2026 FOG Team Store

The general club store* will be open until 1 AM on September 14th. After that there will not be another oportunity until next year. Please keep in mind that we keep very limited stock on hand (jerseys and vests/gilets)**, primarily for new members or God forbid pieces damaged in a crash. We rarely change our kit design, having had three in our history with the previous two in use for about twelve years each. The current design was adopted in late 2023.

Champion System offers us a tremendous number of options (there are 60 with this order), but that also creates challenges, especially as far as sizing is concerned. I strongly urge you to read the previous posts regarding choices and sizing here. Sorry I won't reply to questions about information that is alreay in there. Unfortunately, if you order the wrong size your option is to try a swap with another member. The club won't be able to. 

I would also advise you to visit the Champion Systems website here for descriptions of the various garments before visiting the store. 

A couple of notes on just some of the garments from member feedback and my own experience with a few dozen jerseys under my belt:

• There are three tiers of jerseys. The most affordable is the TECH level. It is perfectly serviceable, but like jersey material from twenty years ago. The PERFORMANCE+ is like a typical modern quality jersey and the best choice for the majority of members. The APEX+ is very tight fitting, best for higher level racers or if you're just really thin and find other jerseys too loose. It is possible to size up with APEX, but then you risk it being too long.
• The APEX+ mesh summer jersey was the favourite jersey of anyone who tried it. I've contacted the rep, but sadly it doesn't appear to be available anymore.
• Champion System has what they call an Intermediate Jacket. It is not what any of us would consider a jacket, but rather a fleece long sleeve. Despite the unfortunate name it is one of their best pieces. Plus or minus a vest/gilet it is incredibly flexible in spring and into late fall, even early winter weather.

*For those that are racing for FOG we have some race team specific kit. Contact me about that before visiting the general store.

**the one exception is we do have a number of FOG cycling socks (white with navy, but not the aero ones).

2026 Team Store

September 21 Forecast

Forecast for today isn’t promising: cool with a very strong north wind and depending on which forecast an 80-100% chance of rain with a possibility of a thunderstorm. Forecasts obviously aren’t 100% accurate lately, but when deciding whether to ride or not use your own good judgement.

Club Kit Buy

As mentioned recently on the rides, we'll be doing a kit order in September (arrival late fall). In the meantime for those that missed out on the initial order we have jerseys on hand that can be purchased now. We have women's race cut in S, M, L and men's race and club cut in S, M, L, and XL. All of these are at the Performance+ level. Cost is $145 cash.

This previous post links to more information about fit, etc.

June 15 Recap

Windy (what else is new), but otherwise a brilliant day. 32 riders in three strong groups. Nice to see some old time FOG faces that we haven't seen for awhile.

Next week there's a gravel race. A number of riders from all of the groups will be riding that and will miss the FOG ride.

June 15 Anticipation

It's hard to believe, but we're already at the mid-point of June. Depending on which forecast one looks at there's either a high chance of showers tomorrow morning or a break between 9 and 12. I'll update in the morning on the Spond app.

A Brilliant Race Day For FOG Members

At the Badlands Gravel Race in Medora North Dakota FOG members took first place in the women's 80 mile (Bernie), third place in the men's 80 mile (Darrel) and first place in the men's 120 mile (Chris). Closer to home our guys didn't quite sweep the podium, but took 7 of the top 9 places in the Popeye's Cycles road race at Birds Hill Park. 

May 25 Anticipation

Three things: 

First, there's a road race Sunday. That will affect attendance if in fact there is a FOG ride tomorrow. 

Secondly, I have two weather forecasts in front of me. Both say it'll be cool, 5C, but there's quite a difference in the precipitation forecast. One says a 100% chance of periods of rain, the other says a 50% chance of showers from about 5 am. 

Thirdly, I'll update in the morning if things look better. NOTE that going forward any last minute ride updates will likely just be via Spond.

Club Kit update

If you ordered club kit it should arrive in the next week.

May 18 Recap - Not Made Of Sugar

The 9 am forecast couldn't have been more wrong; instead of dry, Henderson leading up to the Legion was soaking wet, but 11 of us were determined to prove we weren't made of sugar. As it turns out, the roads north of the city were almost completely dry and despite a challenging wind it was a beautiful mixed group ride to BHP... until the forecast was correct and it turned cold and wet for the last 13 km. But we weren't made of sugar. Some soup and laughter and it's a ride that'll stick in  the memory.

May 18 Anticipation

As of 0900 Friday, depending on the forecast it looks like a 60-70% percent chance of rain with strong winds tomorrow. That could easily go either way. I'll update in the morning. 

