Touring Pace Rides

What is a touring pace ride?

For our purposes, a touring pace ride means a bike ride along a planned route with a pre-arranged starting point and time. Tour riding is an ideal option for beginners, or riders who are more interested in being in nature with a great bunch of people than in getting ready for this year’s race season.

We usually ride in groups, but some people by choice may end up finishing the ride alone due to current fitness levels or wanting to start with the group but finish at a different pace. For some rides there are rest stops en route, so refreshments are available.

We have two types of touring rides: Entry Level and Advanced Level

• Entry Level: 25-40 km in length at 18-22 km/hour on Sunday rides, shorter on Tuesday nights
• Advanced Level: 50-75 km in length at 20-25 km/hour on Sunday rides, shorter on Tuesday nights

Bikes

Since we ride at a moderate pace it is not necessary to have a high-end racing bike. A touring bike, mountain bike or a hybrid bike are all suitable for touring.

Rules of the Road

The basic rule is that nobody gets abandoned out on the road. Your ride leader will try to ensure that the pace is suitable for all. If some of the stronger riders want to go ahead, they can do that, and the leader will stay with the main ride. But this must be communicated to the others in the group. If a rider or a few riders are dropping off the back, the leader will initially slow the entire ride down, and also make sure that the group waits at the top of the hills. If the slower riders decide that they want to turn back they will be accompanied by a designated Club rider to make sure that they do not get lost on the way home. You should not leave the ride without letting the tour leader know. Also, the group stays together in case of a tire puncture or other accident. A helmet must be worn during the ride and all traffic laws must be obeyed (yes, that means stopping at stop signs).

Road Etiquette Guide: Click here to view the OCC Road Etiquette Guide

Tips

Check the weather forecast and make sure that you have the right kind of clothing with you to remain comfortable throughout the ride. Although some rides will have planned stops for refreshments, you should make sure you bring plenty of water with you and also some high energy snacks. A spare tube and tools to change a tire are also a very good idea, as is a tire pump. Be sure to check the condition and pressure of your tires before you leave the house!

2010 Ride Schedule

Meeting Places

Boyne Community Centre: On Britannia Road just east of Highway 25.

Hornby: On Steeles Avenue on the south side just east of Sixth Line. Park in the gravel parking lot to the east of the ball park.

For more information on these rides, click This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to email Bent.