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RIDE SCHEDULE - 2009
For 2010 Ride Schedule please see the Ride Calendar located in the club discussion forums. Information below is provided for background info only and may no longer be current.
We are planning on having two "set in stone" club rides each week plus regularly scheduled time trials.
As demand warrants, additional rides on other days will be added provided ride coordinators can be found and participation maintains.
There will also be special weekend events on non-race weekends throughout the year. If you have suggestions please send us an email.
If you would be willing to act as one of our ride coordinators, please send us an email. Be sure to indicate road or mountain, and what day and time works best for you.
Please be sure to review the guidelines for club rides prior to showing up for a ride. All rules must be understood and followed by all club members for safety of all individual members and the club as an entity.
All rides depart promptly at the designated start time, and are cancelled in case of rain or snow.
NEW: Our discussion forums have been revamped and now include an Event Calendar! The latest details for all club rides and events are posted on the Calendar. Members may post questions or comments specific to each calendar event.
Tuesday Night Road Ride:
This ride is our primary training ride for those looking for a hard workout. These are race specific training rides. All club members are welcome, however if you get dropped the group likely won't wait for you. If you're unsure of your fitness you may want to try out the Thursday night ride first.
| Meeting Location: | Speed River Bicycle | |
| Pace: | FAST | |
| Route: | Various (see website for routes) | |
| Meeting Time: | usually 6:15pm - see Calendar posting for specific ride for more details | |
| Duration: | 1.5 to 2.5 hours | |
| Ride Coordinators: | Various |
Thursday Night Road Ride:
If you're looking for a more social group ride, want to gain experience riding in a group, or just want to get in some active recovery, then this ride is for you. Be sure to scroll down for important schedule and detail information regarding this ride.
Got questions too embarrassed to ask anywhere else? Come out for a ride with us and ask everything that you ever wanted to know about riding in a group!
| Meeting Location: | Speed River Bicycle | |
| Pace: | EASY to MODERATE | |
| Route: | Various (see website for routes) | |
| Meeting Time: | usually 6:15pm - see Calendar posting for specific ride for more details | |
| Duration: | 1.5 to 2.0 hours | |
| Ride Coordinators: | Various |
Overview
The Thursday night rides are to help new riders understand the basics of road bike riding, and to assist riders of all skill levels to develop and improve in an open, encouraging environment, with the support of the experienced riders in the club. Thursday night rides will follow a 4-week cycle, repeating throughout the season. Three (3) Open Q & A Rides are also scheduled where the focus is on answering those burning questions you just don't know who else to ask.Minimum Requirements & Rules
- only club members in good standing may participate;
- a certified helmet to be worn at all times;
- traffic laws are to be obeyed;
- bring sufficient food, water, tools, and supplies to last for the entire ride;
- road bicycle with drop handlebars in good mechanical order. Riders are responsible for the ride-worthiness of their own bikes. Group leaders have the right to refuse a rider if their bike is deemed to be insufficiently maintained to be safe;
- clipless pedals;
- ability to ride at a minimum average speed of 26 km/hr for 2 hours without breaks;
- NO RIDERS ARE DROPPED. The group will travel at a steady, but reasonable pace to ensure all riders have the advantage of learning the skills of the ride. One ride leader, one ride sweeper will ensure the group stays together on the route;
- riders must stay in their own "lane". When riding in a group it is critical that each rider maintain a straight line down the road. This is especially important during sprints;
- brakes should not be used except when absolutely necessary and then only sparingly. Be aware that there is usually a rider close on your wheel;
- riders should look up and be aware of their surroundings. Staring at the wheel in front of you is discouraged. Riders will tend to ride in to what they are watching, this includes the wheel in front of you!
Further information on club ride rules can be found HERE while information on group riding etiquette can be found HERE.
Ride 1 - Group Riding Etiquette (April 30, May 28, June 18, July 16, August 6)
Learn the basic skills of riding in a group. Includes basic skills like:- Riding in a draft – ultimately you should set a goal of being comfortable in riding within one to two feet of the rider in front of you. Never overlap wheels;
- Maintaining steady pedal pressure to minimize your effort and consistency in the group;
- Signalling road hazards and being traffic aware to keep everyone safe;
- Protecting your front wheel. If your rear wheel gets struck while in a group, it is unlikely to bring you down. But if your front wheel hits the wheel in front of you, its unlikely you will be able to react in time to avoid going down.
Ride 2 - Single/Double Pace Lining (May 7, June 4, June 25, July 23, Aug 13, Aug 27, Sept 10, Sept 17)
Understand the basics of riding in a paceline. Includes the following tips:- Ride a straight line – keep your focus ahead of the rider directly in front of you, do not stare at his/her wheel;
- Do not jump, or instantly increase the speed of the group, when you reach the front. Maintaining the groups’ speed is the goal;
- Use your brakes sparingly. And when you do, do it smoothly. If a gap opens between you and the rider in front of you, smoothly accelerate to close it;
- Do not feel obligated to match the duration of the other riders’ pulls. You should match the speed. But there is no shame in taking a shorter turn at the front.
Ride 3 - Advanced Group Riding (May 14, June 11, July 2, July 30, Aug 20, Sept 3)
Move into more advanced riding techniques like:- Riding in echelon to safely and efficiently maintain speed in cross winds;
- Attacking the group - when & how;
- Bridging to catch a lead group forming off the front of the peleton.
Ride 4 - Time Trial Techniques (May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16)
Come out and practice your time trial technique while testing yourself against the only true competitor – the clock. For more information on Club TT events click HERE. A few tips in advance of your first time trial:- Maintain a steady power output and heart rate throughout the event;
- Have a smooth, regular pedalling technique;
- Position yourself to be extremely aerodynamic;
- Discipline yourself to operate just below your anaerobic threshold until near the end of the course.
Ride 5 - Open Q & A Ride (May 21, July 9)
On the road Q & A with more experienced riders in the club.
Wednesday Night TT:
For 2009 our five event Individual Time Trial series returns!
Held on the third Wednesday of each month (May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16) this series allows members to test their fitness against the clock. And since the same course is used for each TT, it's a great way to measure training progression throughout the season.
Results from each event will be scored and awards will be given at the end of the season. A handicapping system will help ensure a level playing field.
The course is a 17km long out-and-back route on the rolling hills of Fourth Line East just north of County Road 51 (road to Ariss).
Riders are reminded to exercise caution during the TT, especially at the turn around, as the roads are open and vehicles can be expected.
Course Record: Curtis Donnahee 25:59.11 39.25 km/hr (July 19/07)
| Meeting Location: | Start Line - 4th Line East, just north of County Road 51 (road to Ariss) | |
| Pace: | N/A - individual effort | |
| Route: | Click For Map | |
| Meeting Time: | Sign-in: 6:45pm, First rider start: 7:00pm | |
| Duration: | T.B.D. | |
| Ride Coordinators: | Steve Head |