Information for New Riders

This page has information about what to expect as a new rider on an LCC ride. Refer to our Members Handbook for detailed information about our club, our rides and safety guidelines when participating in club events.

Ready to join? Click here to be taken to our registration page.

We look forward to riding with you!

What can I expect on an LCC ride? 

Before your ride 

Plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the ride start time. When you arrive at the start location you can expect to be greeted by a ride leader and checked in to the ride. 

Ride leaders are an essential part of our club. They are experienced riders who will greet riders, make sure everyone is familiar with the planned route and generally be available to support the members during the ride.  

During your ride 

Have fun, be safe, enjoy the scenery, (safely) chat with your fellow riders! 

Rides with larger groups sometimes split into faster and slower pace groups. The Ride Leader will help coordinate this and will often stop groups at the top of a hill if there is separation. 

Rides longer than 50km have a planned stop (usually a Tim Horton’s or other coffee shop) so members can take a break and have a chance to socialize. 

All of our rides are ‘no drop’. This means that you will not be left behind if you fall behind the other riders. A ride leader or other club member will stay with you. 

After your ride 

Re-hydrate and re-fuel. 

Register for your next ride!  

What kind of rides can I join? 

As a new rider, we recommend you start by participating in our Rider Development Group (RDG) rides for a few weeks or in our Saturday Social rides before progressing to our Sunday Touring rides. 

The Rider Development Group Rides are every Thursday at a rotating start location. These rides are focused on teaching skills like how to ride safely in a group and pace line. 

Saturday Social Rides are casual rides of about 30km and are designed to help riders progress with longer distances. 

Sunday touring rides are our most popular rides. Each week we have Social, B, and A rides. The Social Rides are ‘no drop’ and are at a pace designed for newer riders. As you gain confidence and bike fitness you are encouraged to join the longer distance and faster B and A rides. 

What bike and equipment do I need to participate in an LCC ride? 

Refer to our Members Handbook for complete details on what to bring on a ride and for more safety information.  

For our RDG or Social Rides, virtually any bike in working order is sufficient, however we highly recommend a road style drop bar bike. A road bike is required for our B and A rides.  

Your bike should be in good working order. It is best to take your bike to a bike shop for a tune-up to make sure everything is in good condition before you begin riding with the club.  

Other safety requirements, 

  • A bell and helmet are required.  

  • Lights are required if we are riding within one hour of sunrise or sunset and we recommend using them at all times. 

  • Access to a map with the route during the ride 

  • ID and some money 

  • Phone 

  • A toolkit and spare tire tube 

 

Otherwise, you should use your judgement and dress for the weather. We recommend, 

  • Plenty of water – there is usually an opportunity to refill during a ride but best to be safe. 

  • A snack – If you are riding longer than one hour you should bring something to eat to refuel yourself 

  • Sunscreen