LDCC Road Ride 101

New to the club or road riding? A little unsure about riding in a group or paceline? Fear not...we have you covered. Join us at Gears Bike Shop Toronto where experienced club members will show you everything you need to know.

Come ready to ride as we will be heading out for some group riding skills and a chill, short ride following a brief talk.

This event is open to 2024 LDCC Club Members and anyone who is interested in learning about the LapDogs Cycling Club and road riding in a group. Bring a friend. (waivers will be available on site)

Important : Helmets are mandatory. Also, please ensure that your bike is in fully functioning order.

Details:

• CLINIC EVENTS FOR 2025 have not yet been scheduled

• LDCC Members see the APP for details and to particiapte

• Non-LDCC Members please show up a little early to sign the appropriate waivers

What Kind of Bike?

A Road Bike with drop handle bars and appropriate gearing is the bike of choice. In rare circumstances a “flat-bar” fitness bike may be used as long as the bike is equipped with appropriate “road-gearing” and the rider has the appropriate level of fitness to ride in a close group at the defined speed for the level of ride being presented. (Please note: The challenge with a flat-bar bike in a group is that we often ride two-abreast and the wider handle bars may be problematic and could easily become a safety issue). This is all about being efficient on the ride and having the capacity to maintain the pace of the group. In a pinch a gravel bike with slick tires will do the job… but may become a challenge on the faster rides, when speeds pick up and bigger gear ratios are required.

LDCC Gravel 101

Gravelcurious? Ready to get off the beaten path? Planning to do your first gravel race?

This event is for you. Come ready to ride. After a brief chat on what you need to know, we will head out for some thrills, drills and skills, then a chill ride around the beltline trails.

This event is open to all 2024 LDCC Members and anyone interested in learning more about the club or gravel riding. Bring a friend. (waivers will be available on site)

Important : Helmets are mandatory and please ensure that your bike is in fully functioning order.

Details:

• CLINIC EVENTS FOR 2025 have not yet been scheduled

• LDCC Members see the APP for details and to particiapte

• Non-LDCC Members please show up a little early to sign the appropriate waivers

What kind of Bike?

A Gravel or Cyclocross Bike is ideal. Given we are often on rough surfaces, doing steep climbs and yes… even wandering into the woods, you will be need a bike that is capable of a handling a variety of conditions, included pavement, gravel, dirt, sand, off-road trails, etc. Some contemporary road bikes will have the capacity to run wider treaded tire and may be suitable. A mountain bike might also be suitable on some rides, but we do find that on long gravel stretches and when speeds increase (depending on the ride), a mountain bike will be completely out-geared and not able to keep up.