Thinking of joining Touring 2? That's great! We want to make sure that your first ride is so pleasant that you'll keep coming back for years. That's why we ask you to read over the following points which detail the kinds of things that, if ignored, can make your first ride less enjoyable for you and the rest of the group.

Typical Touring Ride Format

We start many of our rides in Terra Cotta but throughout the year we use a variety of locations in order to keep things fresh. The touring schedule lists the start location for each ride but you should always check the forum before heading out just in case there are any last minute changes. We have maps on our website for our commonly used start locations.
The rides are typically 80-100 km but earlier in the season the distance will be reduced to give you a chance to build your fitness as we progress. Given the average speed of around 21 km/hr that means the rides will take around 4 to 5 hours of saddle time to complete depending on the distance involved. We normally stop for 20 to 30 minutes at a coffee shop somewhere around the half way point for a rest and some light refreshments.

Riding In A Group

For efficiency and safety's sake we ride in a two-abreast group, except on busy roads or certain hills where the leader will ask riders to "single up". We know that riding close together is an intimidating prospect for new riders and we do not insist that you do it right from the start. New riders usually stay at the back of the group with one of the leaders where they can keep greater distances between each other. As you become more comfortable you will inch closer to the other riders and experience the benefit of riding in their slipstreams.

Keeping Yourself Updated

We use the forum on this website to keep everyone informed of what’s happening so it is important that you sign up for the forum & access this information regularly. Please contact our webmaster if you have any difficulty with the sign up process.
During the week the tour leader for the forthcoming weekend will post a message in the Club Rides section regarding the planned Saturday ride. This will give & outline of what you can expect in terms of distance and destination. If the start time or location has changed from the schedule or is not covered by one of our maps it will be posted here too. Very occasionally we have to change our plans at the last minute so it’s always a good idea to check the forum just before you set out for the ride.

Fitness

Regardless of whether you show up in April or in August, we expect anyone joining us to have a reasonable level of fitness & a good guideline is to be able to do 70km at a pace of around 20km/h. If you have been exercising once or twice a week to maintain moderate aerobic fitness, you shouldn't have any trouble with this. If you should experience problems on a ride please be assured that the tour leader will make sure that you are looked after.

Time Restrictions

Our rides may last for 4 to 6 hours & we realize that not everyone can spare that length of time. You are welcome to join in our rides & turn back early to suit your own schedule but please understand that under these circumstances you are entirely responsible for getting yourself back home. When you leave the ride please make sure that you let the leader know that you are turning back so that your absence is accounted for.

Equipment

The Brampton Cycling Club is a road cycling club and all our rides are planned accordingly. Unless you are very fit and have a bit of a masochistic streak, trying to do our tours on a mountain bike or even an upright hybrid is not recommended. All riders must have an approved helmet and are expected to carry a spare tube, a pump and tools for removing and reinstalling a tire on the rim. It is not essential that you be able to fix your own flats – there are usually a number of very experienced riders who can help you with that. However, we do encourage all inexperienced riders to take a basic maintenance course sometime in their first year to learn how to replace and patch a tube and make basic adjustments to their bicycles – but you don't need to do that before joining us.

Nutrition

You should bring at least one bottle of water and an energy bar or banana to sustain you during the ride. Dehydration is the leading cause of fatigue & it is essential, even on cooler days & gentler rides, that you drink plenty of fluid right from the start of the ride & not wait until you feel thirsty. Many of us use sports drinks instead of pure water as they also replenish electrolytes & provide some energy. There are many such drinks on the market & it is usual to try a few types out until you find one that works for you. Your local bike shop or places like GNC will be able to advise you on what’s available. It is also a good practice to drink plenty of water during the 24 hours before a ride as this will help greatly in preventing dehydration.

Lunch Money

Most of our rides include a stop for a light lunch at a Timmy's or a café. Please bring along enough cash ($10 is plenty) to be get yourself a drink and some food.

Got New Equipment Or Had Work Done On Your Bike?

If you have new equipment, e.g. a new bike, new pedals, please don't use a Touring 2 Ride to test it out for the first time. Instead, go out on your own to a safe venue like a paved bike trail or an empty parking lot to familiarize yourself with your equipment. This is especially important for gear shifting and clip-in pedals as you need to familiarize yourself with their operation before heading out on the road. In fact, any time you have had work done to your bike, even a tune up, it's a good idea to at least take it around the block before heading out to a group ride.

Punctuality

It's always a good idea to show up before the published ride start time to give yourself time to get ready. This is especially true when you are joining us for the first time. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early and identify yourself to the tour leader and inform him or her of any special request, e.g. a shorter distance.

The Weather

As a general rule we do not set out on a ride if it’s raining. During warmer weather we may take the risk if the rain is due to stop soon or if there is only a risk of showers sometime during the ride. It is at the tour leaders discretion whether to call off a ride due to the weather & if the decision can be made early enough something will be posted on the forum.

Joining Us For The First Time?

New riders are strongly encouraged to contact the VP Touring by phone or e-mail prior to their first planned ride so that we can ensure that you are directed towards the group that best suits your requirements. Please note that it is a condition of our insurance that you must be a member of the Brampton Cycling Club to participate in our rides. You can mail in your application in advance or you can sign up on the day. Either way you must complete the membership form, the BCC waiver, the OCA waiver & pay in full by cheque to be eligible. If you already belong to another OCA affiliated club you will already have your insurance through them & so would only need to pay the membership portion of the BCC fee to join us.

Membership Cards

Within 2 weeks of joining you will receive your BCC membership & OCA insurance cards through the mail and thereafter you should always have these cards with you when you participate in any BCC event. For the period before you receive your cards you are welcome to join in & if asked, just explain that you’ve only just signed up.

Any questions?

Please do not hesitate to contact the VP Touring by phone or e-mail should you have any questions regarding our touring program.

See you soon at one of our Touring rides!