2023 June Newsbrief

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The Cross Canada Cycle Tour Society       June 2023,  Volume 40, Issue #6

Kudos to Allan Buium!

 

A big round of applause is due from all of us to long-time volunteer Allan Buium.  A member of the club since 2000, Allan has organized 9 Hub and Spokes and 6 Tours, as well as numerous Sunday club rides around Vancouver.  His contributions do not end there – he also served on the Board of CCCTS from 2004 to 2018, where he served not just once as President, but twice, from 2005-2009 and again from 2013-2015.  During this time he played a key role in leading the club through a number of significant initiatives which paved the way for our club to grow and thrive; some of these initiatives, to name just a few:  improvements in Board governance; incentives to attract more tour leaders; formalization of 6 distinct chapters within CCCTS; obtaining insurance for the entire club; engaging in advocacy work for safe cycling and creating a new Board position to support more Hub and Spokes.

 

Allan has especially enjoyed planning the Hub and Spokes in Vancouver and Fort Langley.  He has fond memories of sharing the amazing sites of these cities – including the Vancouver Mural Festival and the agricultural community around Fort Langley.  He notes that the tours he has organized offer the opportunity to see parts of the province that can only be appreciated by cycling or hiking.  He never shies away from a challenge.  According to Allan, the Coastal Interior Tour which he led in August 2009 involved “a climb up the equivalent of Mt Everest as we cycled from Ft. Langley along the Hope Princeton Hwy before confronting the infamous Duffy Lake Rd. from Lillooet to Pemberton and then through Whistler and back to the Fort”.  These hills did not deter him.  The next year he led a tour through the Rocky Mountains from Kamloops to the Icefields and Jasper.  This time he even tackled it on a recumbent!  It was on this tour that he realized that a tour leader can lead from the “back of the pack”.

 

Allan particularly enjoys organizing camping trips (though perhaps not so much the snoring neighbours).  However, he notes that it is becoming harder to find decent camp sites as many are disappearing or have to be booked far in advance.  He believes in doing a reconnaissance before taking the group on the route so that he knows the road conditions and can plan detours if necessary.  

 

Allan has seen many bike transitions in his life – delivering the newspaper as a kid with a coaster brake bike, transitioning later in life to a three speed and “crude” child seat, then a 10-speed, and then a Roberts hand built frame which took him on many tours and hub and spokes, followed by a tandem which he rode with his wife Sherry, and later a recumbent which he continues to ride today.  Never a man to sit still, Allan also enjoys gardening and being involved in community redevelopment.  Thank you Allan for your many contributions to CCCTS – we are a stronger club because of all yo

 

From the Tour Director’s Desk – June 2023

 

Sandy beach in Portugal

The 2023 Portugal – Algarve and Alentejo tour has completed and we hear that it was absolutely fabulous! So fabulous in fact that we plan to offer it again in April 2024. Don’t miss your chance to experience cycling in sunny Portugal. Check out the tour report posted on the website and all the pictures that tell the story. The very popular Georgian Bay tour is currently underway and we are anxiously waiting to hear how this beautiful Ontario tour went. The Okanagan tour will be leaving any day and the Tour Director and her husband are greatly looking forward to it. Penticton is one of the Tour Director’s favorite towns.

Dinner in Portugal

We are busy planning tours for 2024 and beyond. Our calendar of planned tours is filling out. Details for each tour will be posted when tour proposals and budgets are finalized and have been approved by the Board. Watch your CCCTS emails and the website since tours will be posted one at a time as they are ready, and all members will be notified via email when a new tour posts. Tour plans are always changing. As of today, here is the best information we have on the tours that will be offered for the remainder of 2023 and some for 2024 too:

  • Okanagan (June 3-12)
  • Central Europe (August 21-September 5)
  • Columbia River Loop (September 5-13)
  • Croatia – Adriatic As It Used To Be(September 18-October 4)
  • Japan – Kyoto and Noto Peninsula (October 8-23)

2024

  • Portugal – Alentejo and Algarve – beginning mid-April
  • South Korea – springtime
  • Slovenia – beginning early July
  • Going to the Sun – Glacier/Waterton Park – September
  • Ireland – Mizen to Malin (September 6-20)
  • Sri Lanka – September or October

