Special Events
Perth County Cycling Tour
Sunday, September 12 was the third annual Perth County Cycling Tour, which brought together 100 cyclists to enjoy the scenery and fresh air of Perth County on three separate but intersecting rides.
Cyclists from Newmarket, Kincardine, Ingersoll, Windsor, Toronto and of course Stratford and St. Marys left Stratford’s Market Square and rode 101 km or 61 km or 25 km, joining at a common rest stop at St. Marys. There, they enjoyed refreshments, refills, and healthy snacks supplied by local supporters and the music of Brad McGoey, the cycling musician. The routes were created to showcase the local countryside and local destinations, with rest stops at regular locations. The weather was great – for the first time in three years! – and everyone enjoyed themselves.
Cyclists from Newmarket, Kincardine, Ingersoll, Windsor, Toronto and of course Stratford and St. Marys left Stratford’s Market Square and rode 101 km or 61 km or 25 km, joining at a common rest stop at St. Marys. There, they enjoyed refreshments, refills, and healthy snacks supplied by local supporters and the music of Brad McGoey, the cycling musician. The routes were created to showcase the local countryside and local destinations, with rest stops at regular locations. The weather was great – for the first time in three years! – and everyone enjoyed themselves.
The 2021 PCCT Routes
The actual distances and routes will not be finalized until much closer to the event, and will depend on weather forecasts, road construction and other factors. Preliminary routes are posted below. Updated route details will be included in the information package sent to riders a few days prior to the event.
Short (25 - 30km). This guide-led ride is designed for slower and less-experienced road riders. This is a one-way ride, with transportation arranged for the return to Market Square. Riders have their choice of two check in and ride departure times
Medium (50 - 70km) The route includes support riders and is best for riders with some road ride experience who want a moderate challenge.
Long (100 - 110km) This route will be enjoyed by experienced riders who like a long-distance challenge. It includes straight stretches and more hills. Riders are typically spread out along the route with support riders.
All routes start from Stratford’s picturesque Market Square and use open public roads through flat countryside and gently rolling hills. Routes are chosen using paved, quiet roads where possible. In some parts of the county, regional roads may be used. Some regional roads may be crossed and a short stretch of a regional road may be used.
Routes are pre-defined and marked. There is some route overlap, especially when leaving and returning to Stratford.
Riders must be comfortable and confident riding on their own (if necessary) between destinations and rest stops.
Signs along busier roads will indicate to drivers that a cycling tour is on the road.
See tentative interactive route maps HERE.
General Information
The PCCT is a “shine or rain” event and will take place regardless of the weather. Dress appropriately. Refunds will be offered at the sole discretion of Cycle Stratford only if the event is cancelled due to Covid-19.
Building on their huge success in 2020, we are pleased to include Stratford “Downtown Dollars”, vouchers for riders’ use at many Stratford “Al Fresco Dining Program” restaurants for dine-in or takeout or shopping.
Rest Stops will offer refreshments, refills, and healthy snacks. If you have dietary concerns, we recommend that you bring your own snacks and refreshments. At least 2 stops will include restrooms.
Cycling helmets are mandatory. Riders agree to obey all traffic signs and rules of the road.
COVID-19 / Physical Distancing Requirements
The PCCT is limited to a maximum number of 150 riders, pending public health guideline reviews and updates at the time of the event.
To reduce contact in Market Square, registration and payment is online only. Walk up registrations will not be accepted.
Participants will be emailed a COVID screening self-assessment (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/) which they must complete prior to the event. If a rider does not feel well, they must not attend.
Participants must wear a mask in the check in Market Square before and after the ride.
Questions about the Perth County Cycling Tour? Click HERE. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Registration Information
As of August 5, 2021
Because the PCCT has reached the public health cap of 100 people plus crew, registrations will now be put on a waiting list if they include payment. If the regulations change later in August to allow more participants, waiting list registrations will receive first priority and will be complete and confirmed. Waiting list registrations will continue until registration closes or the event is sold out! If the regulations do not change, full refunds will be processed by September 19. Questions about the waitlist process should be directed to the registrar, Ron Dodson, at perthcountycyclingtour@gmail.com, with the subject line “Question about the PCCT.”
Fees (including service charge): $46.80 (Individual); $39.52 (group of up to four registering at one time using the same online form); $33.23 (Cycle Stratford 2021 members only). Registrations include refreshments and snacks, support, lunch or shopping “Downtown Dollars”, and a whole lot of Perth County fresh air and scenery!
Want to volunteer? Click HERE
BONUS!!
This year, a technical shirt is available for purchase. The t-shirts are 3.5 oz.,100% polyester interlock, moisture-wicking and UV 40+ protection, in your choice of two colours, women's and men's styles and a wide size range.
Shirts are priced at $29.99 plus tax and can be ordered directly through Creative Casuals. We will let you know how to pick up your shirt prior to the event, if needed. They will also be available for pickup at the event. Deadline for ordering is Aug 13.
Ladies shirt
available in both colours
Men's shirt
available in both colours
Early Bird Draw!
Congratulations to Steve D. of Stratford whose name was chosen in a random draw of registrations to receive a free PCCT 2021 technical t-shirt!! Don’t forget that if you wish to order a beautiful PCCT 2021 shirt, you may do so by clicking HERE, before August 13, 2021.
Sponsors
Interactive PCCT Routes
These routes are preliminary and are subject to change up to a few days prior to the event.
25km Guided Tour
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36421124
61km St Marys Return (with Science Hill):
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36448290
103km St Marys Harrington Tavistock Route
Other Cycling Tour Opportunities
Huron County Distribution Centre "Better Together" Bike Ride to End Hunger
Save the date: Saturday, June 12, 2021
10km; 50km; & 100km distances
Staggered starting times from 8:45 - 9:30 a.m
BBQ Lunch for all cyclists
Registration and information: http://www.huroncountyfoodbank.org/2020-bike-ride.html
Tour de Guelph
The Tour de Guelph 2021 will not be held in its usual single-day event format. Instead, we welcome all new and past riders to register, fundraise, and complete one of our Tour de Guelph routes on your own, making sure you are physically distanced from other riders, any time on or between Friday, June 4th and Sunday, June 27th.
Supporting the Guelph General Hospital
Information and registration: https://tourdeguelph.ca/
Dunnville Grand Tour
August 21 – 22, 2021
The Dunnville Grand Tour is a recreational tour and not a race, which allows you to experience the scenic routes at your own pace. The ride take place on paved roads which are clearly marked with arrows. The event launches and finishes at the Dunnville Memorial Arena & Community Lifespan Centre (free parking is available).The tour will guide you on 25, 50, 75, 100 and 160km routes along the shores of Lake Erie, the Grand River and other scenic roads within Haldimand County. The area is famous for its flat geographical road conditions and minimal elevation changes.
Supporting the True Experience Supportive Housing and Community Work Program
Information and registration: https://dunnvillegrandtour.com/home
Cambridge Tour de Grand
Sunday, June 13,2021
Information and registration: https://www.cambridgetourdegrand.com/