Welcome to the Donut Ride

In cycling, roadies have a reputation for being macho, elitist snobs, ignoring those whose kit just isn’t right or who don’t ride fast enough. I have been on the receiving end of this attitude more than once and it’s a disappointing reality of our community, one that myself and many others try to replace with a feeling of friendly camaraderie. Attitude in a race is one thing, but on a club ride, it’s just not cool. While I’ve got plenty of experience riding in a group or a pace-line, Sunday morning as I rode to my inaugural riding of the iconic Donut Ride, I really wasn’t sure what to expect and to be honest, I was a little nervous.

The Donut Ride has been happening virtually every weekend since its inception some time in 1976. It goes Saturday, Sunday and any statutory holiday, rain, shine or snow. It is also known for being a fairly fast paced ride with pros, amateur racers and many Cat 1’s showing up on any given weekend. At times, it will attract 100-150 riders. I’ve known about this ride by reputation for years. Now back in Toronto for the summer and feeling pretty fit, I figured it was high time I got out for the Donut.

Arriving at the Great Canadian Bagel on Eglinton and Laird, I introduced myself to a couple of people, checked out the bikes being rolled around and tried to figure out who the fast guys were. Turns out, it was all of them. Promptly at 9, wheels were turning. Making our way out of the City, more and more folks would join the group and the speeds began to pick-up. Soon enough, the big boys on the front were pushing a pretty brisk pace, certainly faster than I’m used to.

Having identified myself as a newbie on the Ride, I just wanted to sit in, hold my line and never lose contact with that lead group. Basically, earn a tiny bit of respect, have fun and not screw up. Chatting with a few fellow riders, a beautiful thing started to happen.

Riding next to a gentleman and his daughter on their tandem, I was informed that the group would soon split. There, the left turn would take us up the climbs of Jane St. The rest of the pack would continue straight ahead along Keele Street. “You’ll want to go left.” I was counselled. I thanked them for the advice, joined the left turning group and promptly suffered as the pace stayed strong going up those hills. In fact, Kevin Lehman–whom I rode with during the Hairshirt in 2012–gave me a little push to make sure I didn’t fall off the back as we summited. Thanks Kevin.

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At the coffee shop (not the usual one, which was closed, I was informed) I met Peter who got a bit of a late start. There, coffee, Cokes and pastries were enjoyed as friends chatted and exploits recounted. Rolling out together, we all continued east until Kennedy. Farewells and thanks were given as the group headed south and home while Peter and I headed north. He and I would eventually get in a tough 200kms+ for the day.

As mentioned, the Donut Ride has a deserved reputation for being a fast paced road ride. However, it did nothing to reinforce the negative reputation that roadies have acquired. Quite the opposite. I felt welcomed into the group, met some kind folks and had a really great time on the bike. Big thanks to all those who rode with me yesterday; I look forward to seeing y’all again soon. Just not today, I’m a little tired.