SATURDAYS IN APRIL - Barksdale Training Ride
Leave 9:00 am SHARP from Handloff Park for 47 rolling-to-hilly miles at 16-17 mph, steady endurance pace, NOT a race pace. The average speed (16-17 mph) is the overall average parking lot to parking lot. It is NOT the rolling speed, so there may be times when our rolling speed is greater (or less) depending on the terrain, etc. Ride format is double pace line, steady tempo. There are no stops. HELMETS REQUIRED!! Please bring signed waiver with you (see www.whiteclaybicycleclub.org under Ride Leader Information). Questions - contact Ride Leaders Lorie Struzik (302-354-3811) before 8:30 am, or Nancy Waddell (302-545-4146) before 7:30 am or e-mail nwaddell@comcast.net.

SUNDAYS IN APRIL - I've Got Stuff To Do on Sunday Mornings Ride
Leave Valley Garden Park on Campbell Rd (Rt. 82) in Greenville, DE at 1:00 pm for a 12-13 mph 25-35 mile moderately hilly ride in chateau country to Pennsylvania. Ride series, which will continue each Sunday at 1:00 pm through April, will attempt to choose a different route each week. No ride if severe weather or hazardous conditions. Just plain cold is no excuse. No ride if heat index greater than 100 degrees. Usual basic cycling competency required. Ride Leader: Pieter Jongebreur, Pieterj8@comcast.net, 302-530-0666. (Phone will be off on Sundays 10:15 am -12:15 pm.)

SAT., APRIL 5 - MS Bike to the Bay Training Ride
Depart 9:30 am from People's Plaza, Glasgow (at the recycle bins behind the Safeway) for a 20 mile ride at a Fit-and-Fun pace (10-13 mph). Terrain is flat and we will have a shortcut for those who need a shorter distance. Helmet required and bring a full bottle of water with your bike in good working order. We will increase mileage slowly each month to have you fully prepared for the MS ride in the fall. Ride Leaders: Darree Clark, 610-485-5097, darreeclark@gmail.com and Linda Conley, bwcs@yahoo.com.

SAT., APRIL 5 - St. Peters Village
This 77 mile ride through hilly northern Chester County at about 14 mph will stop at the bakery in St. Peters for lunch on the deck overlooking the rushing waters of French Creek. Start at 8:00 am behind the Chadds Ford Post Office, US 1 at Creek Road (next to the former Wawa). Ride Leader: Wally Hertler, wallyhert@comcast.net.

SAT., APRIL 5 - Middletown to Chesapeake City Wake Up Ride
This ride will be about 22 miles at 14-16 mph average. Leave Appoquinimink High School parking lot (Bunker Hill and Choptank Roads) at 9:30 am. Some hills, a couple of ponds, and the Chesapeake City waterfront. Call ahead if weather looks iffy. Ride Leader: Cal Estrada, 302-650-5606.

SUN., APRIL 6 - Family Friendly Ice Cream Ride
Bring the kids, your significant other, a friend or come out on your own for a leisurely ride with a stop for ice cream near the finish. We’ll ride primarily on dedicated bike/pedestrian paths and quiet neighborhood roads for approximately 10 miles at an 8-10 mph average over mostly flat terrain. The only hills we’ll encounter are bridges over railroad tracks. The start is at 9:00 am. Park in the lot in front of the Fred Rust Ice Area at the University of Delaware off of Route 896 in Newark. We’ll meet in the section of the lot closest to the Chrysler plant. Bring water to drink on the ride and money for the ice cream stop. All riders must wear helmets. Ride Leader: Jeff Butcher 302-737-3660, jrdbutcher@yahoo.com.

SUN., APRIL 6 – Easy Northbrook
Join us for a 40-mile ride to Northbrook Orchards. Hopefully it is reopened by now! (Bring snacks just in case). Leave at 9:00 am from Lantana Square Shopping Center, Hockessin from the end of the parking lot closest to the Rt.7, Limestone Rd. entrance. Average speed will be 13-15 mph. The terrain is rolling, with some hills. Leaders: Sally Buttner (sarahbuttner@comcast.net, 302/286-1118) & Mary Ann Huntley (mahuntz@yahoo.com, 302/234-2915).

