Rocket Mountain Biking Club
Who are the Rockets?
The Rockets are a non-profit mountain bike (MTB) club based in southwestern Ontario, Canada with members from Essex and Kent counties and southeastern Michigan, USA. Our organization is a member of the Ontario Cycling Association (OCA) and the International Mountain Bike Association(IMBA).
As a club, we host a four race and hold two 8-hour relay citizen event for charity. For the recreational rider we have picnics, fun rides and training rides that many find enjoyable.
NEWS
July 20, 2010
SoCo#2, Greed for Speed, was held this past Sunday at Malden Park. Results are now posted along with updated standings.
The next event is SoCo#3, Shred a Tread, is to be held at Two Creeks, Sunday August 8th. Still lots of oppurtunity to work your way up in the standings with two races left. The course will
July 15, 2010
Results for 8 Hours of Malden Madness is now up in the results section.
Pictures will be up shortly on the right side.
July 13, 2010
Recap - 8 Hours of Malden Madness!
Sunday was a great day for the 8 hour relay race. The weather eased up a bit a wasn't quite as hot and humid as it had been in the middle of the week. Added with a nice breeze, it made for a good time for all.
It had been a few years since an 8 hour race had been held at Malden and the club was anxious to see who'd come out for a challenge.
A total of 34 riders made for solo 8/4 hour and teams of 2 and 4 persons.
The club had worked hard in the weeks leading up to Sunday to get the course ready. There were others in the cycling community that went out on their own to work on part of the park for everybody to enjoy. There was not much in Malden that we did not end up using which made for a long course with a variety of conditions for cyclists of all abilities.
Complete results are being tallied up and will be posted shortly under results. Pictures (lots of them!) will be up shortly on the right side gallery for downloading.
Thanks to all those who participated, worked on the course and volenteered their time to have a successful event. Thanks especially to Chris for promoting and running the entire event smoothly even with a new baby at home to keep him and Nikki busy enough!.
Reminder - Malden SoCo#2 - Greed For Speed
As if you hadn't enough of Malden, SoCo#2 is scheduled for this coming Sunday, July 18th. Registration starts at 10:00am, race starts at 11:00am. The Rockets will be out marking the course on Saturday from 4:00pm and on for those who want to pre-ride and register then.
Cost for the race is $10.00. You can also pay for this through PayPal below.
Note, you MUST be a Rockets member in order to participate due to OCA insurance requirements.
Swim and BBQ
After the race, participants and their family members are invited back to LaSalle for a swim and BBQ at the Leonard's house. The club will provide hot dogs, hamburgers, bottled water and pop. Attendees are asked to bring a side dish or dessert for potluck. For last names A-M, bring a dessert, N-Z bring a side dish. It will be a nice way to spend the rest of the day and to socialize with your fellow cyclists.
Thanks and we hope to see you out there!
July 7, 2010
Update - 8 Hours of Malden Madness!
We hope everybody is enjoying the hot weather but taking it easy while out there on their bikes!
Final stretch down to this Sunday for the race! The Rockets have been working hard to get the course ready.
The Malden link here has been updated with news and with links to view video clips of the course.
June 30, 2010
8 Hours of Malden Madness!
The countdown is on! Less then 2 weeks to 8 Hours of Malden Madness! The Malden link has been updated with more information here including registration and payment.
There will be a pre-ride Wednesday afternoon, at 6:00pm. This will be a casual ride so as to let anybody interested in the race to get a feel for the course and conditions and know what to expect.
There will also be a video posted shortly for those who want to see the course from the comfort of their computer screens.
24 Hours of Summer Solstice
This previous weekend, 6 teams consisting of over 30 riders represented the local area at 24 Hours Summer Solstice at Albion Hills.
At first, the weather was a big challenging and the race was delayed two hours due to the rain. Once that cleared up, there was a mass muddy but fun start to the race. The weather was OK for the rest of the 24 hour event, just dropping rain for a short while after.
Congradulations to Team Unruly who took 2nd place in the 6-10 Person Club Expert category. Good job to all those who participated in this event. Up soon will be 24 Hot August Nights at the end of summer.
Two Creeks Wheatley - Update
The area has dried up over the last few weeks since the storm that the area experienced on June 6th. Thanks to the work of local club members in the area, the trail is now fit for riding. Organized rides start on Wednesday, 6:00pm with laps over 30 minutes or so. These rides will continue throughout the course of the summer as long as conditions permit.
June 20, 2010
Alright folks. Hope you're enjoying the great cycling we've been having lately and hitting the trails and roads on the bike.
It's hard to believe it but 8 Hours of Malden Madness is only 3 weeks away!
Please go to this link for more information, including the course map.
June 11, 2010
Due to the extrodinary weather in the area of Leamington last weekend, we have been forced to CANCEL the 4-hour Rocket Fun Ride in Two Creeks Wheatley this coming Sunday June 13th. There is just too much debris and standing water to safely hold the event.
