Ride Type - Interest Groups
BRBC Ride Leaders will provide details on the Calendar for each of their rides and may vary slightly from the descriptions below. The main purpose of these Ride Types is to have optional email groups (called "Interest Groups" on our website) so we can occasionally send email reminders to check the calendar. You can update your information here: Interests Groups.
D Road Rides - Pace Levels 7 & 8 on Pace Classification Grid
The pace will range from 9.5-13.5 mph depending on the elevation (see the Pace Classification Grid). The length of these road rides will typically range from 10-30 miles with rest stops or regrouping at intervals of 5-10 miles. No pacelines. These rides will often use the paved bike trails in our area.
C Road Rides - Pace Levels 4, 5 & 6 on Pace Classification Grid
The pace will range from 10-16.1 mph depending on the elevation (see the Pace Classification Grid). The length of these road rides will typically range from 20-50 miles with rest stops or regrouping at intervals of 10-20 miles. Pacelines are occasionally used.
B Road Rides - Pace Levels 2 & 3 on Pace Classification Grid
The pace will range from 12-18.5 mph depending on the elevation (see the Pace Classification Grid). The length of these road rides will typically range from 40-75 miles with rest stops or regrouping at intervals of 20-35 miles. Pacelines may be used.
A Road Rides - Pace Level 1 on Pace Classification Grid
The pace will range from 13.5-19+ mph depending on the elevation (see the Pace Classification Grid). The length of these road rides will typically range from 60-100 miles with rest stops or regrouping at intervals of 25-40 miles. Pacelines will be common.
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
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 on 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 required equipment and software to join. Ride levels will be selected by the ride leader and may be described by wattage as well as by the ride levels above. It is up to the leader whether the ride will use the “rubber band” function to keep the riders together. We'd like to be able to offer multiple ride levels per ride, but we need members to step-up as virtual ride leaders to do so. If you are interested in leading virtual rides please contact the interest group coordinator and they will get you set-up to do so.
BRBC uses Ride with GPS as our club route library. This is one of the perks of being a club member. RideWithGPS Instructions