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
You'll get a club jersey for leading 4 or more rides in a calendar year and, the leader who leads the most rides gets a special gift at the end of the year.
Pace Definitions
|
Letter
|
Ride Type
|
Average Speed
|
Description
|
Example
|
|
VL
|
Very Leisurely
|
7-9 MPH
|
A great opportunity for a family ride, minors must be accompanied by an parent or legal guardian. To encourage families to ride with their children.
|
To encourage families to ride with their children.
|
|
L
|
Leisurely
|
8-10 MPH
|
Easy pace, frequent stops to regroup, new-rider friendly. No drop ride.
|
Moderate Grades |
|
A
|
Relaxed
|
10-13 MPH
|
Over the whole ride the average speed will fall somewhere between 10 and 13 MPH Fewer stops than an L ride, steady pace for experienced riders. Should know how to fix a flat. . NO one is dropped. Frequent Regroups |
Might ride at 14-16 MPH on the flats.
|
|
B
|
Moderate
|
13-16 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
|
16-18 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.
|
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
|