Thursday Evening Intermediate Road Ride
This is an intermediate group road ride with three separate speed groups to choose from where the route changes each week. R6-Moderate, R7-Social & R8-Relaxed.
Meet: Guelph East End Public Library parking lot.
Time: Be ready to pedal at 6:30 PM May-Aug (6:00 PM April & Sept). Meet 10 minutes before the start to get organized into the speed groups.
Parking: Available at the Library
Routes: The route is set by the Ride Leader and changes each week. The R8 Relaxed Speed Group will have a slightly shorter course. The route lengths are designed so Speed Groups finish in time for riders to be home before sunset.
You MUST be an GCC member to ride. You must pre-register on the ride posting.
The Three Intermediate Speed Groups
INT A
R6-Moderate
28 – 30 kph
Drop
Distance: 40 – 60km
This ride is for the well experienced recreational cyclist who wants to improve speed and endurance.
You’re ready for this ride because you can handle the R5 speed group easily.You are a competent group rider, have reasonable fitness and can ride solo for two hours non-stop at 28 kph speed.
INT B
R7-Social
26 – 28 kph
Drop
Distance: 40 – 60km
This ride is for experienced recreational road cyclists. The emphasis is on cohesive group riding, employing good riding skills and building fitness.
You’re ready for this ride because you are experienced with group riding, have good fitness and can ride two hours non-stop at 26 kph speed or greater.
INT C
R8-Relaxed
24 – 26 kph
Non Drop
Distance: 30 – 55km
This ride is for less experienced cyclists looking to gain confidence with group riding, or those who have a steady state relationship with their riding. Use this ride to gain and improve, or maintain group riding skills and fitness. This group is super friendly and encouraging.
You’re ready for this ride because you are an experienced solo cyclist, have reasonable fitness and can ride for two hours non-stop at 24 kph speed or greater.
- Speed Groups will ride no faster than their maximum posted speed average
- If you want to go faster than the average of your Speed Group, move up a group
- If you are not able to ‘pull’ at the front of your Speed Group, drop down a Speed Group
- R6 & R7 Speed Groups on the Intermediate Ride are ‘drop’ rides
- Good riding practices and all rules of the road apply
- Stop at stop signs – this bears repeating
The WEEKLY RIDE POSTS page is where the Ride Leaders post all the details for the upcoming rides including the route map, speed groups, length and any other relevant notes and reminders. Ride cancellations will also be up-dated on the postings no later than 1 hour before the start of the ride.
Click this button to see the current ride postings
FAQs
Is there a minimum number of riders per Speed Group?
Yes, three. And yes, three riders can work together well. It’s a great exercise.
Is there a maximum number of riders per Speed Group?
Yes, Speed Groups will be limited to no more than 16 riders for traffic safety.
What happens if there is lots of demand for one speed Speed Group?
Multiple versions of that Speed Group may run.
What happens if I choose a Speed Group that’s too fast for me?
Drop off the back of the group and join in with the next Speed Group when it catches you.
What happens if I choose a Speed Group that’s too slow for me?
You can try and catch the next Speed Group if you like or just ride with your current group for the entire route and start with a faster Speed Group next week.
How long are the routes?
Route length will be posted on the web site. The route changes each week and lengths change according to the changing daylight hours.
What must I do when I get to a Stop Sign?
Stop (does this really need to be said?). Seriously, just stop.
Anyone going through a stop sign will get a serious dressing down with consequences from GCC officials or possibly killed by a motorist. So… just stop.
What to do if someone is breaking away or surging ahead?
Don’t chase them, let them go. Maintain your Speed Group’s speed average.
What to do if someone is lagging or struggling to keep up?
Ask them if they are ok. If they are ok but can’t maintain your Speed Group’s average, and if you’re not in R8 Speed Group, then maintain your average and let them fall behind. This is what it means to ‘Drop’ a rider.
What to do if someone is behaving dangerously?
Report it to a Ride Leader or GCC Club Board Member
What to do if someone has crashed?
The entire ride Speed Group must stop and address the situation as best as possible in accordance with Club Guidelines.
What to do if someone has had a flat or a ‘mechanical’ problem?
The entire Speed Group must stop and address the situation to make sure the rider is able to get going again safely or other transport has been arranged.
