The following descriptions of ride cultures should be used to help you find rides that are suitable for you.

Road Names

Note: Within each group there could be sub-groups formed based on the number of riders. For example on Tuesday’s there will be Race Group 1, Race Group 2; on Wednesday’s there will be Recreational Group 1, Recreational Group 2.

Race

Intense, fast pace often including race simulations and intervals throughout each ride when traffic allows. Riders are expected to keep the pace of the group. There will likely not be stops to wait and riders will be dropped and left on their own.

Fast

Spirited, steady pace often including sign or hill sprints when traffic allows. Riders are expected to keep the pace of the group. There will be brief stops at convenient locations (e.g. stop signs) to regroup. Riders who are struggling to keep the pace should expect the group will not continue to wait.

Intermediate (Int)

Strong, steady pace with a plan to work hard, while keeping group together most of the time. Riders are expected to keep the pace of the group, however there will be stops to allow hard-working riders to regroup. Riders will not be dropped.

Recreational (Rec)

Relaxed pace with a plan to have a steady ride that keeps the group together. Riders are expected to work together as a group and will stop to allow hard-working riders to regroup. Ride leaders will appoint a sweep to ensure that no riders are dropped.

Gravel Names

Every attempt is made to make our gravel rides no drop. As a rider, it is your responsibility to notify the ride leader as soon as you feel you may be at risk of falling off the group. If you are uncomfortable being dropped, the ride leader will adjust the group to accommodate. All riders leaving a group must report the departure to the ride leader.

Fast

Spirited pace often including intervals. Riders are expected to keep the pace of the group. There will be brief stops at convenient locations (e.g. stop signs) to regroup. Riders who are struggling to keep the pace should expect the group will not continue to wait.

Intermediate (Int)

Strong, steady pace with a plan to work hard, and keep the group together when appropriate such as working a head wind. Although riders string out a bit, they are expected to generally keep the pace of the group. There will be occasional stops to allow hard-working riders to regroup.

Recreational (Rec)

Relaxed pace and atmosphere. Riders are expected to work together as a group when it is beneficial to do so. At other times the group can spread out as desired to allow a safe distance for you to enjoy our beautiful countryside. These rides have the greatest tendency to get strung out. As such, they tend to have more frequent stops to regroup.

Casual (Cas)

More about a social activity on a bike than anything else. The pace is generally very easy; there are stops for photos, to take in nature, nutrition breaks, etc.

Non-Draft ride

With Covid-19 still circulating some rides will be non-draft rides.

When riding,

• If road/trail and traffic allows for side by side riding, keep your head at least two metres (two arm lengths) from the head of person next to you.

• Keep your front wheel at least two metres behind the rear wheel of the rider ahead of you.

• For short periods of low intensity riding such as coming to a stop at an intersection, head to head distancing of two metres is fine.

• If wanting to overtake a fellow group member when two metres is not possible. Communicate the pass so the maneuver can be completed quickly.

When stopped for longer periods.

• Maintain two metres of distance where possible or wear a proper face covering when distancing is not possible.

Additional on ride behaviours OCA from Progressive-Return-to-Cycling-Guidelines-V7-June-29-POST.pdf,

• DO NOT share food, water or equipment.

• If at any point you are not feeling well or comfortable on the ride to let your Ride Leader/Coach and fellow riders know IMMEDIATELY.

• DO NOT SPIT OR CLEAR ANY AIRWAYS outwardly.

MTB Names

Novice

Easy MTB Ride with some instruction. Riders are expected to be familiar with a Mountain Bike and comfortable riding. Some concept of single track trails with the expectation of dealing with roots and irregular surfaces. The rides will be at a relaxed pace with plenty of stops and the group will stick together and leaders and experienced riders will help the novice riders and give basic instructions. P.S. be prepared for heat, humidity & mosquitoes!

Intermediate

Faster ride with hills & features; Can have instructions, but not always. Rider is expected to be comfortable with basic mountain biking. Able to ride Blue level MTB trails. We will maintain a group but individual riding will happen re-grouping at trail heads. Expect harder climbing, and some MTB features. The rides may check out some Black level MTB trails and some rides will include instruction for participants.

Advanced

Faster paced rides with any features possible. Read the description of an advanced ride. It could include difficult features such as jumps and drops, it could also be a fast paced loop where you may be dropped, re-grouping at meet points. Riders are expected to be experienced with an MTB. Contact the Ride leader if you have questions on the details for an Advanced ride.