MGCC Leaside Ride Options
Weekday Rides
Neighbourhood Circuit Laps (Intermediate-Advanced)
On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, we make our way slightly out of the busy city and do some laps of our favourite neighbourhoods in the area. There are several route options for these days and we will rotate through them weekly. All routes include a short, indirect rollout to get folks warmed up and generally are about 50km, depending on the number of laps completed.
Named for its founder, Phil Barton, this ride runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays and will make use of one of the various routes below (additional route options may be determined by ride leader), to take folks out to one of the hills in the area to do repeats. Rollout pace of 24-26km/h, average length of 35-50 km (depending on laps/repeats done). There will be a strong focus on controlled descending and newer riders are encouraged to ask questions and use proximity to experienced riders to widen their cycling skillsets.
Wednesdays: FF60/65 & FF44
A diverse group of riders with a choose-your-own-adventure second half. These rides will diverge at the halfway point and separate into 2 different ride objectives. The average pace to this halfway point will be consistent for both groups (27-30kph).
The FF60 - 60km (Intermediate-Advanced)
The FF60 will regroup at Stouffville Side Road at the top of the Beast, waiting for the final rider to complete the climb before continuing East across Stouffville SR and will target 30kph on return down Leslie/Don Mills.
The FF65 - 65km (Advanced)
The FF65 will offer a more intense riding experience and will not regroup anywhere along the route. It will be a redline effort over The Beast and across Bethesda, back down Leslie to at least 19th before levelling speed off for the rest of the return. Redline section average pace 38kph+, general return speed 35kph+.
The FF44 - 44km (Beginner-Intermediate)
Whether you're new to group rides or looking to build your endurance, this ~44KM no-drop (within reason) ride is the perfect space for developing riders to push their abilities with the support of an experienced group, and for intermediate-to-advanced riders to enjoy a more relaxed pace (relative to the FF60/65). This route aims for a controlled pace of 25-28 kph average with minimal surging over hills, and emphasis on controlled descents. The route is straight up Bayview, east on Elgin Mills (not actually on Elgin Mills but a shortcut through a neighbourhood), and south on Leslie/Don Mills.
Fridays: FF65/90 & FF44
There’s no better way to ring in the weekend than a solid early morning on 2 wheels. Friday mornings with Leaside offer something for everyone. These rides will be announced each week based on marshalling availability.
The FF65 - 65km (Intermediate-Advanced)
The FF65 will offer a more intense riding experience and will not regroup anywhere along the route. It will be a redline effort over The Beast and across Bethesda, back down Leslie to at least 19th before levelling speed off for the rest of the return. Redline section average pace 38kph+, general return speed 35kph+.
The FF90 - 90km (Advanced)
The FF90 will be an hour of power and will not leave you wanting more. This ride will follow a similar format to the FF65 above and with a brief regroup ~100m North of Stouffville on the bridge; instead of turning on Bethesda, this ride will continue at full speed all the way to Vandorf SR, across to Mcowan and down to 19th, back home. This ride is for experienced riders only and all should be ready to return to the city on their own if the pace is too high; riders should be very familiar with group riding techniques like pace lining and solid on-bike communication at high speed and while exhausted.
FF90 returns around 840AM if you do not stop for coffee with the group.
Whether you're new to group rides or looking to build your endurance, this ~44KM no-drop (within reason) ride is the perfect space for developing riders to push their abilities with the support of an experienced group, and for intermediate-to-advanced riders to enjoy a more relaxed pace (relative to the FF60/65). This route aims for a controlled pace of 25-28 kph average with minimal surging over hills, and emphasis on controlled descents. The route is straight up Bayview, east on Elgin Mills (not actually on Elgin Mills but a shortcut through a neighbourhood), and south on Leslie/Don Mills.
Weekend Rides
BAGEL RIDE – 6 am departure Saturday & 7 am departure Sunday
Targets advanced and experienced riders who are looking for a challenge. Your cardio and bike handling in a group setting should be top-notch. This is a drop ride. Riders MUST be familiar with the route and be comfortable returning back to Leaside on their own, head hung low, if dropped The total ride is about 100kms and we arrive back into Leaside between 9:00 and 9:45 am.