SUN., APRIL 6 - Middletown Shopping Center Ride
Start at 9:00 am at the Middletown Shopping Center Parking lot (off of Rt. 71) for a 42-mile
ride at 13-15 mph . All cyclists welcomed, tandems and singles! Bring money for food. Ride Leaders: Bob and Helen Spinden, 302-547-8040.

SUN., APRIL 6 – Performance Shop Ride
Join me at 8:00 am at Performance Bikes (1267 New Churchmans Crossing Rd, Newark) for 30-40 miles at 16-18 mph average (parking lot to parking lot). Mileage and terrain will vary depending on what route we take. There are no stops so bring water and a snack. Call if weather is questionable. Ride Leader: Jeff Brunell, jbike75@gmail.com, 302-276-3493.

SAT., APRIL 12 - Blossom Time on Welsh Mountain
Leave Octoraro High School (Highland Rd., Cochranville, PA) at 8:30 am for a 60-65 mile hilly ride at 14 mph. Stop in Honeybrook for lunch while enjoying the springtime blossoms. The school is located 3 miles north of Rts. 10 & 41. Ride Leader: Mike Barker, 302-998-7684, biker.mike43@gmail.com.

SAT., APRIL 12 - South Of the Canal Breakfast Ride
Meet at Bohemia Manor High School Parking lot (off of Rt. 213) at 8:30 am for a 25-to-30 mile
ride at 13-15 mph . We'll stop for breakfast at the end of the ride. (Bring money for food.)
Expect some rolling hills. Ride Leader: Pat Lavery Sr., plavery12@comcast.net.

SAT., APRIL 12 - Middletown to Chesapeake City Wake Up Ride
This ride will be about 22 miles at 14-16 mph average. Leave Appoquinimink High School parking lot (Bunker Hill and Choptank Roads) at 9:30 am. Some hills, a couple of ponds, and the Chesapeake City waterfront. Call ahead if weather looks iffy. Ride Leader: Cal Estrada, 302-650-5606.

SUN., APRIL 13 - Barksdale to Northeast
Leave Handloff Park (formerly Barksdale Park, at Barksdale Rd. near Casho Mill) in Newark at 9:30 am for a rolling, 30-mile ride at 11-13 mph. Enjoy watching the activity on the Chesapeake Bay with us. Ride Leaders: Barrie Jane Kintner, 610-361-0442, hikeandbike3@comcast.net, and Bob Wheeler, 302-239-5638, rwheeler@echip.com.

SUN., APRIL 13 - Brandywine 50
A moderately hilly 40-60 mile ride, 15 mph average speed, through Chester and Delaware Counties. Ride will start at 9:00 am sharp from Brandywine High School (Rt. 261, Foulk Road) at the tennis courts and will return between noon and 1:00 pm. There will be at least one rest stop and a cue sheet will be available. Ride Leaders: Jerry and Debbie Steinberg, 302-373-6495, jsteinberg3@ comcast.net.

SUN., APRIL 13 - Ride to Locust Point
Leave People's Plaza (near the recycling bins) in Glasgow at 9:30 am for a 30-35 mile ride to Locust Point, MD. We will have one rest stop at the Veteran's Cemetery. Please be sure to bring your own snacks and water. Join us for lunch after the ride at Safeway. Average speed will be 14-15 mph. Questions? - Please contact Ride Leaders Ed and Susan McNulty, 302-834-7429, smcnulty@verizon.net.

SAT., APRIL 19 - Ride Leader Training
Ready to give something back to WCBC now that you have participated in many rides led by volunteer ride leaders? Not finding the right group ride for you – starting point, pace, etc.? Then become a WCBC Ride Leader! Join us for Rider Leader Training, starting at People’s Plaza in Glasgow (near recycling bins next to Safeway) at 9:00 am. We will start inside at the Safeway cafe area for some discussion, and then go for a flat 20-25 mile ride at 11-13 mph. If you’ve been leading rides but haven’t participated in the training, please also consider joining us to share your experiences and learn our updated procedures. Call if weather is questionable. Note: Another Ride Leader Training session is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, and a rain date in June in case either of the two sessions is rained out. Please contact me if you plan attend. Ride Leader: Carol Ireland, 302-995-9658, rides@whiteclaybicycleclub.org.

