Rides and Tours 2011
March | April | May | June| July | August | September | October | November |
Rides
which occur regularly during the season are listed in the left column.
Other rides and tours are included on the schedule below
All rides will take place regardless of the weather unless Environment Canada has issued a warning or watch. Riders are expected to follow the rules of the road and wear an approved helmet. Riders must be members of the Wascana Freewheelers or other cycling club affiliated with the Saskatchewan Cycling Association. You may join at any ride. Download the membership form, (pdf)
Cancellations and additions will be sent out on the Yahoo Wascanawheelers e-group and may be posted on the website. To join the e-group, subscribe online, complete the form on the "Newsletter & E-Group: page.
Changes, cancellations and additonal rides will be posted to the e-group
2011 Ride Schedule in printable form (pdf)
| April Rides | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Top | ||
Chili & Info Night Sunday, April 10, 5:15 pm Cathedral Neighbourhood CentreContact: |
A time for renewing old friendships and planning your cycling season with the Freewheelers! Meet at the Cathedral Neighbourhood Centre, 2900 13th Ave. Doors open at 5:15 with a free and delicious chili supper to follow around 5:30. There will be displays, media presentations, bikes and gear to see and a chance to find out about all the many rides and activities we have planned. Sign up for the Gone with the Wind lottery and renew your membership. Information on all club rides as well as the GASP tour will be available and door prizes will be awarded! Bring a friend! |
|
|
Moved to, Sunday, May 1,
11 am
38 Piapot Bay Contact: |
Today's short ride (12 km each way) is an excellent way to make sure your bike is in tip top shape for the 26th annual Teddy Tour to Theodore Roosevelt Park in North Dakota. It will also give you a little fitness head-start to make those hills a bit easier. Meet at 38 Piapot Bay at 11:00. We will ride out to Condie Nature Refuge, off exit A on highway #11. Bring a little snack or a full-fledged picnic spread. There will be a prize for the best lunch - really! Come out even if you're not going to Teddy. If you are a new rider or have never cycled on the highway before, this is a great way to learn what you need to know. We will not leave anyone behind. |
|
|
The 26th Annual Freewheeler Teddy Tour April 22 - 24 Ride leaves North Unit parking lot Friday 2pm Contact: |
The distances are short (30 - 40 km per day) but the hills are indeed challenging and the weather is unpredictable. Having said that, it is surely my favourite ride and one which other club members have attended more than 15 times! As Easter is about as late as it ever gets, this could be an excellent year for great weather. Details of the ride will be included in club e-group messages but I will send them to you if you ask rkeall@sasktel.net Check the photo collection and stories on The Teddy Tour Pages. Options abound for both distance, difficulty and activities and the park offers excellent hotel accommodation for those not keen on camping in the cold! Do plan to attend and to invite a friend. They will thank you for it. |
|
For many Freewheelers this annual pilgrimage to | May Rides | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Top |
Sunday, May 1,
11 am
38 Piapot Bay Contact: |
Today's short ride (12 km each way) is an excellent way to make sure your bike is in tip top shape for the season. Meet at 38 Piapot Bay at 11:00. We will ride out to Condie Nature Refuge, off exit A on highway #11. Bring a little snack or a full-fledged picnic spread. There will be a prize for the best lunch - really! If you are a new rider or have never cycled on the highway before, this is a great way to learn what you need to know. We will not leave anyone behind. |
Wednesday Night Ride # 1 May 4 This ride is scheduled every Wednesday until August 31. |
Meet in front of the Legislative Buildings (clubspeak 'the Ledge') at 7 pm. A tour leader will explain the route and may provide a small map. On this first outing, a short informative talk will precede the ride. No lecture - just some hints to make these in-town rides safe and enjoyable. We usually go for coffee or ice cream after the ride. Especially this early in the year, if you are planning to attend the after ride fun, you should bring lights and reflectors for the ride back home. New members are welcome! These rides go every Wednesday at 7 until August 31. |
|
Lumsden for Lunch Saturday May 7 10:30 am Lewvan & Hwy 11 Contact: Velda, 569-1322 |
