Pace & Terrain
Overview
Pace refers to the average speed of the ride. Speeds on the uphill sections will be slower and the downhill sections will be faster. You should also factor in the terrain of the ride along with its average speed. 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 – 14-16 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 often. A sweep is usually appointed.
Slow/Intermediate – 12-13 MPH
Leisurely to 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. Social outings to enjoy scenery and points of interest. Regrouping spots on cue sheet.
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.
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.
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 with stones, roots and/or over-grown sections.
Technical
Winding trails where conditions will vary with over-grown sections, exposed roots and rocks.
