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Pace is the first category and you’ll notice that we have a range within each letter. These are general guidelines, since the pace will vary with different terrain. The C range is given as 14-16 mph average. Our experience tells us that this is a maintainable speed for most recreational cyclists with a bit of experience. Novice cyclists or those just getting into exercising may find this pace a challenge. Race-oriented cyclists or those with a strong base of fitness from another sport would find the B pace of 16-18 a comfortable ride. If you are not sure you can maintain the published pace, you have a couple of options. The first option we would recommend is to choose a slower paced ride until you are ready to face a potential challenge. The second option is to look at the leader position category for the faster pace and use that to guide your decision. Moving from D to C, you would find the host riding at the minimum C speed. This means that the rider is responsible for maintaining the minimum speed or is willing to possibly ride alone off the back of the group, using the map or queue sheet provided by the host. This system allows the host to keep the group moving together at the pace listed in the ride schedule. On the other end of this is the rider who finds the pace too slow. They have the option to inform the host and ride off the front of the group. This prevents that faster rider from pushing the pace up beyond the published listing. The ratings help ensure that everyone gets the group ride they expected. The leader support category could also play into your decision. For someone who has not learned to change a flat, that can become a barrier to riding. We ask that you have all the necessary supplies to change a flat with you on all rides but with some of the ride ratings the leader will help change the flat as needed. Ratings C-E all have the group stop when someone has a mechanical issue. The host will help, to the limit of their knowledge – don’t expect a pro bike mechanic but the ride leaders have been trained to change a flat or take care of some of the most common mechanical issues. The A and B ratings allow the ride leader to decide the policy on the group stopping for mechanicals. A no-stop policy will be disclosed in the ride listing and again in the pre-ride briefing. This is to give some flexibility for the ride leader since these pace ratings imply more experience on the bike. Some of these rides will be designed as strenuous training rides on known routes, so other riders would prefer to complete the course, confident that all riders are self-sufficient. Other routes would dictate that either the entire group stop or the group split into two with some staying behind with the mechanical. Again, the expectation is set prior to the ride so the cyclists can self-select the experience they desire. Rest stops are required somewhere between 1 hour and 1.5 hours for all rides. We know it gets hot and only so much liquid can fit on a bike! Any routes that don’t have accessible water supplies will be disclosed in the ride listing and at the pre-ride briefing. Some rides will actually be designed to go from one food stop to another – perfect for those times when you want to just cruise around town sampling your favorite goodies. The ride ratings will continue to be a work in progress. Other clubs throughout the country have adopted similar systems but with appropriate twists to reflect their unique bike culture and terrain. We welcome any feedback as we launch the hosted ride program and will make adjustments as the club continues to grow and change.
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