Please give me a call or send an email if there is a tour you would like to lead. I am open to any tour idea you have as long as it is a safe place for cycling. (Robin Howe, robincooksandsews@gmail.com, 206.899.7255)

Portugal Tour Contractor Alen and Wife Sandra

Latest Update on a Potential Cross Canada Tour in 2025

Now, here’s what you have all been waiting for – the update on a possible CCCTS Cross Canada 2025 tour! Well, we have extended the period to June 15th to send the Tour Director Robin Howe an email at robincooksandsews@gmail.com to let her know that you have a serious interest in going on the tour and helping to plan the tour.

We don’t have enough people yet but we’re getting close. There are currently 20 people on the “Seriously Interested” list. We need another 5 to 10 people before the Board will pursue running a full Cross Canada ride in 2025. Please consider carefully whether you would like to take part in a ride like this. If you don’t want to go, perhaps you have friends who you think would be good candidates for the tour and might be interested. It doesn’t matter if they aren’t currently members of CCCTS, if they’re willing to join by the end of 2023 and start participating with our tours, hub & spokes, and/or weekly Chapter rides. Please pass along this information to anyone you think might be in this category.

Who has signed up so far? Well, they range from one end of Canada to the other, plus five from the US, and one international. The gender split is 13 women and 7 men. There is one couple on the list and 17 “singles”. (These sound like good odds to me for the single men cyclists. You might want to consider signing on.)

Here are some preliminary details on a potential Cross Canada 2025 tour:

  • Timeframe – About 3 months or 90 days over the summer,
  • Route – Begin in Victoria, B.C. and end in St. Johns, Newfoundland,
  •  Daily Distances – Average about 90 to 120 kilometers, but there will be a few days that are longer and some days that are shorter,
  • Cost – Cost of the tour is unknown at this early stage of the planning but a rough estimate is $8,000 to $10,000 CAD per person. Efforts will be made to economize whenever possible but without sacrificing comfort.
  •  Group Size – Minimum 16 and maximum 24,
  • Method of Travel – Follow the “CCCTS camping system”, which involves renting a truck to carry gear and for emergencies, group cooking in teams, use CCCTS camping equipment, etc.,
  • Camping vs. Motels – Camp about 5 nights per week and stay in motels about 2 nights per week,
  •  Rest Days – Rest days, averaging 1 day per week, usually following the first night of a two-night motel stay,
  •  Food/Meals – This tour will eat well. All tour members will serve on a cook team and each team will cook approximately 1 day per week. There will be plenty of nutritious and delicious food provided as part of the tour (no scrimping on the food budget) for 3 meals per day plus snacks, except for layover days when tour members will have the opportunity to eat out,
  • Driver – Hire a dedicated driver so tour members can ride entire distance,
  • E-Bikes – E-bikes are welcome, since we will use campgrounds set up for power plug-ins. Spare battery(ies) on the truck will be required,
  • Planning Committees – All participants will be required to serve on one or more planning committees (e.g., Route, Accommodations, Safety, Equipment Management, Food)
  • Senior Advisory Committee – A Senior Advisory Committee (SAC) will be formed with a few longtime club members who have led CCCTS camping trips and/or ridden the Cross Canada tour with our club. This committee will review and provide guidance on all aspects of planning for the tour.

We understand that it is not possible to know for sure whether you will be able to participate in a major ride like this two years in the future. Things can change in our lives, such as unplanned health conditions. But, if you seriously think you would like to go and will have the time, the funds, and the fitness/cycling ability, then the Tour Director would like to hear from you.

Happy Cycling!

Robin Howe, CCCTS Tour Director

Beautiful Portuguese Bougainvillea.

Trip Reports.

