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 series 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
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!