We will try and re-schedule it in the summer when conditions are better.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Windsor Essex County Health Unit - Rediscover Your Bike Day
They are having this event on Saturday, June 12th, at the WFCU Centre. The Rockets have been asked to come and provide some help novice riders and kids on basic bike safety and to take them on the trails in Little River.
The Rockets are asking for volenteers to help out with this event. It runs from 9am to 11am.
If you can help out, please us here.
We plan to meet up at the WFCU Centre at 8:30. Please wear your Rockets Jersey if you have one.
May 29, 2010
Do to the amount of news of late, items are listed at this page.
May 21, 2010
Lots to go over this week. Just in time for the great weather!
Rockets 4 Hours of FunComing Sunday June 13th, we have this event scheduled at Two Creeks in Wheatley. Something a bit different and for fun!
You can race either as a 4-hour solo or tag team (2 continuous hours each). You will be keeping track of your own lap times.
The Rockets will provide hot dogs and burgers. Please let us know if you will be particpating by email us here.
Click here for the flyer.
Note, you must be a club member to participate.
Duke Epic 8 Hour Spring Relay Recap
Congratulations to go club members consisting of Marc Sherman, Shayne Sorrell, Brian Warkentin, Jason Recker, Brad Laport and Davis Brockenshire. They participated in this event the past Saturday in Mansfield and placed 3rd in the 5-6 person catagory. Anybody that's done these races knows the competition that always comes out at the first big team race and the member did great here in representing the local area
East Side Riders
Local riding group has updated their schedule. Click on here for more information.
Support for a change to the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) for cyclists
No doubt that you have heard about the tradedy that struck a group of cyclists on the road in the province of Quebec that took the lives of three women.
It is incidents like these what we must remain vigilant on the roads and advocate for the rights and safety of cyclists on the road.
Toronto NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo is expected to introduce a bill Tuesday calling for an amendment to the Highway Traffic Act, to provide for a three-foot passing law in Ontario, where motor vehicles must give at least three feet of passing room on roadways around bicycles.
Prior to the tabling of this bill, there will be a rally at Queen's Park, with representatives of the Share the Road Cycling Coalition, the Toronto Cyclists Union and the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada, to show their support for the bill.
What is possible is a timely note to your MPP to let her/him know that you would appreciate their support of this bill. Private member's bills rarely go anywhere unless there is all-party support. While it is a good bet that the NDP will back her bill, the Liberals and the Conservatives might need a little nudging.
We recommend that you write your MPP and let them know how you feel about this. The email addresses of all Ontario MPPs are available at this website.
We are not big fans of "form letters". We don't think they are as effective as letters you write yourself. We will not going to dictate what you should say, but we will offer some talking points that you might consider, thanks to DiNovo's office:
- Cyclists are seven to 70 times more likely to be injured, per trip or per kilometre travelled, than car occupants.
- More than 1,000 Ontarians are hospitalized each year due to cycling injuries, and each day, 80 people, mostly youth and children, visit an Ontario emergency room due to a cycling injury: any reduction in cycling injuries will be a reduction in Ontario's health care costs.
- In 1998, the Toronto Coroner called for changes to the Highway Traffic Act to clarify how bicycles interact with other traffic on our roads. A three-foot law would place the responsibility on the motorist, who is operating the faster and overtaking vehicle. The law would also be a tool for effective policing.
- 15 U.S. states (Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin. Georgia is poised to become the 16th) have similar laws.
- Cycling is a positive activity for our province and our planet: reduced roadway congestion, healthy lifestyles, connection to communities and individuals, reduction of our carbon footprint, and a significant part of our economy (through retailers and manufacturers, and through tourism). But one of the major hurdles to increased cycling, especially among adults, is the perception of our roadways being unsafe and unfriendly to bicyclists. The three-foot passing law would highlight the possibilities of cycling for potential cyclists, and expand the possibilities for current cyclists. Safer roads mean more cyclists on them.
We suggest that you invite your MPP to support DiNovo's bill, and use one or two of these points, or points of your own, to bolster your position. Be polite and be direct. This is important to all of us who use Ontario's roads.
With enough support of all cyclists in the province, we can make a difference and make the roads safer for cyclists to use.
Riverfront Trail
Well, it's official. With all the construction work going on along the waterfront to build the huge storm retension tank and in a few months the new ampitheatre, the trail will be closed for the rest of the year from Glengerry Ave to Lincoln Road. Cyclists will have to use the road for a short stretch. As we all know, the road is very dangerous so take care and remain vigilent when travelling along this area. We know it's difficult that the work is being done but it's the the benefit of all of Windsor. Hopefully soon, the work on the Riverside Vista Improvement Project will start to provide continuous dedicated bike lanes on both sides of Riverside Drive complete from east to west sides of the city. We are all looking forward to this.
Windsor Bike Lane, Bicycle Route and Multi-Use Trail Google MapThanks to Darren and Google Map, there is now a map that is constantly being updated.
Make sure you look at the map carefully as there are shared pathways, trails, dedicated bike lanes and bike routes. Use at your own discetion and actual conditions. Otherwise enjoy!
