The purpose of this thread is to establish a group of DHC Members in Toronto who want to participate in cycling or cycling related activities.

This grows out of my observation that many DHC members are avid cyclists (as per the many other cycling related threads) but this will be the first (I think) that will try to bring all of us together in a group ride.

I live downtown and I used to race when I was in my teens and 20s. I've given that up now but I still do enjoy the occassional club race or 2 during the season, although my results are never as good as they were during my heydey.

The group rides should be considered FRIENDLY, unlike most other club rides that can be intimidating (for those familiar with "the donut run" aka the King City Loop, you know what I mean). The intensity of the ride at it's best should be no more than 25 to 35 km/h and should last for at least 2 hours. I am open to any possible routes that members can suggest and we can all pick a particular time and place to meet up.

For example, I live downtown and there are many cycling groups that meet on weeknights. There is a group of regular cyclists that meet at the CNE and do continuous loops of the CNE grounds. There is also a group that meets near the port lands that does loops of that area, although with the closing of the bridge on Unwin Ave, I think this one has died a bit and the riders have come over to the CNE loop as well. Another group meets at High Park every Tuesday-Thursday and travels West on The Queensway before coming back to High Park, about 75km.

Let me stress again that this group ride should be FRIENDLY and open to all riders, roadies and mountain bikers alike, and if you get dropped or if you don't think you can keep up the pace of 25 to 35 km/h, don't worry and don't be discouraged. Just have fun. NO BIKE SNOBS ALLOWED.

If you're interested, please add to this thread and I will try to keep it organized as we come to our first event and afterwards.

P.S. For those participating in the Toronto Ride For Heart on Sunday, June 3 this year, let me know and perhaps we can all meet there as well if you aren't already part of a corporate group ride. I'll be doing the 75km route again this year.

I used to always cycle (north) from my house in the Yonge Eglinton Area, however, now that I'm retired, I throw my road bike in my car and go "out of town" to avoid the traffic. I sometimes park my car near Major Mac and 48 (Markham Road) and ride north-east of there. Very little traffic and the roads are pretty good. There are a huge number of options and here's but one.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=973795

I was introduced to this area by Cyclo who I've ridden with a few times (thanks Cyclo). BTW, was that you on York-Durham Line on Saturday around noon - riding north just south of the Stop sign south of Stouffville? I had driven past in my car on my way to Peterborough with my wife (using the back roads) before I realized it might have been you.

I prefer to ride alone for the very reasons mentioned by Cyclism - competitiveness (both faster and slower people), more danger from touching wheels (I hate falling), etc. Although I do like to ride a couple of times with other people, I don't make a habit of it because it takes a lot more concentration and consideration. Alone, I usually average about 30-32 kph and I usually ride 1-2 hours, depending.

I would be interested in a DHC group ride, depending on timing, location, etc.

Hey Cyclism, just let me know the date and time and I will probably be able to make it. 57, thanks for pointing me to this thread. I usually just frequent the computer and HD wars area and I completely missed this thread.

As 57 mentioned, I usually go North albeit to the East of Yonge although I have ridden a few times in the King City / Holland Marsh area. I did the Ride for Heart a few times already including the 75km last year but I skipped this year's.

I ride alone, with my brother who lives downtown, with 2 or 3 cycling buddies, or with a group (cycling club based in Scarborough). I agree with the comments about the Donut riders, I have bumped into them on my solo rides when they take the north easterly routes but it seems its every man/woman for himself/herself... no organized rotation unlike with the club I ride with. I mostly ride for fitness and fun.

I am familiar with a lot of good cycling areas up north and also which route to take to avoid traffic and danger spots so I can help map out some of the routes. I will probably be riding tomorrow but it's probably too late to organize something with the DHCers. How about on Sunday? Weather looks pretty good for Sunday...

Hope you guys put on lots of sunscreen!
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070609/nude_cyclists_070609/20070609?hub=TopStories

Anybody interested in doing a group ride this Sunday? Forecast is sunny but cooler (25C) with winds out from the North (15 kph).