Rides
Ride Classifications
There's a ride for everyone!
[Average speed and distance guidelines]
Sportif
Group 1
30 – 35+ km/hr
Weeknights: 50-80 km
Weekends: 90–150 km
Tempo
Group 2
27 – 30 km/hr
Weeknights: 40-70 km
Weekends: 70–110 km
Touring
Group 3
26 – 28 km/hr
Weeknights: 40-70 km
Weekends: 70–110 km
Social
Group 4
23 – 26 km/hr
Weeknights: 40-60 km
Weekends: 65–85 km
All riders MUST have signed a Velo Club Waiver and the Ancaster Velo Risk Management Policy before participating in any sanctioned ride.
Ride Leadership
Respect Your Ride Leader…
Every attempt will be made to arrange a Ride Leader for each ride.
We should all be prepared to act as leader for every ride.
Ensure you are familiar with our ride guide. Come to rides thinking about safety. Point it out when someone is not following the guidelines and congratulate them when it's a job well done!
Start Times
Weekend Rides: Saturday and Sunday
April | 10:00 am
May - Sept. | 9:00 am
Late Sept. & Oct. | 10:00 am
Weeknight Rides: Tuesday and Thursday
May 1 - Mid Sept. | 6:00 pm
* Weeknight rides end after second week in September
Cancellations
A ride may be cancelled due to weather or other factors that may impact the safety of a ride.
If a ride is cancelled all members will receive an email from the club no later than 90 min before the ride notifying you that the ride has been cancelled.
At any point before the ride start or during a ride it may become necessary to cancel a ride for safety reasons. A club officer or ride leader will evaluate and inform the group.
IMPORTANT
If you choose to ride after a ride cancellation has been issued you are doing so at your own risk and are not covered under Club insurance.
Routes
A route map and cute sheet will be available on Ride with GPS (RWGPS) before each ride.
You will need to create a free RWGPS account and then Join our Club through a link provided. If you have not already accessed our club page contact us and request a link.
Joining our RWGPS club allows you to receive premium RWGPS memberships privilages!
Get the Mobile App
Learn more >
New to road riding or never ridden in a group before?
Learn to Group Ride
Steady Pace
(set by slowest rider)
Skills & Techniques Focus
Riding Discussions
Refueling Stop
New riders are encouraged to join us.
Women's Week Rides
#ONWomensRideDay
1st Week of June 2025
Join Us for a Fantastic Week of Cycling Across Ontario.
The Annual Women’s Ride Week will take place with clubs across the province hosting cycling activities specifically to encourage ladies to hop on their bikes. We encourage all women to take this opportunity to be a part of this fun filled week.
Choose from 2 rides
60 km
Group 3
26 – 28 km/hr
45 km
Group 4
23 – 26 km/hr
Be sure to share this opportunity with the all the ladies in your life!
You DO NOT need to be an Ancaster Velo member to participate in this ride.
But you do need to sign a waiver.
Link coming when available
2025 Feature Rides
SAVE THESE DATES
Burning Kiln
Winery
Lake Erie Shoreline
Wincey Mills (Detour Cafe) Paris, ON
Rattlesnake Hill Climb with a mid-ride stop at the Springridge Farm
Check your Ride with GPS for lots more and for any changes and start locations.
SPECIAL THANKS to Ken and Neil for planning all the rides!
Watch for an e-mail close to the event date for details.
Not getting club emails? Contact us.
Try-a-Ride 2025
Registered members of other Ontario cycling clubs can try an Ancaster Velo club ride anytime. Just let us know you are planning to come out.
Must haves:
Next Scheduled Try-a-Ride: To be announced
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Completed and signed Ancaster Velo Waiver
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Proper, fully functioning road bike.
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Tools and equipment required to change a flat if required.
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see "what to bring" below for full list
IMPORTANT
One free Try-a-Ride ride is permitted
after which membership to Ancaster Velo Club membership is mandatory.
What to Bring
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ROAD Bike** – well maintained and fully functioning
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Helmets*
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Identification – Membership Card, Health Card (or copy) and emergency contact number*
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Tire Pressure – pump tires up to recommended pressure...road tires are about 100psi...if in doubt look on the sidewall of the tire for BAR/PSI pressure rating (6-8 bar = 90 -120 psi)
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Flat Repair Kit – spare innertube (proper size for your bike), tire levers and a pump. TIP – Wrap your inner tube in several layers of plastic wrap to prevent chafing/puncture
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Multi-tool – in case of any loose parts or something that may need an adjustment
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Lights – working BRIGHT head light and tail light. (lights on 1/2 hour before sunset, it's the law!)
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Money and Cell phone ...just in case you need them....and you will (to buy your favourite Ride Leader a Coffee)
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Water and/or sports drink
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Snacks – protein energy bars, gels, or adequate nourishment for the anticipated time for each ride. Road riding uses a suprisingly large number of calories…we will be on the road for several hours, many times the time spent in a spin class...enough time to get hungry and "bonk" if you have not eaten since your last meal...try to have a light snack about an 1.5 hrs prior to riding
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Rain Gear – if the weather is questionable
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Club Membership/Insurance*
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Signed Waiver – if on a Try-a-Ride (see link above)
* Mandatory item(s)
* For safety reaons no hybrid, mountain or cruiser type bikes allowed.
Special Event Rides
Enjoy late-summer cycling at its finest. Starting in scenic Dundas, our longer routes climb the Niagara escarpment, wind along paved rural roads through rolling countryside and pastoral landscapes before returning to the valley.
Your lunch will be waiting for you at the Taste of Dundas outdoor food court in the picturesque Dundas Driving Park. Choose your meal from a selection of flavourful local fare, then pair it perfectly with cold craft beer.
A meal voucher is included with registration in any of the four sports-cycling rides (36 km - 100 miles). Beer will be available to purchase separately.
E-bikes are welcome.
Supported Routes
The Olympian - 100 miles - Conquer this classic Imperial Century (161 km) with over 1,000 m of total elevation gain. This route includes a brief 18% ascent and a serpentine 10% descent. Be prepared!
The Countryside - 100 km - Rise to the challenge of completing your Metric Century riding through the rolling rural countryside of Flamborough farmland with over 600 m of total elevation gain.
The Pastoral - 60 km - Start your ride with a gentle climb to the pastoral landscapes of West Flamborough. This route has fewer than 500 m of total elevation gain.
Meals will be available to purchase at the Taste of Dundas outdoor food court in the Driving Park.
Rest Stations with water, snacks and WR's are spaced at appropriate intervals.
Register now to secure your spot in the Tour de Dundas Gran Fondo!