Rocket Cycling Jerseys UpdateThey will be available for pickup by next weekend, just in time for the great cycling weather!
Priority goes to those who pre-ordered and have paid in full.
We will have a limited number of extra jerseys in varying sizes.
If you are interested in purchasing one, the cost is $85 and is on a first come, first serve basis. Email us here to let us know if you would like one.
Rolling Forward - The Future of Cycling in Windsor
There is a conference about cycling issues in Windsor on Saturday June 26th.
It is being heled at the University of Windsor and there will be many keynote speakers. The conference is open to the public, there is no cost to attend and lunch will be provided.
Space is limited, however, so attendees must register in advance by e-mail or phone to Sandra Stein (519-253-3000 x. 2923) no later than 14 June 2010
Click here for more information.
Bike The Bridge – Canadian Stylez
There’s a new Facebook event page for Bike The Bridge, and this one’s strictly for those Canadians who are interested in participating.
They’d like to get an estimate on how many Canucks want to bike the bridge, because if there’s enough, the bridge company will consider opening the bridge up to cyclist ride BOTH WAYS – into Detroit to meet up with the rest of the riders, and then back to Canada with the group.
If they can get over 50 riders interested, they’ll consider this idea!
See this Facebook page for more information.
Mayor Ignores Cyclists
Interesting blog posting on Councillor and cycling advocoate Alan Halberstadt's website
Just when the cycling community thinks things are moving forward.
May 16, 2010
Race results are now available under the results section. Sorry it took so long. Still learning html.
May 4, 2010
SoCo#1 Recap
It was a beautiful day for the race except for the strong wind!
20 riders came out and take a run at the first race of the year. We're sure if you ask anybody who did the race, they'll tell you that the course lived up to its name!
Thanks to the volenteers who helped out before, during and after the race and especially Chris who promoted the event and with the help of Kevin made hard work on the trail to get it in shape.
Race results will be posted shortly sometime during the weekend.
If you look to your right, you'll see that pictures have been posted for your viewing convience. Clicking on a picture will take you to the Rockets Album to view them in detail.
Island Like Picnic
Sunday May 8th is the next recreation event in Michigan.
We meet at the Metro Parking lot at Tecumseh Rd. West and Huron Church Road at 9:45am and leave at 10:00am. Some car pooling will take place.
Bring passports, bug spray, chairs and family. Rockets will supply hotdogs, hamburgers, pop and water.
Those planning on coming should bring a side dish or desert. Those with last names beginning with A-M can bring side dishes and those with last names beginning with N-Z can bring deserts.
Don't forget there is an entrance fee to the park unless you have a season pass.
County Wide Active Transportion Plan
From the desk of Tom and Sue Omstead;
Hello Fellow Cyclists and Supporters,
The County of Essex is starting the process of preparing a County Wide Active Transportation Plan.
The County has scheduled a Public Information Open House on May 13 from 3 - 7pm at the County Council Chambers, 360 Fairview St W, Essex (see this flyer for details), at which there will be a lot of information displayed (including maps) about how the Study will proceed and what routes may be investigated by the Study Team. This is an open house format in which there will be no formal presentations so you can drop in anytime between 3 and 7pm. The Study Team will be there to answer questions and receive comments and suggestions. If you want our local municipal transportation plans to include safe cycling facilities, this is a valuable opportunity for you to participate in this process and make your views known so please consider attending.
If you haven't already done so, this is a reminder that you can also do this by completing the online survey.
One of the questions in the survey asks you to identify what you think are the 3 County routes most needing Active Transportation improvements. Since we have supporters from all over the County, all of whom are familiar with their own particular local routes and the needs in their own areas, our supporters will be able to provide valuable information on this important question. You may be interested to know that our response to this survey question identified: a) signage and paved shoulder improvements along the entire Essex County Bikeway (a route that would go around the perimeter of the whole county as well as bisecting it; thereby connecting together most communities), b)paved shoulders on CR20 (Seacliffe Drive) between Leamington and Kingsville and c) paved shoulders on CR45 (Union Ave) between CR20 and CR34.
As always, we welcome your comments tsomstead@sympatico.ca.
Ride Safely,
Tom and Sue Omstead
For Share the Road - Essex County
May 1, 2010
Rocket SoCo #1 - Banwell Snakes and Ladders
Yes Folks. Anticipation is building for the first race of the year!
Once again, we kick it out with our newest venue at Banwell Hill just off of Banwell Road and Tecumseh Road.
Over the past few years, the trails have worked their way in nicely thanks to the use of cyclists, walkers and runners. The trails here will continue to get better and better and is already a favourite of people from the east side as an alternative to the west side and Malden Park area.
Reminder that this is a TUESDAY evening race that starts at 6:30pm. Registration starts at 5:00pm. Cost for the race is $10.00. Memberships can also be renewed there. For your convenience, membership fees can be paid online here through PayPal.
Access to the park is from McNorton Street. Reminder that there is no facilities there so please come prepared.
