A friend and I are planning on riding the Randonneurs Ontario 200km brevet on Saturday, May 4th. I thought I’d put the word out in case anyone else is interested in riding - would be great to have some WCC representation. I’ve never done an RO event and only a few 200km rides, so I’ll definitely be trying to just keep a steady pace and get myself around the course.
It looks like a great route though, circling KW and Guelph and taking on some local favourites like Middlebrook and Sandhills. The coffee stop at Flow State in Guelph is always a good time too. The start/finish at the Tim Hortons at Weber/Northfield is nice and accessible. I know there have been some WCC groups taking on these events in the past and everyone I’ve talked to has loved it!
Just a note that this is an RO club event, and you have to be a RO member to ride, though you can always try a ride for free if you have another OC membership. RO also has particular rules about having lights and a reflective vest, so be aware of that.
I did that Brevet a couple of years ago. It is a good route but there is a lot of climbing. The worst is going into Guelph on Watson Road (a short 15% climb). When I did it, I did ~100K with 2 speeds since my rear derailleur cable snapped (luckily not a complete snap and I was not in the largest gear). It made for an interesting day.
The rail trail is packed gravel anyways. I have taken my road bike on it many times. Remember to take a picture of the grand river going over the train bridge
I’m thinking of doing this one too. My longest ride this season was just over 100K, so it’ll be interesting
Looking forward to riding with you if I don’t bail out at the last minute!
I did this route about 4 - 5 years ago… this route is put on by a WCC member @charlie-horse and it is a wonderful route. Yes, there are a number of climbs… but if you take them easily you can conquer them all. The gravel section was hard packed when I rode it… but that will depend on township maintenance schedules. It is about 3 km section so be prepared.
Enjoy the ride!!!
I signed up so as long as weather is at least okay am good to go. Would be pretty cool to get a good little WCC contingent. I know the host said he would love to see WCC riders there (who just so happens to be Jeffs brother in law).
Also I wouldn’t be able to keep up the speed.
