Ride Groups  

The group names are inspired by the description of rides completed by Major Taylor. 

 

The Saturday Ride Mission:  

To offer safe, planned, and supported rides for each ride group and promote words, actions, or processes that encourage participation in each of the four ride groups.  

How to determine your ride group: 

Use the descriptions below to determine the average speed of the ride.  If you consistently complete rides and the speed average equals the top speed of the group below, then ride with that group. To be clear, when you look at your Avg Speed posted for your rides on Strava, that is your average.    

“A Riders”: 20+ mph average 

This group will be fast and will  have a race pace in sections. 

Riding in this group is recommended for riders who are familiar with riding at high speeds in tight group settings.  Riders in this group must be strong, fit and skilled.   

Goals:  

Hone/maintain top end fitness 

Experience race pace strategies 

Challenge yourself physically and mentally 

 “B” Riders: 17-19 mph average 

Riders in this group experience a less frenetic pace, nevertheless, the goal of this group will be to  maintain a steady rate of speed in well disciplined pace lines. 

Goals:   

Improve strength and endurance 

To become proficient riding in various  pace lines at pace 

Increase cycling IQ   

“C” Group : 12-16 mph average 

The 3rd group is for those who may be unfamiliar with nuances of group cycling, unsure of their cycling capabilities and who may require additional support completing  the ride distance.  

Goals: 

Introduce basic group cycling concepts 

Ascertain areas in need of improvement  

Prepare for graduation to The Pursuit Group.   

“D” Group : 10-12 mph average 

The 4th group is for those either new to cycling or who enjoy riding at the 10-13 mph pace. For others, it can be a group where one can simply enjoy cycling with others at a more relaxed pace.  

 Goals: 

Introduce ride safety and etiquette skills.  

Introduce and review ride equipment. 

Introduce hydration and nutrition requirements. 

 

Our Saturday routes will be posted prior to the day of the ride and followed on the day of the ride. On the day of the ride, ride leaders will determine the need to combine or adjust groups as needed to support safety standards.  Our goal is to offer a ride group when there is a minimum of 2 to 3 riders in the group. Please understand that the faster the average speed of the group, the more selective ride leaders will be in upholding safety standards for the group.  Always be prepared to possibly adjust your group choice or the route based on the ride leader’s assessment or road construction.  

Safety before Speed 

As our club grows, we will consistently review safety procedures to promote and advance rider safety.  

The ride groups “A” 20+ mph, “B” 17-19mph, “C” 12-16 mph, and “D” Social 10-12 mph are not simply how fast you can ride. We place safety before speed. Yes, a rider must maintain the minimum speed of the group, but not in the absence of safety.  “D”/Social rides will always be No Drop rides…meaning the ride leader will re-group to keep all riders together.  

 Minimum Requirements 

  • Helmets are required. 

  • Rides depart on time. Have gear on and be on your bike ready to ride at least fifteen minutes prior to the start of the ride. 

  • It is the responsibility of all riders to be equipped with a bicycle in good repair. 

  • Anyone who joins a ride must be able to ride at the minimal pace for its category and follow the Safety before Speed rules. 

Safety and Ride Etiquette 

  • For the safety of all riders no external speakers. No in-ear headphones (Shokz type bone conduction can be considered). 

  • We are all responsible for our own safety and our actions that lead to the safety of the group. 

  • Bike riders are required by law to follow the same rules as cars. 

  • Pay attention to everything around you, including other riders, cars, road conditions, and your own physical status. 

  • Hand signals and calling out hazards and intentions are essential to group riding. If you are on the front, call out or hand signal first, and then move.  If you are the last rider, call out “car back.” If you are riding in the middle of the line, resist calling out unless it is a signal from the lead or last rider.  

  • Please respect your fellow riders, the rules of the road, and the motorists. 

What to Bring 

  • Tuned-up bike with inflated tires (pump tires before every ride) 

  • Properly fitting helmet 

  • Filled water bottles or hydration backpack 

  • Pocket food (bars, trail mix, peanut butter sandwich, etc.) that your body digests easily -- don't try new foods on a ride 

  • Spare tube (one minimum, two better) 

  • Tire irons (for changing a flat tire) 

  • Tire pump or CO2 cartridge with dispenser 

  • Identification, health insurance card and emergency contact information 

  • Your cell phone