Riders are asked to bring any plates with them to use for the race. We will have limited ones on hand to use.
A map of the course is located here. This is the full course with where a climb and rough downhill section for the expert riders in included. The full lap is 3.8km with 99m of climbing. The start is at the bottom (south) of the map near where the gates are. Then up the gravel climb and back to the left, then right again. The map looks deceiving but the trail to not cut paths. It will be a challenging and fun course for everybody!
Rockets Recreation Event Island Lake
Sunday May 8th is the next recreation event in Michigan. We meet at the Metro Parking lot at Tecumseh Rd. West and Huron Church Road at 9:45am and leave at 10:00am. Some car pooling will take place.
Bring passports, bug spray, chairs and family. Rockets will supply hotdogs, hamburgers, pop and water. Those planning on coming should bring a side dish or desert. Those with last names beginning with A-M can bring side dishes and those with last names beginning with N-Z can bring deserts. Don't forget there is an entrance fee to the park unless you have a season pass.
Rocket Rides - Leamington
Weekly rides continue on Wednesdays. Meet at the Sherk complex for 6:00pm. The ride will be on the road out to Point Pelee and surrounding areas. Mountain bikes only please, no road bikes. Rides will depend on the weather so check the forecast. Lights are suggested for in case rides go long in the evening.
Crankapalooza3 - Collingwood
Third annual Collingwood weekend is coming up. This is NOT a club event and anybody is welcome to come on out and explore what the area has to offer. It's scheduled for Thursday May 13th to Sunday May 16th.
Typically rooms are rented for a few days at a discounted group rate and ride as much as you want to on both road and trails.
There looks like to be a big turn out this year! We're sure people are thinking of the big road climb up the side of the hill. In the past few years, it's taken anywhere from 12 to 20 minutes to get up. There's nothing like it in the Windsor-Essex area and is a challenge to test the heart, legs and lungs. It's a sadistic climb for those who've done it before but still come back to take it on again. Let's see who will come out on top this year! As gravity tends to pull things down, a fun part is coming back down. Some riders hit speeds of 84km/hr! This kind of tells you how high the climb is!
Check out this link to see some pictures from last year.
Joe is spearheading this and if you're interested, please email him at here.
Mike Sherman - Ride to Conquer Cancer
Mike would like express his thanks to Rocket members who came out to his fund raiser at Colasantis. An amazing $1,100 was raised during the event towards his goal of $2,500.
If you would like to donate to Mike's cause, please click on this link here.
Good luck Mike with your ride and have some fun!
EastSideRiders
The EastSideRiders are a group of cyclists having organized group road rides appropriately from the east side of the Windsor-Essex area. Rides start off from the Zehrs plaza on Manning Road and Tecumseh Road in Tecumseh. To get on their mailing list email Alex. Here is a link to information to their ride schedule.
April 14, 2010
Thanks to all that came out on Sunday for the ride.
Though the skies were threatening, we had a good turn out, especially from the county starting out early in the morning to meet up with the second group heading back to Ruthven. The weather was great and trail, nice and dry.
Ride To Conquer Cancer
Fellow Rocket Member Mike Sherman is participating in The Ride To Conquer Cancer again this year.
Please see this link for more information.
Local Trails
The weather has been a bit chilly the last few days. Mother nature's been toying with us! The next few days look like the temperatures are starting to get up there for great riding weather.
Most of the trails are in good shape with the exception of Two Creeks. Please ride them responsibility and accordingly so that we all can enjoy through the summer and fall.
SoCo#1
Start the countdown folks!
The next Rockets Event is SoCo#1 at Banwell Hill in Windsor.
Reminder that this is a TUESDAY evening race, on May 4th. For the third year in a row, we'll be taking on this challenging course. The turn out for this race is always high with a lot of anticipation. An email newsletter will be sent out as a reminder.
Memberships can be renewed there if you haven't already done so.
If the jerseys have arrived by then, we'll have them on hand to distribute out to those who ordered them. We may have some extras on hand for purchase.
April 8, 2010
Cycling news
Rocket Greenway Ride II
Reminder about this event Sunday.
There will be two groups of riders heading out.
The first group will meet around 7:30am at the Ruthven trail access and leave for 8:00am. Ride for a bit then stop at the Tim Hortons and Walker Rd.
The second group of riders will meet up at the pavilion in Old Castle for 10:30am and leave for 11:00am. Ride out to meet up with the group from Ruthven somewhere along the way.
Then continue onto Leamington with plans to stop for a break and each some lunch and back towards Windsor thereafter.
So come on out to get some K's into your legs for a relaxed ride and company with your fellow club members.
April 1, 2010
Cycling news
Rocket Greenway Ride
This event is has been changed to be on TWO days. This coming Easter Monday April 5th a group of riders will be leaving from Old Castle and head south on the Greenway riding as far as anybody wants to go.
Then on Sunday April 11th, two groups will be going. One again from Old Castle and the other from Leamington to meet up in the middle somewhere. This will allow people to get some kilometers into their legs after the winter and now that the good weather's here and we can all enjoy it.
