Tag: Thursday

CANCELLED – Thursday Intermediate Road Ride | August 17 6:00 PM

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RIDE CANCELLED due to low sign up numbers and an ominous weather radar. See you next time!

Welcome to the Tour de Fresh Pavement! Astute women may recognize much of this route from last week’s ride but, don’t worry, we will be riding it the opposite direction. Don’t forget about our new earlier start time; the days are getting shorter which means bringing lights is an especially 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:

Thursday Intermediate Road Ride | August 3rd 6:30PM

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Lets go explore the roads to the southwest of town – a mostly flat route, with only two climbs of note. Going out down Watson, then west along Maltby. Take care as we cross the Hanlon (Hwy 6). To keep us off the busy roads, for the R6/7 groups there is 2km stretch of gravel along part of 10th Sideroad. Coming back into town on Laird and Clair Road.

There was a problem with the R6 signup page, don’t worry we’ll figure it out the groups in the parking lot.

The days are already getting notably shorter, 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:

Thursday Advanced Road Ride | July 27 6:30PM

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Lets try these routes again this week since last week was a wash. We’ll head west towards Hespeler with one block of gravel for the B, C & D groups, across to Watson, and finish in Arkel. Right now the weather is looking pretty good but it will be hot and humid. 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 Advanced Speed Groups

Ride GroupSpeed GroupAvg SpeedGroup Name
ADV AR1 & R236+Hammerfest
ADV BR334-36Faster
ADV CR432-34Very Fast
ADV DR530-32Fast

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 Advanced A Speed Group (R1 & R2) will follow this map:

Route:  The Advanced B, C & D Speed Groups (R3, R4 & R5) will follow this map:

Thursday Advanced Road Ride | July 13 6:30PM

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This week’s rides will follow similar routes to last week’s cancelled ride. I chose last week’s courses mainly because I did what all good bike riders should do and limited my effort to the barest minimum required to achieve the goal of creating the needed courses, and also because there’s a chance again the weather gods may intervene. But hopefully the ride will go ahead and check back at 5:30PM 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 Advanced Speed Groups

Ride GroupSpeed GroupAvg SpeedGroup Name
ADV AR1 & R236+Hammerfest
ADV BR334-36Faster
ADV CR432-34Very Fast
ADV DR530-32Fast

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 Advanced A Speed Group (R1 & R2) will follow this map:

Route:  The Advanced B, C & D Speed Groups (R3, R4 & R5) will follow this map:

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:

Thursday Speedway Coached Session | June 29th 6:00PM

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Air Quality: The ride will be cancelled if the AQHI reaches 7 or higher.

Speedway sessions are in full swing! This week we’re returning to intervals on the oval. See below for more details.

We ride on a closed circuit (no cars!) at the Flamboro Speedway that features a 500m oval and a technical course.

Upon arrival, enter through the ticket gates and drive up the pit road. Park near the picnic tables & canteen. There are washrooms available. 

This coached session is intended for R1, R2, R3 & R4 Speed Groups.

Please see the GCC speed categories for more info.

Come Try it out! Riders are invited to try one Speedway session before subscribing. Advanced sign-up (see below) is required. 

This is a ‘fee for service’ coached session. Check out the details here.

GCC members only. To become a member join HERE

Advance sign-up required. Reserve your spot by clicking HERE

Start Time: please be onsite & ready to pedal at 6:00 PM

Start Location: Flamboro Speedway 873 5th Concession Rd W, Milgrove, ON

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

Schedule:

6:00PM – Intro & Track Etiquette, Paceline Riding (Session 1)

Enter the track and join us at the Staging Area. We will do a quick familiarization and discuss track riding etiquette. Then break into groups and ride the oval. 

Mandatory: On your first visit to the Speedway you must attend the intro & track etiquette at 6:00PM so you are familiar with the layout and expectations for riding the track. 

6:30PM – Intervals (Session 2)

We will pause the paceline riding and reorganize at the Staging Area. Then break into new groups and ride intervals on the oval. 

