WCCC Ride Level Descriptions
At-a-Glance:
If you haven’t been riding much, start at least one level lower than you think you can ride. At worst case, you’ll have an easy ride that first time. You can move between groups freely and at your discretion. If you aren’t sure what level to try, ask a Ride Leader or the Ride Director:
(Mike Van Ryn ridedirector@westchestercycling.com ).
Descriptions Road:
A+ Ride
Most of the riders on the A+ ride are currently racing or have raced in the past. This ride is part of a race training program for some riders, others just want a well organized, challenging ride. Power, speed, coordinated teamwork, and good bike handling skills are characteristics of the ride, along with well organized pace lines, tempo riding and intervals. Rides are typically 50 to 60 miles. While this ride does include segments of recovery, and some re-grouping after hard climbs, those who can't keep up will be on their own. We will typically wait for (and help) those who flat or have a mechanical problem (within reason of course). If your objective is to test and improve your fitness level this is the ride for you! Slightly more challenging than the A ride with smaller more structured groups.
A Ride
For the serious cyclist who wants an aggressive training experience. We generally do pace lines on the flats and pedal hard up hills, with some tempo riding and intervals thrown in for fun. Terrain is varied with hills, rollers and flat roads. Riders should be able to ride with a pace line. Ride speeds generally average around the published 19+ mph, but can sometimes be a bit faster than depending on the terrain. Rides are generally 45-50+ miles long, some longer. We'll generally stay together and will occasionally re-group a bit after a really hard climb or interval; we will not wait for riders who are completely dropped. We will not leave anyone behind who has a flat for mechanical, but will try not to affect the entire group for too long while correcting the problem.
A- Ride
Riders should be able to ride with a pace line. Ride speeds generally average the published 17-19 mph, but can sometimes be a bit faster than that, especially well into the season. Rides are generally 45-50+ miles long, usually with a rest stop around the 30 mile point. Only occasionally we will re-group, such as after a long, hilly climb. Often our group has enough riders to split into two groups of 10-15 riders, and if so we form a "fast A- group" and a "slower A- group". Our policy is not to wait for riders with flats, however, often a few of us will stay and help the rider with the flat, and then try to catch the rest of the group later in the ride.
B+ Ride
Similar to the A Level rides however the speed is slightly less intense at 15-17 mph and running closer to the 17 mph level at this time. We are a little friendlier about regrouping at the top of hills but we will not degrade the training nature of the ride for folks not up to the task. Rides are generally 45-50+ miles long terrain is varied with hills, rollers and flat roads.
B Ride
Usually breaks into two rides doing the same route. One at the posted B level pace of 14-16 mph and one called the "Super B" that tends to adapt to the riders that show. You will find some A- and B+ riders on the "Super B" ride. Some had a hard night and just want to kick back a bit; some have minor injuries they are nursing. The B ride is generally well attended so the split makes good sense for fun and safety. The slower pace B has good riders that want pace lines and some challenge but not for the entire ride. The faster B usually consists of stronger riders who want to push themselves on fast flats or challenging hills but don't want to push that hard for the entire ride. Both B groups generally regroup at the top of hills, stop for stragglers (within reason) and will usually accommodate a flat if you can change it within reason. The “Super B” has had average speeds of 18.4 mph. A good ride to test yourself at a more aggressive pace since you always have the option to drop back to the B’s who are right behind us on the same route. Most routes are 30 to 40 miles.
C+ Ride
We are experienced riders who have group riding skills and can do long distances. We just don’t do them at the pace of the A and B riders. We socialize a bit on the ride but we are still out to climb hills (not walk) and improve our riding skills and abilities. This is not the ride for someone new to the sport. We do help with flats. Posted ride pace is 12-14 mph. Terrain is varied, expect some hills and mileage is usually 25-40 miles on average.
C Ride
We are good riders with experience, the C ride is more social but we are still out to climb hills (not walk) and improve our riding skills and abilities. This is not the ride for someone new to the sport. We do help with flats, and try not to lose anyone. We regroup several times during the ride, which is at 11-13 mph and anywhere from 25 to 40 miles on average.
C- Ride
New to the sport? New to the club but not sure of your level? Ride alone now
but want to learn to ride with a group? Want to learn to ride safely? May have
to walk up a nasty hill? Need help with a flat? This is your group. We offer an
all-round good ride with an accommodating spirit. Experience range includes
strong Cs looking for a shorter ride and steady riders trying out the club
road-riding experience. Terrain is varied, expect some hills. We regroup at key
intersections and tops of hills, and won't leave you behind. Great place to meet new friends, learn more about the sport and if you care to progress to the more advanced rides. Pace is 10-12 mph and rides average about 20 miles.
Training
Rides normally lead for training purposes (paceline, triathlon, century rides, etc.
) and can vary in distance, speed and terrain. Typically, the Ride Leader posts
the expected route or provides a Cue Sheet for interested riders. Examples of
Training Rides include: paceline and group riding, interval training, hill work,
MTB skills, stationary spin classes, distance rides (70+ miles) etc.
Training Rides can be in conjunction with other events such as hiking,
running or swimming.
Biker Chicks
Biker Chicks was formed to provide women of all ages and abilities an
opportunity to ride with other women. Biker Chicks ride 2- 4 times during
the week. We meet at various places around the county and ride from 20-35
miles. Biker Chicks runs a ride every Saturday morning from the WCCC take
off spot in the borough. We ride for social fun. Our pace is leisurely and we
stop and regroup often. You are never left behind nor will you have to bike
alone at the back of the pack. We bike together. We watch out for each other.
We encourage women to come and try biking with us. We offer help to
beginners in gear shifting, pedaling with cleats and what to carry on a ride.
This group is one of a kind, and not found in any other club in the tri-county
area.
Iron Hill Ride
This is the best ride of all. You must be able to lift a glass of good beer with either hand. Must have the ability to sit on a bar stool and converse intelligently with your fellow riders (the intelligent part is not a strong requirement). If you slip off the bar stool we will wait for you to re-seat yourself. No hills, no pace lines only good clean fun and frolic. Must be 21 to participate.
Descriptions Mountain Bike:
"A" Sport riders:
Can ride on all terrain and master all the technical
skills. Rides at a fast pace with very few stops. No Stopping at the tops of
hills. Prefers rocky and hilly single tracks. Rides for 3 hours or more (12
miles +).
"B" Advance Riders:
Can ride on most terrain and master most technical
skills. Rides at a modest to fast pace depending on the trails with breaks
along the way. Prefers single track trails. Stopping at the top of most
hills. Rides for 2 hours or more. (8 miles +).
"C" Beginner Riders:
Rides on mostly open fields and double track trails.
Prefers flatter or rolling type of trails. Some single track used but not
often. Stopping at most trail heads and all hills. Rides for 1 1/2 hours. (6
miles +).
