OC MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP NEWSLETTER
Issue Date: May 6th, 2024
Save the Date - Annual Meeting
The Ontario Cycling Annual Meeting (AM) will take place June 13th @ 7pm via zoom.
Information on how to register and the meeting package will be available soon.
30th Annual Paris to Ancaster
The 30th annual Paris to Ancaster Bicycle Race (P2A) concluded on Sunday afternoon. Over 2600 individuals, including numerous participants from throughout Canada and the United States, participated in this annual challenging event. Cyclists competed across 3 different distances: the Breve (45 km), Classic (70 km) and Cento (115 km). Reigning Women’s Canadian Gravel Champion, Devon Clarke, was the first female rider to cross the line, defending her P2A victory from 2023. American Lane Maher finished first among males, narrowly edging out reigning Men’s Canadian Gravel Champion Evan Russell (2nd) and Ashlin Barry (3rd), who himself was coming off a victory in last weekend’s Henderson Classic Road OCup.
The P2A Classic race was won by Ottawa Bicycle Club’s Carter Deveer, and Collingwood Collective’s Julia Lehmann who captured the top Male and Female spots respectively, while Independent rider Steve Himmelman and Peterborough Cycling Club’s Kathy Eggenberger rode to victory in the 45km Breve event.
Whether athletes began their days at the Paris Fairgrounds, Waynco Aggregates or the Gaukel Memorial Community Centre, all athletes crossed the same finish line and cycled through identical conditions of periodic rain and lots of mud. But the threat of flat tires, broken derailleurs or worn-out brake pads wasn’t enough to dampen spirits. Congratulations to all who braved the elements and finished the 30th Paris to Ancaster Event!
A special thank you to all who helped organize the event. The crew of over 100 people, many of who are volunteers, worked hard to provide a fantastic experience for the riders. Ontario Cycling (OC) is proud to sanction events that bring our community closer together and leave lasting impressions on all who participate.
OC participated in the vendor expo on Saturday and offered a membership raffle. Any non-members who signed-up for our newsletter, were entered to win 1 of 2 Community Memberships (or equivalent $ value credit to apply to another OC membership). In addition, all who stopped by and signed-up (members and non-members) were entered into a draw to win a free entry to the 2024 OC Provincial Championship of their choosing.
We are happy to announce the winners of both draws below – Congratulations!:
Community Membership Winners:
Craig Cole
Katie Combaluzier
Free Provincial Championships Entry:
Khalil Tito
For participant finisher photos: Click here
For event results: Click here
Road Safety
As the summer months fast approach and cycling returns to the roads it is important to remind cyclists and motorists alike that road safety is a top priority. Creating enough space for everyone and effective signalling are two great habits that promote road safety.
Ontario Cycling and its partners are focusing on creating an environment in the streets of Ontario where all pedestrians feel secure. We aim to establish a community throughout the Province without traffic-related fatalities or severe injuries. We aim to make walking and cycling not just a safe choice but an appealing means of transportation.
In the streets of Ontario, efforts are being made to eliminate traffic hazards and enhance safety for all pedestrians. We support altered regulations, enforcement practices, street layouts, public perceptions, and the overall traffic culture to foster more secure and fair conditions for everyone using the roads.
For more information and to learn about your rights as a cyclist: Click here
Are You Interested in Joining a Cycling Club?
Sign up for the Ontario Cycling Club Try-Out Program Today and Experience 2 Club Activities Before Purchasing a Membership
The Ontario Cycling (OC) Club Try-Out program offers non-OC members interested in joining a club activity the opportunity to attend up to two (2) club try-out recreational activities during the season before being required to obtain an annual OC Membership.
Activities may include group rides, skill development programs, and other recreational activities. It does NOT cover competitive activities. Activities will be held under the supervision of a club ride leader or coach, in accordance with the club’s risk guidelines, risk management policy.
This program provides an ideal opportunity for non-OC members (including friends and family of existing members) to discover their passion for the sport and experience the benefits of what the growing cycling community has to offer FREE of charge.
Individuals interested in this program should reach out to their local club and confirm they are participating in this program, and what dates a Try-Out activity is being held.
Once you have confirmed a date you want to participate with the club, complete the OC’s online Club Try-Out Individual Participant Form, and provide your confirmation email to the hosting club. Participants may also have to provide the club additional information to facilitate their participation on the day.
