Caledon Community Services’ annual Velocity ride for seniors returns

By Zachary Roman

Cyclists will be switching gears and pedaling hard to support Caledon seniors on July 1.

Caledon Community Services' (CCS) Velocity ride in support of Caledon seniors is back and being held in person after two years. Departing from Caledon East, riders will choose to ride a 10, 25, 50, or 100-kilometre route. The different lengths are chosen to accommodate everyone from families to experienced cyclists.

The 10-kilometre route is designed for families and new riders. The route is off-road on the Caledon Trailway and will take an estimated one to two-and-a-half hours depending on an individual's pace. The 25-kilometre route is designed as a “reasonable challenge” for youth, families, and inexperienced riders. The route is also flat, will take riders along the Caledon Rail Trail, and take an estimated two-and-a-half to three hours to complete.

The 50-kilometre route is hilly and takes place on paved roads only. It will be a good challenge for experienced riders and takes a scenic route through Caledon, taking about two-and-a-half to four hours. The 100-kilometre route is meant for serious riders and will go through hilly terrain at a challenging pace. Also on paved roads, it will take riders an estimated three to five hours. 

Donna Cragg, Director of Communications and Marketing for CCS, said people have an appetite to get out and do things again and that this year's ride is going to benefit from that. She said it's an amazing feeling to be able to start gathering with people again in person and that it lifts spirits.

Riders can sign up all the way until the day of the ride, while sponsors are encouraged to get in touch with CCS by June 10 in order to receive benefits such as being on event signage — though sponsors getting involved later certainly won't be turned away, said Cragg.

There's many volunteer opportunities to be had for this year's Velocity, and Cragg said CCS would especially love to have people volunteer to take pictures and video for the event. Other needed volunteers include: photographer's assistants, registration table volunteers, cheerleaders, set up and take down help, rest stop volunteers, route marshals, and start and finish line volunteers.

Cragg said one of CCS' committee members is an avid cyclist and is the one in charge of picking routes for Velocity. He creates routes he knows cyclists will love, that avoid any construction, and that will show visiting riders the beauty of Caledon, said Cragg.

Cragg actually took up cycling herself because of CCS' Velocity ride, and is excited to be participating in this year's ride. CCS has set a fundraising goal of $50,000, and since over $20,000 has already been raised, Cragg said CCS is hoping to smash its goal.

Every rider who participates will receive a complimentary t-shirt to commemorate their cycling journey. After the ride is finished, there will be a lunch, swag table, and prizes for ride attendees.

For more information about the ride; and to register, sponsor, donate, or volunteer; visit ccs4u.org online and follow the “register today” link to the Velocity website.