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 May 29, 2010
Rockets 4 Hours of Fun
Coming 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 participating by email us here.
Click here for the flyer.
Note, you must be a club member to participate.
Rockets 8 Hours of Malden Madness
Folks, mark this one on your calenders! After a hiatus of a few years, this event is back for more at the request of local area cyclists.
The event is on Sunday July 11th.
Click here for the registration brochure. Online registration will be available shortly on the website as well.
Note, this is a citizen's event and you do not have to be a club member to participate.
Amherstburg Kids Cancer Ride
3rd annual Amherstburg Kids Cancer Ride is scheduled for Sunday June 5th.
Bicycle Relay/Tour for a great cause held in beautiful historic Amherstburg Ontario.
Participants have a variety of options;
- Beginner ride 10kms
- Intermediate ride 20kms
- Mega ride Ride the entire 50 kms loop (short cut option in this loop)
There will be a post ride party after the event with food, drink and live music.
For more information please go to www.aburgkidscancerride.com.
Negative cycling opinion in the Windsor Star
In case you didn't see this, please go to this link.
We are sure that you as fellow cyclists are disappointed with the negativity of this article.
There are definitely facts that need to be corrected with the piece such as the existing Right-of-Way (R.O.W.) width that does allow dedicated cycling lanes to be put in. The rest is the opinion of the writer and is debatable.
We are encouraging our fellow cyclists to respond to this article by emailing the editor here.
Rockets Events - Volunteers Needed
There are two upcoming events where we're asking for members to come out to help promote the club and cycling.
- Friday June 11th, Windsor Area - Central and Rhodes Drive from 8am to 12noon. Promote the club in general with Bike to Work Week at a large company.
- Saturday June 13th, Windsor Area - Rediscover Your Bike by The Windsor Essex County Health Unit. To promote physical activity by cycling. Cyclists needed to help guide riders, generally young children through the trails in the area at a leisurely pace and promote safety. See this link for more information.
Email us here to let us know if you are able to help out at either or both events.
Bike The Bridge 2010
Ambassador Bridge Allows Cyclists to Cross For JUST One Day
Border Cyclists to Meet for Bike the Bridge & Area Tour
(Windsor, ON) On Sunday, June 13, 2010 the Ambassador Bridge will allow a rare occurrence: during a brief window of time, a small group of people will be allowed to cross the bridge on their bicycles for Bike the Bridge 2010.
This is the second year for the tour that was started as a way to bring attention to how difficult it is to get across the river between Detroit and Windsor when riding a bicycle. Currently cyclists can only take their bicycles across the border if they are driving it there themselves or taking a taxi (bicycles are not allowed on the Tunnel Bus either).
Few Canadian riders participated in the past due to the logistics of getting their bikes across to participate but this year, riders from Windsor will be allowed to cross the bridge on their bikes to meet up with the Detroit riders before cycling back over the Ambassador Bridge as a group. After the crossing, the group will stop at a Windsor park for a breakfast catered by Tres Be-An Cafe. From there riders get to choose from two adventures: either a long distance ride lead by Todd Scott (director of Detroit Trails), or a tour of Hiram Walker with a presentation by Marty Gervais followed by a sojourn to the riverfront for Carousel of the Nations.
Sue Moretto, the Michigan-based organizer of the event, is excited to bring everyone together and return to Windsor with her riders, We had so much fun on the ride last year; the breakfast was delicious and it was a great day.
Moretto has spent several months working with representatives of the Windsor Bicycling Committee (WBC) to finalize plans on the Windsor side of the border.
We are delighted that well be part of this effort. Events such as these are commendable as they help promote our important connection of our regions as well as cycling as a healthy transportation alternative, says Alan Halberstadt, the Windsor city council representative on the WBC.
For $35, Canadian riders get their bridge crossing, breakfast, a commemorative t-shirt and their choice of two cycling tours.
Riders must be 16 years and older (18 and older for Hiram Walker tour) and must wear a helmet. Riders must pre-register by May 31, 2010 at
www.bikethebridge2010.eventbrite.com
About the Event
On Sunday, June 13, 2010, the annual Bike the Bridge event will allow cycling enthusiasts to cross the Ambassador Bridge, something that is not allowed except for this event. Participants must pre-register by this upcoming Monday, May 31; the registration fee includes bridge crossing, breakfast, a commemorative t-shirt and their choice of two cycling tours. www.bikethebridge.ca
About the WBC
The Windsor Bicycling Committee strives to enhance the safety and viability of bicycling in the City of Windsor, acting as an advocate for the growth of bicycling as a form of recreation and transportation, and advising Council and City departments on matters relating to bicycling in Windsor. www.cyclewindsor.ca
Media inquiries:
- Alan Halberstadt, Windsor Bicycling Committee council representative ahalberstadt@city.windsor.on.ca(519)973-8323
- Jim Bouffard, Bike the Bridge Coordinator, Windsor (519)252-5320
- Sue Moretto, Bike the Bridge Organizer, Detroit sumoe_99@yahoo.com
Share The Road - Town of Kingsville Update
From the desk of the Omsteads;
Hello Cyclists and Supporters:
We are happy to report that the Town of Kingsville has made very good progress in making the town more cycling friendly, both for on and off road travel.
The cycling routes recommended by the Active Transportation Committee have nearly all been "lined and signed" so that those who wish to choose cycling for recreation or commuting within the Town have safer routes to do so.
The Committee has also produced a brochure to promote these routes and to educate cyclists and motorists about their rights and responsibilities for safely sharing the roads.
Please see this brochure and see the following link for more information about Active Transportation in Kingsville.
Ride Safely,
Tom and Sue Omstead
for Share the Road - Essex County
Rocket Club Jerseys
They are now available for pickup. 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.
Mike Sherman - Ride to Conquer Cancer
Mike's event is coming in a few weeks and is working toward his goal of $3,200.
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!
Wayne Lessard - Multiple Sclerosis Ride 2010
From the desk of Wayne Lessard;
For over ten years my wife, Nancy, and I have participated in a 175 kilometre bicycle ride from Grand Bend to London and back to raise funds to help in the fight against multiple sclerosis. As a cyclist I know you appreciate the challenge of such a rain or shine event.
Click here to see some pictures from previous rides.
Through the generosity last year of a great many persons more than $900,000 was raised on the Grand Bend ride alone. Nancy and I were able to raise over $13,000.00 last year. We were the 6th biggest fundraisers on this ride and 23rd for all events in all of Ontario. I hope I can count on you to help surpass last year's total.
Did you know the MS Society saves $1.50 for every donation made through the online system. All donors who give online get their receipt (regardless of the amount) e-mailed to them almost immediately, saving on processing and postage costs. Every dollar saved helps provide vital support and services for people with MS, their families and caregivers.
As an added incentive if you contribute on-line I am pleased to announce that not only will you receive a tax receipt but your name will also be entered in a draw for a weekend pass to the Windsor International Bluesfest July 16 - 18.
People living with MS are counting on us. Please click on the following link into your browser address box to make your pledge on-line today.
Or if you prefer you may also send a cheque payable to "MS Bike Tours" to 1195 Argyle Road, Windsor, ON, N8Y 3K2.
I sincerely thank you for your support.
Wayne Lessard