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Monday, May 31, 2010

Bike to work week


Today is the first day of National bike-to-work week. To increase awareness of cycling to work and promote healthy living in our community. The Midland CTS Bike Club has organized an event called “Dock to Dock / Midland Bike Day”. Our second annual. The event will be held on Friday June 4th, 2010. Go to: http://midlandbikeday.ctsbikeclub.com/ for more info.

8 things to bring on a CTS ride?

Whether we are going on a short ride, or miles from civilization, all CTS riders should carry the right supplies. A few members come to mind. It is important to be ready for what may happen and these 8 supplies will help us do that. There is nothing is more frustrating than being in the middle of Copeland Forest and have to walk all the way out, I should know, I've done the walk of shame too many times. Another added benefit is to pay-it-forward, you'll be able to assist you fellow rider in need (Kyle).

1. Saddle bag or pack: The Pack is an important piece of equipment as it is where you will store all of your supplies. Small saddle bags are great for a few supplies, enough for a short ride. Though, for our all day rides, consider a full pack to carry even more.

2. Multi tool: These little tools pack a big punch. Useful for making almost any adjustment or repair on the trail. A good multi tool should contain at a minimum: philips head, flat head, hex wrench, and allen wrenches (multiple sizes). One that also has a chain tool and tire pry tool is even better.

3. Quick link: If you snap a link on the trail it can be frustrating to put you chain back on. A bike chain quick link can make your re-pare less painful. Just removed 2 pins, and inserted a quick-link.

4. Spare tire tube: A flat tire is inevitable, it's only a matter of time. When you get that pinch flat or pucker a new tube will keep you rolling. In addition a tire pry tool is needed to make removing the tire easier.

5. Mini bike pump: When you get that flat tire you'll need to pump it up. It's also great for making quick adjustments to tire pressure on the trail. One of us should have one.

6. Hydration: Always bring water or sports drink. A water bottle attached to a bottle cage, or for longer rides a CamelBak.

7. Snacks: This is sometimes overlooked but after climbing steep hills for two hours your muscles will need some energy. Small things such as workout gel nutrient packs or clif bars are great and will fit in your pack.

8. First aid: You should carry a.... no... forget that, let it bleed. But, If anyone is seriously injured alway remember: The first one there stays to assist, and the next (or fastest) goes for help.

In addition to these items always ride safely and wear a helmet. Consider additional protective gear if you are going to do the "rock-drop" (Roland). As well, someone should carry a cell phone, incase you lock your keys in the car (thanks Meg). Last but not least bring some, ales for after the trails.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Have a good weekend!


I need to get one of theses.

OUCH! photo

Remember to take that OUCH! photo. This year when you get that cut or bruise from falling off you bike, take a picture of it. Than send it to me for www.ctsbikeclub.com. At the seasons end CTS club Banquet we will have a new award for the best "OUCH! photo". So get your cameras out, and hurt yourself!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Bike Zone Demo Day

Great to meet everyone the other night, I had a blast. I wanted to let you know about the Bike Zone Demo Day this Saturday (May 29th) at Albion Hills. Come out and try some of the best bikes out there: Scott, Titus, KHS, Devinci, Lapierre, Turner and Niners as well as bikes equipped with 2011 Shimano 10 speed drive trains. For each bike you take for a spin your name will be entered into the draw for fantastic prizes from Dakine, KHS, Jamis, Shimano and Scott - PLUS a chance to win the grand prize, a brand new KHS bike!

Where: Albion Hills Conservation Area
When: Saturday May 29 10am - 4pm Bring your own pedals & shoes if you have them (we'll have flats available too though), helmet (mandatory!), water, sunscreen and $6. For more information please contact the Bike Zone in Barrie: 705-725-0892

- Victoria

9 Hour Race

Get your game face on. The Mountainview 9 Hour Relay is August 14 2010. With the number of riders we have in the club, we could sign-up 2 to 3 CTS teams of 4, for this years race. The Mountainview 9 hour is a lot of fun. The atmosphere is totally relaxed, makes for a great day of riding and a chance to show off our colours to the local XC scene. If you are interested Please leave a comment, and we can work-out what the teams will be. For more info go to: Mountainview 9 hour