The only real hill in miles! Great fun to descend, a bit more challenging on the way back but you can always walk it! Meet at Kramer Corner (north on Pasqua and over #11) at 10:30 for the first official ride to Lumsden. Parking is available in the lot outside the 'Experienced Parts' building at Kramer Tractor. Join us for lunch at the delightful Bistro on Main St. then take a little tour of the town. |
|
SCA Bicycle Touring Seminar Thursday, May 12, 7 pm Register by May 9 2205 Victoria Ave; Contact: Denise Eberle, 780-9299 |
Keynote speaker Shawn Kuster, B.Ed, M.Kin, C.S.C.S., Athlete Development, will explain how to "build volume", how to monitor your body's adaptation to your training program, and the importance of including rest and recovery in your training. Jim McGrane, president of the Wascana Freewheelers Bicycle Touring Club will talk about local cycling opportunities, including recreational clubs and bicycle touring. Not all cyclists wear lycra and ride fast! Veteran touring cyclists Velda Back and Colette Forbes will describe their experiences riding the Great Annual Saskatchewan Pedal (GASP), Saskatchewan's provincial bicycle tour. This year's GASP, the 7th annual, explores the west central part of Saskatchewan in a seven-day trip through Humboldt, Muenster, Greenwater Provincial Park, Carrot River, Choiceland and Prince Albert. The route includes an exhilarating ride over the historic St. Louise steel truss bridge. There will be opportunities for discussion on minor bike repairs, preparing for a bicycle tour and packing for a tour, including demonstrations. Participants must register for the seminar by May 9. Contact the Saskatchewan Cycling Association, Denise Eberle, 780-9299 or cycling@accesscomm.ca for more information. |
|
|
Arleene's Mtn Bike Adventure Saturday, May 14, 10 am Contact: Arleene 584-1560 |
Join Arleene for 2 to 3 hours of bike riding on pavement, single track dirt trails and gravel. Meet at 3517 McCallum Avenue, at 10:00 am. We will ride off road as much as possible to get to Douglas Park Hill where we will ride the cyclocross race trail, then on to Arcola Avenue south to ride the gravel roads leading to SIAST and back to my house. Bring water and a snack. A mountain bike or Hybrid with fatter and/or tires with some tread would be best. |
|
| Biking & Birding
May 21 -23 Contact: Barbara, 584-9650 |
Note- plans may change depending on flood situation Friday evening Leave campground on ride to Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area. It's a 15 km ride one-way on gravel and dirt roads, so bring your mountain bike. We'll have a chance to see an abundance of migrating birds, and maybe even a whopping crane or two. Here are some Web sites with more information.
http://www.ec.gc.ca/ap-pa/default.asp?lang=En&n=EB4E93B6-1 We'll have lunch at the refuge and then ride back. We'll have a SAG wagon for those who find a 30 km round trip on gravel more than they want to ride. We should arrive back in camp between 4:00 and 5:00 pm where we can have a shower and refreshments. 6:00 pm - Leave campground for drive to Watrous where we'll have supper and a soak in the famous mineral waters at the Manitou Springs Mineral Spa. Or, we could have a soak first and then supper. The Spa is open until 10:00 pm seven days a week. They charge $10.95 per person for a swim/soak. Here's a list of the many places to eat in Watrous: http://watrousmanitou.com/restaurants.htm
Sunday, May 23 |
|
To the GROTTO - Vibank for Lunch Friday, May 27, 8 Captial Pl. White City Contact: |
Reservations have been made - Cecilia and Kevin are expecting us for lunch. The Friday special is lasagna and Caesar salad plus they have a sandwich selection and a menu you can choose from. It's about 52 km from central Regina to Vibank but we have shortened the commute to 33 km one way by starting in White City at the home of Brian and Donna, our Freewheelin' friends. You can park in their driveway or on the street in front of 8 Capital Place. Go east on #1 to #48 on the east side of White City. Turn right, then your first right on Gregory Ave, then left on Confederation, right on Federal and right on Capital! Easy! They are at the end of the block on the right. Lunch is at noon and from all accounts it will be delicious. Please let me know no later than May 20 if you are planning to attend as I have to update the reservation. Riders starting in Regina may be entitled to an extra dessert!. |
|
Gone with the Wind! Sunday, May 29 Legislative Building Contact: |
