Club Information
Are the club leaders certified?
Chapter leaders have a mix of various certifications that make them perfect for the job. These qualifications include: OMBI (Ontario mountain bike instructors), NCCP National coaching, first aid and CPR.
Who leads the club rides?
Fly Gurlz club leaders are a wonderful group of passionate and caring women who simply love to mountain bike. They are easy going, out going and super fun! Whether you are showing up for your first group ride or returning for another season you will be welcomed with open arms!
When do the club rides start?
Our group rides start the beginning of April. These rides are road/bike path only as the trails still need plenty of time to dry up. We will have weekly updates on our club events page as to when and where for each chapter. Trail rides start once the ground is dry and there is enough life after work.
I am thinking of trying out a race - can Fly Gurlz help?
Yes - did we say YES? We are here to help you. There are 30 race team and ambassador members ready and able to assist you in any way we can. Once you are a club member you have access to our great roster of experienced women and they are only an e-mail away. If you buy a jersey and decide to do some races you will be surprised at the support just wearing our jersey will bring.
Can I try a ride to see if I like it?
Sadly we are no longer able to offer this option. The Ontario Cycling Association had to pull this offering 3 years ago and because we are in their insurance pool we have to do the same!
I understand that by being a club member I am insured for club sanctioned activities - if I am out with Husband on a private ride at Hardwood Hills does this count too?
No. The Ontario Cycling Association insurance umbrella covers you while you are at a Fly Gurlz club sanctioned event. This does not include riding outside of the club events.
What's this private chatroom all about? I see it's one of the benefits of being a part of the club.
Fly Gurlz purchases bandwidth at a website called Community Zero . Once your membership is processed you will receive an invite onto the interactive fly gurlz club site. It is for current 2006 members only and is one of the main sources of communication for the club.
I ordered socks and a jersey with my membership - when do I get them?
Our Louis Garneau order will be in by the beginning of May. At this time you will be able to pick up your clothing from your team leader or have it mailed to you. Just remember jerseys and socks sell out each year so if you want either order it now!
I want to push myself a little faster than the pace set at the weekly rides - do you make allowances for people like me?
Yes we do. Fly Gurlz team members pre-ride all the Ontario Cup race courses. There are opportunities to head out on a Saturday with the team and move at a faster pace than the group rides. There will also be destination rides taking place this summer with plenty of opportunity to ride at a faster pace than the weekly group rides. The club events page will be updated weekly with opportunities so all you will have to do is check out the calendar and head out!
Is coaching a part of the weekly group rides?
Formal instruction is not part of the rides. However the purpose of them is to take our time and work through some of the tougher stuff together. If you want to improve your skills you can always take one of our camps. The learning curve is huge and what you learn in one day will help you throughout the season as it progresses.
Do I have to be in top condition to join the weekly group rides?
As long as you are reasonably fit you will be fine on our group rides. We are not hammerheads never have been and never will be! We ride at a pace that allows for networking and friendship. If you want to improve your skills come on out to one of our early mountain bike camps taking place at Blue Mountain!
Do I have to have a super expensive fancy bike to participate?
Not at all. You need a mountain bike in good working order to head out onto the trails with us. Your best bet is to take your bike in for a spring tune-up (we recommend Skiis and Biikes, Cyclismo &Pedal Performance). One thing you do have to have is a helmet that fits the rest of the bells and whistles are just that. E-mail your club leader for more details. If you are new to mountain biking you will find that the kind of rider you become will dictate what kind of accessories you will eventually buy. All in good time and we are always available to offer advice.