Sunday Gravel Rides

Sunday Gravel Rides

These Gravel Rides were borne of the Pandemic. Getting off the beaten path and onto the ‘beat up’ path was what the doctor ordered. The routes are amazing and take us places usually avoided on a road bike. There are three Speed Groups, G1, G2 & G3. All use the same route. G1 is a fast athletic ride. G2 is a bit more relaxed ride (most appropriate for R4-R6 riders) and G3 is the most moderate ride (most appropriate for R6-R7 riders). A mid-ride snack stop is usually a destination en route. A gravel, CX or serious hybrid bike with no less than 32mm tires is recommended. If you get dropped, not to worry, the other groups should be along shortly.

Meet: Guelph Youth Music Centre parking lot.

Time: Be ready to pedal at 8:00 AM May-Sept (11:00 AM April & Oct). Meet 10 minutes before the start to get organized into the appropriate groups.

Parking: Available at the GYMC

Routes: The route is set by the Ride Leader and changes each week. The route lengths will lengthen as the season and our fitness progresses.

You MUST be an GCC member to ride. You must pre-register on the ride posting.

The Three Gravel Speed Groups

G1

OMG!

26+ kph

Distance: 70 – 100km

This is super quick and athletic gravel ride. The emphasis is on effort.

You’re ready for this ride because you are very experienced with group riding, have excellent fitness and can ride two consecutive hours at 26 kph gravel speed or greater.

G2

Advanced

24 – 26 kph

Distance: 70 – 100km

This is a quick and athletic gravel ride. The emphasis is on effort.

You’re ready for this ride because you are very experienced with group riding, have excellent fitness and can ride two consecutive hours at 24 kph gravel speed or greater.

G3

Intermediate

22 – 24 kph

Distance: 70 – 100km

This gravel ride is aimed at riders looking to build endurance at a moderate speed. The emphasis is on participation, fun and social interaction.

You’re ready for this ride because you are experienced with group riding, have good fitness and can ride two consecutive hours at 22 kph gravel speed or greater.

G4

Relaxed

19 – 22 kph

Distance: 70 – 100km

This is a gravel ride for riders wanting a more relaxed speed. The emphasis is on participation, fun and social interaction.

You’re ready for this ride because you are experienced with group riding, have good fitness and can ride two consecutive hours at 19 kph gravel 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
  • 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 G3 Speed Group, then maintain your average and let them fall behind. This is what it means to ‘Drop’ a rider. If a rider cannot maintain the G3 pace, the Ride Leader will slow the group down, or drop off with the Slow rider, but will ask that rider to not return to gravel rides until their fitness has improved.

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.

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