SAT., APRIL 19 - MS Bike to the Bay Training Ride
Depart 9:30 am from People's Plaza (at the recycle bins behind the Safeway, Glasgow, DE) for a 20 mile ride at a Fit-and-Fun pace (10-13 mph). Terrain is flat and we will have a shortcut for those who need a shorter distance. Helmet is required and bring a full bottle of water with your bike in good working order. We will increase mileage slowly each month to have you fully prepared for the MS ride in the fall. Ride Leaders: Darree Clark, 610-485-5097, darreeclark@gmail.com and Linda Conley, bwcs@yahoo.com.

SAT., APRIL 19 - York County Heritage Rail Trail
Meet at the railroad station in New Freedom, PA at 9:00 am. We'll ride north to York and back. Distance is approximately 42 miles. Average speed will be 11-13 mph. Path is crushed stone so you'll need a hybrid or mountain bike. We'll stop for lunch in New Freedom at the end of the ride. Trail is slightly downhill on the way out and uphill on the way back. Ride Leader: Pat Lavery Sr., plavery12@comcast.net.

SAT., APRIL 19 - Crystal Beach Ride
Leave at 9:00 am from Middletown Square Shopping Center, Rt. 71 south of Rt. 301, Middletown. This ride will be 50 miles at an average speed of 14-16 mph through flat to slightly rolling terrain. We will follow scenic roads to Crystal Beach along the Chesapeake Bay. There will be two rest stops. Ride Leader: Mike Salter 302-239-0384, TrekbikerMike@Verizon.net.

SAT., APRIL 19 - Scenic Roads, Creekside Roads, Parks & Paths
Leave White Clay Creek State Park, Carpenter Recreation Area (off Route 896, about 2 miles north of U of D) at 9:00 am. The route is approximately 70 miles and incorporates scenic roads, roads along creeks, roads located in parks, and multi-use paths. The whole route is paved. Pace will be 14 mph over a mix of flat, rolling, and hilly terrain. Bring money for a food stop in Hockessin. Other stops as necessary. Ride Leader: Jeff Butcher, 302-737-3660, jrdbutcher@yahoo.com.

SAT., APRIL 19 - Middletown > Chesapeake City Wake Up Ride
This ride will be about 22 miles at 14-16 mph average. Leave Appoquinimink High School parking lot (Bunker Hill and Choptank Roads) at 9:30 am. Some mild hills, a couple of ponds, and the Chesapeake City waterfront. Call ahead if the weather looks iffy. Ride Leader: Cal Estrada, 302-650-5606.

SUN., APRIL 20 - Brandywine 50
A moderately hilly 40-60 mile ride, 15 mph average speed, through Chester and Delaware Counties. Ride will start at 9:00 am sharp from Brandywine High School (Rt. 261, Foulk Road) at the tennis courts and will return between noon and 1:00 pm. There will be at least one rest stop and a cue sheet will be available. Ride Leaders: Jerry and Debbie Steinberg, 302-373-6495, jsteinberg3@ comcast.net.

SUN., APRIL 20 – Performance Shop Ride
Join me at 8:00 am at Performance Bikes (1267 New Churchmans Crossing Rd, Newark) for 30-40 miles at 16-18 mph average (parking lot to parking lot). Mileage and terrain will vary depending on what route we take. There are no stops so bring water and a snack. Call if weather is questionable. Ride Leader: Jeff Brunell, jbike75@gmail.com, 302-276-3493.

SAT., APRIL 26 – Lunch in the Park at Lititz
Start at 8:30 am from Octoraro School at Highland Rd. and Rt. 41 for a 72 mile, moderately paced (about 14 mph) not-too-hilly ride through the Pennsylvania-Dutch countryside to Lititz. Bring or buy lunch. Ride Leaders: Doug Kennedy, DougKennedy7@GMail.com, 610-543-4664 and Debbie Wilson, djwbike@aol.com, 392-798-1243.