May 18 0600 Update: Ride is on, though we may have to cut it a little short. Temperature will be steady around 15C and depending on which forecast one uses, looks like 50-60% chance of precipitation starting somewhere between 1100 and noon. It'll be cool/cold if it rains. I might stuff a rain jacket in my jersey pocket. Please ensure you've got a rear light on. 

Wear Pink. It's Giro Time!

For many bike racing fans the Giro d'Italia is the best grand tour of the year. You can catch short (5 to 6 minute) highlight shows on YouTube, but for comprehensive coverage of the Giro, Tour, and many other races see our post: How To Watch Bike Racing In Canada

May 11 Anticipation

A reminder that rides start at 0900. It looks to be a lovely day with above normal temperatures: starting temperature of about 13C with a south wind so it'll warm up fairly quickly. High for the day is 27C!

How To Watch Bike Racing In Canada

Now that the spring classics are done and the Giro is underway it's a good time to revisit how we in Canada can watch some of the amazing racing. The demise of the GCN+ streaming service brought great sadness earlier in the year, but in some ways made things much easier for Canadians (more complicated for Americans).

You can catch brief highlights of some of the major races (for example daily recaps of the Giro stages) on YouTube. For comprehensive coverage of the Giro, Tour de France and many other races including but not limited to road, track, mountain bike, cyclocross, etc. your best bet is FloBikes. In Canada due to our smaller size we're often at a disadvantage compared to our American neighbours. This is a rare exception. Companies bid for the rights to broadcast the races. In the USA there a multiple competing broadcasters. To watch the spring classics, Giro and Tour de France you'd have to subscribe to multiple different services. In Canada it's all on FloBikes. You can watch on your phone, your computer, or your television by casting or using the Flo Sports app.

Important May Notices

1/ It's May, that means rides start at 0900 again. If you haven't made it to a ride yet this year see the 2024 Sping Ride post about our new ride structure.

2/ The team store (and with it your last chance to order kit this year) closes Sunday. 

Team Store 2024 Sticky

UPDATE #1: Style of knee warmers in the general information post linked below.

Nick has sent out an email with the link to the club store. If you didn't receive it check your junk folder.

You can use this post as your launchpad for all posts about the new kit.

You can find general information (including fit, quality levels) here.

The choices can be overwhelming so I've made a list of the things that I would recommend here.

There will inevitably be questions that we haven't thought of. I'll continue to update this post as needed.

2024 Spring Ride Sticky

2024 Groups:

As per the AGM we have a slight change to the group structure for 2024.

In short: 

FOG35 will travel at a cruising speed of approximately 35 kph.
FOG39 will travel at a cruising speed of approximately 38-39 kph.
FOG+ will travel at a cruising speed of 40+ kph.

-These speeds refer to a group of 5 to 6 riders riding in calm conditions.
-The speed will be higher with a tailwind and slower with a headwind.
-The speed will be higher with larger groups of riders and slower with less than 6 riders.
-The speed will be higher on descents and lower on sustained ascents.
-In all cases the degree of adjustment will be at the discretion of the Ride Captain.

April 27 Anticipation:
Although the forecast isn't great it's still conducive to a club ride. There will be periods of rain Friday night changing to light rain or drizzle around 0300, then stopping around 0800. The wind will be strong which will help dry the roads.

There is a race in Birds Hill Park Saturday starting at noon so there will not be a FOG+ group.

Team Store 2024 General Info

There are two stores: club store (closes May 5) and race team store (closes April 28). The only difference is that the race team store offers some additional unique race options in addition to the regular FOG kit. Prices are the same on both. For access to the race team store contact Gary. 

Special Offers: We have a few pieces from the test run that we can offer at a 20% discount: 

• M and L Performancs arm warmers, 1 pair each
• M Performance knee warmers, 2 pair
• M Performance vests, race cut, 2 pair

Quality (lowest to highest):

• Tech+: The material is like the old FOG kit. It's perfectly serviceable, but technology has come a long way in the last few years.
• Performance+: Upgraded more forgiving material. Offers a better fit over a range of people. A much better choice than Tech+ for most FOG members.
• Apex+: Top of the line. Same kit as their sponsored professional teams wear. Very form fitting. 

Fit:

• Tech+: Fits like the old kit. Available in regular (race cut) and club cut.
• Performance+: Somewhat stretchier material than Tech+ without looking thin or flimsy. If just fits better. Available in race and club cuts. Our experience so far is that if previously you had a club cut in one size and a race cut one size up you'll probably be happier with the larger size race cut in Performance+.
• Apex+: Race cut only. You'll notice how ChampSys states: Our Apex garments are designed for elite riders – they are a tighter fit than our regular products. Jerseys are 1½ size smaller fit compared to Performance collection  Our own experience with the test run is that although the cut is slim, the material is quite accommodating so if you had a good fit (not really tight) with a race cut in the previous FOG kit you should most likely stay with that size. If you upsize it will be too long.  
• Performance Intermediate Jacket (fleece): Another instance where I'd suggest you ignore the ChampSys advice (to go up a size). Despite the name this is a fleece long sleeve not a jacket and as such the most you'd wear underneath is a base layer. Keeping to your jersey size will give a nice fitted fit. Going up a size will leave it a little loose and baggy.

