The Tuesday night road ride is a core road ride. It is often the largest single gathering of WCC riders.
For many riders, this is the fastest, hardest ride of the week. Groups ride in tight, fast, rotating pacelines, over a short course (14km) up to 4 loops.  For the novice rider, the Tuesday Group Ride may only be 1 loop. There are 5 levels (or groups) which are formed before the ride.  1= racer…..5=novice.
In all cases, the Tuesday Group ride is designed to improve fitness levels and enhance group riding skills.
Novice riders will need to graduate from the Wednesday night Novice Road Ride prior to attending the Tuesday night ride.  All riders must abide by the Highway Traffic Act.

WHEN:

Tuesday night rides begin Tuesday April 10th, 2013 (weather depending)

WHERE:

The Erbsville Church at 6:30 (6:00 after labour day).  See map below.
Arrive 10 minutes early for announcements and to find your group.

We’ve added variety to this year’s routes:

REASON #1: VARIETY

“From Enjoyable to Sufferfest”

We received feedback that people wanted to try different routes this year. So, we looked at alternative routes to spice things up. Gerber, Sandhills, Berlett’s, Karmel Koch, Lobsinger etc.

We defined 3 new routes. We planned to roll them out one at a time starting with “easy” for the first ride next week and moving to “harder”. At this point, we’ll reveal all routes below and the thoughts behind them.

1) BAMBERG LOOP http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2300273

“Hard and Hilly”. The 2011 Provincial Championship course. Combines the best of the old “short” loop course from years gone by (Kressler Hill & “the three sisters” on Weimar), with the new features of the route out to Wellesley (Greenwood Hill and the rollers and final climb on Hessen Strasse before Moser-Young). We expect it to be the most challenging loop yet. Just look at the profile of the course.

2) GERBER LOOP http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2302006

“Fast & Flat”. Dedicated cycling lanes with one Monster Hill. See reason #2 below.

3) HAWKESVILLE LOOP http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2301218

“Sufferfest”. Hill Repeats. A former OCup race course. 9.2km with multiple climbs up Hawkesville. Reserved for only once a month.

REASON #2: STEADIER PACE, SAFER ROUTES & CHOICE.

“Different Routes for Different Riders on the Same Night”

First, some groups wanted a more steady paced experience as they continue to learn to ride pace line without the constant drops and surges of hills and rollers. There will be plenty of time and opportunity for tougher terrain. We were looking for a more welcoming alternative route for the novice/intermediate riders who are growing in strength and numbers and graduating into Group 5, 4 and 3 on Tuesday.

Second, some people like cycling lanes. They feel safer knowing there is a boundary. So we looked at the roads, and Gerber Road out to Wellesley fit that description. Flat, fast and dedicated cycling lanes. We’ll still send everyone up Greenwood Hill. Can’t be a cyclist without knowing how to climb. For Groups 4 & 5 we are advising ride leaders to wait at the top of Greenwood Hill to regroup. All that said, the ride leader may still decide at the start that all groups will follow the “hard and hilly” Bamberg loop for that day, which is the mainstay of Tuesday night rides. But at least now, there is choice.

In summary. Tuesday rides are famous for pushing your limits. The upper groups use Tuesday for hard training and race simulation. The “new” Bamberg loop (former Championship course) will provide that challenge. All 5 groups will very well suffer/enjoy this loop together. If not, the Gerber route provides an alternative. And the Hawkesville Loop provides that occasional test and variety to keep things interesting, similar to the Thursday Night Time Trial. Some of these routes may not be for everyone. But, at least there is a choice. And this aligns with our Ride & Race Philosophy.

REASON #3: AVOIDING HUTCHINSON. Yes, this was a consideration. It wasn’t that big of an issue since we use it as a recovery segment and go single file anyway, but we figured it’s mangled edge and fast traffic wouldn’t be missed. Apparently, Greenwood Hill Rd between Weimar and Hessen Strasse might be paved this summer? This would solve the Hutchinson issue nicely.

NOTES

  1. There is a chain across the entrance and exit of the church parking lot which was put in place to deter trucks from using it as a turn around. It is not locked and we are welcome to park at the church. Please put the chain back up if you are the last to leave.
  2. You MUST be a WCC member to ride.  Bring your WCC membership card if you are new to the club or ride.  This ensures we all have insurance extended to us through the Ontario Cycling Association.
  3. Please remember it is your responsibility to ensure that you are able to ride a minimum distance of 30 km and be able to repair your own flats.
  4. Given the length of our route and the speeds that we achieve, hybrid bicycles are not recommended for the Tuesday Night Ride.  ”Aero-bars” are not allowed in formation riding