People line up to get their name on 'the List' This year we will be giving everyone a fair chance by holding a lottery. If your name is one of the lucky 14 to be chosen, you will experience what many consider to be one of the best rides of the year! You can sign up at the Chili Night supper on April 10th or call Ron @ 545-1494. A $25 entry fee must accompany all applications. The draw will be on May 15, two weeks before the ride and 'the List' will be published that day. Note: names of 'couples' (defined as any 2 people who prefer not to cycle without the other person going along) can be entered as one name (and one chance) or as two (with two chances but no guarantee of togetherness!. If you were not able to get on 'the List' this
time, your deposit will be returned. If interest is still high, we may
do a second GWTW tour later in the year. Make your cheque payable to
Wascana Freewheelers. Meet at the Legislative Building before 8 o'clock when our route out of town will be chosen and a common direction agreed upon. The support van with the club trailer will accompany us all day, carrying some of your gear as well as water and a few bike tools. Pack a lunch, rain gear, and some warm clothes just in case. You can transfer to the sag wagon at any time during the day. We will patrol the front and end of the line of riders, though the front-runners probably get fewer visits! We end the ride at 3 pm to give you time to get back home for a shower and supper. This ride will not be canceled due to rain and CERTAINLY NOT in the event of high winds! Environment Canada Weather Warnings would trump our enthusiasm! Riders who fail to show up will forfeit their fee |
|
| June Rides | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Top | |||
|
Our First Date with Stella - Night Ride Firday, June 310 pm 38 Piapot Bay Contact: |
Last year we purchased 2 high-quality Stella 120 bike lights which make riding at night so much easier and safer. These are front lights which easily attach to bars, stems or racks. Call Ron @ 545-1494 if you wish to book one of these lights for the ride. We will meet at 38 Piapot Bay at 10:00 pm This short ride trails through the new NW subdivisions and makes a short jog over to highway #11 before returning down Pasqua St. North. This is a safe and enjoyable way to explore the night! We will stick together - you won't be left behind. All riders must have a front light for their bike as well as the required rear red light. A good flashlight can be taped to bars or racks if you don't have a fancy cycling light. Reflective, light clothing and reflectors mounted on your bike will complete your ensemble! Please call Ron if you are planning to attend as the number of riders will affect the route. An e group message will be sent out by 9:00 pm if the ride is canceled due to rain, wet pavement or a weather warning. |
||
|
Introduction to Loaded Touring Friday, June 10 to Sunday, June 12Leader & starting point tba |
An excellent introduction to a very enjoyable aspect of cycling.
There will be quite a number of experienced riders along to help with
bike fit and adjustment, packing tips, camping and cooking ideas and
moral support. |
||
The Qu'Appelle Hills Saturday, June 18 Fort Qu'Appelle Contact: |
One hill or four - the choice is yours! Meet in Fort Qu'Appelle at 10:00, in the park on Broadway where the farmer's market is held. We will cycle around Echo Lake and up the Echo hill, then back to Fort Qu'Appelle. Next stop is Balcarres for lunch, returning to the Fort for the Lipton hill and possibly the highway 10 south hill. Total distance to do all four hills would be 100km . For those preparing for the longer summer rides, this is great training. The ride can also be done as a half-day tour with only one hill. Velda recommends taking along a picnic lunch. |
||
We
will travel to the scenic Lumsden Campground (over the steel bridge
across from the RCMP) after work on Friday, spend the night, take the
long way to the Craven campground for the next night, then cycle home
to Regina on Sunday morning. You should be back home by noon. Club gear
(panniers, tent, air mattress, stoves, etc. ) is available free of
charge to members. | July Rides | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Top | |||
|
Wee-Too Beach Overnight Saturday, July 2 - Sunday, July 38:30 am Lewvan & Hwy 11 Contact: |
Rosella and Jim have invited you to ride to their cottage at Wee Too Beach, about 25 km north of Bethune on highway #11, a distance of 75 km. This is a great opportunity to prepare for GASP which is only one week away! You can choose to ride loaded but Rosella has kindly agreed to ferry your gear out to the cottage. Meet her at the parking lot of the 'Experienced Parts' building at Kramer Tractor, just north of the junction of highway 11 and Pasqua St. North at 8:30 or call Jim to arrange a luggage drop-off at his place before the ride. As an added bonus Jim and Rosella are going to feed you supper and breakfast! How wonderful You can camp in Jim and Rosella's yard or you could use one of their extra bedrooms. Riders should be back in Regina mid-afternoon on Sunday. Please call Jim if you are planning to attend this ride and if you would like to reserve some inside accommodation. You could ride only one leg of this trip, but you would need to arrange your own transportation. You could shorten the distance to 50 km by starting in Lumsden but be sure to let Jim know if this is what you are planning. |
