The Cross Canada Cycle Tour Society July 2021, Volume 38, Issue #7
A Report on Our Legacy Funds
By Janet Whitehead
Janet Whitehead, CCCTS Director; Legacy Funds hiking the near the Russian border in Georgia, 2019
In the past, the CCCTS Legacy Funds program supported cycling related projects that required a group of people being less than 2 metres apart! Santa’s Workshop was not a place for social distancing and teaching school aged children cycling skills was problematic when lessons were on line. As uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic continued to hamper the good works of volunteers well into 2021, CCCTS shifted the emphasis of the Legacy Funds Program and in the last six months, the club financially has assisted some long term projects that will improve cycling infrastructure.
Trail of the Okanagans
$2500 towards an Engineering Study
Proposed Summerland – Penticton Lakeside Pathway
In the Fall 2020, we had a request from Don Gemmell, a CCCTS member and Director of the Trail of the Okanagans Society. The society was raising funds to have an engineering study done for the trail between Trout Creek and Penticton portion of the Trail of the Okanagans. McElhanney Engineering offered to reduce their fees by 50% and funds were raised from members and local businesses, but there was still a shortfall. CCCTS stepped up so that the engineering study costs were covered.
Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail: Three Sections, One Vision
The goal of this project is to develop the entire abandoned Sicamous to Armstrong rail corridor as a continuous non-motorized greenway for walking & cycling and to link with the Vernon-Kelowna rail-trail greenway and 200 km south to Osoyoos in order to realize the full tourism value of this unprecedented opportunity.
$3500
Recently, the Cross Canada Cycle Tour Society reached out to us to offer a pledge to match funds from other clubs and organizations donated to the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail from March 8 to June 30, 2021, up to $2,500. Okay cyclists, here’s an opportunity to rally your club and gather your friends to support building the rail trail – AND trigger matching funds.
Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail Bulletin March, 2021
This challenge caught the attention of a cycling group called “Old Guys Cycle & Ski Group and others in the community and close to $4,000 was raised by the beginning of June. In response to the community support, CCCTS increased the donation to $3,500.
Old Guys Cycle & Ski Club (missing cyclist & photographer: Dave Martinuk)
For More Information
https://shuswapnorthokanaganrailtrail.ca
In Memory of Harvie Cocks
July 27, 1926 – April 14, 2021
Harvie said a peaceful good-bye on April 14, 2021 with his children and the Rev. Garth Bulmer at his side. In keeping with many of his life choices, he ended his life at 94 on his own terms through MAiD while still independent and engaged. Harvie was the loving husband of the late Catherine Ann Evans (Kitty Cocks), and father of Andrea (Ken Webb), Stephen, Hilary (Dean Flett) and Jane (Dave Hayward), and grandfather of Evan and Davis (Flett).
Dad had several successful careers, working long past the typical retirement age. He was a naval officer who fought in the Korean War, an executive in the federal public service, President of CS Co-op, a builder/renovator of homes, and financial advisor to the National Golf Course Owners Association. A highlight of his naval career was a 3-year term at Pearl Harbor on exchange with the US Navy. He and his family were also privileged to be stationed in Montreal, Halifax, Victoria, and London before he retired from the navy in Ottawa.
Harvie was a talented athlete with a strong commitment to fitness. He walked the talk — skipping rope on the decks of naval destroyers, organizing lunchtime volleyball on the base in Hawaii, or coordinating runs along the canal while at Department of Finance and Treasury Board. In retirement he became a staunch member of the Cross Canada Cycling Tour Society (CCCTS) and continued cycling up to 100 kilometres weekly until he was 92 years of age. His wife Kitty shared his love of outdoor pursuits, joining him on cycling trips in Europe, tennis, golf, cross-country skiing, and white-water canoeing adventures. He and Kitty were also expert bridge players.
Harvie’s absence will be deeply felt. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (https://foundation.ottawaheart.ca).
Hand Signals all Riders Should Know for Group Riding
In many provinces, group rides have finally started up again. As a new cyclist, it can be a bit stressful to join your first “official” ride with others, but you’ll be surprised at how quickly it becomes second nature.
