We Are The Golden Horseshoe Cycling Hub
Look up, get up, but never give up!
The Golden Horseshoe Cycling Hub is a member-owned youth cycling club that was formed in December 2022 to fill a gap in cycling in the Greater Hamilton and surrounding areas. GHCH is focused on youth development. We use Cycling Canada’s HopOn program as a progressive way to develop our members. Our goal is to provide opportunities for all youth in our area to learn the joy of cycling. We want to create lifelong riders who can be ambassadors of the sport. Learn. Ride. Love
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Current News
GHCH Commits to Responsible Coaching Movement
On January 22, 2024, GHCH was designated as a Responsible Coaching Movement Champion. Established by the Coaching Association of Canada and the Canadian Centre for Ethics
GHCH Creates a Golden Opportunity for Youth Cyclists in Cuba
On November 22, 2023, riders from GHCH and the KW Cycling Academy met with riders from the Roberto Castaneda Cycling Club located in Ciego de
2023 Year End Report
Well, it was an amazing first year for GHCH. In less than a year we established a board of directors, got incorporated as a not
GHCH 2023 Year End Breakfast
On November 4, 2023, GHCH held it’s first year end breakfast, at the Millgrove Community Centre, Millgrove, ON, to showcase our riders’ accomplishments during our
2023 Mansfield Camp!!
On October 14 and 15, 2023, GHCH riders took the Mansfield Outdoor Centre by storm for a 2 day training camp.
Spring is just around the corner!
The GHCH team is incredibly excited to finally be online and finalizing our plans for our spring sessions in 2023!
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Our Programs
GHCH offers a variety of programs to serve riders of all abilities and interest in the sport of cycling
HopOn Level 1
This program is for our youngest riders. Typically ages 5 to 8. I build more confidence by learning how to brake and tripod, and coast with flamingo pedals (1 leg long).
HopOn Level 2
I am typically 5-9 years old and can build more confidence by using a karate kick to learn to keep my outside leg long and on the pedal when turning. I can also practice standing up while coasting.
HopOn Level 3
I am typically 5-10 years old and can build more confidence by standing up with level pedals and pushing on both pedals (trampoline) to squish both tires at the same time. I can also practice squeezing the brake gently and pedalling at the same time!
HopOn Level 4
I am typically 8-12 years old and can build more confidence by learning how to use wide arms and elbows to slowly descend a grass hill, applying the brakes gently to successfully slow'n go or stop'n go while seated or standing.
Competition FUNdamentals
Once our riders have moved through levels 1-4 of HopOn they have the option of moving into the introduction to competition stream. Competition FUNdamentals provides them with the tools they will need to compete in locally organized races, with a focus on keeping it FUN!. We encourage our riders to register for the Kelso weekly race series along with other grass roots races. Riders are typically 10-15.
Rally Riders
This program is for riders who have developed their riding abilities but are not interested in moving into the competition stream. It is an opportunity for them to explore the beautiful trails in our area and ride for fun, fitness and camaraderie. Riders are typically 10-15.
Fall Explorer's Program
For younger and new riders. A session program exploring the trails and nature at locations like Devil's Punchbowl, Crook's Hollow, Brantford Bike Park, Saltfleet Conservation Area, Fletcher's Creek and Felker's Falls. *Note, there is no session on the Thanksgiving weekend.
Autumn Escapades Program
For older riders and riders with moderate mountain bike experience. We spent the summer building our engine and skills, now it's time to visit some of our old favourite and soon to be favourite locations. Wednesday sessions are held at locations in Hamilton, Saturday sessions are held at various trail networks like, The Hydro Cut, Guelph Lake, Puslinch Lake, Turkey Point, Brantford Bike Park, Kelso Conservation Area. A 2-day camp is being planned for Mansfield Outdoor Centre. Registrants will be provided with additional details about the camp.
