Ride Guide
A-Group
Average pace will be 19+ mph. A-group rides will be anywhere from 60-80 miles and will feature sprint zones and KOM/QOM challenges starting in January. If you like a little spice and friendly competition, this is the ride for you!
B/C-Group
The B-group offers an average pace of 15-16 mph while C-Group averages 13-14 mph. Routes range from 40-50 miles. B-groups will not participate in sprint zones or ride points. If you like a non-competitive riding style or want to build-up fitness, this is the ride for you!
Please remember… ALL groups are drop rides, please choose the group that is best for YOU. These rides are NOT considered beginner level rides - prior experience riding in groups is required.
Ride Rules
1) We will ALWAYS ride no more than two abreast (unless ride leaders indicate single file is needed). NEVER cross the double yellow line - you will be asked to leave the ride. Obey all stop signs, traffic lights, and rules of the road. All rules are in place for the safety of the group.
2) By attending this ride, you agree that you ride at your own risk and assume all risk of injury. Experience riding in groups is required for the safety of the group.
3) Follow all instructions given during the ride by the appointed ride leaders and marshals. They are there to enforce the rules of the road and safety in the peloton. No hard feelings. Riders may not surpass the pace set by the ride leaders. Our ride pace is steady on the flats, easy on the climbs, and pedal on the downhills. Please see group descriptions for average pace details.
4) Check-in at the sign-in table BEFORE the ride if you want points. This will also serve as your signature that you agree to ride at your own risk. At sign in, be sure to put your name in raffle bowl. Must be present at drawing to win prizes.
5) Download the route to your computer device before the ride. We will maintain a steady pace per our pace guidelines. However, this is a drop ride and each rider is responsible for getting home on their own - either by completing the route or finding an alternative route back.
6) We will have one nature break approximately one hour into the ride + refuel stop approximately midway for the A-group rides. Come with enough food, flat repair, clothing, charged cell phone, etc. to be self-sustaining on the ride.
7) The sag vehicle driver is there to stay with the A-group and will follow the main peloton. They will be able to transport a small bag of your food and/or equipment if you choose to use it. If you have a flat or mechanical, the sag driver will stop with you to help repair as needed and may ask you to repair in the car while driving behind the group, if you wish to return to the main group. The sag will not provide rides to dropped riders unless there is an irreparable mechanical issue or an injury. The sag has graciously agreed to give up part of their weekend to drive behind the group and help as needed. Please bring cash to rides for sag driver tip - we recommend a $5 donation. Any amount is much appreciated.
8) For the A-group - sprint zones will start in January and each ride will have two separate category sprints. Participating in sprint zones is optional. You may compete in all categories that apply to you. For instance, a women who is a USAC road category 3 may compete in the women’s sprints and the pro sprints. A mile or two before sprint zone, the category sprinting will be asked to come to the front of the group while all other riders will remain behind and continue a steady pace. When the whistle blows, the category will race to their designated end point (sag driver will drive ahead to keep score). The main group will not interfere with sprint zones. We will regroup at the end and continue the ride. Details on sprint zones will be detailed on Facebook posts each week.
9) We cancel only for rain/snow. All changes or cancellations will be announced through Facebook page - be sure to give a follow and check morning of the ride.
11) Categories and descriptions:
Women
Amateurs - USAC categories 4/5 and any unlicensed rider
Pros - USAC categories 1,2,3
Masters 40+
A-Group Points
Everyone gets 4 points per ride! Must sign-in at each ride to receive points. The first 4 riders across the sprint zone finish line will earn points - see breakdown below. Each category will have multiple opportunities to earn points.
1st: 5 points
2nd: 3 points
3rd: 2 points
4th: 1 points