Riders will meet up at the Pavilion at Walker Rd. and Highway 3. The ride will set out for betwee 9:30 and 10:00 am.
Please show up a bit early so we can get a headcount and make sure we can leave as a group. We will stop somewhere for grab some lunch and then head back.
March 23, 2010
Cycling news
SoCo Race Series
Not starting up quite yet! We're sure people will be itching to get out ther for the first one in May.
For SoCo#4 in Little River, Sunday September 19th, due to some executive's scheduling issues, we're asking if any members would be willing to run the race the day of. The executives will work the trail in the days leading up to the race and are asking if a few members would be able to help with this. We would appreciate this.
If you can, please email Chris at littleriver@rocketmtb.ca.
Island Lake Picnic
Please note that this has been changed from Sunday May 30th to Sunday May 9th.
Club Jerseys
Jerseys have been ordered and should be available in about 8 weeks time. Those who prepaid will get theirs first.
We have ordered a few extras in varying sizes. They will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
They do look sharp though don't they? If we run out and if more people want them (as we suspect will happen!) we may place another order.
Rocket Rides - Leamington
Weekly rides continue on Wednesdays. Meet at the Sherk complex for 6:00pm. The ride will be on the road out to Point Pelee and surrounding areas. Mountain bikes only please, no road bikes. Rides will depend on the weather so check the forecast. Lights are suggested for a few weeks until the days get longer.
Crankapalooza3 - Collingwood
Third annual Collingwood weekend is coming up.
This is NOT a club event and anybody is welcome to come on out and explore what the area has to offer.
It's scheduled for Thursday May 13th to Sunday May 16th. Typically rooms are rented for a few days at a discounted group rate and ride as much as you want to on both road and trails.
There looks like to be a big turn out this year! We're sure people are thinking of the big road climb
Joe is spearheading this and if you're interested, please email him at jmccarthy@mccarthyengineering.ca.
Share The Road
Share the Road Green Paper has been unveiled. Please see http://www.sharetheroad.ca/ for more information.
Rocket Greenway Ride
Three weeks from Sunday, next Rocket Event is the greenway ride on Sunday April 11th. Groups will be riding in from Old Castle and Leamington to meet up somewhere in the middle. A reminder with more details with be sent out. We typically get a bite to eat at Colasanti's and take in the things they have there.
New Two Creeks Trail Map
Here is a new map to show all the trails in Two Creeks. Thanks to all the guys in the Leamington area for getting this done and all the hours and hardwork for cyclists to enjoy.
February 28th, 2010
CANADA RULES!Congradulations to the men's ice hockey for winning the gold medal!
Yes, spring is almost here with March coming tomorrow. Soon the snow will be gone and trails dry for riding.
Club JerseysReminder about club jerseys.
Below is the jersey we're ordering with a link to pay for it using PayPal. The cost for the jerseys are $85.
Please indicate what size you would like in the comments area.
From Share the RoadThe County is currently undertaking an Active Transportation Study (details below) and is seeking public input and opinion. If you want our local municipal transportation plans to include safe cycling facilities, this is your opportunity to participate in this process and make your views known. You can do this by completing the online survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CWATS_Questionnaire
One of the questions in the survey asks you to identify what you think are the 3 County routes most needing Active Transportation improvements. Since we have supporters from all over the County, all of whom are familiar with their own particular local routes and the needs in their own areas, our supporters will be able to provide valuable information on this important question. You may be interested to know that our response to this survey question identified: a) signage and paved shoulder improvements along the entire Essex County Bikeway (a route that would go around the perimeter of the whole county as well as bisecting it; thereby connecting together most communities), b)paved shoulders on CR20 (Seacliffe Drive) between Leamington and Kingsville and c) paved shoulders on CR45 (Union Ave) between CR20 and CR34.
As always, we welcome your comments, omstead@telus.net.
Ride Safely,
Tom and Sue Omstead
for Share the Road - Essex County
February 12th, 2010
CANCELLED Rockets BowlingDue to lack of interest, the event is cancelled unfortunately.
Please watch for news for the next event which is the Greenway Ride.
February 11th, 2010
Windsor Cycling SyndicateA new local cycling advocacy group has been formed in Windsor.
The Windsor Cycling Syndicate hope to unite cyclists from around the region, to promote safe cycling, and to aid the Windsor Bike Committee with the events they have planned for the year.
They also hope to hold events and workshops.
They have a Facebook group listed here.
The Windsor Cycling Syndicate is holding an open meeting to discuss cycling in Windsor this Sunday, Feb. 14th, at the Windsor Workers' Action Centre (328 Pelissier). The meeting will take place from 4-7pm.
If you need more information, please email Kari.
February 9th, 2010
Rocket BowlingReminder that to email us to let us know if you're attending this event. In the case we do not get enough people, we may have to cancel.
Please let us know as soon as possible by emailing us here
We will issue a notice by Saturday morning at the latest.
