HomeRide Classifications

Ride Classifications*

PBC offers a variety of rides for cyclists of all levels and abilities. Whether you want a leisurely social ride or a challenging fitness ride, we have something to suit you.

All rides sponsored by the PBC are led by members who volunteer their time by selecting a destination and determining a route. PBC maintains a Route & Cue Sheet Library that describes in detail the various routes and offers downloadable links. This library is available to all members.

Everyone is welcome on a PBC ride regardless of whether you are a current member or not, but we do have some rules. We hope after attending a ride with us you'll consider becoming a member!

*Ride Classifications are subject to ride leader interpretation and local terrain. Ride leaders are encouraged to post a route link that will show the amount of elevation gain for the route.

Road Ride Classifications

Our system includes three descriptors to understanding our road ride format: "Minimum Average Pace", "Hills", and "Distance". Ride leaders determine the classification based on their knowledge of the route and what they offer their riders.

MINIMUM AVERAGE PACE
The number shown represents the speed riders are expected to be able to "average" over the duration of the ride in order for the group to wait at turns for them.

Unless specified in the ride title as a "drop ride", all of our club rides are "no drop". This means the group will wait at turns for riders who are maintaining the "Minimum Average Pace" that is specified. Riders may choose to ride faster between turns but will wait at turns for the other riders.

Each rider is responsible for choosing to attend rides that fit their ability. Riders who do not see a ride available for their style of riding should contact our Ride Leader Coordinator to discuss the potential of becoming a ride leader and being able to post the kind of ride they are looking for.

HILLS

Hills are based on the following descriptors:

Mountainous - Has a lot of hills that are very long and can be steep.
Hilly - Has hills that can be long and/or steep
Moderate - More hills than "Mild", some of which are longer and/or steeper.
Mild - More hills than "rolling" but not steep or long.
Rolling - Flat with some small hills mixed in.
Flat - Flat.

ELEVATION PROFILE/ELEVATION GAIN:

Ride leaders are encouraged to post a route and cue sheet in their ride posting that shows an elevation profile and the amount of elevation gain so riders have a better understanding of what to expect with the route.

DISTANCE
The number shown is the estimated distance of the ride.

Examples: (as seen on our ride postings) Follow the format:

MINIMUM AVERAGE PACE/HILLS/DISTANCE

17/Hilly/50 - Means riders are expected to average 17 mph on hilly terrain and the ride is 50 miles in length.

13/Moderate/43 - Means riders are expected to average 13 mph on moderately hilly terrain and the ride is 43 miles in length.

15/Moderate/26 DROP - Means riders are expected to average 15 mph on moderately hilly terrain for 26 miles and the ride is a DROP ride...meaning the group WILL NOT wait at turns.

Rails-to-Trails Ride Classifications

Our system includes three descriptors to understanding our rails-to-trails ride format: "Expected Pace", "Trail Conditions", and "Distance". Ride leaders determine the classifications based on their knowledge of the route and what they offer their riders.

MINIMUM AVERAGE PACE
The number shown represents the speed riders are expected to be able to 'average" over the duration of the ride.

TRAIL CONDITIONS
Actual conditions of the trail will vary depending on weather.

Rough - Rough, Muddy, or Both

Packed - Packed Gravel
Paved - Smooth

DISTANCE
The number shown is the estimated distance of the ride.

Examples: (as seen on our ride postings)

13/Paved/25 - Means riders are expected to ride at 13 mph on a paved surface and the ride is 25 miles in length.

15/Packed/45 - Means riders are expected to ride at 15 mph on a packed surface and the ride is 45 miles in length.

Family Rides

PBC occasionally sponsors family rides that are designed for younger children accompanied by an adult. The focus is on bike handling skills and the joys of cycling. These are easy and flat rides of shorter length, perhaps in a park or short stretch of a rails-to-trails. These rides will simply be denoted as FAMILY.

IMPORTANT TIPS about HAVING MORE FUN on our rides!

Let's talk about selecting a ride to attend and being ready to ride. We want you to have fun with group riding. To do that, it's important to choose a ride to that will fit your level of experience and fitness. Follow these tips:

TIP #1: If you average only 8 mph on a typical ride, do not choose to attend rides that are posted as a 15 mph pace. You will not have fun. Choose a ride that fits your style of riding. If you are trying to improve, we understand you will need to force yourself out with faster riders. We've all been there, done that. Consider attending slower rides several times before you push yourself to attend the faster rides.

TIP #2: Make sure you have the right gear for the type of ride you are attending. Please do not show up with a 35 pound Huffy with 2.5 inch wide tires for a road ride that is going to be averaging a pace of 17 mph unless you are super fit and just getting ready for your Tour de France debut. Conversely, showing up with a road bike with 23 mm tires is not a good choice to make for a trail ride with compact gravel and muddy conditions. You just won't have fun with that choice.

TIP #3: Make sure your gear is in order BEFORE you show up for a ride. Your bike should be operational and clean. Your gears should be properly adjusted. Dress properly for the weather conditions of that day. Remember to bring your helmet, your gloves, your protective eyeglasses, and your water bottle. And please, no flat tires upon arrival. But DO have your flat kit in your saddle bag. If you get a flat tire on the road or trail, you can fix it and keep rolling. That way, you'll have more fun.

TIP #4: Nutrition! Know your body. Know what you need to properly fuel your body before the ride and during the ride. Think days in advance what you are going to do on Saturday morning. Plan your nutrition accordingly. Eat a snack every hour on your ride. Drink water even more often. Use appropriate electrolyte replacements during the ride. Or, you can choose to not do this and feel like you are torturing yourself 15 miles into your ride. Trust our experience....you will have more fun if you think ahead and do these things. Refer to our Healthy Eating page for more tips.

Incident Reporting

ATTENTION: Members are required to report immediately any incident/complaint that arises during a club ride or event that they believe may create an unsafe environment for themselves and/or other members. Report these types of things to the club leadership by emailing PremierBicycleClub@gmail.com.

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