Ride Culture
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.
MTB Names
Novice
TBD - To be determined
Intermediate
TBD
Advanced
TBD