HopOn 1-4
Program-
Spring Session
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May - June 2024
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Wednesdays & Saturdays
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One Session a Week Option $90
HopOn 1-4
Program-
Summer Session
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July - August 2024
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Wednesdays & Saturdays
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One Session a Week Option $90
Competition FUNdamentals
Program-
April, May, June, July, August 2024
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Mondays & Thursdays
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Support at Kelso Race Series
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One Saturday ride per month
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Full Program Price $500
Rally Riders
Program-
Spring Session
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May - June 2024
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Mondays & Thursdays
Rally Riders
Program-
Summer Session
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July - August 2024
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Mondays & Thursdays
Autumn Escapades
Program-
Fall Session
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September - October 2024
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Wednesdays & Saturdays
Mission
Cycling for everyone.
The Golden Horseshoe Cycling Hub is dedicated to diversity and inclusivity. We recognize cycling is an activity that traditionally has many barriers to participation and are committed to working within the community to help eliminate these barriers to create opportunities for all youths to learn to love to ride.
We are incredibly excited to finally be online and finalizing our plans for our spring sessions! We look forward to getting our programs running this spring and summer and can’t wait to enjoy the amazing trails that we are fortunate have all around us.
Team GHCH
Become A Member
Join the Hub
Join our membership and get involved in Hamilton’s new cycling revolution
Board of Directors
Simon Carroll
Interim Chair
Simon Carroll grew up on the Hamilton Mountain exploring the Iroquois Heights trails and the Chedoke radial trail on the used 10 speed road bikes that his folks were kind enough to continually purchase him.
He was thrown back into riding when one of his young sons developed a passion for mountain biking. He decided that it was the perfect opportunity to get back into doing something that he loved as a young man. When the opportunity arose to help fill a void in youth cycling in the Golden Horseshoe he jumped at the chance to help get it off the ground. He looks forward to seeing local athletes developing under the GHCH banner.
Stephanie Sutton
Interim Secretary
Stephanie Sutton is a graduate of Mohawk College, Recreation and Leisure Studies. Currently Steph is continuing her education part-time at Cornell University studying Women in Leadership. Coach Steph truly believes that one can never stop learning and continues to find ways to improve her skills through Professional Development opportunities. When Steph graduated from Mohawk, she received the Skip Stanbridge Award for her achievements of high academics and excelling in her second-year practicum at Brantford Parks and Recreation.
Steph’s work experience includes municipal Recreation as a Facility Supervisor in the Community Centers Division in Brantford, Manager of the Dundas Granite Curling Club, Technical Program Specialist for Softball Ontario, Recreation Director for the National Cycling Centre Hamilton (NCCH) and most currently for Mount Hamilton Youth Soccer Club as the Administration Coordinator. These opportunities provided her with the opportunity to utilize her sport program skills.
In all positions, Steph has been responsible for planning special events including an International Softball Coaches Symposium, managing and creating programs for Athlete Development, reporting to the respective Board of Directors while carrying out policies/procedures for daily operations. In each of these roles spanning a total over 25 years, Steph has demonstrated a strong work ethic and excellent interpersonal skills throughout her career.
Neal Marcynuk
Interim Vice Chair
Neal is a recreational, mountain bike and track cyclist as well as a chauffeur, mechanic and cheering squad for his wife and 2 children that are competitive mountain bike, road and track cyclists.
Although relatively new to the world of organized cycling, Neal is passionate about creating opportunities for youths through cycling and eliminating barriers that prevent youths from accessing the sport of cycling. Neal would like to see GHCH grow and in the future enable it’s athletes to experience additional cycling disciplines like track and BMX, and work towards growing the cycling community by creating lifelong cyclists.
Allison Greene
Interim Treasurer
Testimonials
What our riders have to say
I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the Golden Horseshoe Cycling Hub! It’s an incredible community dedicated to cycling and promoting sustainable transportation. The Hub offers amazing resources, from group rides to access to the latest cycling gear and technology. Being a member means I get to explore new routes with like-minded individuals, learn more about bike culture, and contribute to making my city more bike-friendly! Not only is cycling great exercise, it’s also affordable and eco-friendly. Being part of this community has opened up so many opportunities for me – including networking with other cyclists in the area, discovering new local businesses that support sustainability initiatives, and so much more. I feel truly lucky to have found this group – it’s been an invaluable addition to my life as a cyclist!