Targets intermediate riders looking for a less competitive ride or those looking for a recovery ride. The group rides as a team with a targeted average speed of 27-30km/h. The total ride is about 80kms and we arrive back into Leaside between 9:15 and 9:45am.
ECLAIR RIDE - 7am departure Saturday & Sunday (pending marshal availability)
Targets intermediate riders looking for a less competitive ride or those looking for a recovery ride. The group rides as a team with a targeted average speed of 24-26km/h. The total ride is about 70kms and we arrive back into Leaside between 9:30 and 10am. This is a No-Drop Ride
Targets novice riders looking for a less competitive ride and/or those looking for a recovery ride. The group rides as a team with a targeted average speed of 22-24km/h. The total ride is about 60-70kms and we arrive back into Leaside between 9:30 and 10:00am. This is a No-Drop Ride.
Ride Level Descriptions
- All weekday rides leave from the Amsterdam Barrel House (85 Laird Ave) at 5:40 am and return to Leaside around 7:20 am except the Friday 90 which returns around 8:40 am (for those who do not stop for coffee).
- These routes will alternate each month. So slow or fast, Woodsworth/Cliffside or Bridle, we’ll have a day for you that fits your morning schedule.
- Destinations will be highlighted in the SUBJECT line of the email
Neighbourhood Circuit Laps (Intermediate-Advanced)
On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, we make our way slightly out of the busy city and do some laps of our favourite neighbourhoods in the area. There are several route options for these days and we will rotate through them weekly. All routes include a short, indirect rollout to get folks warmed up and generally are about 50km, depending on the number of laps completed.
- CLIFFSIDE
Typical Cliffside route
https://www.strava.com/routes/27238071 - BRIDAL PATH
Typical Bridle Path route
https://www.strava.com/routes/27121398 - WOODSWORTH
Typical Woodsworth route on Strava
https://www.strava.com/routes/3083160705003745822 - HAVENBROOK
Typical Woodsworth route on Strava
https://www.strava.com/routes/3346915505616955604 - UNDERHILL
Typical Underhill route on Strava https://www.strava.com/routes/3099026390542134478 - UNIONVILLE (City)
Typical Unioncity Loop on Strava
https://www.strava.com/routes/3222597376044839302
Named for its founder, Phil Barton, this ride runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays and will make use of one of the various routes below (additional route options may be determined by ride leader), to take folks out to one of the hills in the area to do repeats. Rollout pace of 24-26km/h, average length of 35-50 km (depending on laps/repeats done). There will be a strong focus on controlled descending and newer riders are encouraged to ask questions and use proximity to experienced riders to widen their cycling skillsets.
- BRIDAL PATH
Typical Bridle Path route: https://www.strava.com/routes/27121398
Wednesdays: FF60/65 & FF44
A diverse group of riders with a choose-your-own-adventure second half. These rides will diverge at the halfway point and separate into 2 different ride objectives. The average pace to this halfway point will be consistent for both groups (27-30kph).
The FF60 - 60km (Intermediate-Advanced)
The FF60 will regroup at Stouffville Side Road at the top of the Beast, waiting for the final rider to complete the climb before continuing East across Stouffville SR and will target 30kph on return down Leslie/Don Mills.
- Typical FF60 route on Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3346916836153367764
The FF65 - 65km (Advanced)
The FF65 will offer a more intense riding experience and will not regroup anywhere along the route. It will be a redline effort over The Beast and across Bethesda, back down Leslie to at least 19th before levelling speed off for the rest of the return. Redline section average pace 38kph+, general return speed 35kph+.
- Typical FF65 route on Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3346916242560269862
The FF44 - 44km (Beginner-Intermediate)
Whether you're new to group rides or looking to build your endurance, this ~44KM no-drop (within reason) ride is the perfect space for developing riders to push their abilities with the support of an experienced group, and for intermediate-to-advanced riders to enjoy a more relaxed pace (relative to the FF60/65). This route aims for a controlled pace of 25-28 kph average with minimal surging over hills, and emphasis on controlled descents. The route is straight up Bayview, east on Elgin Mills (not actually on Elgin Mills but a shortcut through a neighbourhood), and south on Leslie/Don Mills.
- Typical FF44 route on Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3354535378191560912
Fridays: FF65/90 & FF44
There’s no better way to ring in the weekend than a solid early morning on 2 wheels. Friday mornings with Leaside offer something for everyone. These rides will be announced each week based on marshalling availability.
