Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Training & Nutrition
Reload this Page >

Determining Riding Classification?

Notices
Training & Nutrition Learn how to develop a training schedule that's good for you. What should you eat and drink on your ride? Learn everything you need to know about training and nutrition here.

Determining Riding Classification?

Old 02-19-06, 12:24 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 111
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Determining Riding Classification?

Joined a local bike club but haven't ridden with anyone yet. Rides are by class. A,B,C,D
D is 8 to 12 mph and C is 13 - 16. I am not sure what I am.

How do I determine the class? Do I base it on the avg mph for my rides or is it the rate I ride at on flat terrain? On a long ride, say 33 miles (long for me, at least) I may average 11.5 to 12.5 but clearly I am cruising at greater speeds, 13 to 16, some of the time but the overall average is less if I have a headwind or some bridges to climb.

I don't want to ride with a group thats way better than I am so any advice will be appreciated.
foxden is offline  
Old 02-19-06, 12:34 PM
  #2  
fitness/rec -cyclist
 
trekman5200's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Sioux Falls,SD
Posts: 6

Bikes: 2004 /trek 5200 /team blue

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I would have to say you need to join a class that you will not repaetdley hold up,
you want theses people to enjoy your company , on the other hand it's good to ride with a group that will push you a little more then your point of self defeat once and ahwhile just my opinion i ,am only a year and ahalf into my own ,although i do read alot of cycling books with good tips & habits . check your local barnes & noble bookstore , or other book stores you could always ask the group leader for advice.
trekman5200 is offline  
Old 02-19-06, 01:56 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
DannoXYZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Saratoga, CA
Posts: 11,736
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Liked 9 Times in 6 Posts
Just start on the slowest rides. When you can finish all of the rides and contest the hill-sprints and finishes, move up to the next class.
DannoXYZ is offline  
Old 02-19-06, 08:43 PM
  #4  
Just ride.
 
roadbuzz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: C-ville, Va
Posts: 3,259
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
How well do they define the ride classes? Here's what one club uses.
https://www.bikepptc.org/classification.html

Ultimately, it comes down to what Danno said. Do some rides, see how they ride and how you do, go from there.
roadbuzz is offline  
Old 02-20-06, 11:07 AM
  #5  
Ain't skeered!
 
BitterCoconut's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Thornton, CO
Posts: 25
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I agree with Danno and roadbuzz. Start with the slowest class to see how you do. You will quickly see if you need to advance to the next class. Lots of times I have noticed that the actual speeds aren't accurate. You will have some riders that are actually faster and some that are slower that are in certain classes. The faster riders in the groups will push the slower riders to improve simply by riding faster and the slower riders improve quickly. I think it's a win/win situation. Just go out and have fun!
BitterCoconut is offline  
Old 02-20-06, 11:53 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
PSPSARGE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Southeastern PA
Posts: 57

Bikes: Cyfac Cadence, Kestrel 200, Trek Pilot

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Sounds like you are in the situation we all experienced prior to our first club rides. I averaged around 15mph on my own and was absolutely amazed to average 16.7 for 35miles on my first club ride. The drafting increased my speed that much - you will just have to get out there like others said and see what you feel comfortable at. If you have not expierenced the close riding conditions, there will be an adjustment period there also. Because I had ridden by myself a good bit before starting to club ride, I felt the adjustment to being in front and pulling was the easiest part for me.
PSPSARGE is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.