There are a few signals you need to know before you join a group. Where possible, it always helps to call out along with a hand gesture, to give cyclists behind you two ways of knowing what’s coming up ahead. These gestures can vary regionally, or even by group, so be sure to review with a ride leader the first time you join a ride.
Hole/Hazard
As a rule of thumb, if there’s something on the road that you would swerve around, point it out to the riders behind you. Often that will be a hole (which can be called out as “HOLE!”) but it could also look like an unexpected bump in the road, debris, a pylon or a Mario Kart banana.
Stop/Slow
One of the most important things to indicate on a group ride is your intention to slow down or stop. When riding in a bunch, a cyclist stopping unexpectedly can cause a crash or even a pileup.
There are a few ways to signal that you’ll be stopping or slowing. As with many other gestures, it helps to yell “stopping!” or “slowing!” along with the hand movement. A hand dangling to the side with the palm showing indicates a plan to stop (top left). Pumping a hand (almost like petting a dog) means slowing down (top right) and raising a flat hand above your head (bottom) means “I’m stopping and pulling over,” most often due to a mechanical issue such as a flat. Hand above the head will sometimes also be used in a very large group to indicate stopping.
Gravel/loose debris
A flat palm moved back and forth will indicate loose debris such as sand, gravel or even glass. Be sure to call out the nature of the debris to alert others of what they should be looking for.
Turning
As you would when riding solo, always indicate your intention to turn by pointing. Some cyclists will prefer to extend their left upper-arm out to the left (horizontally) and angle their forearm vertically upward to indicate a right turn.
Tracks
If you’re coming up to train or streetcar tracks put two fingers behind your back and yell “tracks!” Some will also cross their fingers, pay attention to what others do around you to figure out which you should use.
“Move over”
Cars parked in the bike lane, pedestrians on a multi-use trail or other large hazards will require you to move to the left to avoid them. Indicate this to the group by moving your arm behind your back in a pulling motion.
One-up
When a street narrows or a bike lane ends, it’s sometimes necessary to move from riding two-by-two to riding in single file. Raise one finger above your head to indicate you should be riding one by one.
Elbow flick
A simple elbow flick will indicate that a rider is done “pulling” (riding on the front of the pack) and that they intend to pull off to the side and slot in to the back of the group.
Go ahead
Sometimes a rider doesn’t have the energy to pull through to the front of the group, or they may simply have other preoccupations where they are. This intuitive gesture means: “go ahead.”
The lucky one
A pedestrian steps off the curb and into the road without looking and promptly gets knocked flat by a passing cyclist.
“You were really lucky there,” says the cyclist.
“What on earth are you talking about! That really hurt!” says the pedestrian, still on the pavement, rubbing his head.
The cyclist replies, “Well, usually I drive a bus!”
Videos
Another in our Cycling Travelogue Series.
And maybe a good idea for a future tour.
Tours
- 2021-S. Alberta Tour (2)
Status: Ride is full, wait list only.
Dates: Fri, 10 Sep 2021 ‐‐ Sun, 19 Sep 2021Beginning in Drumheller we will spend 2 days exploring the bad lands of Southern Alberta, the Tyrell Museum, Historic Coal Mine and Historic Rosedeer Hotel. Day 4 we drive to Waterton Lake National Park to enjoy the spectacular scenery, and ride in the area for 2 days. Day 8 we drive to Canmore where we’ll ride and hike in the foothills of the Southern Rockies between Canmore, Banff & Johnson Canyon. There will be ample time to make a stop in Banff for lunch, coffee or just to browse around the area.
- 2021-South Alberta Tour
Status: Ride is full, wait list only.
Dates: Tue, 7 Sep 2021 ‐‐ Thu, 16 Sep 2021Beginning in Drumheller we will spend 2 days exploring the bad lands of Southern Alberta, the Tyrell Museum, Historic Coal Mine and Historic Rosedeer Hotel. Day 4 we drive to Waterton Lake National Park to enjoy the spectacular scenery, and ride in the area for 2 days. Day 8 we drive to Canmore where we’ll ride and hike in the foothills of the Southern Rockies between Canmore, Banff & Johnson Canyon. There will be ample time to make a stop in Banff for lunch, coffee or just to browse around the area.