For more information on the Club Try-Out, contact OC Club Relations & Membership Manager Chris Baskys: chris.baskys@ontariocycling.org
For a list of 2024 registered OC Clubs, visit our Club Directory
OC Hiring Performance Programs Coordinator
Reporting to the Sport Performance Director, the Performance Programs Coordinator will be responsible for the coordination of athlete and coach development services, with specific attention to high performance programming across Olympic and Paralympic cycling disciplines. The Candidate will work closely with the Sport Performance Director, Sport Science Coordinator, and provincial and contract coaches to support the implementation of a leading athlete pathway and achieve OC’s strategic objectives in fostering international athlete success and transition into Team Canada programming.
The position is based full-time at the Mattamy National Cycling Center Velodrome in Milton, Ontario.
Please submit CV and cover letter via email to: careers@ontariocycling.org
Submission Deadline: May 20th @5pm
For full job description: Click here
National MTB & Road Commissaire Course
Cycling Canada is offering a National Commissaire Course for both MTB and Road disciplines as a pilot of the new National Commissaire Development Pathway. This will be the first time we offer National Commissaire training in this multi-mode method using online, virtual and in person training. The initial phases of the course work consisting of the online and virtual classes are to be completed over the summer of 2024. The location and timing of the in-person sessions will be determined at the conclusion of the virtual training.
This new training program will be led by several experienced commissaires including:
- Geordie Ma, MTB & BMX IC (Development Pathway Lead)
- Adrien Levesque, Road & Track IC
- Christian Cote, MTB ENC and CX IC
- Steve Head, Road IC and Track ENC
REGISTRATION PROCEDURE:
Eligible candidates must complete the linked application form. Any questions regarding registration can be directed by email to Cycling Canada’s staff member Alex Joubert at alex.joubert@cyclingcanada.ca.
Registration fee: $250.00 CAD
Deadline to register is May 22, 2024.
Candidates will receive confirmation as registrations are received and approved by the Cycling Canada Official’s Committee.
For full information please: Click here
Strava Community
Whether you're interested in racing, touring, or simply enjoying a leisurely ride through Ontario's beautiful countryside, Ontario Cycling has a lot to offer. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the exciting cycling world and discover the many benefits of joining Ontario Cycling and the chance to connect with like-minded individuals in the cycling community.
Join the Ontario Cycling Strava club to share your rides, check out new routes and document group rides. Get inspired by impressive personal milestones and connect with members from around the province and grow our passionate community. We're excited to see where cycling takes you and how Ontario Cycling can help you achieve your goals!
To join the Strava club: Click here
Volunteer Opportunities
We hope your cycling season is off to a great start. As the temperature rises and we start to ride outdoors again we are looking forward to our upcoming Mountain Bike and Road OCup events continuing throughout the summer months. Registration for volunteers at all applicable Ontario Cycling (OC) run events is open and available to all interested in helping support these events!
Knowing that volunteers play a crucial role in the organization and that cycling events are only possible with the support of our passionate volunteers, we thank all of you who are interested in volunteering. To get involved, please follow the steps below and register as an OC Volunteer. Once you’re in our volunteer pool and have signed up for a volunteer shift at an event, an Ontario Cycling staff member will contact you to confirm your upcoming volunteer shift(s) and provide additional information relevant to your role(s).
For more information on becoming a volunteer: Click here
CSIO & CMHA Athlete Panel on Mental Health Webinar
Please join us on May 8th @ 12 - 1pm during the CMHA's Mental Health Awareness Week for a virtual athlete panel facilitated by Dr. Leann Lapp, C.Psych. Aligned with this year’s theme of “A call to be kind - #CompassionConnects,” we will hear from three Canadian high performance athletes as they share their experiences and reflections on mental health, compassion, resilience, identity, and sport.
Panelists include: Sasha Gollish (Athletics), Akash Grewal (Volleyball), and Ella Hodgson-Pageau (Canoe)
This panel will offer insight about:
- what it’s like to perform at high levels while also managing mental health concerns
- how athletes can feel more empowered to ask for what they need and feel less alone when they have a mental health concern
- how some athletes keep playing, pause playing, and/or return to playing with a mental health concern
- how coaches, staff, IST, and teammates all have important roles to play in supporting our high-performance athletes’ mental health
Audience: This session is open to all! Athletes, coaches, IST, staff, parents.