Check out some of our recent events.
  • CCCTS 2023 Portugal Algarve and Alentejo Bike Tour

    CCCTS 2023 Portugal Algarve and Alentejo Bike Tour April 17- May 3 2024 Our group of 16 riders, plus our leaders met in Evora Portugal to begin a 16-day bike ride through Alentejo and the Algarve regions of Portugal. Some arrived early, some came from other bike tours or sightseeing adventures. After picking up our … Continue reading CCCTS 2023 Portugal Algarve and Alentejo Bike Tour→

  • Mallorca 2023

    Weary from a long winter in Canada and the USA, fifteen riders took off for the warmer climes of Mallorca, Spain in March 2023.  They were rewarded with two weeks of perfect cycling conditions – cool mornings for the inevitable first climb of the day which seemed to always give way to warm sunny afternoons … Continue reading Mallorca 2023→

  • 2023 Arizona Tour

    Leave the rain gear home, she said. Don’t bother bringing warm clothes she said.  It will be the right time of year for the wild flowers display, she said. Don’t listen to the weatherman! The recent Tucson tour was successful in spite of the disappointing weather! Arriving in Tucson a few days ahead of the … Continue reading 2023 Arizona Tour→

Chapter News

Ottawa AKA The National Capitol Region.

The National Capital Region celebrated the 80th birthdays of three long time CCCTS members, Don Taylor, Richard Hatherill and Geoff Kennedy, and who were all born in May 1943. The National Capital Region marked the occasion with an urban bike ride to see the raging water at the Chaudiere Falls, visit the tulips at Dow’s Lake, enjoy a picnic at the Hartwell Locks on the Rideau Canal and return to the Britannia Trolley Station for a delicious Birthday Cake.

Don has assisted in the planning of many Hub and Spokes and Tours for the National Capital Region. Everyone loves being on a Ride, Hub & Spoke or Tour with Don as he has so many stories to tell. Richard cycled across Canada in 2019, participated in many Hub and Spokes and has led club rides. He has also hosted our spring pot luck dinner for the last couple of years. Geoff continues to be a very active member and over the years has planned many Hub and Spokes and Tours as well as leading numerous club rides. He is Co-Leader on the Georgian Bay Hub and Spoke starting Sunday, May 28. The locals call him GPS, Geoff Positioning System, due to his incredible sense of direction and ability to plan excellent routes for the club. Richard cycled across Canada in 2019 and has led club rides. He has also hosted our spring pot luck dinner for the last couple of years.

Over 40 members joined in the festivities to mark their special day.

Tours

  • 2023 Columbia River Loop
    Status: Ride is full, wait list only.
    Dates: Tue, 5 Sep 2023 ‐‐ Wed, 13 Sep 2023

    Cycle in beautiful inland Washington and Oregon – through mountain, desert, and high-plateau farmland areas. Ride along the mighty Columbia River and through Washington wine country. Stay in the scenic towns of Hood River and The Dalles, Oregon. Weather is normally sunny and warm this time of year.

  • 2024 Ireland Mizen to Malin
    Status: Registration closed
    Dates: Fri, 6 Sep 2024 ‐‐ Fri, 20 Sep 2024

    The west coast of Ireland is rich in awe-inspiring landscapes, fascinating characters, and foot-tapping music. Cycling Ireland End to End from the most southerly point to the most northerly will leave you with rich memories, new friends, and a thirst for more!

  • 2023 Georgian Bay Pannier Tour
    Status: Registration closed
    Dates: Sun, 28 May 2023 ‐‐ Sun, 4 Jun 2023

    Self-supported tour that will take us through that section of Ontario south of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. We will explore several interesting regions; the western shore of Lake Simcoe and the city of Orillia, the historic Huronia region around Midland and Penetanguishene, the Georgian Bay/Wasaga Beach coastline, the Blue Mountain escarpment near Collingwood, and the Big Bay coastline near Owen Sound.

  • Central Europe 2023
    Status: Ride is full, wait list only.
    Dates: Mon, 21 Aug 2023 ‐‐ Mon, 4 Sep 2023

    Cycle through the heart of Europe through parts of the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Our route meanders by castles, through rustic villages, and along waterways as we enjoy the former territories of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

  • 2023 Japan Tour – Kyoto and Noto Peninsula
    Status: Ride is full, wait list only.
    Dates: Sun, 8 Oct 2023 ‐‐ Mon, 23 Oct 2023

    This tour is about enjoying cycling, Japanese culture and heritage, stunning fall color, and Japanese cuisine! You surely will not want to miss it.

