Please use the chart and guidelines shown below to select a club ride that is appropriate to your riding skill level.
| ROAD BIKE | MOUNTAIN BIKE | |||||
| PACE | TERRAIN | SKILL LEVEL | ||||
| L | Leisurely (up to 10 mph) | 1 | Flat – Alameda Creek Trail | ⬤ | Beginner: Fire roads, gravel trails, not too steep and almost no obstacles | |
| T | Touring (10 to 13 mph) | 2 | Slight hills – Mission Blvd: Stevenson to Mission San Jose | ▪ | Intermediate: Singletrack, some small rocks, roots and mud | |
| M | Moderate (13 to 16 mph) | 3 | Moderate hills – climbs of up to 500 ft: E. Warren | ◆ | Advanced: Tight, twisty singletrack, steep downhills, rocks | |
| B | Brisk (16 to 19 mph) | 4 | Hilly – at least one of climb of 1000 ft. +: Palomares Rd. | ◆◆ | Expert: Combinations or extreme examples of obstacles | |
| F | Fast (19+ mph) | 5 | Steep, very hilly – sustained climbs of 1000 ft. + | |||
For Road Rides, a pace appended with a “+” or “-” means the pace will be 1 mph faster or slower, respectively. For example, an “M+” means a pace of 14-17 mph, and a “B-” means a pace of 15-18 mph.
Read Ride Information and Policies for general information on participating in rides. All ride participants should adhere to the following guidelines in their ride selection/preparation:
- Contact the ride Leader prior to the ride. Discuss the pace/terrain and let them know you are coming.
- A multi-speed bicycle is required, unless otherwise specified for the individual ride. The bicycle should be in good working condition: tires inflated, brakes and derailleurs working.
- Riders should bring a tire pump, spare tube, patch kit, and know how to use them. Riders should also bring a water bottle, HELMET and lunch or money for snacks. Medical information and emergency phone numbers should be carried at all times with you.
- The ride leader has the right to refuse a rider to participate on the ride, if the rider’s physical condition or the condition of his/her bicycle does not appear suitable for the ride scheduled.
- Starting times: All rides leave the starting point 15 minutes after the scheduled time; unless the ride is marked Prompt – then the ride begins at the time listed
The combined terrain, pace and distance should be considered in the ride selection. A 4M/35 ride would be a hilly, moderate paced (10-15 mph), 35-mile ride and recommended for strong intermediate riders.