The FF65 - 65km (Intermediate-Advanced)
The FF65 will offer a more intense riding experience and will not regroup anywhere along the route. It will be a redline effort over The Beast and across Bethesda, back down Leslie to at least 19th before levelling speed off for the rest of the return. Redline section average pace 38kph+, general return speed 35kph+.
- Typical FF65 route on Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3346916242560269862
The FF90 - 90km (Advanced)
The FF90 will be an hour of power and will not leave you wanting more. This ride will follow a similar format to the FF65 above and with a brief regroup ~100m North of Stouffville on the bridge; instead of turning on Bethesda, this ride will continue at full speed all the way to Vandorf SR, across to Mcowan and down to 19th, back home. This ride is for experienced riders only and all should be ready to return to the city on their own if the pace is too high; riders should be very familiar with group riding techniques like pace lining and solid on-bike communication at high speed and while exhausted.
FF90 returns around 840AM if you do not stop for coffee with the group.
- Typical FF90 route on Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3083154575466584686
Whether you're new to group rides or looking to build your endurance, this ~44KM no-drop (within reason) ride is the perfect space for developing riders to push their abilities with the support of an experienced group, and for intermediate-to-advanced riders to enjoy a more relaxed pace (relative to the FF60/65). This route aims for a controlled pace of 25-28 kph average with minimal surging over hills, and emphasis on controlled descents. The route is straight up Bayview, east on Elgin Mills (not actually on Elgin Mills but a shortcut through a neighbourhood), and south on Leslie/Don Mills.
- Typical FF44 route on Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3354535378191560912
Weekend Rides
- All weekend rides depart the Amsterdam Barrel House (85 Laird Ave) at various times as listed below.
BAGEL RIDE – 6 am departure Saturday & 7 am departure Sunday
Targets advanced and experienced riders who are looking for a challenge. Your cardio and bike handling in a group setting should be top-notch. This is a drop ride. Riders MUST be familiar with the route and be comfortable returning back to Leaside on their own, head hung low, if dropped The total ride is about 100kms and we arrive back into Leaside between 9:00 and 9:45 am.
- Typical Bagel route - https://www.strava.com/routes/27064920
Targets intermediate riders looking for a less competitive ride or those looking for a recovery ride. The group rides as a team with a targeted average speed of 27-30km/h. The total ride is about 80kms and we arrive back into Leaside between 9:15 and 9:45am.
- Typical Croissant route - strava.com/routes/3346877931384714790
ECLAIR RIDE - 7am departure Saturday & Sunday (pending marshal availability)
Targets intermediate riders looking for a less competitive ride or those looking for a recovery ride. The group rides as a team with a targeted average speed of 24-26km/h. The total ride is about 70kms and we arrive back into Leaside between 9:30 and 10am. This is a No-Drop Ride
- Typical Eclair route - https://www.strava.com/routes/27119994
Targets novice riders looking for a less competitive ride and/or those looking for a recovery ride. The group rides as a team with a targeted average speed of 22-24km/h. The total ride is about 60-70kms and we arrive back into Leaside between 9:30 and 10:00am. This is a No-Drop Ride.
- Typical Choquette route - https://www.strava.com/routes/27239179
Ride Level Descriptions
- Beginner: Intermediate-level cyclists newer to group riding or longer rides. Riders should be comfortable riding next to other riders, unclipping and clipping in, emergency stopping, and fixing basic mechanical issues. Riders should be comfortable riding at 22-27km/h for 35-50km without much rest. Beginner Riders should be relativity confident bike handlers and know their ability and limits to maintain a safe group riding environment
- Intermediate: Experienced cyclists who have ridden several times with groups and are comfortable riding next to others in relatively close proximity, clearly and calmly communicating at speed, riding in rotating pacelines or groups. Intermediate Riders should be confident riding 50-80km at 26-30km/h, and should be prepared to return home alone.
- Advanced: Veteran cyclists with 1000s of kilometres under their wheels who need to be comfortable riding in tightly rotating pacelines at high speeds and handling their bike in all different circumstances. Advanced riders should be confident in returning home solo at any point in the ride and should be able to maintain 28-35km/h for 100km.
