EBCC

EBCC groups road rides into the following four categories: A, B, C & D, as detailed below. Helmets are required, as is appropriate food and water. Club membership is required if a rider chooses to participate in more than one organized club ride. Front and rear lights are encouraged. Time trial bikes are not permissible on any rides. Aero bars installed on a road bike may not be used during a group ride, but can remain on the bike. In addition, all riders should have the tools and ability to change a flat tire. Please arrive at the ride with the route downloaded to your headunit or phone.

Category A

• Level: Challenging
• Terrain: Moderate to steep and/or long hills
• Ride Ability: 50 to 100+ miles
• Average Speed: 18+ mph

A step up in competitiveness from the "B" rides. These rides are fast, with a focus on training and conditioning objectives. Riders in these groups should be fit and have a high level of bike handling skills as drafting will be required to keep with the pace lines that often form. The group will look out for one another however there is a potential to get dropped, riders should be self-sufficient (spare tube, pump, etc.), you should familiarize yourself with the route prior to departure and know your way home as a precaution. Sustained efforts are the norm, regroups occur at long intervals (1 or 2 per 40 mile ride). Average speed depends on terrain and higher speeds should be expected on flatter portions of the ride.

Category B

• Level: Advanced
• Terrain: Moderate to steep and/or long hills
• Ride Ability: 30 to 75 miles
• Average Speed: 15 to 18 mph

Rides designed for solid, experienced cyclists interested in getting a good workout and enjoying themselves. Drafting does occur at times, and some members of the group are likely to compete for the top of the hills, pull hard for short periods, or do sprint finishes on quiet back roads, all in an effort to keep the ride fun and interesting. Overall, the point of the ride is to enjoy the exercise. These rides regroup frequently (e.g., after large hills, long sections ridden at higher speeds, and major intersections). Average speed depends on terrain and higher speeds should be expected on flatter portions of the ride.

Category C

• Level: Moderate
• Terrain: Flat to moderate hills
• Ride Ability: 15 to 45 miles
• Average Speed: 12 to 15 mph

Rides for intermediate cyclists who have some experience with road and group riding, and can keep up with the designated pace. Faster cyclists can also join if they are interested in a “zone 2” or “recovery” ride, but they are asked to stay with the group pace. Some drafting will occur on these rides, mostly on long flat stretches. The pace is set to keep riders together and regular regrouping will ensure that no one gets dropped. The group may split based on skill levels to ensure everyone enjoys the ride, or based on size of the group since smaller groups are safer and easier to manage. Average speed depends on terrain and higher speeds should be expected on flatter portions of the ride. These rides are appropriate for road bikes--hybrid bikes, cruisers, etc will struggle.

Category D

• Level: Unpredictable
• Terrain: flat to short hills
• Ride Ability: 10-15 miles
• Average Speed: 10 to 13 mph

Specially designated rides for newer road cyclists learning road safety, group riding, bike handling skills, and developing fitness. These rides will generally take place on rail trails, and avoid high-traffic roads. Ideal for beginners and those who are still figuring out their pace and ride abilities. These are true “no drop” rides, and will stay at the pace of the slowest rider. Group may split if there is a wide range of rider abilities, but no rider will be left behind.