Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Club RIdes

I will be doing my first ride with the local club soon. Can you all help me out some regarding what to expect? I know each club is different, but in general

-Do most clubs ride in 'pace lines', as in drafting? I've never ridden with others before. Is it hard to catch on?

-What is the deal with A, B and C rides? Do they each have different average speeds? If so, is there a standard?

-If a club goes out for a 40-50 mile ride, can I expect them to make a short stop along the way? I'm not all that used to drinking and eating while in motion.

Thanks for the help!

A is the fastest, and C is the slowest. If you aren't sure, start out with the slow group and work your way up. Slow groups tend to stop more often and are often "no drop" rides where they make sure you don't get left behind. "A" groups are fast, race pace, and have few stops and won't worry about dropping you. Slow rides will have more beginners that ride in a loose group, while "A" groups will have a well disciplined pace line.

It's probably best to ask someone else who has ridden with the group, or get there early and ask the leaders. If it isn't a no drop, make sure you know how to get home in case you get dropped.

Call somebody from the group. Ask them.

/thread.

We can give you answers based upon our own experiences, but, unless we're with that particular club... :shrug:

I will likey be a bit different where you are, but around here the rides a generally grouped like this...

Ride Groups from Potomac Peddlers (http://www.bikepptc.org/ride_class_table)

I will likey be a bit different where you are, but around here the rides a generally grouped like this...

Ride Groups from Potomac Peddlers (http://www.bikepptc.org/ride_class_table)

Thanks! This is helpful. I will talk to them before the ride but wanted a general idea of what to expect.

About 90% of the rides I do each year are club affiliated. I can remember having the same questions you have now. Get to know the ride leader(s) each time you arrive at the start. Arrive early, chances are the ride leader(s) will be there early as well. Sometimes they'll have sign in sheets, so they can get an accurate head count before the ride heads off. Don't be afraid to ask questions, that's one of the reasons they volunteered to lead. I have made a lot of new friends thanks to the club rides, and I hope your experience turns out the same.

I can't say what your individual club is like, but if it is anything like the club I belong to, the A group will be fast riders while the C group will be the slowest. If you are really nervous, get in contact with the club and see if they offer any social rides. Don't sweat it, riding with a club is a bunch of fun!

I ride with a few different clubs. Each one has their own opinion of what to do on a club ride. One group just hammers the entire time, and if you get dropped you get dropped and you better find your own way back. Another one rides roughly in a group, but has set regroup points. Another just shows up and rides with no set plan.

I will say this, though... if your club posts a set speed for a ride, add 1-2 mph to it. I've noticed that no matter what speed they say they are going to ride, it's always faster than that.

I will say this, though... if your club posts a set speed for a ride, add 1-2 mph to it. I've noticed that no matter what speed they say they are going to ride, it's always faster than that.

I have seen this piece of information posted before on here. As someone who is about to start riding with a local group, I appreciate the info. It is definitely something I would not have thought about.

I have seen this piece of information posted before on here. As someone who is about to start riding with a local group, I appreciate the info. It is definitely something I would not have thought about.

As someone who frequently rides with the club you will probably be joining due to your proximity to it...subtract 1-2mph from the maximum posted window :).

To anyone debating a club ride, the posted speed is the end of ride average, not the constant speed. So be ready to speed up down the backside of rollers and slowly spin the climbs. It doesn't become a hammerfest until you start hitting the top rungs.

As someone who frequently rides with the club you will probably be joining due to your proximity to it...subtract 1-2mph from the maximum posted window :).

To anyone debating a club ride, the posted speed is the end of ride average, not the constant speed. So be ready to speed up down the backside of rollers and slowly spin the climbs. It doesn't become a hammerfest until you start hitting the top rungs.

Good to know,
Thanks Bautieri

Oh and I forgot to mention. I noticed you said you're not skilled at eating, and drinking while moving. It really is beneficial to learn to hydrate while moving on the bike. While the group may have planned rest stops along the way, it may be many miles before you actually stop. You don't want to ruin your fun by becoming dehydrated, and bonking before you arrive at that stop. Regroup spots are good for a quick drink, but it's easy to forget to drink in that 30 seconds until you start rolling again. Best place to practice hydrating while riding is on a solo ride, not in a group.

Denny

I have been trying to get accustomed to drinking and eating while riding. Yesterday I went to put the water bottle back in the cage and dropped it on the ground :roflmao2:
I thought for sure a car was going to run it over but it followed me to the shoulder like a good water bottle should.