SAT., APRIL 26 - Middletown to Chesapeake City Wake Up Ride
This ride will be about 22 miles at 14-16 mph average. Leave Appoquinimink High School parking lot (Bunker Hill and Choptank Roads) at 9:30 am. Some mild hills, a couple of ponds, and the Chesapeake City waterfront. Call ahead if weather looks iffy. Ride Leader: Cal Estrada, 302-650-5606.

SUN., APRIL 27 - PJ's and Bathrobes for Breakfast
Did you know breakfast is half price if one dares to show up in pj's and bathrobes at Buckley's Tavern? Be at Buckley's in Centerville on Rt 52 (Kennett Pike) at 9:00 am for a rolling 30-32 mile ride at 11-13 mph. After the ride, the brave can put on their bathrobes and slippers to enjoy the 1/2 price breakfast. Ride Leaders: Barrie Jane Kintner, 610-361-0442, hikeandbike3@comcast.net and Bob Wheeler, 302-239-5638, rwheeler@echip.com.

SUN., APRIL 27 - Brandywine 50
A moderately hilly 40-60 mile ride, 15 mph average speed, through Chester and Delaware County. Ride will start at 9:00 am sharp from Brandywine High School (Rt. 261, Foulk Road) at the tennis courts and will return between noon and 1:00 pm. There will be at least one rest stop and a cue sheet will be available. Ride Leaders: Jerry and Debbie Steinberg, 302-373-6495, jsteinberg3@ comcast.net.

APRIL WEEKDAY RIDES

Tuesday & Thursday Show & Gos Several WCBC members get together during the week to ride. A couple of years ago, a few of these rides were scheduled as regular WCBC rides, but turnout was limited. This year we thought we'd try a more flexible approach. We encourage those of you who are retired or have flexible schedules to join us, when your schedule allows. Meeting times and places are: Tuesdays in April: Valley Garden Park, on Rt. 82 (Campbell Rd) off Rt. 52, 9:30 am Thursdays in April: Soccer Field Parking Lot on Evanson Rd just off Valley Rd., Hockessin, 9:30 am Distance, pace and terrain will be decided at the start of the ride, depending on who shows up. As a starting point, distances will be 25-35 miles, pace 11-14 mph, and terrain generally rolling with some hills. Although there's no promise that anyone will show up, there's a good possibility that there will be some fun riding partners, and there's a guarantee of some great biking roads! Contact Carol Ireland at 302-995-9658 or rides@whiteclaybicycleclub.org if you have questions.

MONDAYS IN APRIL – Pike Creek
Evening rides departing from Ebenezer United Methodist Church parking lot on Polly Drummond Hill Rd in Pike Creek at 5:30 pm. Monday’s ride will be 20-32 miles at 13-15 mph over ultra hilly terrain. (Wednesday’s ride will be 23-32 miles but will average a faster pace, 15-17 mph ride over flat to rolling terrain.) Must have tire repair equipment and be able to use it. Both of these rides are pre-racing training rides for those riders who are considered at least B+ riders. You will not be dropped as long as you stay within the average pace range. We wait for everyone at the tops of all major climbs. You should have a cyclecomputer and understand how to use it. Send questions to Ride Leader: Aaron Chen, Aaron.Chen-1@USA.dupont.com, 302-731-1456

TUESDAYS IN APRIL – Red Lion
Evening ride from Red Lion United Methodist Church, Rt. 71 and Church Road (next to Delaware Lawn and Garden), Bear, DE. There will be a "B" ride (15-18 mph) and a "C" ride (10-13 mph). If "A" riders show, their ride is a "Show & Go". Rides depart at 6:00 pm SHARP. The terrain is mostly flat and distance is between 25-35 miles, depending on speed and daylight. Provide your own tire repair equipment and be able to use it. Helmets required. Ride Leaders: Bob & Helen Spinden (302-547-8040) or hnbspinden@hotmail.com; Ed & Susan McNulty (302-834-7429 or smcnulty@verizon.net); Ted Ryser (tedryser@comcast.net); and Bill McBride (mcbr559@comcast.net). Other ride leaders will be asked to help if necessary at the ride start.