If you don't have previous ChampSys kit, in general sizes are more consistent with European cycling kit (Castelli, Santini, etc), than with North American sizing.

Knee Warmers:

There are two styles of knee warmers: looking down those that extend just past the knees and those that cover most of the lower leg, almost like knickers - with tall socks on there ends up being barely a gap. The Champion System knee warmers are the longer kind.

Make sure to check out the What Kit Would I Suggest post as well.

What Kit Would I Suggest You Order (And Why)?

What would I suggest you order?

First one needs to consider the reasons behind selecting kit.

• Flying one's team colours
• Comfort and protection against the elements: warmth, breathability, wicking, support, UV protection, etc
• Does it enhance your performance (separate from point 2): where we ride over 90% of our effort goes to overcoming wind resistance and 70-80% of that is caused by our own bodies and clothing. A three to four thousand dollar set of deep section wheels can save 10-20 watts. A fitted cycling top can easily equal that with a skinsuit almost doubling that at 35 watts.

Gary's suggestions in order:

1. Jersey. The Performance+ and Apex+ jerseys cover off these three requirements far better. Although a step up in price from Tech+, they are one of the cheapest routes to saving watts. Cycling gear can add up quickly, but with a price difference of $30 from Tech+ to Performance+ that's 1% of the cost of a $3000 set of wheels.
2. Bibshorts. More of a style decision. While one can wear black, the sartorially inclined will insist on navy. One can save some money by opting for one of the pre-dyed versions*. 
3. Vest/Gilet and warmers (arm and knee). A vest should come before one even thinks about a jacket. A vest and arm warmers are far more flexible than a jacket. They breath better, regular temperature better, and properly fitted don't hamper performance whereas a jacket most often is about as aerodynamic as a tent. The only time a jacket wins is when it's raining or below freezing. See the general post regarding specific information about the Champion System knee warmers.
4. Performance+ Intermediate Jacket (Fleece). It's a long sleeve fleece (so heavy weight) jersey. Unlike a jacket you wouldn't normally wear anything else underneath apart from a base layer. It's a brilliant piece for spring and fall. Everyone who bought one with the previous kit said this was the piece they were happiest they bought. If you wear a race cut jersey I'd ignore ChampSys' advice to size up.
5. BONUS PICK: Aero Socks. It's important that they don't scrunch up. As long as they don't you're looking at a 4-8 watt saving**. Half the watts those $3000 wheels will save you for 1/100th the cost.

These pieces will cover almost every single FOG ride from spring till fall. For speciality cases like riding in the rain or winter a jacket makes sense and for racing a skinsuit or racesuit is an option. 

*The majority of a bibshort, especially the parts subject to wear, is constructed from pre-dyed lycra, a heavier fabric that comes from the factory in limited colours. The parts that are sublimated with our design are much thinner material. The pre-dyed bibshorts replace the side panels (the large 'FOG') on our bibs with a solid panel of the pre-dyed material.

**How can socks make such a difference? Our legs are essentially cylindrical, but aerodynamically a cylinder is about the worst possible shape.

April 20 Anticipation

1C at 10:00 am with wind of 30 gusting to 50 tomorrow so the ride is cancelled.

Club Kit

Once ChampSys fixes an issue with the socks the store will open. You'll then receive an email with a link to the store. Check your junk folder.

We've secured a 13% discount on orders. That will apply to this order only.

NOTE: unlike previous years, the club will NOT maintain inventory. 

The store will close on May 5th. After that no further orders will be made this year.

In the next few days I'll post some helpful hints about sizing and the clothing choices here on the blog.

A big challenge and expense in bringing this to fruition was that the colours on the proofs weren't truly representative of the actual colours. That discrepancy will also affect what you see in the store. Click on this image to get a much better idea of the actual colours:

April 13 Recap

Amazing Day! Three groups FOG 35, FOG 38, and FOG+ with ~8 riders each. Gusty wind on the way home, but otherwise the weather was perfect.

2024 Spring Rides

As discussed at the AGM we have different groups this year. More info coming.

We'll plan to start at 10:00 for the rest of April, switching to 0900 from May onward.

Remember that you must have your FOG and MCA membership in order to ride. No exceptions.

It's the time of year when the weather forecast can change from day to day, so as with all spring rides check back for any last minute changes.

The first road race of the year is Saturday April 27th so expect smaller numbers that day.