||
|
Regina Fringe Ride Saturday, July 9Leader Colette; Start: Wascana St. 10 am |
To celebrate the Fringe Festival this weekend why not ride the fringe of the Regina. Meet at Colette's place at 2135 Wascana Street at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday July 9th. We will travel counterclockwise around the city...if my odometer was correct about 58km...(shoulda scoffed Jim's GPS - I may be way off...though it did take me about 4 hrs..). I am open to suggestions on shortening the route...dependent on weather and energy levels. We will plan a lunch break...thinking along the lines of picking up and picnicing...and ending up at my place for ice cream... And do check out the Fringe schedule at www.reginafringe.com. |
||
|
GASP 2011 Start & finish in Humboldt Date: July 16 - 22 Contact: Sask. Cycling, 780-9299 |
GASP - The Great Annual Saskatchewan Pedal 2011. Check out the official website: Check the SCA Website 2011Great Annual Saskatchewan Pedal (GASP) for all the details. Club members have provided the bulk of riders over the years but this ride is now attracting a more diverse population. If you are planning on attending this year, be sure to come on ALL of the club rides in preparation! Book early with the SCA as space is apparently limited to the first 40 riders! |
||
|
Secret Gardens by Bike Saturday, July 16 Time: 9:30, The Lege Contact: Velda, 569-1322 |
We will do the the 14th Annual New Dance Horizons Secret Gardens Tour by bike. You can ride for free, but to see the gardens you must purchase a ticket. Tickets are $35 or after July 3rd, $40 available from Crocus & Ivy, Dutch Growers, Unique Garden Centre or by calling 525-5393 |
||
|
July Birthday Babes Sunday, July 24, 2 pm Pasqua North Dairy Queen Contact: Velda, 569-1322 |
We know there are at least 4 babes and 2 buff guys with a July birthday, so we are planning a tour of Brora (approx 40 kms) on July 24, followed by birthday cake at the Dairy Queen and we would like to have LOTS of party guests! So everyone is invited. We will meet at the Dairy Queen on Pasqua st North, at 2 pm which should put us back at the DQ around 4ish. |
||
| August Rides | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Top | |||
|
WFW Buffalo Hunt Sunday, July 31, 2 pm |
The WFW haven't hunted buffalo since 2004! We have just received a new buffalo hunting license! We will ride after these iconic beasts Sunday at 2 pm starting at 2832 Wascana St. (Marion's). The ride will end at 5 and be followed by Buffalo Burgers at Marion's. Hope you'll be in town to join the hunt. RSVP if you're coming. |
||
|
August 6 or 7 |
TBA (Folk Festival Weekend) |
||
|
Barbara's Mystey Ride Sunday, August 14 Contact: Barbara, 584-9650 |
Sacred places" is the theme of Barbara's Mystery Tour this year. We'll meet at the Leg this Sunday, August 14 at 1:30 pm. Then we'll head out on a tour to see Regina's church. We'll see large churches and small ones. We'll see old and new churches. We'll see churches of many denominations, and learn some of Regina's history. We'll ride for about two hours' and then end at Atlantis on Victoria for refreshments. . |
||
Mtn Bike Adventure # 2 Saturday, August 20 Contact: Arleene, 584-1560 |
Note from Arleene, August 14, 2011: Just a reminder that I will be leading a ride in MooseJaw next weekend. I have not ridden a portion of this TransCanada Trail before so we may have to improvise a bit a long the way. See below (scroll down to the bottom of the page). We will also ride some pavement to the Labyrnith of Peace Gardens and the Burrowing Owl Interpretive Center. Bring your lunch as Connor Park or either of the above stops will make a good lunch place. I encourage you to car share if you have extra room. I can take one person if anyone would like to share with me. We will meet in MooseJaw at Coteau St. and 8th Avenue SE. This is where the TransCanada Trail starts. Direction are as follows: From Regina take the exit into Moose Jaw on Manitoba Street Expressway, turn left on 1st Avenue SE, soon after the underpass turn left onto River Park Dr, park in the recreational center parking lot across from the campground. We will then ride up to the trailhead at Coteau St and 8th Avenue SE. I have attached a copy of a map (pdf) I have also attached (pdf)a copy of a pamphlet describing the Labyrnith of Peace. Feel free to substitute the word "God" for Higher Power, Mother Earth, or anything else that makes sense or is appropriate for you. (Not meant to offend anyone). The gardens are really quite pretty, unique and relaxing. |