TUESDAYS IN APRIL - Wyoming
We will be riding through the rural countryside of Kent County and surrounding areas. We will be adding mileage up to about 30 miles at a pace of 18-20 mph average. Rides start from the Wyoming Park on Third Street at 5:15 pm. The park is just down the street from Halls Restaurant across from the railroad tracks. Rides will be very flat and possibly windy. Pacelines will be used. Any questions contact Ride Leader: Mike Stockslager at 302-242-6676 or trekbiker2100@yahoo.com.

TUESDAYS IN APRIL (Starting APRIL 22) - Dunbar’s
These MS Training Rides leave Dunbar's Cyclery on Philadelphia Pike, just north of Washington Street Extension, at 6:00 pm sharp. The rides will run until the end of September. A group with a ride leader will average 14 mph. As of now, there is no ride leader for a faster 17 mph group, however faster riders are welcome to join us. No one will be dropped as long as they keep close to the posted speed ranges. Mileage will be 18-23 miles. Ride Leader: David Anderson, 610-329-5215, danderson96@comcast.net.

TUESDAYS IN APRIL – Newark
This Tuesday night ride over rolling hills leaves at 5:45 pm from the Delaware Technology Park at the corner of Library and Wyoming Roads in Newark (located across the road from the Pep Boys). Meet in the lot closest to the end of the Hall Trail. Pace will be 13-15 mph and distance 15-20 miles depending on speed and daylight. Must wear a helmet, and should have tire repair equipment. Ride Leader: Roy Simonson, 302-463-9873 (cell), 302-737-5983 (home), 302-366-7055 (work).

WEDNESDAY MORNINGS IN APRIL – Hockessin Midday Get-Away
For this 20+ mile ride every Wednesday morning, meet at the Tweeds Park surface lot in Hockessin, across from Lantana Square. The ride begins at 10:00 am, and will average 15-17 mph over flat to rolling hills. Ride Leaders: Tom and Cindy Mannis, mannis11@verizon.net.

WEDNESDAYS IN APRIL – Pike Creek
Evening rides departing from Ebenezer United Methodist Church parking lot on Polly Drummond Hill Rd in Pike Creek at 5:30 pm. Wednesday’s ride will be 23-32 miles and will average 15-17 mph ride over flat to rolling terrain. (Monday’s ride will be 20-32 miles at a slower pace of 13-15 mph over ultra hilly terrain.) Must have tire repair equipment and be able to use it. Both of these rides are pre-racing training rides for those riders who are considered at least B+ riders. You will not be dropped as long as you stay within the average pace range. We wait for everyone at the tops of all major climbs. You should have a cyclecomputer and understand how to use it. Send questions to Ride Leader: Aaron Chen, Aaron.Chen-1@USA.dupont.com, 302-731-1456

WEDNESDAYS IN APRIL - Hockessin
Starting April 2nd and continuing every Wednesday, leave Hockessin for a nice ride averaging around 14-16 mph. Everyone is asked to park at the Dover Saddlery on Yorklyn Road in the parking spaces closest to the road. At this time of year we’ll plan on leaving at 6:00 pm and try to get in around 12-15 miles depending on daylight. Ride Leaders: Joe Lazorick, 302-547-3883, jlazorick@wgservices.com and John Collins.

THURSDAYS IN APRIL – Newark
Leave at 6:00 pm from Handloff Park, Newark, at the corner of Casho Mill Rd and Barksdale Rd. Each week this ride will follow one of three different routes. Terrain will be flat on the southern route towards Chesapeake City and rolling-to-hilly on the northern route into Pike Creek and western route into Cecil County. Average speed will range from 14-16 mph on the flat route and 13-15 mph on the rolling to hilly routes. Distance will range from 20-35 miles depending on speed and daylight. Ride Leaders: Mike Salter 302-239-0384, TrekbikerMike@aol.com and Mark Taylor, 610-580-5760, m.taylor@natsafe.com.

FRIDAYS IN APRIL (Except April 4) – Bonsall Park
These rides are 20-25 miles with an average speed of about 15-17 mph. We will start at 6:00 pm sharp across from Bonsall Park at Silverside Road and Greendale Road. We will ride to the former Wawa in Chadds Ford, where we will regroup. On the return we will regroup at the DuPont Country Club tennis courts. Ride leaders: Jerry Steinberg, 302-373-6495, jsteinberg3@comcast.net and Rich Gilligan, 302-540-1958.