  • POSTPONED TO 2024 – Going to the Sun Tour – Glacier and Waterton Parks
    Status: Registration closed
    Dates: Wed, 6 Sep 2023 ‐‐ Sat, 16 Sep 2023

    Cycle through some of the most fabulous mountain scenery on the planet. Tour visits both Glacier and Waterton National Parks. Self-supported tour.

  • 2023 Portugal – Algarve and Alentejo
    Status: Completed

    With its mild climate, 3000 hours of sunshine per year and 850 kms of splendid beaches bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is the perfect holiday destination all year round.

  • 2023 Arizona Tour
    Status: Completed

    Enjoy Spring Break in the high range country of eastern Arizona.  Sunshine is guaranteed. Cycle through Tucson, Tombstone, Bisbee, and more. You cannot miss with this tour!

  • 2023 Croatia Tour – Adriatic As It Used To Be
    Status: Ride is full, wait list only.
    Dates: Mon, 18 Sep 2023 ‐‐ Wed, 4 Oct 2023

    Come and cycle one of the most dramatic coastlines of the Mediterranean region. Enjoy the mountain vistas, coastal views, and medieval towns. This trip promises to be one you won’t want to miss.

  • 2023 Mallorca Tour
    Status: Completed

    Join us for a tour of one of the world’s best spring cycling destinations! Mallorca is well-known in the cycling world for iconic climbs to spectacular views, including the famous Sa Colabra and Cap Formentor rides. In addition to its stunning coastal roads, it boasts an endless network of peaceful and smooth secondary country roads. Best of all, you are never more than 10 km from the next charming little village with cafes, bars and bike-friendly restaurants. This fully-supported luxury tour will allow us to experience the hilly west coast of the island…with an included e-bike option for those who want a little boost up the hills.

  • 2023 Okanagan Tour
    Status: Ride is full, wait list only.
    Dates: Sat, 3 Jun 2023 ‐‐ Mon, 12 Jun 2023

    Experience the Okanagan with 3 days in each of Vernon, Penticton and Oliver.  Quiet roads, scenic vistas, small town charm and Okanagan sunshine (hopefully!) 

  • 2022 Laurentian Pannier Tour
    Status: Completed

    Six-day tour of the Laurentian area of Quebec between the towns of Mont Laurier and Saint Jérôme. This region of Quebec is known for it’s scenic beauty. Accommodations are motels and cyclists will carry their own gear and make their own accommodations. Our route will follow the trajectory of the cycling trail, Le P’tit Train du Nord, using this trail as backbone where necessary. To add variety, optional routes using local roads will be proposed where possible. Longer and shorter ride options will be offered for each day with distances ranging between 50 and 90 kms. There will be 6 days of cycling with 6 nights of accommodation in local motels. Overnight stops will be in Mont Laurier, Nominingue, Mont Tremblant, Sainte Adèle and Saint Jérôme.  

Hub and Spokes.

  • Napanee Hub and Spoke 2023
    Status: Ride is full, wait list only.
    Dates: Sun, 17 Sep 2023 ‐‐ Sat, 23 Sep 2023

    Join us for a fall Hub and Spoke based out of Napanee Ontario, located midway between Toronto and Ottawa. Enjoy a variety of rides south of Napanee to Prince Edward County and Lake Ontario, as well as north of Napanee into the rolling hills of the Canadian Shield.

  • St. Augustine, Florida 2023 Hub and Spoke
    Status: Ride is full, wait list only.
    Dates: Tue, 7 Nov 2023 ‐‐ Wed, 15 Nov 2023

    St. Augustine ranks as the oldest city in the US, and has plenty to offer the history buff and recreational cyclist, including Spanish architecture, sandy beaches and seafood feasts. Our 8-day hub and spoke will enable us to explore iconic landmarks such as Flagler College and the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and to take in sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean from our bicycle saddles.

Vids

 

New Members for May

First Name

Last Name

Chapter

Provence
Gary Atkinson Surrey Fraser Valley
Joan Donohue Columbia United States
Dennis Mitchler Nepean The National Capital Region
Larry Jenkins VICTORIA Greater Victoria

David

 Burck Victoria Greater Victoria
Peter Christensen Ottawa The National Capital Region

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