January 31, 2010
Rocket BowlingWe have scheduled Rockets Bowling evening at The RoseBowl on Dougall Ave. in Windsor.
It's on Saturday, February 13th, 4:30pm. Come on out for a fun time in a relaxed atmosphere. Meet up for a couple of games and grab a bite to eat after.
For those who are planning to attend, please send us an email here and let us know you're attending so that we can get a count of who to expect.
Club JerseysBelow is the jersey we're ordering with a link to pay for it using PayPal. The cost for the jerseys are $85.
Please indicate what size you would like in the comments area.
January 12, 2010
Happy belated new years everybody. Sorry we haven't kept up with the site because of the holidays.
The executive met over the weekend to plan for this year's events. We are please to announce the following;
- 6 - Recreation Events
- 4 - SoCo Races
- 2 - 8 Hour Races
- 1 - 4 Hour Solo Race
Click on the events link for the dates.
Memberships
It's that time of year and memberships are up for renewal. The fees will be kept the same as last year;
- Junior - $30
- Senior - $40
- Family - $55
Please click here to go to the membership page.
You have the option to download the form and fill it in to either be mailed or handed in at an event. You also have the option of paying for the membership via PayPal if you have an account.
Pictures and Videos
If you look over to the right side, you'll see some pictures of previous Rockets events. We will make it a point of posting them here for all to enjoy. If you have to have any pictures from previous events, please let us know by emailing us.
We also have a YouTube Channel (getting with the times!) that we will use to post videos of events and courses for people to look at from the comfort of their computer screens.
Lifestyle Family Fitness Gym Membership Prize
Congradulations to Greg Dumouchelle in winning this draw prize for a free one year membership. Please contact us to receive your prize.
Stay tuned for updates as they come. An email newsletter will be sent out shortly. If you've changed your email address recently, please make sure that you've signed up once again.
Click here to subscribe to the Rockets Email Newsletter
Next event is Rockets Bowling on Saturday Feb. 13th. We have to see you there!
November 26, 2009
Rockets AGM
The Rockets held their AGM this past Sunday.
Here are your new executives:
President - Bill Fenton
Vice President - Marc Sherman
Treasurer - Tony Chau
Recreational Director - Rachelle Leonard
Trail Directors
Little River / Banwell - Chris Durand
Malden Park - Kevin Leonard
LaSalle / Brunet - Peter Goldhawk
Morton / Black Oaks - Joe McCarthy
Two Creeks - Marc Sherman
First Aid Officer - Peter Goldhawk
Website - Tony Chau
Many club and cycling items were discussed.
The club will be ordering jerseys this year.
Here is the design.
We will be looking to hear back from people as to the quantities that will be needed based on interest. The costs, depending on quantity will be approximately $80.
The first recreation event, Rocket Bowling, will be held on Saturday, February 13th at Rowl Bowl. Details to follow.
The executive will meet early in the new year to decide on dates for events and races for 2010.
A newsletter will be sent out shortly
If you're not already signed up, please click below to subscribe to it.
Click here to subscribe to the Rockets Email Newsletter
November 18, 2009
Annual General Meeting
The AGM is scheduled for this upcoming Sunday, November 22nd at 7:00pm in Essex. All are welcome.
There will be a recap of what happened this year and general talk about the club.
There will be club positions for anybody interested in filling in. Dates for events for next year will be discussed at a later date.
Place: United Communities Credit Union
148 Talbot St N., Essex ON N8M 2C7
(Beside the Beer Store in the back)
Final results for the SoCo are now posted here.
Cross County 09
The first inaugural Cross County race was held this past Sunday in Harrow. Fast, punishing course with a few interesting 'obstacles' abound. There was a good turnout at the race in groups of two. Thanks to Pak for putting on the race and the volunteers who helped out and to Ron whose property was used. Lots of riders looking forward to next year!
November 1
Hey folks. Yes, it's upon us. Fall has finally come and days have been getting short. Now with the long weekend, you bet people are looking to the spring for riding season. Time to get the warm gear out and keep riding for those hardcore riders. Next thing you know, winter will be upon us.
Not much going on with the club at this time of year. We will be holding the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, November 22nd. Time and location to be announced.
On local cycling news, the inaugural Country Cross Ride, race will be held on Sunday, November 15th in the county. Click here for more information.
Last Sunday saw the re-opening of the Ciociaro cycling track after a few years of being closed.
Congradulations goes out to Dylan and Devon in welcoming their first born child, Lucas, into the world.
October 18
On Saturday, October 24, the club will be holding a ride at Two Creeks at 5:00 pm.
The ride will leave shortly thereafter and take in some trails not normally ridden. Then the ride will return for a lap at Two Creeks. Lights not required for that portion so all can participate.
Night laps will continue from there for those with lights. After the ride, people will be invited to return to Leamington for a bite to eat.
Note, ride will be moved till later if the weather doesn't co-operate.
For more information please email Marc at Two Creeks.
October 4
Reminder that this coming Saturday, October 10th, 4 Hours of Wild Turkey is being hosted by The Rockets in Two Creeks Wheatley.
