On a cold but clear sunny morning 5 intrepid cyclist met in Beavermeade cycling north on Ashburnham Dr to the canal trail & north under the McFarlane bridge across Parkhill Rd continuing on the canal trail across the earth dam for a ride beside the golf club fairways & beyond to Trent then Lakefield. From Lakefield west to Cty Rd 23 (Buckhorn Rd), south to the 7th line ), west to the Bridgenorth Trail to Hilliard St & a return to Beavermeade.
10 cyclists met in the Omemee Riverside Park for a 40 km ride thru The City of Kawartha Lakes countryside. There was a Heat Advisory in place but cycling conditions were fine thanks to a cloud cover & a mild breeze. We cycled west on the KTCT thru Reaboro to Post Rd (gravel) for an 8 km ride north across Cty Rd 17 to Cheese Factory Rd, 3 km east to Heights Rd, south across Cty Rd 17 to St Lukes Rd (gravel) & east to Esker Rd (gravel) south to Beaver Rd, (gravel) east to Sibley, south to the KTCT for a ride back to Omemee & a picnic lunch in Riverside Pk. Blake Frazer & myself missed the Esker Rd turn ending up in Downeyville & cycling south on Sturgeon Rd (Cty Rd 7) on pavement into Omemee so not a bad option. Before the ride we met Bob Penny, Bill McKnight & John Crawford enjoying a freshly baked bagel from Michael's, view in Burton's photos.
On a warm summer day 13 cyclists met Peter Hamley in Lakeview Park for a 60 km ride ride on the Waterfront Trail to Newcastle. The route combines paved roads, most with bike lanes, between parklands such as Darlington Provincial Pk & the Wilmot Creek Conservation Area thru a variety of landscapes such as wetlands, wood lots & the lakeshore. The new paved section between Darlington & Bowmanville has moderately long hill climbs both ways compensated by great views of the lake. Unlike the trail towards Whitby most of this section is a bit inland but we still felt a welcome breeze from the lake. The route is well signed, on the return ride after a ride thru a heavy downpour Peter led us on a few shortcuts back to Lakeview Pk. From the farmhouse Bob Penny, Bill, John & Frank left us for Boston cream pie at Teddys!
Directions: from Peterborough drive down Hgw 115 to the 401. In Oshawa, take the Ritson R & Simcoe St exit & drive south on Ritson Rd, turn left onto Simcoe St (at the Bobby Orr school) & drive south to Lakeview Park Ave, right on to Kluane Ave & west to the parking lot.
12 cyclists met in the Bewdley municipal parking lot on another gorgeous fall day. From the parking lot we cycled east on Cavan Rd crossing Cty Rd 9 to Plainsville, a 6 km gradual but steady uphill ride. Then south on Cty Rd 18 for a continuous long but moderate hill climb to Upper Coldsprings followed by the reward of a a long downhill ride thru Lower Coldsprings to Camborne where we split in to groups. From Camborne Pete led one group on Kennedy Rd which has a couple of short but steep climbs on the way uphill to Vimy Ridge Rd. West on Vimy Ridge thru a couple of small dips to Little Rd which has a final steep climb to a panoramic view of Rice Lk before continuing downhill to Cavan Rd & a return into Bewdley, a 30 km route. The other group continued their ride downhill thru Camborne to Dale Rd then west to McClelland Rd for a challenging uphill ride north to Bethel Grove Rd followed by more climbs cycling west to Vic Lightle Rd, north to Vimy Ridge & a short jog over to Little Rd for a return to Bewdley, a 40 km route. After the ride we enjoyed a picnic lunch in the Bewdley lakeshore park. This scenic route is the most difficult ride we do with long moderate climbs interspersed with steeper climbs that demand respect requiring frequent short rest breaks, especially for our "elder statesmen" like me! For many years we only did the Camborne loop with everyone turning on to Kennedy Rd.
Fellow ‘Dudes’
Peterborough-Hastings Trans Canada Trail Assoc. Inc. is the manager for the Lang Hastings Trail. In the past, the group has been very supportive of the trail and I thank everyone for that. Now that we have charitable status, any donation over $20 will receive a tax receipt.
Donations can be made on the trail web site http://langhastingstrail.ca through Canada Helps
or by direct donation by cheque payable to P-HTCTAssoc., which you can give to me.
Thank you.
Barry, Pres. P-HTCTAssoc.
Robin recently sent me an email suggesting ways we could make our rides safer. We decided to recommend these safe practices . #1- limit the group size to 10 when cycling on roads which prevents a long strung out line of riders. #2 Do not stop at the top of a hill for eg select a driveway where we can safely take a break. This applies to any stops for eg at intersections. #3 ride single file giving cars space to pass. #4 - Make sure that we take short breaks at reasonable intervals to hydrate & "catch our breath". #5 Sweep & Leader use cellphones to connect when there is a delay. #6 maintain a safe space between bikes.
20 cyclists met at Beavermeade for a 35 km ride thru Otonabee Twp on a spectacular late fall day after having the ride cancelled last week because of a snowfall! From Beavermeade we cycled to the Lang-Hastings Trail (TCT), across the Keene Rd to Dillon Rd then east for a final short but steep climb up to Drummond Line. Drummond has a few big time "rollers" one measuring 9 % near the top on the ride south towards the TCT. As we cycled towards Lang on the trail we came to a fallen tree which Barry cut up with his folding hand saw! Left the trail taking the bike lane to cycle north on Heritage Line (Cty Rd 34) 7 to Lang Rd for a ride into Lang then on to Hope Mill then cycled back to Lang & out to Nelson Rd, south to the TCT for a return ride to Beavermeade.
