.Do you put your bicycle away when the leaves start to fall? Would you like to cycle to work but aren't prepared for cold weather? Find out how you can do some "cool running" on two wheels this winter.
Scheduled for, Thursday, November 12, beginning at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of Ongwanada Resource Centre, 191 Portsmouth Ave., the "Wheeling in a Winter Wonderland" workshop will show you how to equip your bicycle and yourself for riding in Canadian weather. Learn the techniques of cold weather cycling.
This event will be delivered by members with winter cycling experience. They've been there, done that, and seen it all, too. Check out what they ride and what they wear to cope with winter's cold blasts.
— Paul Rappell
Upcoming Events Sept. 10, 2009The club is seeking your input. Please consider becoming a nominee to KVC Board of Directors. It's fun and not overly demanding, and you will be making a meaningful contribution to the KVC, which in turn provides valuable service to the community.
Following October 23's Annual General Meeting the Board meets — not necessarily every month — on the third Tuesday for one or two hours.
To volunteer your services, make a nomination, or to find more information, email: .
— Margaret Wild, KVC President
For information on the current executive, see Who We Are.
Upcoming Events November 24, 2009The holidays are coming! As usual, the KVC will have our annual holiday social, this time with an added attraction.
Join us for Skating at Market Square, gathering at the "Nog", and dinner. Celebrate the holidays (and, coincidentally, Beethoven's birthday) on Wednesday, December 16 (yes, that's his birthday), beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the rink. Gathering at the Tir Nan Og will commence at 6:30 p.m., with dinner seating at 7 p.m.
Note: Spouses and friends are welcome, but we do need to know the numbers in advance:
Please R.S.V.P. to Margaret Wilde by e-mailing 
or calling 613-542-9626.
— Paul Rappell
Upcoming Events November 24, 2009Cyclists in Kingston have had two occasions in recent weeks to gather and get (and give) ideas on cycling.
On Thursday, November 12, an enthusiastic and knowledgeable group showed up at Ongwanada for "Cycling in a Winter Wonderland", a presentation on cycling through the cold weather seasons. Topics included clothing, bicycle selection, accessories, and how to cycle safely in cold, wet, and icy conditions. As well, cyclists were advised on when not to cycle in winter and early spring.
Various types of lights were seen (yes, it gets dark earlier these days). Fenders were discussed. A few bicycles set up for winter operation were able to be inspected by the participants. The "audience" chimed in with winter cycling tips of their own, too.
The workshop-goers were rewarded for their attendance and attention. The KVC provided pizza and other treats. Thanks go to a number of KVC people for their efforts (setting up, providing the food and coffee) which made the workshop a success: Maureen Beamish, Hal Cain, Dorma Grant, Adrienne Leach, Joan MacLeod, Bob Tolley, Cary Weitzman, and Margaret Wild.
On Wednesday, November 18, Cycle Kingston hosted a "town hall" meeting which brought cyclists together with representatives from the City, Queen's, and, of course, Cycle Kingston. Last summer CK trained a City by-law enforcement officer who does quite a bit of work on bicycle. The City's by-law staff head gave insights into what can and cannot be done about enforcement, as well as the various jurisdictions in Kingston.
The evening included a number of comments and questions from the audience. It is hoped that this meeting will spur other such gatherings. Of equal value was the informal time at the end of the evening, when participants could simply converse in a relaxed manner and make new acquaintances.
— Paul Rappell
Club Business October 28, 2009Last Friday's Annual General Meeting saw much stay the same and a few things altered for the coming KVC year.
The club's structure is essentially unchanged, except for the minor constitutional revision which saw the word "board" replaced with the words "Board and/or Executive" in section 5:01. This allows the Board to not only fill vacancies on the Board, as allowed under the old system, but also to fill Executive positions (President, Secretary, Treasurer, Tour Director). It was last year's vacancy in the President's position that caused the constitutional amendment. The motion was passed unanimously.
The club's Executive remains unchanged: Margaret Wild (President), Joan MacLeod (Secretary), Linda Reid (Treasurer), and Hal Cain (Tour Director) were all returned by unanimous approval of the members.
Changes happened in the rest of the Board. Directors from last year, Steve Bonisteel, Brian Ferguson, and David Short, stepped down, and new directors Dorma Grant, Adrienne Leach, and Paul Rappell were elected in their stead.
Highlights of the past year were celebrated. The club continues to show steady (if incremental) growth — it has the biggest membership of the last seven years (at least). The KVC is in great shape financially, and various buget ideas were tossed around (but none implemented — that's for future planning).
The Dean Memorial Award, given annually to the member making a significant contribution to the activities of the KVC, was awarded to Rosemary Lysaght. Rosemary conceived of and coordinated the innovative "Ride 'n' Dine" programme, beginning in 2008. These rides raise the social profile of the KVC, and are a popular draw. Rosemary also coordinated the Wolfe Island rides this year, finding tour leaders for the summer series. She was also a significant participant in the multi-day tours.
The KVC's "Annual General Ride", this year also known as "The Morning After", became "The Morning After the Morning After" when weather pushed it back to Sunday. Members enjoyed a cool weather jaunt from City Park to Kingston Mills, Middle Road, and Abbey Dawn Road before heading back to town for "brunch and a race" — concluding with "front row seats" at the cyclocross race at Lake Ontario Park.