Registration starts at 5:00pm and the cost for the event is $10.
Teams will be randomly drawn to mix things up. The first lap will start at 6pm. Lights will be required!
Prizes will be the traditional bake goods. Participants are asked to please bring something along with you to give out.
After the event, participants will be invited to head out to a local restaurant for a bite to eat.
So mark this down on your calender and come out for this fun event!
September 27
Wow lots to go over at this time of year!
Final results for 8 Creekin Hours are up now and are available here.
Good luck to all those participating in the Alpe d'Windsor challenge at Malden Park early Sunday. Weather looks to be great. Get out there and provide your support to the participants!
This coming Monday, 6:00, Dylan is hosting the first meeting of the LaSalle Bicyle Association at Brunet Park. This is in response to the town's decision to ban cycling in the established trails in Brunet. We encourage not only club members to attend by any cyclist to show our support of cycling in not only Brunet but in the local area. If the precedent is set in LaSalle, other municipalities could like to ban cycling in other areas leading to less and less riding areas for cyclists to enjoy. We need to make sure our voice is heard. Media have been invited to attend and this would be a great way to get the message out to the politicians that make decisions like this.
On Saturday, October 10th, The Rockets will be hosting the 15th Annual 4 Hours of Wild Turkey at Two Creaks in Wheatley. Registration starts at 5pm. As always, teams are randomly drawn to spread things out. Riders start their laps at 6:00pm. It's been tradition that members provide prizes in the form of bake goods to help fill in some calories after the ride. After all, it's a wild turkey event isn't it!?! If you plan on bringing something to the event, please let Shayne know by email.
September 20
Once again the issue of Brunet Park and mountain biking is on the map.
Mr. Fink of the Parks and Recreation department has given a letter to council that the park should be closed to mountain biking completely. It appears to be based from an independent report that a citizen sent to him that claims mountain biking is “destroying the forest floor”, and that “mountain bikers were coming up fast behind people and scaring them”.
As for the validity of this study, it has never been proven, or is the case in any study that the Rockets have looked at. It has been found time and time again that hiking on a trail does more damage to the forest floor than cycling.
This issue is going to be discussed at the council meeting on September 22 at 7:00pm at the LaSalle Town Hall. It is important if you believe in cycling in this area to attend and show your support for cycling. This issue has never, and will never be just about the Rockets. This has to deal with all of the people who cycle in Brunet on a daily basis, whether it is for fitness, or an enjoyable ride with the family.
Once again we all need to stand up and show that we believe in our sport/hobby and are never willing to see it disappear because a few people have some unresolved issues.
You can find the report here.
You will find it begins on page 16.
Crank the Sheild
Congratulations to Stu Alp, Kevin Leonard, and Tony Chau for competing in the three day stage race Crank the Shield. In the solo under 30 Stu won the overall race, and won the stage every day. Kevin finished in 29th out of 73 in the over 40. Tony had nothing put problems for the first couple of days. I’ll let him give you the full recap when he gets back. Great job guys.
September 5
8 Creekin Hours is just around the corner!
The link to the online registration is here.
Remember, Fun in the Sun is Labour Day Monday. See details below.
Race results from SoCo#5 are now up under here.
August 31
The club hosted SoCo#5 at Little River yesterday.
Where did summer go? It was a little chilly in the morning but many brave riders and spectators braved the weather for a fun race. Thanks to all the hard work done in the during the week especially by Chris, the race went well considering the kind of pedestrian traffic that goes along the paved path. The 6km course was challenging and kept the riders on their toes.
Results will be posted shortly.
There will be a make-up race to be announced shortly as well. SoCo#4 was cancelled at the camp was occupied by another group that weekend.
The race will probably be in a time trial format where riders will be sent out in intervals and you race against the clock.
Fun in The Sun
This recreation event takes place this upcoming Monday, September 7th.
It will be located at The Leonard's house at 1435 Lyons Ave., in LaSalle.
Here is a link with directions there.
Meet at 2:00pm and leave for 2:15pm. This a casual ride and anybody is welcome. The Ride will last anywhere from 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Then back for a BBQ and swim after. The Rockets will provide hamburger, hotdogs, pop and water. People with last names A-L should bring a side dish and M-Z can bring dessert.
People should bring their swim suits, towel, sunscreen and lawn chair. Non-riders are welcome for 4pm for the BBQ and swim or just to hang around.
For more information, contact Rachelle via email or 519-978-1076.
See you all there!
August 16
Updates
Results from Soco#2 are now posted under the results area.
Thanks to Chris, Kevin, Tony and all others that helped in getting the course ready as there was a lot of work to do after the dust settled from the strike.
Summer has surely arrived but that did not deter 24 riders from braving the heat in a challenging course set up by the club. The course made use of most of the park and the new 'Punisher' section that was just put it. It lived it to its name today and will be enjoyed be all once we get more traffic through and work the path in.
Thanks to those who helped set up the course, marshall and do the tear down at the end.
Reminder the the final SoCo race is Sunday August 30th at Little River.
