The weather is slowly changing to warmer days here in Cape Breton. I had a marvellous ride last week and who wouldn’t? It was 25 glorious degrees Celsius! People were out walking, running and riding their bikes and generally enjoying the evening.
So that got me thinking that we are at the start of biking here and with each spring perhaps we should be reminded of a few safety cycling tips, taken from Nova Scotia Bicycle Safety website: “If you are riding your bike as a cyclist in Nova Scotia, you have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. When cyclists and motorists follow the same rules of the road the likelihood of a collision is reduced. Remember to ride on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic. Use as much of the lane as required to be safe from roadside hazards” (Riding on the sidewalk or toward traffic is dangerous to the cyclist and unexpected to the motorist and increases the likelihood of a collision). As a cyclist dress in bright, visible colours. Remember to communicate with other motorists and signal your intentions: Left turn, right turn and stop.”
Motorists need to be aware of cyclists (our numbers are increasing) and remember that when passing a cyclist on the road, slow down and allow at least one meter (3 feet) when passing. Make room for cyclists as they may need to avoid debris and potholes. By law, “Cyclists may occupy as much of the lane as their safety warrants.”
BOISDALE PANCAKE AND MAPLE SYRUP BREAKFAST UPDATE
This event was well attended on Sunday, May 18th with 475 patrons being served pancakes and sausages, and of course a lot of delicious maple syrup! With a crowd like that, one would be hard pressed not to run into friends and acquaintances. Although cool and at times drizzling, the ride out and back was certainly worth every pedal stroke. Traffic was very obliging to those cyclists on the road, which was very much appreciated. Here’s what is up and coming:
OUT ON THE MIRA SPRING SPIN RIDE
Join ride leader Vic Gouthro on Sunday, May 25th for a 30km bike ride alongside the beautiful Mira River with social to follow at Mullen’s store in Albert Bridge. Meet 12:45 for a 1pm start. Come enjoy a relaxed ride “Out On The Mira” on Sunday May 25th. This is a 30km ride along the shores of the Mira River. We will meet at Mullen’s Shell Service Station and Bakery at the corner on the Albert Bridge Road and the Trout Brook road at 12:45pm and depart for our ride at 1pm. Ride at your own pace along the Trout Brook Road, turning right on the Marion Bridge Road, cross the bridge and then turn right again onto Hillside Road. Follow the river back to the Albert Bridge Highway then turn right again and proceed over the Albert Bridge back to the service station. Come on in to the bakery and enjoy a beverage and one of fresh daily delicious baked goods, some of the best cinnamon rolls on the island.
WOMEN ON WHEELS
Hey ladies! Women on Wheels is coming up this month. Mark Tuesday, May 27th at 6pm on your calendar. Meet at Noelle’s Country Market, Keltic Drive. Get out your helmet and pump those bike tires! We want to see you for FUN! FRIENDSHIP and RIDING!
LOBSTER ROLL RIDES
This is a Club signature event of the cycling season and it is coming in June during lobster season. We’ve been working hard at making this 3rd annual event a success. Mark your calendar for Sunday, June 15th. Ride one or all four legs. Do it with friends or go it alone. Get to know your local area, or come from away and visit our terrific scenery and exceptional hospitality. Enjoy two lobster rolls. Each leg is approximately 25 kms. Adults: $20 per person until June 8th and from June 9th-14th, $25 and $35 the day of at registration. For those below the age of 19, $5. Additional information can be viewed, as well as, online registration at velocapebreton.ca, and Facebook. Sign up now and get your name in on draws to win a half dozen lobsters. Don’t miss out. It’s going to be great fun. This is a NO “CRABS “ALLOWED! event.
Have a great week and stay active!