— Paul Rappell
Fundraising October 28, 2009Cycle Kingston is a non-profit registered charity whose mandate is to promote and encourage safe cycling through education and public outreach. To fill this mandate, Cycle Kingston carries out a variety of activities within Kingston and surrounding area. These activities include: courses on vehicular cycling for both adults and children; school visits for class presentations on cycling safety; summer Cycling Ambassadors program, and various promotional/awareness events, such as Cycling Week breakfasts and public information sessions. In addition, Cycle Kingston collaborates with the City, health unit, and other agencies on various initiatives, such as the Share the Road progeamme.
Cycle Kingston is volunteer-based and has been in operation since 2004. Operations and activities are funded through grants, membership fees, and donations. Presently, Cycle Kingston is launching a fall fundraising campaign. How can you help? Several ways come to mind. First, become a member. Membership fee is $5 per year. Second, make a donation. As a registered charity, Cycle Kingston issues tax receipts for contributions. And finally, please spread the word to others who may be interested in promoting cycling.
To become a member, make an online donation, or just to learn more about Cycle Kingston, please visit: www.cyclekingston.ca.
— Hal Cain, KVC Tour Director and President of Cycle Kingston
News March 24, 2009
KVC Tour Director Hal Cain announced March 23 that the 2009 Tour Schedule was available via this website.
"The details for most of the rides are not there and will be added as soon as available," Hal wrote in the club's email newsletter. "Please remember that the schedule is subject to change, so check back often!"
In addition, there's still room for more rides on the Calendar, and the club is asking members wishing to suggest and/or lead a ride to contact the Tour Director at
.
"Remember that there can be more than one ride on any date if they are different ratings," Hal wrote. "Also, there are very few MTB rides on the schedule and we would like those as well. Previous years' schedules can be viewed (for any ideas) on the KVC/Google Calendar."
Upcoming Events July 26, 2009Sackets Harbor and Beyond, Long Weekend Touring Event (C) / August 1-3, 2009
Leader: Hal Cain 613 548 3514 (email: )
This tour will take us to Sackets Harbor, N.Y. (65km) on Saturday, August 1, spending the night at either Westcott Beach State Park 5 km outside of Sackets (cost = $2.50/person/night) or at a B&B or hotel of your choice in town. Sunday we will explore quiet roads in the surrounding area, visiting Henderson Harbor, Thomas Settlement and Adams. We will return to Kingston via the scenic lakeside route on Monday. Total distance approximately 215 km. This is a self-supported tour, no SAG.
If you plan to attend, please notify the leader by Wednesday, July 29.
Bruce Peninsula Weeklong Tour (C) / August 16-22, 2009
Leaders: Hal Cain & Rosemary Lysaght, 613 548 3514 (email: )
Enjoy the quaint historic towns and sparkling shorelines of the Bruce Penninsula. The tour will begin on Sunday, August 16th to allow time for travel to the start point in Durham, West Grey. We will have two nights in Tobermory to allow time for exploring this scenic area. Options include hiking, visiting ship wrecks offshore, swimming, shopping in the village, visiting an art gallery or museum, and of course, cycling around this scenic tip of the Bruce. A day trip to Manitoulin Island can be had by the adventuresome among us.
The daily destinations and approximate distances are as follows:
The estimated total distance is 475 km to 545 km.
Options for camping and motel/B&B lodging exist in all overnight locations. This is a self-supported tour, no SAG.
Contact the leaders with questions or suggestions. Please indicate your intention to participate (for either full or partial week) by August 1.
See what else is on tap on the 2009 KVC Calendar
Upcoming Events July 3, 2009On Saturday, July 4, KVC members are "invited" to visit the USA to view 4th of July celebrations there. This tour starts early! Be at the Wolfe Island ferry terminal by 8:25 a.m. to get on board. We cross Wolfe Island and head for Cape Vincent via Horne's Ferry - be sure to have your ferry fare on hand.
We will have had the Red and White three days before, now adds the Blue. This leisure ride will cross south of the border to the U.S. on their Independence Day, 4th of July. The village of Cape Vincent will not have a parade (they are saving the budget for the French Festival the following weekend), but you can be assured that their patriotic pride will show as we will visit the Farmers' & Crafters' Market on the Village Green.
If you're still in the market for shopping there's also a craft Sale at the United Church. Before the shopping, however, we'll go out to the Tibbetts Point Lighthouse west of the village. This 1827 lighthouse has the only original Fresnel lens still in operation on Lake Ontario and marks the end of the lake and the start of the St. Lawrence River. Back in Cape Vincent we'll have lunch, shop, and check out the Cape Vincent Historical Museum before taking the 2 p.m. Horne's Ferry (service since 1802) back to Canada.
— KVC Tour Director Hal Cain
See what else is on tap on the 2009 KVC Calendar
Upcoming Events June 5, 2009
Wednesday morning, June 3 — in the middle of Cycling Week — was brisk, bright, and sunny, just the day for cyclists to gather to eat, and eat they did.
