Where to start?Getting your child involved in cycling can sometimes be overwhelming - which is why we’re here to help!
Whether your child wants to simply ride to the corner store, or train to race in Nationals, we have programs for ALL SKILLS and abilities! For BEGINNERS, or riders who are a little less competitive (Ages two to early teens), we offer our Grass Track program. This program is perfect for those who want to learn how to balance without training wheels, young riders who need to know the safety standards of riding, and youth who want to grow confident in depth-perception and gear changing. If your child is looking for more beyond Grass Track, or has passed our assessment for riding safely, we then offer our Hub Program (Ages 9+). This is OUR INTERMEDIATE PROGRAM, for athletes looking to continue to ride with a team, potentially want to learn how to race (but not required to) and maybe wants to try different styles of cycling – like Mountain Biking, Cyclocross, Track and Road. If your child shows great skill in riding, and wants to race COMPETITIVELY with our team, as well as receive coaching and training, we offer our Top Gear Program. If you’d like to book a free and safe assessment by one of our coaches at either our Leaside or Toronto West facility, to see which program they’d fit best in, Contact us here. |
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Grass Track Program
Our MGCC Kids Grass Track mission is to create a fun-filled, safe environment for our youth to build their skills, senses and strength, setting them up for a lifetime of enjoyment on their bikes! Youth will learn the basics of bike riding, how to ride safely, balance, depth-perception, gear changing and general health and fitness!
For more information about Grass Track, please click here.
For more information about Grass Track, please click here.
The Hub Program
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Our Hub Program is the centre of everything we do. It bridges the gap between a beginner cyclist who knows the basics of their bike and riding safely, to our High Performance athletes who are racing to place in Nationals! We take those basic skills of cycling and advance those skills by challenging the athlete. We do this by splitting up the athletes into ability based groups, and training them in the different styles of cycling – Mountain Biking, Road, Cyclocross, Track, or Recreational! And as the athlete progresses, we assess them to determine whether they are race ready, while practicing and training on courses together (on outdoor trails, or inside the Velodrome) either to move them up into our Top Gear Program, or continue to ride with them Recreationally!
During the Summer: training will be at the Thorncliffe Park parking lot (weather-dependent): Map or Street View During the Winter: training will be indoors at Gears Leaside or Toronto West. How do I know if my child is talented? To contact us for more information, or to have your child assessed to join our Hub Program, Click Here. |
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Top Gear Program
Our Top Gear Program is for cyclists who want to train, prepare and race in major competitions! They have training plans and full coaching services, and are placed either in Competition 1 or 2, or the real high flyers are on the High Performance Team (HPT).
For Top Gear services and fees, Click Here.
For more information, feel free to Contact Us!
- Racing Program
- Road, Track, MTB, Cyclocross Teams
- Access to Head Coach, and advanced coaching staff
- Can be selected for our High Performance Teams (HPT)
- Preparation for major competitions
- Travel away for competitions
- 3-5 training sessions per week (indoors or outdoors - weather-dependent)
- Opportunity to be recruited onto our Trade Team
- Additional 25% off for any additional family member joining the program!
For Top Gear services and fees, Click Here.
For more information, feel free to Contact Us!
Child Safety
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Is it safe for my child?
First and foremost, when cycling with MGCC, your child will not be “riding in the streets”. We take it very seriously to train both our recreational and competitive athletes, on what is, and is not safe to do when riding; if they are going to ride on their own, where it is safe to go; how to ride next to other cyclists, etc. Safety is our FIRST PRIORITY. That’s the main reason we created the Grass Track Program, to teach kids on the grass, before putting themselves into any danger outside of a park. The program is taught by our NCCP trained coaches and MGCC volunteers and is strictly to keep our community active and SAFE! Grass Track teaches youth (Ages 2 to early teens) the basics of their bike, balance, depth perception, gear changing, riding, health and fitness, and of course, safety! That includes what to wear, how to ride, rules of the road (through grass obstacle courses), safety checks, arm signals, etc. Then as your child grows, our programs continue to level up, as your child becomes more comfortable and aware of their surroundings, while riding their bike! |
Safety in the City
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No need to travel out of Toronto! We have found a phenomenal location for all our Grass Track sessions, that we’ve been very happy using for the last few years! Where, do you ask? Don Valley Trail system near Thorncliffe Park and Magwood Park in the West End. With quiet paved lots, side trails and large grassy areas, these parks are perfect for tots and young riders to practice their bike skills and gain confidence, with no traffic at all! Safely instructed by our NCCP accredited coaches and parent volunteers, Grass Track is the perfect opportunity for your child to learn how to ride their bikes, safely in the city!
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Other Factors to Consider
How much does this sport cost?
So it really depends on what your goals are for your child! If you want your child to learn the basics of Safety and Riding, in a non-competitive, social and safe environment, then our Grass Track (which is FREE for Ages 2 to early teens) is perfect for you!