7:15PM – Intervals (Session 3)

Meet at the Staging Area. This week we are keeping it simple with a series of short, intense intervals. Pending numbers, we will create suitable matchups based on rider abilities. Intervals will be dynamic and test riders’ fitness and tactical acuity.

Entering & Exiting the Track:

Enter the track at turn 4. Always come to a complete stop and confirm the track is clear before entering. Cross the oval to access the kart track and stop at the “Staging Area” (“S” on the map below). 

Exit the track at turn 2. When the track is clear, from the inside of the oval cross the track and exit. While riding the oval you may also move to the far outside of the oval and exit. 

Click Image below for directions.

Thursday Intermediate Road Ride | June 28th 6:30PM

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We’ll go wheeee all the way (up then) down Watson before heading west and hitting all the lovely new(ish) pavement on Conc Rd 7, Conc 2, Ellis Rd and Conc Rd 4. This is my atonement for the cobblestones I took us on last week!

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:

Thursday Speedway Coached Session | June 22nd 6:00PM

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Take 2: This week we’re taking our skill development to the next level with a Grand Prix-style session at the Speedway. This kart track session will feature “Practice”, “Qualifying” and “Finals” to test your skill and speed. See below for more info.

As always…

We ride on a closed circuit (no cars!) at the Flamboro Speedway that features a 500m oval and a technical course.

Upon arrival, enter through the ticket gates and drive up the pit road. Park near the picnic tables & canteen. There are washrooms available. 

This coached session is intended for R1, R2, R3 & R4 Speed Groups.

Please see the GCC speed categories for more info.

Come Try it out! Riders are invited to try one Speedway session before subscribing. Advanced sign-up (see below) is required. 

This is a ‘fee for service’ coached session. Check out the details here.

GCC members only. To become a member join HERE

Advance sign-up required. Reserve your spot by clicking HERE

Start Time: please be onsite & ready to pedal at 6:00 PM

Start Location: Flamboro Speedway 873 5th Concession Rd W, Milgrove, ON

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

Schedule:

6:00PM – Intro & Track Etiquette, Paceline Riding (Session 1)

Enter the track and join us at the Staging Area. We will do a quick familiarization and discuss track riding etiquette. Then break into groups and ride the oval. 

Mandatory: On your first visit to the Speedway you must attend the intro & track etiquette at 6:00PM so you are familiar with the layout and expectations for riding the track. 

6:30PM – Intervals (Session 2)

We will pause the paceline riding and reorganize at the Staging Area. Then break into new groups and ride intervals on the oval. 

7:00PM – Grand Prix (Session 3)

Meet at the Staging Area. We’ll move to the kart track for a skill building session. Building on our previous sessions, this week we’ll focus on cornering at speed to complete your fastest solo lap. Then at the completion of “qualifying” we’ll pair up and go head to head on the kart track.

Entering & Exiting the Track:

Enter the track at turn 4. Always come to a complete stop and confirm the track is clear before entering. Cross the oval to access the kart track and stop at the “Staging Area” (“S” on the map below). 

Exit the track at turn 2. When the track is clear, from the inside of the oval cross the track and exit. While riding the oval you may also move to the far outside of the oval and exit. 

Click Image below for directions.

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:

Thursday Intermediate Road Ride | June 8 6:30PM

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*RIDE IS ON. Radar looks clear for the time being and the clouds kept the smoke away.*

The days are pretty long right now but bringing blinky lights is 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 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:

Thursday Advanced Road Ride | June 8 6:30PM

RIDE IS ON!!! Not nearly as smoky as they were forecasting and any rain is nowhere near us. See you at the library!

We’ve done a lot of rides to the southeast lately, so we’re going to change it up a bit and head towards Hespeler. Yes, we’re starting out heading southeast, but we’ll veer west once we get south of the 401. We’ll thread our way through Hespeler before hitting Chilligo Road (my favourite) and back into town via Speedvale. Bringing lights is always a good idea.

NOTE: Due to a bridge closure on the original route, the routes have been slightly modified and will now go up Concession 7 and across Gravel Pit Alley. Make sure to download the latest version (updated as of 3:20pm Thursday).