Cost: Free!
Registration: Click here
2024 Niagara Hope on the Horizon Workshop
Hosted by Brock University Centre for Sport Capacity
Did you know 55% of Canadians engaged in at least one sport activity in the past year, and Canada hosts over 250,000 sport events annually? Sport participation is booming and it’s time to embrace this growth! The stage is set for leaders to build their capacity to manage successful - and safe - sport across business, nonprofit, and government sectors!
The Centre for Sport Capacity, along with Sport Law and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport
(CCES), will host the highly anticipated 2024 Niagara Hope on the Horizon workshop at
Brock University on May 24-25, 2024 (it’s after the long weekend!).
This two-day workshop equips you with tools to enhance your leadership, legal, and risk
management skills. Whether you are a small business owner, nonprofit organization, volunteer,
coach, or someone involved in physical activity programming… we all need to understand the
complexities facing sport in our backyard.
Come and connect with other leaders to talk about ‘True Sport’ values. Let’s engage in shared
dialogue and learn more about the valuable role sport plays in our communities.
We know that ---- good sport = good business + inclusive communities.
This workshop will help build your competence – and confidence – in the following areas:
• Good governance to build a healthy sport and recreation environment;
• Risk management to address immediate high-level risks and pressing issues;
• Safety to ensure a positive sport experience for all;
• Inclusion and diversity to embrace all participants;
• Values-based leadership to guide difficult decision-making;
• Legal ‘best practices’ to meet mandatory regulations and legislation.
Tickets are priced at $60 (+online fee), which includes the Friday Panel & Networking Social,
and Saturday workshop. Appetizers, a light breakfast, and lunch will be included.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to be a part of the conversation that is shaping the future of
sport organizations.
For more information please Click here
FUNDING FOR YOUR YOUTH EVENTS
Tony Osborne Memorial Youth Cycling Fund
OC is pleased to be able to offer clubs, teams, and event organizers an opportunity to apply for funding through this fantastic initiative in the name of Tony Osborne and his legacy. The intention of the grant is to utilize the expertise that is available within the province, increase opportunities for knowledge sharing, and help clubs enhance their training delivery.
Donate Here via CCN
Donate Here via Cycling Canada
All donations are made via Cycling Canada's donation program. Tax receipts will be issued for any donation over $25.00.
Are you an OC sanctioned event organizer wanting more information on grant? Please view criteria on our website: Tony Osborne Youth Grant
Check Out Our Events Calendar 📆
We've got an exciting slate of events coming up! For any and all upcoming events be sure to keep an eye out on our events calendar for event details, registration links and up-to-date technical guides.
View the full calendar: Here
OC Announces New Official Apparel Supplier With Online Kit Store
Champion System is the official apparel supplier of Ontario Cycling. Visit the Kitpatron store for all of your OC Branded apparel.
Are you a club or team looking for new kit? You can receive a 15% discount for all new club and team clients wishing to design and/or purchase new kits for their members.
Please contact Tribe Solutions to design your new kit now via phone: 647-930-1779
Your Ride, Your Membership, Your Choice - 2024 Membership is Open
Ontario Cycling is thrilled to announce a game-changing update to our membership structure, launching in 2024. Thanks to valuable feedback from our community, we’re shifting gears to offer more tailored options that cater to every cyclist’s needs.
Here’s the Big News:
- Community Membership: Join the ride with the freedom to cycle in your neighborhood or at club events, backed by robust insurance benefits.
- Challenge Membership: Elevate your experience with access to competitive and regional events, complete with comprehensive coverage.
- Compete Membership: Race at the highest levels with a membership that matches your ambition, including all the benefits of lower tiers.
- UCI Licenses: Take your passion nation-wide or global with a license that’s your ticket to the world stage of cycling events.
- UCI Technical License: For the pivotal players shaping our sport, get the recognition and coverage you deserve.
For more information: Click HERE
To apply for your 2024 membership: Click HERE
Need to Reach Us?
Ontario Cycling is open Monday to Friday 9-4 pm. Have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us via phone or email.
Membership: chris.baskys@ontariocycling.org
Email Events
Email: info@ontariocycling.org
Website: www.ontariocycling.org
Phone: 416-855-1717