The club will once again be hard at work to get the course ready for the race.
A number of club members and local riders will be up in Bolton for 24 Hours of Hot August Nights. Good luck to all!
July 18
Updates
Results from Soco#3 are now posted under the results area.
Thanks to Tim, Marc, Tim, Steve, Mike, Carolyn for all their hard work prior, during and after the race to get the course and area in great riding shape.
The field featured 29 riders on a fast and challenging course. The promotors made use of most of the trails to provide a 9km lap where riders did 3 or 2 laps.
Two Creeks lived up to be one of the best areas for mountain biking and hiking.
Thanks to Mike for the pictures. They will be posted shortly for viewing.
Next Rockets Event will be the rescheduled SoCo#2 for August 16th.
Hopefully we can promote a race without the issues the prevent the club from doing it in June.
Please note that this was the same weekend for Cataraqui. Unfortunately, that weekend was taken by another group. The Rockets will try and reschedule SoCo#4 but it will probably not be at Cataraqui due to all the events in the coming weeks. Please stay tune for updates.
From the desk of Tom and Sue Omstead
They have been working hard to promote cycling in the area. Please click for here for a detailed update.
Click here for an upated County of Essex Bicyle Route Map
Thanks Tom and Sue!
July 7
SoCo Race #3 - Two Creeks - Shread a Tread
Reminder that Sunday, July 12 is the race in Wheatley. The club has been working hard at maintaining and keep the course in top condition for all riders to enjoy and the course set out will sure challenge racers.
Registration opens at 10am and the race starts at 11am. Cost is the normal $10.00
SoCo Race #2 - Malden Park - Greed for Speed
This race has been tentatively set for Sunday August 16th. Hopefully by that time, the strike by city workers will be over and we can get in there to do some work and trail maintenance as the park sorely needs some work done.
5th Annual 8 Creekin Hours - Two Creeks - 8 Hour Relay Race
Registration is now being accepted for this event. It is scheduled for Sunday, September 13th with a kid's race on Saturday September 12th.
The funds raised by this event goes to support the local Windsor-Essex Autism society to support families and programs. For every $100 raised, you will receive additional chances to win draw prizes.
Overnight camping is available for those interested at $10.00 per team.
Options for riders are 4 person or 2 person teams, solo 8 hour and solo 4 hour (start at 3pm).
Race starts at 10am (rain or shine) and last for the last lap, the person must start before 5:59pm to count.
Awards to follow immediately after the end of the race. Draw prizes will be done during the race.
Registration can be done online on the website here, or on Saturday or the morning Sunday. Mail in also accepted.
Cut-off for registration is on the Sunday, 9:30am.
Time to get your teams together for this fun event. If you're looking for riders, check local forums to get together with others.
See you out there!
The Rockets.
July 1
Sorry folks. Due to striking CUPE members at the park today, we were prevented from doing any additional trail work to get a course anywhere near ready for Sunday's race. Some of the work was already done but more still needed to get a decent course going.
Therefore we have to postpone it to another day in the summer. Hopefully, the strike will be settled sooner or later or *ahem* the trails get mysteriously cut when nobody's looking. Even after the strike, it'll probably be up to the public to cut and maintain the trails because the city didn't do it last year either.
Thanks and sorry for the inconvenience.
Two Creeks
Organized group rides at Two Creeks in Wheatley has now begun. The ride starts at 6:00/6:30 every Wednesday for as long as mother nature allows. The trails provides for 9 kms primarily hardpack rolling single track. Kent Road #1.April 30
Results for SoCo#1 - Banwell Hill - Snakes and Ladders are now posted under 'results'.
The club had a great turn out for the event with 27 riders participating in the race with their supporters and spectators cheering them on.
Mother nature provided for a ideal conditions and with the hard work done by Chris to get the course ready, the race went smoothly.
The area with the use by cyclists, walkers and runners has really started working in the trails there and soon will be a good place to ride in that part of the city.
There were several persons taking pictures during the race. If you can sure them, we'll post them to the website for everybody to enjoy. Please send an email here to let us know.
The next club event is Sunday May 31st, Island Lake Michigan Ride. Please check back every so often for updates.
April 22
The Rockets first race of the year is this coming Sunday, April 26th.
As we all know, it's been a long and hard winter and many of you have been looking to bring the bikes out from storage and meet up with your fellow club members.
The venue will be Banwell Hill. It will be done in a 'mountain goat' fashion similar to last year's course. The course has been recently cut (thanks Chris) and tr
ail has started to come in nicely from last year from riders, walkers and runners. Below is a link showing the course mapped out.Registration for the race opens at 10am and the course will be marked for pre-riding. The race will start at 11am and the cost is $10.
Reminder that memberships need to be renewed and waivers signed. This can be done prior to the race or to save time, you can print out the forms here;
You can also pay for you membership fees online (still bring you membership to submit to us or fill one out the day of).
Come on out and see where you're at with your riding skills early in the season or just come out to have a little fun!
We hope to see you out there!