||
Pilot Butte Loop
Sunday, August 21 |
Meet at 2:00 pm at the Sandra Schmirler Rec Centre at the corner of Prince of Wales and Woodhams Drive. The ride is a plus or minus 40 km loop taking us from the Rec Centre up to Park St., to Pilot Butte on highway 46, to Hwy. #1 past the White Butte Trail, onto service roads just north of #1 and finally ending Richard's & Sharon's: 31-2801 Windsor Park Road around 4:30 pm. They will be providing food and beverages upon our return. Please RSVP a few days before the ride so that we can plan the meal. richbera@gmail.com Partners of riders are welcome to join us at 4:30. |
||
Annual Progressive Dinner Ride
Sunday, August 28
Appetizers - @ Barbara & Gary's |
The famous Freewheeler Progressive Dinner Ride - Appetizers at 2 p.m. then a 25- 30 km ride to the main course at a second location, followed by dessert at at third. You will probably need your lights for the ride home. Participants bring their own meat to barbecue and contribute an appetizer, or a dessert or a salad and your own beveridges. Bring your contribution to the appropriate house. Non-cycling spouses are welcome to join us at the various destinations. |
||
| September Rides | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Top | |||
Sturgis Bike-Multi-Sport Weekend Sept. 2 - 5 Contact: Marion 556-0691 |
This Labour Day weekend, join us at the Sturgis Bike Rally! Oil your leathers and polish the Harley! Well, the ride is actually near the much quieter Sturgis, Saskatchewan, 95km north of Yorkton where we will camp beside the Assiniboine River in the Regional Park. Enjoy cycling, water sports at Carol Fonger's cottage, possible golf at the Crystal Lake links and, of course, at least one famous Freewheeler Potluck supper! Bring your own road and/or mountain bike/kayak/canoe/Speedo/leathers/golf clubs. Click for Information Sheet with details Please let Marion know if you are planning to attend all or part of this weekend. |
||
Broadview Loop Loaded Tour Sept. 16-18 Contact: Barbara, 584-9650 Jim 586-7882 |
If you are new to loaded touring, an experienced cyclist looking for some extra miles in preparation for an upcoming adventure or just wanting to spend a weekend cycling with your friends, the Broadview Loop is for you! Join our hosts Jim Marcia and Barbara Shourounis at 0900 at the Sweet Dreams Motel in Broadview on September 16. Parking is available behind the motel. Day one takes us west to Grenfell, north on #47 and east to Crooked Lake Provincial Park for a distance of 67km. On day two we cycle a total of 80 km, east on #247 to #201, then south to Broadview, east on #1 to #9, north to #247 and west to Grimeau Park and a distance of 80 km. We end the tour by cycling , west on #247 to #201 and south on #201 back to Broadview, a distance of 40 km. Remember that the club camping gear and panniers may be booked by calling Velda at 569-1322. Be sure to call Barbara at 584-9650 or Jim at 586-7882 to let them know if you are interested. . |
||
| Sunday,
Sunday, Sept. 25 Regina Beach Fowl Supper Ride Ride -12:30-3:30 PM Supper - 4:00 PM Contact: Noreen, 205-1617 |
The Regina Beach ride and fowl supper is on Sunday, September 25. This is a mountain bike ride. Meet in the parking lot at the north end of Main Street (where the pier used to be) and ride from 12:30 - 3:30. There will be a snack stop at Noreen's cabin. After the ride meet at 4:00 at the South Shore Rec Centre for the fowl supper. No advanced tickets are required. If you don't want to ride, come join us for the delicious meal. |
||
| October Rides | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Top | |||
| Fall Leaves Ride 10:30 PM, October 1 Contact: Velda 569-1322 |
|
||
| Wascana Trails
October 2 Contact: Arleen |
|
||
| Lakeview United
Church Fowl Supper Ride 2:00 PM, October 22 Contact: Velda 569-1322 |
Meet at 2 pm at Lakeview United Church for a ride around town, a glass of wine at Marion's followed by a turkey supper at the church at 5:30. Tickets must be purchased in advance. |
||
| November Events | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Top | |||
|
Freewheelers' Potluck & Photo Night Nov. 5. 5:30 |
When: The 2011 wind-up will be held on Saturday, November 5th, 2011 at 5:30PM Where: 5542 Hames Crescent (Harbour Landing) Menu: Ian is planning chicken and rice dishes. Bring your choice of: appetizers, side dishes, salads, desserts, and the beverage of your choice. Entertainment: Feel free to bring and share photos of your trips over the past year. Photos should be on a CD or SD memory card to allow them to be viewed on Ian'sy TV. |
||