: 

  • Ride as a group to the start of gravel sectors
  • Ride gravel sectors at “effort”
  • Start AFTER turning onto gravel sector
  • Regroup at the end of gravel sectors
  • Stop at all STOP signs

Sectors:

  1. 7km (10-17km) Start SB on Halm Rd. End at Maryhill Rd x Zuber Rd. 
  2. 5km (19-24km) Start NB on Wellis Rd. End at Side Rd 12 x Eighth Line E
  3. 4km (25.5-29.5km) Start NB on Side Rd 14. End at Side Rd 16 x Eighth Line E

Bringing lights is always a good idea.

Route: Riders will follow this map:

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

Sunday Gravel Ride | April 14, 11:00 AM

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Weather Update Sunday at 8:30 AM: Ride is on! The sun is shining! Temps reasonable and only getting warmer. Free skunk stripes for everyone without a fender! P2A is coming!!

Route has been slightly adjusted as of 7PM Saturday evening.

Welcome to the very first Sunday Gravel ride for 2024!

As always, we’ll start the year with slightly shorter routes and keep building as the season progresses, as does our fitness. We’re heading north. Interestingly, this very weekend last year there was still snow on the rail trails north of Guelph, what a difference from last year. This should be a good route for those preparing for P2A. Bring money for a coffee stop in Elora.

We have added a G4 group this year, if you found G3 a bit fast for you last year G4 might be for you!

Tail lights are a good idea. Load the route on your bike computer if you have one, here’s how.

Disclaimer: Depending on rider turn out, some Speed Groups may have to be combined.

The Speed Groups on this ride are:

CatNameAverage Speed
G1Fast26+ kph
G2Advanced  24-26 kph
G3Intermediate 22-24 kph
G4Relaxed 19-22 kph

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.

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 11:00 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: All Speed Groups will follow this map:

Wednesday Coached Gravel Session #2 | April 10th 6:00PM

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Take 2!

Welcome to the first in a series of coached Gravel training sessions for GCC!

Coached cycling sessions are instructed by qualified coaches and experienced athletes. The sessions are available exclusively for GCC members.

Series Focus: These sessions are intended to prepare GCC members for P2A and upcoming gravel rides & events. The purpose of these sessions is to improve gravel riding skill and fitness.

Target Riders: Gravel Speed Groups G1 & G2.

Required Equipment: Gravel specific bike setup with drop bars, clipless pedals and appropriate tires.

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 6:00 PM

Start : Calvary Baptist Church at Arkell and Carter Rds

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

Click for Map

Session #2 Details: 

  • Ride as a group to “Turf Grass Hill”, regroup. 
  • Repeats (~30 min total) = Hard up, easy down, regroup between.
  • Different start procedures: mass start, staggered start, etc.

Bringing lights is always a good idea.

Route: Riders will follow this map:

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

CANCELLED: Wednesday Coached Gravel Session #1 | April 3rd 6:00PM

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Calling this one early so you can make other riding arrangements. Strong winds, heavy rain and quickly dropping evening temps is not the experience (most of us) were hoping for. We’ll pick this session up next week. See you there!

Welcome to the first in a series of coached Gravel training sessions for GCC!

Coached cycling sessions are instructed by qualified coaches and experienced athletes. The sessions are available exclusively for GCC members.

Series Focus: These sessions are intended to prepare GCC members for P2A and upcoming gravel rides & events. The purpose of these sessions is to improve gravel riding skill and fitness.

Target Riders: Gravel Speed Groups G1 & G2.

Required Equipment: Gravel specific bike setup with drop bars, clipless pedals and appropriate tires.

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 6:00 PM

Start : Calvary Baptist Church at Arkell and Carter Rds

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

Click for Map

Session #1 Details: 

  • Ride as a group to “Turn Grass Hill”, regroup. 
  • Repeats (~30 min total) = Hard up, easy down, regroup between.
  • Different start procedures: mass start, stager start, etc.

Bringing lights is always a good idea.

Route: Riders will follow this map:

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

Sunday Gravel Ride | November 5 11:00 AM (Standard time!)

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Update: We are starting at 11:00 AM.

We haven’t been down to the lovely Hilton Falls trails for awhile, so here’s a bit of an out-back to get there. Trying to keep the distance reasonable, as although it’s going to be a relatively nice day for November, as many of you know, I am a fair weather cyclist.

I’m hoping, but not guaranteeing, that we can stay dry on the hydro line; we’ll figure it out when we get there! We’ll stop in Campbellville on the way back for a hot drink, so bring some money or plastic. Tail lights are a good idea.

Don’t forget to move your clocks back by an hour before you head to bed Saturday or you’ll be an hour early to the start!

