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Ride Levels and Pace Ratings

When going for a ride we encourage you to select a ride along your cycling and fitness level. If you do not find a ride that is in your level this is the perfect opportunity to start a ride of your own.  Members can "Post a Quick Event" to the calendar using the tool bar on the top right of the calendar.

If you'd like to know more about leading a ride see : here or send an email to: rides@marincyclists.com


Pace Definitions
Letter Ride Type Overall Average Speed* Description Example
A Relaxed 10-12 MPH No one is dropped. Frequent Regroups Might ride at 14-16+ MPH on the flat but on 5-8 MPH up the climbs.
B Moderate 12.1-16 MPH Only a few regroups. For experienced riders only who want to ride long, steady distance.Might ride 18- 22 MPH on the flats. 40 Miles in Length or more.
C Brisk 16.1-18 MPH For strong riders who want to ride in a fast pace line or tight packs (20-28MPH on the flats) occasional sprints. Must be confident in a group and pace line, no beginners or intermediate riders. 50 miles or more.
D Fast 18+ MPH Constant pace lines (24-35MPH) brisk climbs, ONLY for experienced, fast, race oriented cyclists. Check with ride leader if this is your first D ride. Long Distances and big climbs.
 All Levels Various   Various  Everyone and starts at the same location. There may be long, medium and short course, or everyone will ride one course. Riders disperse onto the courses and pace groups form organically.  You can start out with faster riders  but drop back to a slower pace if you are not keeping up or just want to ride a little slower.  The slowest group acts as the sweep with one or two experienced riders riding at the back.   35 - 65+ milles 
*at the end of the ride your average speed should fall somewhere between this range.




Terrain Difficulty
Number Terrain Description Example
1 Flat, although it's hard to do in Marin County Tiburon, Mill Valley, SPT Bike paths
2 Gentle Grades Paradise Drive, China Camp, Bear Valley
3 Rolling Hills Marin Headlands, Fairfax/Lucas Valley-Pt. Reyes Station
4 Mostly rolling hills, some steep climbs Alpine Dam, Mount Tam, Marshall
5 Very Hilly: Long and/or steep climbs Kings Ridge, Coleman Valley, Tunitas Creek,  Morgan Territory, Mt. Diablo