A Pace Rides
BRBC has created an A-pace category and Interest Group as of August 2023. If you would like to become a Ride Leader and establish ride(s) in this category, please contact our Ride Director. Any current Ride Leader may post rides at this level if capable of the pace. Average Ride Speed would typically be in excess of 18 mph but will be slower on hilly rides, faster on less hilly rides. The ride leader will identify the pace for each posted ride.
B Pace Rides
Average pace is anywhere from 13 to 18 mph, depending on the route's terrain, Average Ride Speed will be slower on hilly rides, faster on less hilly rides. The ride leader will identify the pace for each posted ride, but on flat portions of the route, a pace line may form. The distance generally ranges from 30 to 55 miles, though longer rides may also be posted.
Some rides are held regularly, others are determined one or two days in advance and all are announced via email and on the Events Calendar. Regrouping is at the discretion of the ride leader. Bring your own cue sheets or route navigation. Location can be anywhere in our region.
As of August 2023 the following Interest Groups have been rolled into the B Pace Ride Interest Group: Half Burners, Mellow Burners, B Paced Weekday Rides, Transylvania County Rides.
C Pace Rides
Average will be anywhere from 12 to 16 mph, slower on hilly rides, faster on less hilly rides. The ride leader will identify the pace for each posted ride. Some rides are held regularly, others are determined one or two days in advance and all are announced via email and on the Events Calendar. Regrouping is at the discretion of the ride leader, but it is very rare for there to be a drop ride at this level. Bring your own cue sheets or route navigation. Location can be anywhere in our region.
As of August 2023 the following Interest Groups have been rolled into the C Pace Ride Interest Group: East Buncombe Road Ride, Goldilocks and the 3 Bears Road Ride, Claudia’s Tuesday Road Ride, Transylvania County Rides. (Transylvania County rides may be either B or C paced, depending on the leader's preference)
Henderson County Variety Ride: This is a C Pace Ride that varies regarding location, distance and day of the week. The average ride pace between 10 to 14 miles per hour. Distance and climbing will vary from ride to ride. The description will give all the details! Riders are expected to be self-sufficient with good bike handling skills. This is a “no-drop” ride. Regrouping will occur at all major turning points. Emails with details regarding the ride will usually be sent out one to two days before the ride and may or may not be posted on the calendar.
D Pace Rides
These rides are intended for people who are new or returning to road cycling, or who would just prefer an easier pace with time to enjoy their surroundings. Length is typically from 15-20 miles with average speeds of 10 to 12 mph. Flatter routes will be chosen, and no riders will be dropped. Ride descriptions will be provided in the email announcements and on the website. Day of the week and starting time will vary to consider weather and time of the year. As of August 2023 the Easy Riders Interest Group has been made part of the D pace rides group.
E-Bike Road Rides
These mostly B Pace rides are for e-bike riders, with Class 1 or Class 3 e-bikes (no throttles), who are comfortable and familiar with road bike group riding, bike etiquette, road safety rules, and are capable of averaging 15-17 mph, for 20-40 miles. The focus is not on speed or competition, and pace-lining and drafting are not encouraged. Because of the variations in e bike motors and rider abilities, these may be Drop Rides, and riders will need to have the ride routes on RWGPS or a cue sheet. Any re-grouping will occur at the ride leader’s discretion. Last minute changes in start times will be announced via text to riders who have made their ride intentions known beforehand to the ride leader. The majority of the rides will start and end in Weaverville, and other points north of Asheville.
E-bike rides at other ride levels or from other locations may be posted by any Ride Leader with an e bike as well.
These are "ebike only" rides but we welcome e-bikes on our regular rides as well.
Mountain Bike Rides
Area-wide Mountain Bike Rides: These rides are for those who ride off-road on single track trails and can be categorized depending on ability and comfort level as: 1) Beginner level for those new to mountain biking. 2) Novice level for those not comfortable riding trails with obstacles such as rocks, roots, sand, drop offs, step ups and water crossings. 3) Intermediate level for those experienced and comfortable riding single track trails with obstacles as listed above. 4) Advanced level for those experienced riding difficult terrain and trails rated Black Diamond. Always read the ride description to understand the intended target audience. Most rides in our area include a significant amount of climbing and of course descending and the pace depends on the terrain. Riders are expected to be self-sufficient with good bike handling skills.
Gravel Rides
Area-wide Gravel Rides: Gravel rides always include gravel sections but may also include a significant amount of pavement as well. Gravel bikes or mountain bikes are recommended for these rides. The average ride pace can vary greatly, depending on the terrain and percentage of gravel vs. pavement. Beginner gravel riders should try out a shorter “intro ride” before tackling a longer route with lots of elevation gain. The route distance is usually 10 to 35 miles. The starting location, distance, elevation gain, pace, and effort index may vary from ride to ride so be sure to read the ride description and check out the elevation profile prior to the ride.
Virtual Rides
Zwift: Want a great ride alternative to cold and/or rainy weather on ride days? Sign-up for this interest group if you want to receive notices for our Zwift rides. We're just beginning to offer virtual BRBC group rides on the Zwift platform for those members that have the needed equipment and service to join. Ride levels will be selected by the available ride leaders. We'd like to be able to offer multiple ride levels (A, B, C, D, E) per ride, but will need members to step-up as virtual ride leaders to do so. If interested in leading virtual rides please contact the interest group coordinator and they will get you set-up to do so.