First gravel club ride of the season is in the books. The County delivered exactly the kind of day we were hoping for — quiet roads, good gravel, and a crew that showed up ready to ride.
Big shout to Tessa (U14), who cleared the whole route on a single-speed mountain bike, and to Julia (U16), who rode the full loop on her Kona Dew. Watching riders of every age hang in and enjoy the day is exactly what these rides are about.
A reminder on how we run these: no pace set, nobody dropped. We ride this way on purpose. It keeps the day welcoming for newer riders, and gives anyone working on their fitness a real-world reference for where their legs are at and where they could go if they want to start riding more efficiently. The best part is always the chatter mid-ride — strangers swapping stories about bikes, gear, and where to ride next. That's the whole point.
Two things on the horizon
🚴 Melrose Gravel Tour — May 24
The Melrose Gravel Tour is back, and it's better than ever this year. Four route options: the 80km fondo, a 50km mid-distance, a new 35km light gravel route perfect for newer gravel riders, and a 5km family ride that rolls out with the Bike Rodeo. Pancake aid station, post-ride BBQ, County Bounty Soda, and all the usual Tyendinaga backroad magic.
Full details & registration → bayofquinte.bike/melrose-gravel-tour-is-back
🚸 Bike Rodeo — May 24, Tyendinaga Recreation Complex
Brand new this year: a full structured Bike Rodeo for kids ages 5 and up, with three progressive skill levels. This isn't a ride-in-a-circle activity — it's a real skills primer that builds confidence and safety habits. Volunteers on hand throughout. Funded in part by the Ontario Trillium Foundation through the Township of Tyendinaga. More details coming this week.
Runs 10:30 AM–1:00 PM. Helmet required. Kids can roll straight from the Rodeo into the 5km Family Ride.
🏙️ Ride + Play with Holly from The Fit Collective
Thursday evening rides are back in Belleville. Our second outing of the season — Ride + Play — rolls from 199 Front St at 6:30 PM. Waterfront paths, city streets, 1 hour of moving, and a workout station or two from Holly to keep things interesting. Easy pace, all levels, show up and roll with us.
RSVP → ridewithgps.com/events/467133
See you on the next one. Our events can be found here!
— Adam & Laura @ BOQ.BIKE