FAST RIDERS WANTED!! Feel frisky? Want to put the hammer down? The fine folks in R1 & R2 want to meet you! Not ready for R1 & R2… then please keep a steady, cohesive pace without surging. R1 & R2 = race tactics, surging. Sub-R2 = no race tactics, no surging. If someone in your sub-R2 group is surging, don’t chase them, let them keep going until they catch R1 & R2. So remember: Don’t chase, keep a steady pace!

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 Advanced Speed Groups

Ride GroupSpeed GroupAvg SpeedGroup Name
ADV AR1 & R236+Hammerfest
ADV BR334-36Faster
ADV CR432-34Very Fast
ADV DR530-32Fast

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 Advanced A Speed Group (R1 & R2) will follow this map:

Route:  The Advanced B & C Speed Groups (R3, R4 & R5) will follow this map:

Thursday Intermediate Road Ride | June 1st, 6:30 PM

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A beautiful June evening, quiet roads and good company… it doesn’t get any better than this. It’ll be a warm one, so please bring plenty of fluids.

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:

Thursday Speedway Coached Session | June 1st 6:00PM

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Join us for “Pursuit Night” at the Flamboro Speedway!

Riders can test their fitness in a solo effort against the clock. This session will be repeated later in the summer and is a great way to track your improvement in speed over the coming weeks. See below for full session details.

We ride on a closed circuit (no cars!) at the Flamboro Speedway that features a 500m oval and a technical course.

Upon arrival, enter through the ticket gates and drive up the pit road. Park near the picnic tables & canteen. There are washrooms available. 

This coached session is intended for R1, R2, R3 & R4 Speed Groups.

Please see the GCC speed categories for more info.

Come Try it out! Riders are invited to try one Speedway session before subscribing. Advanced sign-up (see below) is required. 

This is a ‘fee for service’ coached session. Check out the details here.

GCC members only. To become a member join HERE

Advance sign-up required. Reserve your spot by clicking HERE

Start Time: please be onsite & ready to pedal at 6:00 PM

Start Location: Flamboro Speedway 873 5th Concession Rd W, Milgrove, ON

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

Schedule:

6:00PM – Intro & Track Etiquette, Paceline Riding (Session 1)

Enter the track and join us at the Staging Area. We will do a quick familiarization and discuss track riding etiquette. Then break into groups and ride the oval. 

Mandatory: On your first visit to the Speedway you must attend the intro & track etiquette at 6:00PM so you are familiar with the layout and expectations for riding the track. 

6:30PM – Individual Pursuit (Session 2)

We will pause the paceline riding and organize at the Staging Area to begin the individual pursuit interval session.

2 riders at a time, starting on opposite sides of the track, will ride their best solo effort for 4 laps of the oval. Once all riders have completed their first interval we’ll shuffle the order and ride a second and final individual effort.

Solo efforts will take place in the outside lane of the oval. Road, TT and track bikes will be permitted for the solo effort.

Paceline riding will continue on the inside lane. Only Road bikes are permitted for paceline riding.

7:30PM – Team Pursuit (Session 3)

At the completion of the individual pursuit we will reorganize at the Staging Area. Teams of ~4 riders will be created to attempt their best effort for the distance.

Entering & Exiting the Track:

Enter the track at turn 4. Always come to a complete stop and confirm the track is clear before entering. Cross the oval to access the kart track and stop at the “Staging Area” (“S” on the map below). 

Exit the track at turn 2. When the track is clear, from the inside of the oval cross the track and exit. While riding the oval you may also move to the far outside of the oval and exit. 

Click Image below for directions.

Thursday Speedway Coached Session | May 25th 6:00PM

Join us for the third coached session of the year at the Flamboro Speedway.

We ride on a closed circuit (no cars!) that features a 500m oval and a technical course. Details for this week’s session are below.

Upon arrival, enter through the ticket gates and drive up the pit road. Park near the picnic tables & canteen. There are washrooms available. 

This coached session is intended for R1, R2, R3 & R4 Speed Groups.

Please see the GCC speed categories for more info.

Come Try it out! Riders are invited to try one Speedway session before subscribing. Advanced sign-up (see below) is required. 