If your child would like to continue cycling with us, racing or not, they can join our Intermediate program (called the Hub Program) that is just $50/month for 1 session/week. (Equivalent to 1.5 coffee per day:)
Should your child like to race competitively in our most Advanced Program (called the Top Gear Program), we have a number of coaching services and price points to suit your needs!
We at the MGCC, also provide a 25% discount for any additional family member joining Hub or Top Gear Program!
When it comes to Buying a Bike, we have a number of connections and guidelines to help you find the right price, and the right fit according to your cycling needs! Whether that’s finding a lightly-used Gravel Bike on Kijiji, Pinkbike or through our cycling community for $500 - or looking for a brand new Road bike to race in Nationals, we are happy to help you find what you’re looking for! Our sponsors at Gears also offer MGCC members a discount on almost all bikes and cycling equipment!
An OCA licence is required for every bike rider who is either training or racing outdoors in Ontario. It’s usually about $40 annually. If you’re riding independently, you can purchase this on your own online. If your riding with our Hub or Top Gear Program, we will help make sure you sign up under our team name. All youth must become members (for insurance purposes with the OCA) and MGCC picks up the membership and OCA licence for all youth, whether you’re in Grass Track or riding with the MGCC Club.
As for kit (aka cycling jersey), you are not required to purchase a kit for our Grass Track program - you can simply wear gym clothes and running shoes. There is kit available for youth, however if you want it, just click here: (https://morning-glory-store.myshopify.com/collections/mgcc-youth-2018-collection)
If you are a Hub or Top Gear member, you will be required to purchase our kit, running anywhere from $60+ depending on what you purchase.
If your child would like to continue cycling with us, racing or not, they can join our Intermediate program (called the Hub Program) that is just $50/month for 1 session/week. (Equivalent to 1.5 coffee per day:)
Should your child like to race competitively in our most Advanced Program (called the Top Gear Program), we have a number of coaching services and price points to suit your needs!
We at the MGCC, also provide a 25% discount for any additional family member joining Hub or Top Gear Program!
When it comes to Buying a Bike, we have a number of connections and guidelines to help you find the right price, and the right fit according to your cycling needs! Whether that’s finding a lightly-used Gravel Bike on Kijiji, Pinkbike or through our cycling community for $500 - or looking for a brand new Road bike to race in Nationals, we are happy to help you find what you’re looking for! Our sponsors at Gears also offer MGCC members a discount on almost all bikes and cycling equipment!
An OCA licence is required for every bike rider who is either training or racing outdoors in Ontario. It’s usually about $40 annually. If you’re riding independently, you can purchase this on your own online. If your riding with our Hub or Top Gear Program, we will help make sure you sign up under our team name. All youth must become members (for insurance purposes with the OCA) and MGCC picks up the membership and OCA licence for all youth, whether you’re in Grass Track or riding with the MGCC Club.
As for kit (aka cycling jersey), you are not required to purchase a kit for our Grass Track program - you can simply wear gym clothes and running shoes. There is kit available for youth, however if you want it, just click here: (https://morning-glory-store.myshopify.com/collections/mgcc-youth-2018-collection)
If you are a Hub or Top Gear member, you will be required to purchase our kit, running anywhere from $60+ depending on what you purchase.
Does my child have to race, or can they ride recreationally?
Absolutely, your child can ride recreationally OR competitively with us! There is no obligation for your child to race. Here is a guide to what he or she might like:
For Programs focused on RECREATIONAL cycling, see here: For Programs and Services focused on COMPETITIVE cycling, see here:
For Programs focused on RECREATIONAL cycling, see here: For Programs and Services focused on COMPETITIVE cycling, see here:
How much time do we have to invest in the sport?
Depends on how much they’d like to do!
Grass Track – 1.5 hour session per week (free program!)
Hub Program – 1.5 hour session per week ($50 per month) with optional races on weekends
Top Gear – Includes 1.5-2.5 hour training, 3 – 5 times a week, and 2-3 Racing Events per month (during the weekend)
Grass Track – 1.5 hour session per week (free program!)
Hub Program – 1.5 hour session per week ($50 per month) with optional races on weekends
Top Gear – Includes 1.5-2.5 hour training, 3 – 5 times a week, and 2-3 Racing Events per month (during the weekend)
Will my child get equal “playing time”?
Unlike most sports, there are no “subs” when it comes to cycling. If there is a race that our athletes qualify for, they are more than encouraged to compete in it! The more, the better! In fact, the slower you cycle, the more playing time you get!
Is Cycling a Team Sport?
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This can be a big misconception for the average spectator! When it comes to racing, teamwork is not only a high priority for the development and success of our athletes, but is also a MASSIVE advantage MGCC has over cyclists who train independently! So why not use it! We work very hard to build up the relationships between our athletes, as they race and train together, in order that they’ll push each other to reach beyond their own goals, uplift each other in peaking and struggling seasons, strategize together in every competition, and grow together in fitness, health, character, and self-discipline! A lot of what goes on in a race, isn’t so much speed, but strategy! For instance, the rider who’s racing at the front of the pack is doing 30% more work than anyone drafting behind them. If our athletes can tag-team taking turns at pulling the load (being in first place), so that the other one can rest while still keeping the lead, why wouldn’t we do that? That’s just one of many advantages to having our athletes work together!
