Pace & Terrain
Overview
Pace refers to the average speed of the ride. Speeds on the uphill sections will be slower and the downhill and flat sections will be faster. You should also factor in the terrain of the ride along with its average speed. A ride pace through a hilly area will naturally be slower than a ride pace in a flat to rolling area. The average speed excludes stops for lunch or regrouping.If you are new to group riding and do not know your pace level, when going on your very first Club group ride, it is better to start with a ride that is one level lower than what you think your pace would be. It is easier to enjoy your first group ride at a level slower than to struggle through a ride that is too hard.
The faster the average speed, the higher the level of group-riding skills required to ensure that rides remain safe. Some rides may be more appropriate than others for you to learn the skills needed to enjoy riding safely. Ride leaders will be happy to give you details regarding what is expected of you on rides. Please call or E-mail the ride leader if it is your first ride at that level or if it is your first club ride.
Pace Levels
Very Fast – 18+ MPH
(Avg: 25+ mph flat road speed)
Vigorous riding with excellent bike handling skills, expected cooperative contribution to group within abilities. No sweep, possible regrouping. Riders are expected to navigate on own if dropped.
Fast – 17-18 MPH
(Avg: 22+ mph flat road speed)
Vigorous riding with above average bike handling skills, expected cooperative contribution to group within abilities. No sweep, possible regrouping. Riders are expected to navigate on own if dropped.
Fast – 16-17 MPH
(Avg: 20+ mph flat road speed)
Brisk to vigorous riding with above average bike handling skills, expected cooperative contribution to group within abilities. No sweep, possible regrouping. Riders are expected to navigate on own if dropped.
Moderately Fast – 15-16 MPH
Moderate to brisk riding with good bike handling ability. Some cooperative pace lining skills required. Riders are expected to be self-sufficient but there will be some regrouping. A sweep may be appointed.
Intermediate – 13-14 MPH
Moderate riding with more attention to scenery. Regroups occasionally. A sweep is usually appointed.
Slow/Intermediate – 12-13 MPH
Moderate riding, sightseeing and destination oriented. Regroups often. A sweep is always appointed.
Slow/Intermediate – 11-12 MPH
Leisurely to moderate riding, sightseeing and destination oriented. Regroups often. A sweep is always appointed.
Slow – Less than 9-11 MPH
Ride is paced to the slowest rider. A sweep is always appointed.
Touring – No designated speed
Riders are expected to maintain at least an average of 10 mph and be self-sufficient. Either load the route into Ride With GPS or bring a printed copy of the cue sheet with you. Social outings to enjoy scenery and points of interest.
Mountain Bike Rides – No designated speed
Riding on unpaved roads and trails, which many include dirt and gravel roads open to traffic, woods roads restricted to bicycles and walkers, and narrow single-track trails with rocks and roots as obstacles. A mountain bike with at least a front suspension is required and a full-suspension bike is the ideal choice. The pace is determined by the leader, but it is likely to be less than 10 mph due to the rugged nature of the trails.
Gravel Rides – Pace will vary depending upon Ride Leader's posting
Riding on unpaved roads and trails, which many include dirt and gravel roads open to traffic, as well as woods roads restricted to bicycles and walkers. The route will likely include paved roads open to traffic that connect the dirt roads. The road and trail surfaces are usually smooth enough that no suspension is necessary and are suitable for a hybrid bicycle. Natural surface rail trails are included in the gravel category. The pace is determined by the leader, but it is likely to be in the 10 to 12 mph range.
Winter Rides – No designated Ride Leader
Pace and group sizes will vary based on participants. Bring your own cue sheet or .gpx file. All riders are expected to be self-sufficient. There will likely be no food stop. Ride cancellations will not be posted due to weather or road conditions.
Virtual Zwift Rides –Designated Ride Leader Moderator
You will need to join our Zwift Club and should join our
Discord Group to be able to talk.
Road Terrain
Flat
May have a few rolling sections.
Flat/Rolling
May have a couple of short hills.
Rolling
May have some small hills.
Rolling/Hilly
May have a few hilly sections.
Hilly
Will have some steep hills.
Mountain & Off-Road Terrain
Gravel
Unpaved roads with packed and/or loose stone, and natural surface rail trails.
Double Track
Fairly wide trail with stone dust, gravel or loose stone with room for two-way traffic.
Single Track
Narrow trail for single rider only that may have rocks and roots.
Technical
Winding trails with numerous twists and turns and many exposed roots and rocks.