KVC President Margaret Wild brought the bags (for the parking meters) and the boxes (full of food), for the KVC's annual Roll-In Breakfast for Cyclists. Calls of "Free breakfast for cyclists!" rang off the neighbouring buildings as riders were roped in (not literally) to the table laden with goodies to help them continue their morning commute.
Was it a succes? Was it ever! Sixty-four cyclists showed up and ate. We even had a unicyclist (who was offered half a cup of coffee) join us. A Whig reporter interviewed riders, and KVC media man Cary Weitzman took reams of pictures. Marilyn Freeman was on hand to keep things organized, and Hal Cain brought the coffee. Cycle Kingston's new Cycling Ambassadors Joanna Hunt and Kim McCrory, and Treasurer Andy Mills, provided assistance as well.
The club appreciates the work done by Margaret Wild for organizing the morning, and obtaining the parking meter bags and the food.
On Thursday evening, June 4, KVC stalwarts Brian Ferguson and Hal Cain gave a public presentation on a topic on which they are experts: cycle touring.
An attentive capacity crowd gathered at Ongwanada to take in the information and advice that Brian and Hal offered.
Everything from bicycles to camping equipment to clothing was covered, and the audience went away informed and enlightened.
Thanks, Hal and Brian, for an engaging presentation on behalf of the KVC. One audience member was heard to say, "I have to become a member."
— Report by Paul Rappell
For more information on Cycling Week, check out the Cycling Kingston website.
Upcoming Events May 31, 2009
Cycling Week in Kingston: From Monday, June 1, to Saturday, June 6, Cycle Kingston will coordinate a series of events designed to promote cycling as a safe, environmentally friendly, and (especially) fun way to get around — and your KVC will be there.
As it has since 2003, the KVC will host a roll-in breakfast for cycle-commuters. This will happen at the corner of Princess and Clergy Streets on Clean Air Day, Wednesday, 3 June, from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. We will provide goodies to help hungry cyclists ride energized to their workplaces, schools, or shops.
Later in the day riders will gather at the Wolfe Island ferry dock to take the 5 p.m. ferry to the season's first Wolfe Island Bi-Weekly ride, led by Sandra. We hope to introduce the joy of group riding to a batch of new cyclists. KVC veterans are urged to ride along and assist with efficient cycling tips. Check the KVC Calendar for ride details.
For more information on Cycling Week, check out the Cycling Kingston website.
Upcoming Events May 31, 2009Experienced cycle-touring pair Hal Cain and Brian Ferguson of the Kingston Velo Club are leading a public workshop Thursday, June 4, to help others "experience the joys and freedoms of cycle-touring."
Entitled "Cycle-Touring: Enjoying Travel at a Pleasure Pace," the event will take place 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Ongwanada Auditorium, 191 Portsmouth Avenue. The session is free and open to the public.
From touring light to cycle-camping, this public presentation will cover the what and how of travelling by bicycle. For more information, see the event's entry in the KVC calendar.
News May 12, 2009
The Truck Stop Breakfast tour Sunday, May 17, has been changed to accommodate all KVC riders. Normally a "D" ride, route additions and alterations have been made to give "B" riders a chance to go farther, faster, and still meet the main ride for brunch at the Husky truck stop. "D" riders can also do their tour and meet the group in time for brunch.
A staple of KVC riding fare for a few seasons, this year's menu features a different route (in some places the reverse of the original). Still, a couple of gravel sections provide a change of pace. The roads will accommodate thin road tires, although caution is advised on the rough, occasionally slippery surface.
The ride leaves Pierson Park at 9:30 a.m. The park is on Joyceville Road just south of Middle Road, beside the fire station.
For more details, see the KVC Touring Calendar
News April 8, 2009
Sunday's Howe Island Hop began 2009 touring for the Kingston Velo Club and brought together a contingent of members and guests, various types of bicycles, "and the fit and the unfit," says Club newsletter editor Paul Rappel in his report on the season-opening ride.
Next up on the KVC Road Recreational Touring Calendar April 11 is a new addition to the schedule: Kingston-Roubaix.
Read: Paul's complete Howe Island Hop report
See: Colin Macdonald's Howe Island Hop photos
News April 2, 2009
The KVC will again staff a booth at the City of Kingston's Spring/Summer Leisure Showcase, where the club recruits new members and greets existing friends eager to renew their memberships for another year.
Drop by the KVC booth at the at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour Friday, April 3, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., or Saturday, April 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
See: Showcase details on the City of Kingston website
News March 24, 2009
KVC Tour Director Hal Cain announced March 23 that an initial 2009 Tour Schedule is now available via this website.
"The details for most of the rides are not there and will be added as soon as available," Hal wrote in the club's email newsletter. "Please remember that the schedule is subject to change, so check back often!"
In addition, there's still room for more rides on the Calendar, and the club is asking members wishing to suggest and/or lead a ride to contact the Tour Director at
.
"Remember that there can be more than one ride on any date if they are different ratings," Hal wrote. "Also, there are very few MTB rides on the schedule and we would like those as well. Previous years' schedules can be viewed (for any ideas) on the KVC/Google Calendar."