Team 1 - Cancel That $#!%
Team 2 -
CTS Squared
Team 3 -
Cancel Quadruple That $#!%

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Barrie Ride

Friday Night Lights

Get your batteries charged because night rides are coming soon. This summer on Friday nights after the long work week is over we are going to start meeting for night rides. We will meet at 10 p.m. out at the 7/8th line. Night rides are so much fun !! I can still remember the first time I went for a night ride. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I remember the boys were telling me I would love it and man were they right. There is something so appealing about rippin' through the forest at night. You can go out on a trail you ride every day , but once you throw in the darkness and the thick dark forest you can be in the middle of that same trail and feel like you have never been there before. There is a whole new element of fun thrown in when you can only see 20 feet in front of you and sometimes , if we are really lucky , when we stop and turn out all out lights the forest will be dead quiet and we will be surrounded by fireflys. You have to see it , you have to try it. So if you have lights get them ready and if you don't beg, borrow or buy a set. It will be a blast to get a big group out. I can't wait to be a part of a big train of lights snaking through the dark.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Chicks Dig It…

I swear every Tuesday time drags on. Every time I look at the clock I can’t believe only three minutes have gone by since the last time I checked. I feel we should rally to form a policy that allows Tuesdays to become a company wide holiday. We’ve got the numbers in employees, we’ve got the bosses on our side, and it’s time to take action. But I can save that rant for another day, because every Tuesday 5 o’clock eventually comes around and its time to ride.

By 4:56 I’m already dressed in my biking gear, proper clothes to avoid chaffing but enough pink that the boys still remember I’m a girl.

Butterflies fill my stomach, my smile is ear to ear, and I’m singing along as loud as I can to the radio as we drive out to the forest. This feeling never goes away, it’s the feeling of pure love, excitement and anticipation to get on my bike and tear up the trails.

Once we are on the trails it’s on. The crude jokes are being cracked, the sweating and gasping for air is in full form, there is no shame in the forest, there’s no room for it in mountain biking.

When I’m in the ‘real’ world and people see my scars and bruises they are always taken aback. I’m constantly asked what happened. Genuine concern comes across peoples faces "ohhh dear what happened!". When I tell people the scars and bruises come from mountain biking I always get asked why I ride. For me the answer is easy.

There is no better feeling than pushing your body to its max. When you are at the half way point of a climb and your legs are burning you can feel every heart beat. It feels almost like there’s not enough room in your chest for your heart to beat. Your lungs are on fire, you are seeing stars and you’re certain your muscles are going to rip apart or your lungs are going to burst. But you keep climbing, pedal after pedal pushing yourself to the top. Because once you’re at the top there’s no where to go but down (and in this case it’s a good thing).

I ride my bike because it feels like freedom. Flying down the single track switch backs, taking corners at speeds that are dangerously unsafe, sound effects in full form, wind causing tears to stream down your face, and taking jumps like no one’s watching or judging. Every time I get to the bottom all I can think is lets do that again!!!

I ride my bike because it makes me feel strong, in control and like I’m 14 all over again! Nothing else can give me this feeling of being alive.

I’m one of three CTS woman riders, a number I hope increases with time! We CTS woman can not only keep up with the boys, but also lead the way. We can ride our bikes, get up from crashes, be princesses AND drink with the boys! I love riding with these guys. They build my confidence, teach me new tricks and constantly remind me I’m one of them. So thanks boys! Thanks for giving me new scars on my legs and teasing me every time I fall!

But remember, even though I can keep up with you I will always be the substitute ‘mom’ on the bike, I will still close my eyes and sing to myself every time you hit a jump that is deemed unsafe by me.

-Angela Splash

Monday, May 24, 2010

B-Day Ride

30 Years Young!

Today is my 30th birthday and I feel younger then ever. Even with being a brand new dad To my son Ben, born only 20 day ago, I still feel like I am getting younger, and it is all thanks to CTS. There is something so youthful and freeing about riding a bike with great friends. Maybe because for most of us our first bike was an outlet as a kid. The bike was the first thing I could hop on and move fast enough that my dad could not catch me. Now being an dad, I now I will have to stay young so I can keep up with Ben when he gets there. So to all my Cancel that $#!% Brothers and sisters, here's to getting young together.

