Sunday Ride 25-08-17 Orleans
Note re ride leaders.
Please remember that this club runs on volunteers; if you're not already volunteering for something or other within the OBC, please make inquiries as to how you can help out, given whatever amount of time you have available.
Late in the Summer, we generally see numbers decline somewhat and this includes ride leaders. We are now having well-subscribed rides without a leader signed up. Consequently, riders are faced with a request from me to "step up" and be leader for the day.
To make this less "ominous", I encourage everyone to take a couple of hours to do a little self-study of the Ride Leader training material. To be clear, I'm not expecting riders with less experience to jump in, but there are more experienced riders out there who are capable. A review of the rider leader training material is actually worthwhile for every rider; there's some good info contained and likely some "oh, that's why they do that!" information as well.
So, I encourage all riders to have a look through what lurks under the EDUCATION menu item on the OBC website, particularly what is available at: https://ottawabicycleclub.ca/ride-leaders-training/
More speed options
There has been a call for speed ranges outside the norm. We'll experiment a little with this. Note that if riders are spread too thin in several tiny groups, it may make sense to combine some groups together on the day. So, sign up for what you prefer but be open to shifting if a critical mass of like-minded riders doesn't materialize.
Sunday Ride
Please note that you must be a current OBC member to participate in any events.
Description : Road Ride
Start Location : Orleans, Millennium Park
Start Time : 8:00 AM Departure - gather 7:30 -- 7:45
I think we'll keep you all on the Ontario side, this week, and save the Quebec hills for the September outing. As we get close to Fall (egads!) and the turning leaves, I may make schedule adjustments to attempt to get into the hills at peak colours. I didn't time it well last year.
We'll see what pleasing routes I can find for you this week.
*Group composition will depend on having a Ride Leader, and interest for specific Distance/Speed combinations, as determined by who shows up at the start point.
Available Rides
A (138 km, 502 m elevation gain)
A new route that only a very drunk crow would fly. You get as far as St. Isidore via Casselman; the latter being the best place for food. Check the RWGPS map for various toilet possibilities and other food locations, such as Bourget. I created two other routes to the same area but found subsequently that construction was blocking. Watch for those later this season or next year.
B (104 km, 449 m elevation gain)
Note the slight changes to the speed ranges. A new route to see lovely, downtown Casselman. Unfortunately, the interesting museum at the Casselman train station is only open M-F; the sole, lonely attendant is only to happy to offer guided tours. After an opening straightaway down Frank Kenney (don't get excited and burn youself out), you move onto more interesting country roads with many turns. Please review the route before departure day. Note locations of toilets and food. Primary food sources are the usual suspects in Casselman; food store in Bourget. Toilets in Casselman & Hammond (portapotty)
C (78 km, 393 m elevation gain)
C riders also get a new route, though not extending to unexplored territory. The only known, available comfort stop is in Hammond, where one can find a portapotty in the town park. Food is the grocery store in Bourget; do pack a sandwich or something.
D (58 km, 332 m elevation gain)
Everyone gets a new route, today. The D ride returns to the lovely Wilhaven Dr then, after descending an exciting hill, turns towards the rest stop in Hammond. Note the cafe-ish, multi-purpose business in Hammond is no longer a cafe. There ought to still be a portapotty in the park. There is also a place to sit. Sadly, no known place to buy a coffee on the route. Maybe do that at the end of the ride.