Hub and Spokes
- 2021 BC’s South Gulf Islands Hub & Spoke
Status: Registration closed
Dates: Mon, 30 Aug 2021 ‐‐ Fri, 3 Sep 2021This Hub and Spoke will be based on Pender Island, one of BC’s Southern Gulf Islands, all well-known for their artists, wineries and cideries, fromageries, farms and natural beauty.
Leader is Diane Swindell, an experienced “Penderite” who is familiar with all the Gulf Islands. - 2021 Victoria Hub & Spoke
Status: Registration closed
Dates: Mon, 19 Jul 2021 ‐‐ Fri, 30 Jul 2021Greater Victoria offers something for everyone. The five days of rides vary widely in distance, difficulty and diversity and are sure to satisfy all. Each day will offer distances from fewer than 40 km to perhaps 100 km; each ride will have a leader (sweep will be selected from group).
- 2021-June 28 Shuswap Hub and Spoke
Status: Registration closed
Dates: Mon, 28 Jun 2021 ‐‐ Fri, 2 Jul 2021Welcome to the beautiful and diverse landscapes of the Shuswap – North Okanagan! Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of nature as you explore on your bike some of over 1500 kilometers of paved back roads in the area. Along each day’s cycling route we can enjoy short walks, visits to local wineries, swimming beaches, bird watching “hot spots”, scenic view points and cycle-friendly local cafes. Our hub for the week’s rides will be at Sorrento Centre on Shuswap Lake, 35K northwest of Salmon Arm via Highway 1.
- 2021: Sept. 5-9 Shuswap – North Okanagan Hub & Spoke
Status: Ride is full, wait list only.
Dates: Sun, 5 Sep 2021 ‐‐ Thu, 9 Sep 2021Welcome to the beautiful and diverse landscapes of the Shuswap – North Okanagan. Enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of nature as you explore on your bike some of over 1500 kilometers of paved back roads in the area.
- 2021: May 17-21 Sorrento/Shuswap Hub & Spoke – COVID Cancelled April 19, 2021
Status: CompletedRiders will enjoy cycling through the beautiful and diverse landscapes of the Shuswap and North Okanagan on paved back roads. Along each day’s route there are opportunities for short walks, visits to local wineries, swimming at the beach, and historical tours.
- 2021 – June 21-25 Shuswap – N. Okanagan Hub & Spoke (COVID Postponed from 2020)
Status: CompletedWelcome to the beautiful, diverse landscapes of the Shuswap – North Okanagan! Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of nature as you explore on your bike some of over 1500 kilometers of paved back roads in the area. Along each day’s cycling route we can enjoy short walks, visits to local wineries, swimming beaches, bird watching “hot spots”, scenic view points and cycle-friendly local cafes. Our hub for the week’s rides will be Sorrento Centre on Shuswap Lake, located 35K northwest of Salmon Arm.
- 2022 Florida Gulf Coast Hub and Spoke – POSTPONED to Nov. 2022 due to COVID-19
Status: Registration opens Fri, 18 Feb 2022 5:00 PM
Dates: Mon, 14 Nov 2022 ‐‐ Mon, 21 Nov 2022Extend your 2022 biking season with a week of cycling on Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast! This hub and spoke will take place in November and will be based out of St. Pete Beach, known for its sunshine, soft sand beaches and dedicated bike trails. We will explore the Pinellas Trail and other bike trails and roads in the Tampa/Sarasota/St. Petersburg area, with stops along the way to explore the sites and sample the seafood.
New Members
| first_name | last_name | city | province |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | Jacklin | Victoria | BC |
| Pat | Hutchins | Salmon Arm | BC |
| Janna | Peterson | Surrey | BC |
| Terry | Wickstrom | Victoria | BC |
Published at least ten times a year by The Cross Canada Cycle Tour Society, a non – profit organization for retired people and others who enjoy recreational cycling.
Items for the NEWSBRIEF must be received by the 28th of the month. The Editor reserves the right to edit for clarity, brevity and suitability of publication. The views expressed in the “NEWSBRIEF” are not necessarily those of the CCCTS or the Editor.
Submissions for NEWSBRIEF should be emailed to alaird212@gmail.com