April 13 Anticipation

The forecast says a chance of showers in the early morning passing by 0900 or so. We'll plan to ride at 10:00 when it should be about 8C with a bit of a southerly wind for the early part of the ride which is supposed to die down for the return home; perfect. As always for spring rides, check back for any last minute changes.

2024 Club Rides Start Tomorrow

I hope everyone had a great winter. After our latest start to the season in our history last year, the weather forecast is surprisingly good, so late notice but we'll start Saturday rides tomorrow. Some folks had been talking about 1030 and that seems as good a time as any to start. The wind will be strong on the way home though.

October 21

Lovely ride. Amazing conditions for late October. Unfortunately that probably brings down the curtain on double digit temperature rides until the spring. We'll keep going though till there's snow on the ground.

October 21 Anticipation

The start time temperature will actually be really pleasant for this time of year, but there is a 30% chance of showers so it'll be a game time decision.

Oct 21 update: ride is on. 

CrossTastic XIV

An amazing event put on by FOG. It wouldn't have been possible without a huge commitment from Jarret L, Marc F, Darrel F, Mark L, Matt G, Charles K, Bernadine K, Chris G, Alex R, Ted F, Jiri K, Tim F and Tim T.

October 7 Anticipation

After a brilliant September it sure is full on fall all of a sudden. Looks to be a chilly one tomorrow, but a few hard men and women will be out.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

September 23 Anticipation

Another fantastic turnout last week with 23 riders despite the start being completely shrouded in mist. After some rain the last two days, tomorrow looks to be rain free for the morning with Goldilocks temperatures. 

I'll update in the morning if need be.

September Rides

After what was the hottest September FOG ride ever on the long weekend it's certainly looking much more like fall. Opportunities for rides are diminishing, but we'll ride till there's snow on the ground. Brilliant turnout the last two weeks with 33 riders on the long weekend (which must also be a September record) and 26 last week!

Road Race Saturday

There's a road race Saturday at Birds Hill Park. That will affect attendance at the FOG ride. The race will run clockwise so the FOG ride will be fine riding counter clockwise in the park. Extra care will just need to be taken entering and leaving East Beach.

Ride Update

Revisiting the route, I suggest leaving East Beach via the 'Alpe' short cut. That should make things closer to 162 km overall.

And unfortunately I've got sore throat and runny nose. Given COVID I won't be taking part. Tim, Tom, and Jiri are normally ride leaders. One of them will lead the ride.

Have a great ride!

August 12 weather update

Looks like the consensus is cloudy with about a 10% chance of a shower. Ride is on.

Muddy Waters Comes Home Details

Right now the forecast looks very positive, but if there are any changes due to weather I will post here in the morning.

The route has been altered a bit due to the resurfacing of Henderson. We will be on Henderson twice for short periods. The south end is supposed to be paved by tomorrow, the north (which we'll be on for about 400m) won't be, but I'm told is rideable.

To complete 162km the route is essentially a ~42km early loop before the Cooks Creek ride (no Clandeboye, but an extra loop of BHP). Because it's all familiar territory I've condensed the route guide which is here.

Because it's all familiar territory, it's an excellent opportunity to test oneself with an extended distance confidently. And if 162 km is a little too much there are opportunities to cut things shorter by cutting out Cooks Creek and/or the extra loop at BHP for example.

There are two opportunities to take on water/supplies: the first at just over 40k on returning to the Legion (as there will be a large group potentially trying to get into the washroom is a short amount of time I recommend having something ready to go in your car), the second at about 120k at the East Beach.

The BBQ follows (and the restaurant usually stops selling food at 2pm) so I would keep in mind that minimising stops would be prudent. Although one could ride it solo I would highly suggest communicating with others ahead of time or during the easier first loop to formulate a plan and agree to work together. Given the distance a larger group working together will ultimately be faster overall.

Last week we had a record number of flats. Hopefully we got that all out of our system, but it goes without saying: make sure your bike is in good working order and that you're prepared to change a flat (or two).

The past two occasions we've ridden the first loop as a large group at an overall average of 35kph. It's been a steady pace in the past, but note that's an average and could vary up or down depending on wind. It is perfectly fine for riders who are not as strong to save energy and sit at the back or to take shorter pulls.  When at the front though they should maintain the pace. After returning to the Legion riders might join the FOG ride at normal FOG pace or go in their own groups.

I can't make any guarantees, but in previous years for the second loop there have been essentially two groups, one that has averaged 38-40 kph and a second that I imagine averaged 34-35ish. The best plan for most groups would be to maintain a steady pace i.e. no sprints.

It will be up to individual groups whether they approach this in a more Grand Fondo style, i.e. no stops except for water or whether they wish to treat it as a typical FOG ride just with an extra loop beforehand.

We leave at 0730.

Hope to see you tomorrow!