It’s getting to be that point in the year when the snow is melting, the roads are clearing and we get the itch to do some serious riding. However, being the good cycling citizens that we are; we’re fighting the urge to get on the trails for a little while longer so that they will be given ample time to dry out. If you’re thinking about getting a little dirty,can’t afford to drive about 12 hours south, and happen t0 be in the Toronto area on April 12, maybe you should consider this.

Our good friend Lorne at La Bicicletta came over to us at the bike show and taped his very last poster for this onto our booth. Lorne, we’ll do you one better; here it is on our website.

The Hell of the North is a ride much like its namesake in Belgium. A 70km ride with a mix of road, gravel and a little section they like to call the trench.  This ride ran from 1988 to 2002 and was put on by Mike Barry (you may know him from Mariposa, Bicycle Specialties, or as the father of Mike Barry Jr.)

This is a great chance to get out and ride your cross bike (i’m thinking long reach brakes and file tread Vittoria’s, but i’ll get back to  you on that) a week in advance of the Paris to Ancaster race. Lorne mentioned that there are going to be some good draw prizes (think Rapha and signed Columbia jerseys)and that all proceeds will go to the Ontario Youth Cup series.

Don’t let the snowy pic’s scare you off. I’m fairly certain everything will be snow free come ride day. Info and registration can be found at La Bici Squadra

On an unrelated note, check out our new Flickr Page. You can access it via the photos on the right side bar. We’re going to make an attempt to get a bunch of photos up of each bike that comes out of the shop from now on. We’re also going to make sure we get some good ride and shop photos up as well, so stay tuned.