Tag: Rides

Thursday Intermediate Road Ride | June 26th 6:30PM

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The forecast for Thursday evening, is mainly sunny with the temperature in the high teens, and the wind out of the North. So we’ll head out to see how the corn is growing “up north”, getting to enjoy the wind on the way home, along with some Canadian pavés. The ride will officially end at corner of Conservation and Victoria. While the sunset isn’t until 9:00pm, bringing lights is 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 Intermediate Speed Groups

Ride NameSpeed GroupAvg SpeedGroup Name
INT AR628-30Moderate
INT BR726-28Social
INT CR824-26Relaxed

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 6:30 PM

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 Intermediate A & B Speed Groups (R6 & R7) will follow this map:

Route: The Intermediate C Speed Group (R8) will follow this map:

Sunday Road Tours | May 26 8:00AM

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Looks like all the wet will be wrung out of the clouds today for a dry ride tomorrow. We’re heading West, Elmira way. Bring money for a coffee stop at Local Renaissance (opens at 10AM). Tail lights are always a good idea.

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

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.

Ride groups will be:

NameDistanceAverage Speed
Grand TourLonger Ride29-31 kph
Tour AMedium Length Ride29-31 kph
Tour BMedium Length Ride27-29 kph

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: 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

Sunday Road Tours | April 14 11:00am

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CANCELLED

With on again, off again rain this morning I am cancelling the ride. The weather looks like it may clear up this afternoon so, if it does, I hope you get out for a ride.

Hopefully this Sunday will be a great day for riding. There is a chance of rain in the forecast, so check back here for weather cancellations. Sunday’s routes will head eastwards along 22, with a cafe stop at Holtom’s bakery in Erin. At this point the Tour groups will loop back home but the Grand Tour will head on to Inglewood and the Badlands climb before the return trip to FlowState.

Bring money for a coffee stop and tail lights are a good idea.

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

The format for our Sunday Road Tours will be a little different this year: 1 meet-up time, 3 separate ride groups, leaving at intervals, a Ride Leader or Group Captain with each group.

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.


Ride groups will be:

NameDistanceAverage Speed
Grand TourLonger Ride29-31 kph
Tour AMedium Length Ride29-31 kph
Tour BMedium Length Ride27-29 kph

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: 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

Sunday Road Tours | October 15, 10AM

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Autumn has certainly arrived. With cooler temperatures and darker mornings I’ve opted for a later start. This weekend we will tackle the Kelso escarpment. Once up the east side on Steeles Ave and then, after a loop through Campbellville, Kilbride and the Bronte Creek valley under the eye of Mount Nemo, up the newly paved Appleby Line. Should be a lot of type two fun!

I haven’t posted a Tour route however there are a number of escape route options should you want a little less of the “fun” 😉

Bring money for a coffee stop or two and tail lights are a good idea.

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

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 Grand Tour Longer Distance Ride will be following the map below

Thursday Intermediate Road Ride | Aug 31st 6:00PM

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The shadows grow long; The corn is sweet and the smell of apples is strong; Alas this is our last one.

This is the last official Thursday night ride (where has the summer gone…) and since I got lucky with a nice route to the southwest earlier this month – I’m going to use it again. To keep us off busier roads there is a short gravel section for the R6 & 7 route.

Bringing lights is a good idea, especially since sunset will be at 7:58pm 🙁

The is still one more TAM (Tuesday) ride followed by a social next week, and the Sunday rides continue into the autumn.

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 Intermediate Speed Groups

Ride NameSpeed GroupAvg SpeedGroup Name
INT AR628-30Moderate
INT BR726-28Social
INT CR824-26Relaxed

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: East End Library at Starwood and Watson

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

Route: The Intermediate A & B Speed Groups (R6 & R7) will follow this map:

Route: The Intermediate C Speed Group (R8) will follow this map:

Sunday Road Tours | July 23 8 AM

All my scheduled ride leads have been rained out this year so I’ve yet to wear my fancy new red jersey but Sunday’s looking pretty good, at least for now. If the weather turns dodgy, I’ll make a call by 7 a.m. but let’s stay optimistic.

