After the success of last weekends Grey County Road Race, we have another jammed packed weekend of cycling coming to our area. The weather this weekend looks great for Friday and Saturday, but with the shift in winds to the north east, we will see a bit of rain on Sunday from noon on. If you are planning any long rides this weekend, you may want to get them in on Saturday while the suns out and the roads are dry.
The Hero Ride - 5 Year Anniversary
This weekend marks the 5th anniversary of the “Hero Ride”. I’ve had the pleasure of participating in this event twice over its life time, and I must say, it truly is an experience like no other in Ontario. The Hero Ride team has managed to create a very niche, all inclusive, red carpet experience that always leaves its participants with a huge smiles, even after suffering along its 250 km, 2 day course. The event supports the work of the Bridgepoint Health Foundation and SickKids in Toronto. Riders leave the Kingbridge Centre on Saturday morning and ride to the Westin Trillium house at Blue Mountain where they’re provided dinner and entertainment for the evening. On Sunday morning they head south and return back to Toronto. The event is worth checking out - bonus- there is still time to donate, more information can be found here : http://theheroride.com
CCC / Pedal Pushers Youth Mountain Bike Program
For a few years now the Collingwood Cycling Club (CCC) has been involved in the youth mountain biking clinics out at Highlands Nordic in Duntroon. Last year, Pedal Pushers paired up with the CCC and build on the already proven Trail Blazers program. In 2015, 40 youth from the Collingwood area participated in the 10 week program, it was a huge success. This year the program exploded with over 60 kids registering. Every Monday evening you can find kids of all different ages and abilities learning cycling and mountain biking skills in a safe environment with the extremely qualified Pedal Pushers coaching staff. The program runs from May through to the end of June. Its amazing watching the kids learn proper cycling skills at such an early age, I'm very jealous that I didn’t have a chance to do something like this when I was just a wee lad. Registration for this program starts in February at the same time as registration for the CCC. For more information you can contact Noelle at Pedal Pushers or watch the Collingwood Cycling Club Website next winter for registration info. Cost: Early Bird rate $100 (includes $50 jersey), $130 after deadline.
Upcoming Pedal Pushers Co-Ed Adult Mountain Bike Skills Clinic - 6 Hours of Gibraltar Course
- Thursday June 23rd-6-8PM
- Thursday June 30th-6-8PM
- Price: $60.00 per clinic, $120 for both dates
- Location: 6 Hours of Gibraltar Course-Private Estate (address will be sent out 2 days prior to clinic)
- Learn to race, learn to ride-All levels welcome
Not sure if you're fitness level is up for the challenge? While mountain biking does require a certain level fitness from riders, we have a full range of lessons that cater towards riders of all abilities. Many of our lessons run at multiple levels, allowing you participate in a group that suits you best.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to ride on purpose built trails in a private estate setting. Trails are suitable for all levels of cyclists.
For more information and to register check out : http://pedal-pushers.ca
Where to ride this weekend?
Commit your long ride this weekend to Saturday morning. With all the lilacs out in full bloom right now, its a great time to take advantage of the Georgian Trail system. Jump on your urban bike or cross bike and head to Thornbury or Meaford for lunch. McGinty’s on main street in Meaford is a great place to stop for an amazing custom made sandwich and some great pastries. Round trip on the trail (totally traffic and car free) from Collingwood to Meaford is 70km. If you are looking for a decent road ride, I'd personally take advantage of heading into the Beaver Valley, climbing Bowles Hill, Epping or up to Eugenia and having a break at the Emporium in Eugenia or the Kimberley General Store. Just keep in mind that the winds will be shifting this weekend to the north east, so you may be facing a bit of a head wind on the way back…if thats the case, just make sure you return from the Beaver Valley via Grey Road 31-Grey 2-Grey 19, its the most sheltered route. Looking for a particular route, message me and I’ll see what I can put together for you.
Growling Beaver Brevet
Registration is now open at for this years Growling Beaver Brevet at www.growlingbeaver.comThe event is a "gravel grinder" ride that has distances of 40km, 100km and 200km. With Side Launch Brewing Company as home base for this event, you don't want to miss out!
The GBB is a fundraising event for cyclists by cyclists. The principal aim is to raise money for the Davis Phinney Foundation and their Canadian partner, ParkinGO, to help people with Parkinson's Disease to "live well today." We run our event to shower our supporters, you the fundraising riders, with affection, food -- and beer. It's the least we can do for how you've helped us. This event is already 50% sold, so register early if you plan to raise money and ride.
Have a great weekend of riding, hope to see you out there!
