Ride Classifications
All rides should be listed/posted according to guidelines that include Distance, Pace, Terrain, Map, Re-group, and Rain.
Please choose from the following classifications for a ride that suits your skills and energy level.
Pace
- A+
Flat Terrain: 21+ mph
Moderate Terrain: 18-20 mph
Hilly Terrain: 16-18 mph - A
Flat Terrain: 18-20 mph
Moderate Terrain: 16-18 mph
Hilly Terrain: 14-16 mph - B
Flat Terrain: 16-18 mph
Moderate Terrain: 14-16 mph
Hilly Terrain: 12-14 mph - C
Flat Terrain: 14-16 mph
Moderate Terrain: 12-14 mph
Hilly Terrain: 10-12 mph - D
Flat Terrain: 12-14 mph
Moderate Terrain: 10-12 mph
Hilly Terrain: 8-10 mph - E
Flat Terrain: 10-12 mph
Moderate Terrain: 8-10 mph
Hilly Terrain: 6-8 mph - F
Flat Terrain: Under 10 mph
Moderate Terrain: Under 8 mph
Hilly Terrain: Under 6 mph
Terrain - These descriptions should be considered in the context of the pace and length of the ride.
- Flat: ride where the roads are pretty much flat and hills comprise < 12% of the total distance.
- Mostly flat: trails and/or mostly flat roads with a possible gentle upgrade.
- Rolling: climbs are short and easy, not too numerous.
- Some hills: a few short, steep hills, some moderate upgrades and/or longer gentle climbs.
- Hilly: many true hills but none outrageous.
- Extremely hilly: steep and long climbs with grades >9% and/or mountain passes.
- Unlimited: "out of category"; only for those very sure of their ability to climb any grade, any length at the advertised pace.
- Off road: significant unpaved sections.
Map - Whether or not a map or cue sheet is provided.
See the Cue Sheets page for help making a map and/or cue sheet.
Regroup - Indicates how often the leader stops to regroup. Generally faster-paced and longer-mileage rides regroup less frequently.
- None
- Occasional
- Frequent
- Stay-together
Note: "None" and "occasional" regroup categories generally expect experienced riders who can fix their own minor mechanical problems and follow a map or cue sheet if they get separated from the group.
Rain - Indicates whether or not certain weather conditions cancel the ride
- Wet Roads Cancel
- Showers cancel
- Steady rain cancels
- Ice/snow cancels
- No rain cancellation... We ride!
Impromptu: When a ride is designated as 'Impromptu', this means the person coordinating/suggesting the ride becomes the ride leader and souls post details about the ride. Riders should bring maps and perhaps old cue sheets appropriate to the ride description. At the ride start, riders discuss routes prior to the ride and then start out.
Reminders
- All riders are expected to ride safely and be ready to ride at the start time.
- All riders are expected to carry the equipment necessary to fix a flat (tube, patchkit, pump).
- Ride leaders are not responsible for mechanical problems.
Regular Ride Series/Repeating Rides
Many rides run on a weekly, monthly, or annual basis.