This is a ‘fee for service’ coached session. Check out the details here.

GCC members only. To become a member join HERE

Advance sign-up required. Reserve your spot by clicking HERE

Start Time: please be onsite & ready to pedal at 6:00 PM

Start Location: Flamboro Speedway 873 5th Concession Rd W, Milgrove, ON

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

Schedule:

6:00PM – Intro & Track Etiquette, Paceline Riding (Session 1)

Enter the track and join us at the Staging Area. We will do a quick familiarization and discuss track riding etiquette. Then break into groups and ride the oval. 

Mandatory: On your first visit to the Speedway you must attend the intro & track etiquette at 6:00PM so you are familiar with the layout and expectations for riding the track. 

6:30PM – Paceline Riding, Intervals (Session 2)

We will pause the paceline riding and reorganize at the Staging Area. Then break into new groups and ride the oval. 

7:15PM – Technical (Session 3)

Meet at the Staging Area. We’ll move to the kart track for a skill building session. The emphasis is on cornering. We will progress to faster speeds based on ability.

Entering & Exiting the Track:

Enter the track at turn 4. Always come to a complete stop and confirm the track is clear before entering. Cross the oval to access the kart track and stop at the “Staging Area” (“S” on the map below). 

Exit the track at turn 2. When the track is clear, from the inside of the oval cross the track and exit. While riding the oval you may also move to the far outside of the oval and exit. 

Click Image below for directions.

Thursday Speedway Coached Session | May 11th 6:00PM

,

Second attempt at our first coached session of the year at the Flamboro Speedway! This time the weather looks fantastic!

We ride on a closed circuit (no cars!) at the Flamboro Speedway that features a 500m oval and a technical course.

Upon arrival, enter through the ticket gates and drive up the pit road. Park near the picnic tables & canteen. There are washrooms available. 

This coached session is intended for R1, R2, R3 & R4 Speed Groups.

Please see the GCC speed categories for more info.

This is a ‘fee for service’ coached session. Check out the details here.

GCC members only. To become a member join HERE

Advance sign-up required. Reserve your spot by clicking HERE

Start Time: please be onsite & ready to pedal at 6:00 PM

Start Location: Flamboro Speedway 873 5th Concession Rd W, Milgrove, ON

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

Schedule:

6:00PM – Intro & Track Etiquette, Paceline Riding (Session 1)

Enter the track and join us at the Staging Area. We will do a quick familiarization and discuss track riding etiquette. Then break into groups and ride the oval. 

6:30PM – Intro & Track Etiquette, Paceline Riding (Session 2)

Those arriving later, enter the track and join us at the Staging Area. We will pause the paceline riding and revisit the intro & track etiquette. Then break into new groups and ride the oval. 

Mandatory: You must attend the intro & track etiquette at 6:00 or 6:30PM so you are familiar with the layout and expectations for riding the track. 

7:00PM – Intervals

Meet at the Staging Area. This week we are keeping it simple with a series of short (~6 minutes), intense intervals. Pending numbers, we will create suitable matchups based on rider abilities. Intervals will be dynamic and test riders’ fitness and tactical acuity.

Entering & Exiting the Track:

Enter the track at turn 4. Always come to a complete stop and confirm the track is clear before entering. Cross the oval to access the kart track and stop at the “Staging Area” (“S” on the map below). 

Exit the track at turn 2. When the track is clear, from the inside of the oval cross the track and exit. While riding the oval you may also move to the far outside of the oval and exit. 

Click Image below for directions.

CANCELLED Thursday Intermediate Road Ride | May 4 6:00 pm

,

Darn – I thought we might get away with this one. But there’s still a fair bit of rain on the radar and plenty of water on the roads (I learned the fallout of riding in a group when the roads are wet at P2A). Hope to see you all on another ride soon.

At the time of writing, the weather forecast does not look promising. However, the weatherman can get it wrong every day and still keep the job, so I make no assumptions. The go or no go call will be made by 5 pm.

Days are getting longer but bringing blinky lights is always a good idea. Mark your calendars – rides will be starting half an hour later next week.

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: