The Westchester Cycle Club grades ride pace using the scale below.
If you are new to group riding, underestimate your ability until you have more experience riding with the club. Please remember its much better to start with a ride that is too easy than to struggle through a ride that is too hard. Be aware that on some rides, riders will push the pace faster than the average speed listed for that ride.
The faster the average speed, the higher the level of group-riding skills that is required to ensure that rides remain safe. Some rides may be more appropriate than others for you to learn the skills needed to enjoy riding safely. Ride leaders will be happy to give you details regarding what is expected of you on rides. Please call the ride leader if it is your first ride at that level or if it is your first club ride.
See CYCLING TIPS for tips on riding in groups and other information. New members please check out the New Member page.
Please review the "Notes", "Items To Bring On A Ride" and "Ride Safely and Courteously" listed below the ride categories.
| Ride Level | Description |
| A | Average speed 17-19+ mph - average speed on flats >23 mph, generally competitive over demanding terrain. Regrouping at the discretion of ride leader. Ride length typically >50 miles. |
| B+ | Average speed 16 -18 mph - average speed on flats 20 mph. Terrain and ride length similar/identical to A category. Ride leader regroups as necessary. |
| B | Average speed 14 -16 mph - average speed on flats 18 mph. Terrain at the discretion of ride leader but generally tends to be less demanding than A/B+ categories. Ride leader regroups as necessary. Ride length typically between 40-50 miles. |
| C+ | Average speed 13 -15 mph - average speed on flats 16 mph. Terrain at the discretion of ride leader but can include some challenging hills in addition to flats and rollers. Ride leader regroups as necessary. Ride length typically between 30-40 miles. |
| C | Average speed 11-14 mph - average speed on flats 15 mph. Generally rolling terrain. Some modest/moderate hills may be included at the discretion of the ride leader. Ride leader regroups as necessary. Ride length typically about 30 miles. |
| D | Average speed 9 -11 mph - average speed on flats 12 mph. Generally flat and rolling terrain. Ride leader provides encouragement and regroups as necessary. Ride length typically <30 miles. |
| O | Orientation ride over easy terrain at a social pace for riders interested in getting to know more about the club and its policies. Ride distance approximately 10 miles. |
| M |
Mountain Trail - average speed fast, breaks only for lunch and nature. Trail rides are free of automobile traffic and feature roots, rocks and mud. |
| +/- | Ride Leaders may use + or - to indicate that their ride is expected to be at the upper or lower end of the range for their catagory. |
Notes
- Helmets are required.
- Phone numbers are in the 914 area code unless otherwise noted.
- Rides depart on time. Arrive at least fifteen minutes early and get ready to ride.
- You must sign the release form at the start even if you have pre-registered for the ride.
- It is the responsibility of all riders to be equipped with a bicycle in good repair.
- Anyone who joins a ride must be able to ride at the minimal pace for its category.
- All riders under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult, and may join only at the discretion of the ride leader.
- All riders under 18 years of age must have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Items To Bring On A Ride
- Tuned-up bike with inflated tires (pump tires before every ride)
- Properly fitting helmet
- Filled water bottles or hydration backpack
- Pocket food (bars, trail mix, peanut butter sandwich, etc.) that your body digests easily -- don't try new foods on a ride
- Spare tube (one minimum, two better)
- Tire irons (for changing a flat tire)
- Pump or Co2 cartridge with dispenser
- Identification, health insurance card and emergency contact information
Ride Safely and Courteously
We are all ultimately responsible for our own safety.
Bike riders are required by law to follow the same rules as cars.
Ride SMART -- Ride Accident Free
- STAY ALERT -- Pay attention to everything around you, including other riders, cars, road conditions, and your own physical status.
- MAINTAIN YOUR LINE -- Be predictable to other riders and cars. Always assume riders are behind you or about to pass.
- ACCIDENTS -- Road hazards, collisions with other riders, and loss of control downhills are often the cause of accidents.
- RESPECT -- Please respect your fellow riders, the rules of the road and the motorists we share them with. Remember that you are an ambassador for cycling.
- TALK -- Hand signals and calling out hazards and intentions are essential to group riding. Communicate first, then move.
SAFETY = COMMUNICATION + PREDICTABILITY
For more information on safe cycling, please read the STREET SMARTS brochure.