This route reverses one of my favourites through Rockwood and Everton and I’m excited to be descending into Everton instead of making the infernal climb out of it. Those interested in a shorter route can head home at any point along the pass over the north part of the city or when we make the stop in Maryhill at about 80km. There is a little section of gravel down to Mosborough but we’ll manage.

Bring money for a coffee stop and tail lights are a good idea. Load the route on your bike computer if you have one, here’s how.

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 8:00 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

CANCELLED Thursday Intermediate Road Ride | July 6th 6:30PM

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Cancelling ride, there are thunderstorms popping up in the area, and its not safe to get caught out in one. There is also an intense line heading our way for later in the evening too. Take care if you decide to venture out, or rest up – the weather for the next four days is looking awesome (I’m not having much luck with planning rides north and rain…).

Going to try a slightly different route up to the northwest. We will still see if anyone has any loose nuts by Ponsonby Ball Diamonds, but then come down 6th Line and take a little different route into Maryhill. There is a short gravel section before we cross Hwy 7, but the other week it was smoother than some of the paved roads. Its going be hot and humid, so hydrate. Also they are forecasting thunderstorms, so check back here in case we need to cancel.

Construction Notice: There is construction just south of the library on Watson. Watson Pky North is closed between York and Starwood (see https://guelph.ca/2023/06/watson-parkway-north-closure/).


We have have lots of daylight, but it is at the top end of our distance, so bringing lights is 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 Intermediate Speed Groups

Ride NameSpeed GroupAvg SpeedGroup Name
INT AR628-30Moderate
INT BR726-28Social
INT CR824-26Relaxed

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 6:30 PM

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 Intermediate A & B Speed Groups (R6 & R7) will follow this map:

Route: The Intermediate C Speed Group (R8) will follow this map:

Sunday Road Tours | June 18, 8:00am

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Why can’t a bicycle stand up on its own? Because its two tired!

When is a bicycle not a bicycle? When it turns into a driveway.

Come join me this Sunday for a ride to celebrate Father’s Day. It’s looking like we will have great weather for a tour to Kitchener’s Woodfire Cafe on Lancaster St. Both the long and short groups will stick together until after the cafe stop and will split up on the return ride to Guelph where we will all finish up at Fixed Gear Brewery.

Bring money for a coffee stop (and beer!) and tail lights are a good idea.

Oh, one more question. If I ride my bike twice in one day, is that recycling?

There is a new route map due to a road closure in Bloomingdale. Load the route on your bike computer if you have one, here’s how.

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 8:00 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

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CANCELLED: Thursday Intermediate Road Ride | June 15 6:30PM

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The official club ride is cancelled.

It was looking good there for a little bit the is afternoon. But now there is sporadic rain in the area, and a line coming ashore from Lake Huron that the weather radar is showing to move through the area during ride time. May not be a drenching rain, but with the temperature in the low teens -likely not very comfortable. Take care if you do decide to venture out.

Thought a little jaunt to the northwest through Ariss and Maryhill would be a nice change of scenery. Hopefully the smoke, rain and thunder gods will all smile on us, but it is looking dicey at the moment. Final call will be posted by 5:30pm on Thursday.

Bringing lights is 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 Intermediate Speed Groups

Ride NameSpeed GroupAvg SpeedGroup Name
INT AR628-30Moderate
INT BR726-28Social
INT CR824-26Relaxed

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 6:30 PM

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 Intermediate A & B Speed Groups (R6 & R7) will follow this map:

Route: The Intermediate C Speed Group (R8) will follow this map:

CANCELLED: Sunday Road Tours | June 11 8:00AM

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UPDATE 7:15 AM CANCELLED: This is a tough one because the forecast says a 30 per cent chance of rain but the radar looks ominous. However, I always think it’s better to be cautious when it comes to club rides so I’m cancelling. Those that are still interested in a ride are welcome to go on their own.

I have yet to wear my fancy new red GCC ride leader jersey, so I’m stoked for this ride.

I’m also keen to try my Sunday route building approach, which is to have everyone complete the “Tour Medium” section of the route, then have those interested in adding some more kilometres continue on. I will (likely) be doing the shorter version of the route.

The route will take us North through Oustic, then onto the “three sisters” climbs of Sideroad 22 before making the turn into Erin and a stop at Holtem’s Bakery, purveyors of treats both sweet and savoury. We’ll cruise home along Wellington County Road 50 before tackling the climb out of Eden Mills back into Arkell.

For those interested in doing more, the extended remix adds another 37km or so down to Campbellville Road and back. I will assign a Road Captain to provide guidance for this group but it’s likely a good idea to load the route on your bike computer if you have one, here’s how.

See you on Sunday: I’ll be the guy with the white beard, red shirt and jolly disposition… hey, wait a second…

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 8:00 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

Sunday Road Tours | May 14, 9:00AM

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Dear mom,

Roses are red, violets are blue, I’m going for a ride, to celebrate you.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Sunday is shaping up to be a lovely day with low wind, a mix of sun and cloud and no precipitation. Seems like a perfect morning for a ride. Join us for a jaunt to Kitchener’s Woodfire Cafe, via Fergus, Elora and the covered bridge, before returning to Guelph and finishing up at Fixed Gear, where you can choose to raise a glass of craft brew to toast your mom!

Bring money for the coffee stop, and beer stop 😉 and tail lights are a good idea.

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

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 9:00 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

Sunday Gravel Ride | May 7, 9:00am

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UPDATE: We have a new route due to the forecast. The weather system is moving in from the west and looking daunting, but exact timing is uncertain. We will employ the ‘Red October’ protocol of riding toward it, meeting it head on. This allows us to retreat in the dry when necessary. We might get the whole ride in, maybe only 10K. But we won’t know unless we try.

The planned Cafe stop will now be in Elmira.

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 Groups will follow this map:

Thursday Intermediate Road Ride | April 27th 6:00PM

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Fingers crossed that we will see sun and double digits. If you have been thinking about coming out for a Thursday ride – this is the night for you! Picked some shorter routes, to make sure there are no issues in getting home. Bringing lights is 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 Intermediate Speed Groups

Ride NameSpeed GroupAvg SpeedGroup Name
INT AR628-30Moderate
INT BR726-28Social
INT CR824-26Relaxed

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: East End Library at Starwood and Watson

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

Route: The Intermediate A & B Speed Groups (R6 & R7) will follow this map:

Route: The Intermediate C Speed Group (R8) will follow this map:

CANCELLED: Sunday Longer Faster Road Ride | Sunday, September 25th – 9 AM

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TOO COLD AND WET for me. May see you in the virtual world today. Please note the start time is 9:00 a.m. No / No-go call will be made by 8:00 am as the weather is not looking all that good tomorrow. We will be heading down toward Carlisle and cutting across to the west before coming back up through Hespeler. There are various options for people to make this route shorter. Bring money for a coffee stop and tail lights are a good idea.

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

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 9:00 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 Longer Faster Sunday Ride will be following the map below

Sunday Gravel Ride | Sept 11 8:00am

Once again, we’re heading out to the copious amount of gravel roads NE of Guelph and making our way into Hillsburgh. Its going to be a spectacular day, so make sure you sunscreen up and bring lots of water. According to RWGPS, this route is 2/3 gravel, which is a good thing, since this is a gravel ride. We’ll make a stop in Hillsburgh to refuel. Bring money for snacks and as always, 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        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:

Sunday Medium & Moderate Road Ride | July 31st 8:00AM

Butter Tarts! Now that I have your attention, Sunday morning rides north to Belwood for butter tarts is a mid summer must do. The weather looks like it’ll be a perfect morning for a ride north. We’ll ride at the posted pace but ensure we regroup often if needed. Bring plenty of fluids and money for the butter tart stop. Tail lights are a good idea for visibility.

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

Speed will be between 27-30 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: East End Library at Starwood and Watson

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

Route: The Medium Moderate Sunday Ride will be following the map below