Friday, May 21, 2010

What A Work-Out!

Great ride guys... way to push it.

They're Back...

I noticed them last week for the first time. Our friend the mosquito. So unless we are moving fast the hole time, (Ken) then remember your bug-spray for Tuesdays ride. GO CTS GO!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

1000 Awesome Things...

If you haven't heard about the blog 1000awesomethings.com you're missing out. Our fellow Canadian, Neil Pasricha, started this blog in 2008. Neil's life was falling apart. His best friend took his own life and him and his wife went their different ways. So he tried to get things back on track by talking about one simple, universal little joy every single day.

The topics on this blog range from things like #956 Using Rock-Paper-Scissors to settle anything, #909 Bakery air and my absolute favorite #862 The laugh echo
The great thing about Neil is his understanding of how awesome biking is, he blogs about #509 Riding your bike really late at night when the streets are completely empty, and #640 Whipping down the hill really fast after you pedaled hard all the way up Now there's no way you can tell me you didn't nod your head in agreement while reading those posts!!

But I think Neil missed one...#1001 Tuesday night rides with the best group in town CTS...AWESOME!!!

When Saplings Attack!!

Our Elcan brothers, Chris, Dave and Wayne have been bugging "Bob Mat" (CTS newbie) for a couple of weeks after his crash because when he was describing it... he said that he hit a sapling... not a tree but a sapling ... they figure that's kinda like saying you got punched by a baby.... So when you see "Bob Matt" make sure there are no baby trees nearby and tell him "he's a great addiction to Cancel that $#!% Club".

Midland Bike To Work Day 2010

The Midland CTS Bike Club has organized an event called “Dock to Dock / Midland Bike Day”. Our second annual. This event is designed to increase awareness of cycling to work and promote healthy living in our community. The event will be held on Friday June 4th, 2010 during National Bike-to-Work Week.

FREE to attend!
The first 100 attendees will receive a FREE Dock-to-Dock/Bike-to-Work t-shirt.
Register on-line at http://midlandbikeday.ctsbikeclub.com before May 21th 2010 and you will be entered into a draw for your chance to win a free weekend getaway from The Delawana Inn. All attendees will be entered to win other sweet prizes from our generous sponsors.

8:00 am Friday June 4th,2010, during National Bike-to-Work Week, cyclists will meet at The Dock 104.1's parking lot. The collected cyclists will bike down King Street, “Live-to-air with Meg Whitton” from the morning show and finish at the Midland town docks. The event is designed to increase awareness of cycling and promote healthy living in our community.

Special thanks to our sponsors!
The Dock 104.1 fm / Graffiti Art / Total Sports / Delawana Inn / Cellarmen's Pub / Advanced foot clinic / Funktion Design / OnlyGreen / Pros Marketing / My Oasis..Total Body Balance / RAW CrossFit / Labx / Kelly moss photography


Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Be on the look out!

The CTS riders choice awards are coming. At this years CTS banquet (Sept. 12th 2010) you will decide who wins. This August I will ask you to nominate the rider you think deserves the award from the list below and why.

CTS Awards.

The Endo - For best crash
The Stay Down - For the most crashes in a season
The Rookie of the year - For best new rider of the season
The CTS spirit - For the best Cancelling of shit
The Gear-up - For the most improvement in a season
The Invisible Rider - For the most missed rides of a season
The Ouch - For best cut or bruise photo (send those photos in)

So, keep this list in you mind and your eyes open.
Photos of the Awards will go up on the site by the end of July.

I BLOG?

We have a blog. Please look here for all kinds of fun stuf from CTS the bike club.

CTS was started in 2006 between a group of 6 riders that loved to ride Tuesday nights in Copeland forest. So much so, that they would cancel anything to ride. We continue to grow every year. CTS club is casual, there are no dues or fees, it's really a bunch of MTB enthusiasts. All are welcome to join, We would love to have you out!

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