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How Far do we have to Travel?
Training – We have two Indoor Facilities that we do all of our training in – one in Leaside, Toronto (Gears Bike Shop) and one in Toronto West (Wattsup Cycling). For Mountain Biking, we have safe trails and parking lot skill drills and games within the Toronto area (for our Hub members). We also visit the Pan Am Games Velodrome in Milton for Track training.
Racing – Race Events can occur anywhere from the Velodrome in Milton, Bike Trails in Toronto and Hamilton or Road Races across Ontario. Our Top Gear advanced cyclists have qualified to travel across the country, North America and even overseas!
Racing – Race Events can occur anywhere from the Velodrome in Milton, Bike Trails in Toronto and Hamilton or Road Races across Ontario. Our Top Gear advanced cyclists have qualified to travel across the country, North America and even overseas!
Can we come see the Indoor Facility?
By all means! Please do! We have two studios: one in Leaside, Toronto (Gears Bike Shop @ 109 Vanderhoof Ave, TO) and one in Toronto West (Wattsup Cycling @ 38 Torlake Cres, TO).
Can we come watch the Races?
Absolutely! The more support the better! The Velodrome in Milton is a great place to watch our athletes in action during Track season, with a group of our friendly parents, happy to help you with any questions you have. It’s also free to get in!
You can also come watch the Road and Mountain Biking Races! Contact Us to find out where and when the next available event is!
You can also come watch the Road and Mountain Biking Races! Contact Us to find out where and when the next available event is!
My child loves to cycle, and now wants to ride competitively. Now what?
Fantastic! We would love to meet with you! We have a number of competitive programs that would be very beneficial for the development of your child as an athlete, including opportunities to compete in cycling events for Youth & Juniors. Mountain Biking, Road, Cyclocross and Velodrome (track) have a number of events that are both fun, social, and competitive.
Our coaches here at MGCC are very experienced at preparing riders to the level required to compete. Does your child want to be part of the #1 cycling development team in Canada? Dream of going to Nationals? Worlds? The Olympics!? Contact us, we would LOVE to work with you!
Our coaches here at MGCC are very experienced at preparing riders to the level required to compete. Does your child want to be part of the #1 cycling development team in Canada? Dream of going to Nationals? Worlds? The Olympics!? Contact us, we would LOVE to work with you!
How do I know if my son/daughter is ready to race?
One of our coaches may approach your child, letting them know they’re ready to race. Yet often the child will ask the coach if they can, and we will do a free assessment when asked! Ultimately, its really at the child’s pace for when they are ready.
Background
MGCC (Morning Glory Cycling Club) started out as a group of Toronto Cyclists, wanting to get a headstart on their day by cycling together in the mornings.
MGCC recognized a lack of youth development and in 2014 began seeking solutions. One successful program that has come out of MGCC was a youth bursary that funded young riders now racing in the professional riders including Ben Perry, Jack Burke, and Adam Jamieson. These athletes all trained out of NCCH (National Cycling Centre Hamilton).
In an effort to expand the program and include youths of all ages, MGCC began talking with NCCH. Together we have been collaborating to design a solid pathway for Youth/Junior cyclists in the GTA that can expand on and benefit both our current grass track programs and bursary program.
For more information about the collaboration of MGCC and NCCH, click here: http://www.mgridetoronto.com/blog (Blogpost from November 9th, 2016)
Since 2016, MGCC Youth has headed up the Grass Track Program in Leaside and Toronto West.
Winter 2017, MGCC Youth offered Indoor Training at the Gears and Wattsup Locations in Toronto, for all different skills and abilities.
Today, through our skilled, accredited and screened coaches, we are happy to offer Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Programs for all youth in the Toronto Region!
CONTACT US:
Because we’re always on the road, the best way to contact us is by emailing [email protected]!
MGCC recognized a lack of youth development and in 2014 began seeking solutions. One successful program that has come out of MGCC was a youth bursary that funded young riders now racing in the professional riders including Ben Perry, Jack Burke, and Adam Jamieson. These athletes all trained out of NCCH (National Cycling Centre Hamilton).
In an effort to expand the program and include youths of all ages, MGCC began talking with NCCH. Together we have been collaborating to design a solid pathway for Youth/Junior cyclists in the GTA that can expand on and benefit both our current grass track programs and bursary program.
For more information about the collaboration of MGCC and NCCH, click here: http://www.mgridetoronto.com/blog (Blogpost from November 9th, 2016)
Since 2016, MGCC Youth has headed up the Grass Track Program in Leaside and Toronto West.
Winter 2017, MGCC Youth offered Indoor Training at the Gears and Wattsup Locations in Toronto, for all different skills and abilities.
Today, through our skilled, accredited and screened coaches, we are happy to offer Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Programs for all youth in the Toronto Region!
CONTACT US:
Because we’re always on the road, the best way to contact us is by emailing [email protected]!