Load the route on your bike computer if you have one, 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        25-28   kph average

Intermediate     G2       23-25   kph average

Relaxed     G3       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 11:00 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: All Speed Groups will follow this map:

Sunday Gravel Ride | Oct 22nd 11:00 AM

Update #2: I have posted the new shorter (50k) and more sheltered route. We will be doing quite a bit of in-town trails again, but I’ve tried to make some changes and add some new stuff from last week’s ride.

With much disappointment, we have cancelled the planned BGR#2 up in Beaver Valley. It’s just too cold. However, it’s a couple degrees warmer in Guelph, getting all the way up to 8C! (maybe), so is anybody crazy enough to go for a ride? Our scheduled ride leader is buggering off to race CX, so what better way to celebrate ones 69th birthday than to lead a really cold ride?

Load the route on your bike computer if you have one, 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        25-28   kph average

Intermediate     G2       23-25   kph average

Relaxed     G3       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 11:00 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: All Speed Groups will follow this map:

Sunday Gravel Ride | Sept 24th 9:00AM

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It’s looking like a cool morning, so we’ll start at 9 to let it warm up a bit. We’ll be hitting all the favourites south of Guelph, and for the first time this year we go through Valens. There will be a coffee stop at the Danish Place, bring some money for that. Tail lights are always a good idea.

Load the route on your bike computer if you have one, 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        25-28   kph average

Intermediate     G2       23-25   kph average

Relaxed     G3       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 9:00 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: All Speed Groups will follow this map:

SATURDAY Gravel Ride | Sept 9, 9 AM & 10:00 AM

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This is a special Saturday remote start in Belwood (no gravel ride this Sunday – BIGMTB) supporting the Water Cycles Bikes and Blues Festival.  G2/3 will start at 9:00 AM and G1 at 10:00 AM. Please email Meg if you need a ride or have room for other people and/or bikes.  If you wish to ride directly from Guelph, also please email Meg; we will coordinate departures and give you a route that connects you to the ride.

The ride starts from the Belwood baseball field and weaves through Grand Valley and around the Luther Marsh (avoiding the current hunting closures) before returning to Belwood.

There is a coffee stop at Landmark Gardens  (~67km) for bevies and some of the best cookie and light snack options in the Grand Valley.

A benefit concert at the Skol House in Belwood follows the ride, featuring blues music, beer garden, BBQ, and kid’s activities, benefiting the Waterloo-Wellington Children’s Groundwater Festival which serves thousands of students in the Upper Grand school district annually. Water Cycles Expeditions uses adventurous bike tours and events to reconnect people and water through cycling. The festival celebrates the end of the “summer of water cycling” which has included locally led rides and tours from Kansas to Kenya across a global network of community hubs. Check out the highlight reel for this event and some recent coverage on CBC and the LA Times. Tickets to the benefit concert are available at a discount for GCC members with a promo code GCC2023 at the Water Cycles website.

The Speed Groups on this ride are:

Advanced            G1        25-28   kph average

Intermediate     G2       23-25   kph average

Relaxed     G3       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 (G2/3) 9:00 AM & (G1) 10:00 AM

Start Location: Belwood Baseball Diamond, 4 Smith Street, Belwood

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

Route: All Speed Groups will follow this map:

Sunday Gravel Ride ERIN | September 01 9:00AM

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Another remote start! It’s only a short drive to ride some awesome, and rather hilly gravel roads. Meet at the back parking lot (near the tennis courts) behind Center 2000 in Erin for a 9-am start. The route is a bit shorter than typical, but don’t be fooled, it’s to compensate for the elevation gains. And, if you’ve never summited “The Grange” before, you owe it to yourself to use your prime summertime fitness to challenge yourself on one of Southern Ontario’s most feared/revered gravel climbs. Plus there’s a decent coffee/treats stop – right beside the trail – at exactly the halfway point in Inglewood. Since this is an “away” ride, carpooling can be arranged amongst yourselves or you can contact Meg and she’ll help you out. Also, if you are planning on driving and have room, please let her know if you are willing to take others.

Bring money for a coffee stop. Tail lights are a good idea.

Load the route on your bike computer if you have one, 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        25-28   kph average

Intermediate     G2       23-25   kph average

Relaxed     G3       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 9:00 AM

Start Location: Back parking lot, near tennis courts of Center 2000 in Erin

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

Here’s the start location. Click the image below for directions to the start.

Route: All Speed Groups will follow this map:

Sunday Gravel Ride | Aug 27th 9:00 AM

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Saturday night has an overnight low of 7 degrees – chilly willy! We will be starting at 9 am to give the morning an extra hour to warm up for us.

On this route, we are mashing together a few old favourites with a coffee stop in Elora. Bring money for that. Tail lights are a good idea too.

Load the route on your bike computer if you have one, 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        25-28   kph average

Intermediate     G2       23-25   kph average

Relaxed     G3       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 9:00 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: All Speed Groups will follow this map: