The third annual St. Urho's Tour started at the Stanley Tavern as 16 riders showed up to partake in this event, which is growing in popularity each year. The weather was perfect for our outing with temperatures reaching 14C under a mix of sun and clouds, and of course a stiff westerly wind. As per usual, the golfing equipment was sagged ahead to St. Urho's to await the arrival of our intrepid biking golfers (or is it golfing bikers?).

Approximately half of the contingent was riding road bikes, so they opted for the Kakabeka and High. 590 route to the golfing venue, while the rest of us on mountain bikes followed a more circuitous course along Harstone Rd., Connolly, Sitch and Hymers Fairgrounds Rd. to St. Urho's on High. 588. Although the latter was a slower way to the common destination, the scenery was spectacular as the fall colours were by now in full array. One thing one can say about the countryside in that area is this - there are plenty of hills! Some mild, some steeper and longer - a great workout any way you slice it. By the time the mountain bikers rolled in, the road riders had already started on lunch at the club restaurant (special of the day - chili and toast $3.99) so we hurried to make up for lost time, ate, drew up teams and teed off. With the westerly wind, and the first hole to the east, some great initial drives were seen. However reality soon set in and it became apparent we were bikers, not golfers.

We played the nine-hole course in a best-ball format so everyone got a chance to showcase their lack of golfing skills equally. Non-the-less, everyone had a great time - even those who had never golfed before. When the smoke settled, the team led by Chris Zorzes (Pat Jokela, Jim Sidlar & Kathy Storozuk) came in first beating out Peter's team by 2 strokes and Graham's team by 5, thereby claiming the coveted and revered Peter Young Trophy. It had been a fine day of cycling, golfing and comraderie. Afterwards, upon arriving back at the venerable Stanley Tavern for a meal and refreshments, the post-mortem of the day's events was conducted amid much mirth and merriment.

The total distance for the day's effort was approx. 58 km. - about the same for both the road riders and mountain bikers. When you factor in the golf course walking distance, it had been a pretty decent workout all told.

This outing is becoming a club favourite, and after a season of serious cycling, it's a great was to vary the menu a bit, yet still keep the bikes on the road. Next year, if you haven't already done so - 'Try it - you'll like it".

Fabio Zorzes
Mtb Touring

It was Sept. 10 - the day after the over 40/40 time trial - probably not a great time to host another bike outing. Oh well, the weather was fine - bright, sunny and warm, and the countryside beckoned so we proceeded as planned. Eleven riders showed up at the corner of W. Oliver Lk. Road and High 608 for a crisp 10 AM start. After the usual pleasantries and sign-ins, the group proceeded westerly on High. 608 to High. 595 and through the countryside back to W. Oliver Lk. in a clockwise fashion. The Autumn colours were just starting to come out and the fields and forests were a sight to behold. This is a beautiful area for sure.

Upon arriving at the lake, our leader set up his barbeque on the truck tailgate and soon the smell of burgers cooking permeated the countryside. This was a total surprise, and most welcome at that. The food was passed around, beverages were provided and even chocolate chip cookies appeared out of nowhere. With the backdrop of the beautiful lake, mountains and blue sky, this was a great place to be. All that was missing was some good tunes in the background.

With full bellies and high spirits, we departed the lake and continued onward for another few leisurely kilometers to our vehicles where the ride ended. Although the tour was only 25 km. in length, it was a great way to usher in the mountain touring season. Everyone agreed it had been a perfect ride, in perfect weather (15 C) with perfect people (almost!).

It was a perfect day for a good bike ride and hike in Northwestern Ontario. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping and the forest was ablaze in brilliant hues of red and gold. After the poor weather of the previous day, this was truly a treat and the decision to postpone the ride by one day made all the difference in the world.

Fabio Zorzes
MTB Touring

Weather:sunny, high 26degC, light wind on the return
Tour leader: David Curtis
Participants:32 - Canadian and American
Tour: another hot and hilly ride;
Sally's rear flat tire was repaired by gentleman Bill Creighton;
Kathy Storozuk's jammed chain was unable to be unjammed by the mighty Doug Pantry necessitating a hitch hike back to the start;
lunch was had at a variety of locations in Grand Marais;

Post ride revelry: Swim, sauna and shower were provided by Grand Portage Lodge;
supper and/or boogie by the bayou and/or snack and refreshment around the Maillette campground fire capped a fine day.

Weather: sunny and hot
Tour leader: 8 AM start: Eugene Vandal (sign in only)
10 AM start: Dave Anderson

Participants: 12 hour ride: Len Tuhkanen
	   200 km ride: Wendy Humphrey, Sophie Young, Paul Kajmowicz & 
		      Hank Makkinga

Tour: St Urho's tour was postponed to the bike and hike season and 
	the previously canceled Richard Irrgang centuries ran instead
	12 h: Len rode a combination of: border and back,
		Barrie Road - River Road loop,
		Mountain Road - 61B - Riverdale Road loop,
		Hannah Road - Candy Mountain Road - 130,
		for a grand total of 305 km; congratulations!

	200 km:	the 4 riders rode 8 km past Nanaboujou Lodge, 
	then back to the Neebing Roadhouse

	100 km:	the hot and hilly 100 became 120 km when the lead riders rode 
	to Grand Portage Casino to arrange for pool access for next week's 
	Bayou Boogie ride; lunch at Rydens.

Participants: 1
Tour leader: Jim Sidlar

Tour: Jim was the only cyclist to be at the 8 AM County Fair car pool site; ride cancelled
Question: is the start too far to drive to?
is the venue too dangerous?
is it time to permanently scrub the ride?

Tour leader: Dave Anderson

Tour: Thunder Country Ramble was a no-go this year; instead the previously canceled Thunder Oak cheese farm ride was its replacement.

Weather: cancelled due to rain

Question: Have we not in the past scheduled this event for Saturday - rain date Sunday?

Weather: sunny, 27degC, wind W 35, gusting to 52 km/h
Tour leader: David Curtis
Participants: 12

Particulars: hot and hilly 100 that felt like 200 km;
the wind more a hindrance than a help;
out tougher than the return due to the change in elevation;
and Orr's Place, sparsely stocked, yet an oasis;
Talk about kindness: Jan Inkster waiting at the weigh scales after her ride, and Eugene Vandal driving back along the route for a final sweep after his ride;
Question: Why do we start at the Lakeview Lodge when it is permanently closed?
Why do we start at the Lakeview Lodge when the post ride revelry is at the Fiesta Italiana?
How does 1 tour leader record the attendance of the long ride group and the short ride group when they start at different locations? Announcements?

Post ride revelry: Italian Hall: Fiesta Italiana

Weather: high of 29degC, 60% chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon
Tour leader: David Curtis
Participants: 28, including 2 guests: Deb and Gerry Paquette

Particulars: Short: Neebing Roadhouse to S. Gillies (directly) and back: 68 km
variations: from S. Gillies, return via 595 to Green Acres Variety, 588 to Barrie Drive, to 130, to 61: approx 74 km;
Long: Neebing Roadhouse to S. Gillies (directly), then back loop: 90 km; the temperature hovered in the low 20's and about noon the clouds appeared: quite reasonable July riding conditions;

Post ride revelry: Neebing Roadhouse

Weather: sunny - high U.V. index, high of 20degC
Tour leader: David Curtis
Participants:43

Particulars: Long: Kakabeka, 590, 595 to Hymers, 588 to Suomi, return via 590: 45 + 42 = 87 km;
Short: 590 there and back: 42 + 42 = 84 km;
Lunch: The Dog House Northern Bar & Grill,
contact person: Eva @ 475-8411, fine lunch buffet + beverage + chocolate cake rejected from yesterday's birthday, celebration of an unknown diabetic - thank you, good tunes and loud from the juke box, it was a biker bar that day;

Post ride revelry: Kakabeka Hotel

Weather:12degC at 9a.m., rising barometric pressure, cloudy with sunny periods - high U.V. index, high of 20degC
Radio: risk of thundershowers, high of 24degC
What did we get: 20degC and thundershowers
Tour leader: David Curtis
Participants:32

Particulars: Overcast to start, but the sun came out soon - by the firehall, riders were shedding layers and some putting out fires; the 100 mile riders ride the back loop to S. Gillies, the 100 km riders go the direct route;
lunch at the Kakabeka Hotel - very quick food service from the tavern and restaurant - knockout orange juice, and only 4 more days that patrons can light up inside - hallelujah;
the sky began to darken just as the 100 mile riders rode up - the talk was rain;
the 100 km riders didn't linger;
the unofficial sweep rode hard and fast to avoid the rain, shamefully passing other riders, only to be slightly wetted;
Alfredo on a mtn bike is in the best shape he has ever been - the Italy ride;
the variations of the official ride were many: long, which no one completed due to pouring rain, short, and shorter: Barrie Road;
truck assisted - 4 bicycles in the box at one time;

Post ride revelry: Boston Pizza

Weather: sunny, high of 11degC, overnight low of 0degC, wind N 30 km/h
Tour leader and sweep: Davids Anderson and David Curtis
Participants: 21

Particulars: cold start, cold headwind from the north - only 1 person in shorts, a lot of ski wear was worn;
tough ride to The Station;
wonderful lunch buffet (not breakfast );
the ride back was warmer, less wind, although periodically and curiously a headwind - much faster return;
overall: a very demanding ride;

Post ride revelry: tailgate party with food, beverage, tunes and camaraderie of fine cyclists
The Station / Silver Mountain Station: contact person: Carole King / Harold Bryk @ 476-0019

Weather: cancelled due to rain

Weather: Cancelled due to rain; re-scheduled to Friday, May 19
Participants: 16

Post ride revelry: Stanley Hotel

Weather: sunny with cloudy periods, high 11degC, moderate but cold wind from Lake Superior
Tour leader: David Curtis
Sweep: Fabio Zorzes
Participants: 35

Particulars: hilly - 61 km felt like a 100;
quiet roads - very little traffic;
1st turn off Onion Lake Road demarked by firehall - riders peeling and boys peeing;
bright and sunny start, overcast, cool and windy approaching Lappe - layers of clothing were put back on.

Post ride revelry: The former Bunnies on Cumberland St.

Weather: rain showers in the morning, mix of sun and cloud with a 40% chance of rain in the afternoon, winds from the E 20 gusting to 40 km/h, high 10degC
Tour leader: David Curtis
Sweep: none
Participants: 26 minus 3 scratches at the start = 23

Particulars: 1000 h: Fabio phoned: go, or no - go;
1029 h: I was the 1st to arrive;
1040 h: only the 2nd arrival;
1100 h: 26 stalwart souls, including some Italian adventurers;
cold wind-gloves, booties, toques, and layers;
dark sky-periodic fine rain showers;
what was I doing here?
1110 h: off 23 go;
1200 h: blue sky; I and others missed a good sail/ride;

Post ride revelry: Port Arthur Brasserie and Brew Pub

Weather: mix of cloud and some sun, light winds, high 16degC
Particulars leader: David Curtis
Sweep: David Curtis
Participants: 38, and the Italians still on adventure

Particulars: short ride as on schedule, but much longer than 30 km;
long ride, to avoid highway 61 at the Kam River bridge, rode W along Barrie Road to Stanley, to Kakabeka, to Oliver Road and back;
we had a guest rider, Jim Dailey, from Waterloo Cycle Club, who was here to pick up his daughter from LU;

Post ride revelry: Port Arthur Brasserie and Brew Pub

Weather: sunny, high 12degC, moderate head wind returning to Stanley
Tour leader: David Curtis
Sweep: David Curtis and Dave Anderson (waylaid at the Stanley)
Participants: 39, larger turnout than expected with the Italians participants missing

Particulars: like last year, we rode in a clockwise direction, from Stanley, along 588 to Hymers to 595 for the short course, or to Nolalu to 590 for the long course;
the air was cool, felt most notably on the downhills;

Post ride revelry: Stanley Roadhouse - great fries, burgers, suds and company

Weather: high 11degC, sunny, light but noticeable wind
Tour leader: David Curtis
Sweep: David Curtis and Dave Anderson (waylaid at the Stanley)
Participants: 45

Particulars: Again a late start due to numerous new memberships;
being the sweep, ending late, and absent at lunch, I miss much of the action and its retelling, with or without embellishment;
there were numerous flat tires, many of which were repaired by riding partners - very chivalrous, and an advantage of group riding;
Tom Dawes broke 2 spokes that ended his ride;
the soon to be Italian riders enjoyed their last club group ride;

Post ride revelry: Neebing

Weather: high 3degC, cloudy, light wind from the E, rain and snow beginning early afternoon
Tour leaders: Arnold Devlin and David Curtis
Sweep: David Curtis
Participants: 31

Particulars: Out and back ride to the falls;
the shoulder of the highway was dirty and debris littered;
the Falls was voluminous and loud due to recent rain;
it began to snow lightly at 12:01;
as we got closer to home there was snow and rain: very wet and cool;
Gordie Garriock picked up another free bungee cord via her front wheel;
Steve Kissin and the sweep made it back by 3:00 cold and wet;

Post ride revelry: Boston Pizza

Weather: high 7degC, sunny and light wind
Tour leaders: Arnold Devlin and David Curtis
Sweeps: Dave Anderson and David Curtis
Participants: 45

Particulars: late start, 11:20, due to much membership paperwork on Jim Restoule's Honda CRV portable table, but no-one was frozen on such a mild March day. Arnold read the rider's responsibilities, then led the tour. A beautiful day to be alive, to be outdoors, and to be active, especially on a bicycle.

Post ride revelry: Neebing.