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Ride Descriptions – The ride descriptions on the TCBC web site or in the TCBC Activity News give important details about rides. Be sure to check these descriptions carefully. They may list special situations or conditions that apply to a ride, and they are the most accurate description of TCBC rides.
Average Speeds – The speeds listed in the Ride Key are average speeds maintained for the entire ride, not the minimum or maximum speeds. To maintain the average ride speed, riders will ride far faster and far slower at times. While not required, a cycle-computer is helpful to judge average speed. In some situations, leaders may feel the conditions justify a slower average minimum speed.
Faster or Slower Riders – Faster or slower self-sufficient riders are welcome on all daylight rides, but the type and degree of leader support depends on the ride type.
Leader Support – Leader support will be available only to those who are riding at or above the minimum average riding speed on B and B/C rides. Leader support will be available to all riders on C rides.
Leader Speed – Leaders may choose to ride slower than the Minimum Average Riding Speed on any ride. Leaders may choose to ride faster than the Average Riding Speed on all A and A/B rides.
Ride Length – Be sure to check the ride description on the TCBC web site or in the TCBC Activity News for the distance of the ride. There may be longer or shorter rides of any ride type. Ride length is not necessarily the same for the same ride types.
| Ride Key for "Road" Rides | ||||||
| Ride Type | Description | Minimum Average Riding Speed |
Riders Must Have | Rest Stops | Repairs | Leader Rides |
A |
Very Strenous - Fast Paced, most difficult terrain, or longer distance |
About 18 mph – riders may ride faster or slower |
advanced cycling skills; spare tube, patch kit, pump |
At leader's discretion | riders fix their own bikes |
anywhere |
A/B |
Strenuous - Swift, more difficult terrain, or long distance |
About 16 mph – riders may ride faster or slower |
Intermediate to advanced cycling skills; spare tube, patch kit, pump | About every 20-30 miles |
riders fix their own bikes |
anywhere |
B |
Brisk - Social, but emphasis is on riding – A good choice for experienced group riders - generally intermediate or greater pace, terrain and distance |
About 14 mph |
intermediate to more advanced cycling skills; spare tube, patch kit, pump | About every 15-20 miles |
leader helps | at the rear of the riders who are riding at a B pace |
B/C |
Moderate - Social emphasis, but for those with riding experience - generally intermediate pace, terrain and distance |
About 12 mph |
intermediate cycling skills; spare tube, patch kit, pump | About every 10-15 miles |
leader helps | at the rear of the riders who are riding at a B/C pace |
C |
Relaxed - Easier, for a more "laid-back" time, perfect for newer riders, slower pace and flatter terrain, shorter distance |
About 10 mph |
Entry level to intermediate cycling skills; spare tube, patch kit, pump | About every 10-15 miles |
leader helps | at the rear |
N-B(Night) |
Night - B pace, social, safety stressed, lights required |
About 14 mph |
Generally intermediate cycling skills; spare tube, patch kit, pump, front and rear lights | About every 10-15 miles |
leader helps | front & rear (must have 2 leaders) Night Ride Regulations |
N-C(Night) |
Night - C pace, social, safety stressed, lights required |
About 10 mph |
Generally intermediate cycling skills; spare tube, patch kit, pump, front and rear lights | About every 10-15 miles |
leader helps | front & rear (must have
2 leaders) Night Ride Regulations |
R(Randonneur) |
Strenuous – Long distance “brevet” ride with time limits and required checkpoints. Randonneurs USA rules apply (see rusa.org). Cooperative spirit. |
About 12-20 mph; must finish within time limits |
Intermediate to advanced cycling skills; spare tube, patch kit, pump, spirit of self-sufficiency | About every 30 miles | riders fix their own bikes | anywhere Night Ride Regulations |
| Ride Key for "Mountain Bike (MB)" Rides | ||||||
| Ride Type | Ride
Time for Mountain Bikes |
Terrain for Mountain Bike Rides | Riders Must Have | Rest Stops | Repairs | Leader Rides |
MB-A |
High Speed - no time limit | Difficult dirt trails, roots, rocks, many difficult hills, technically very difficult | Advanced MB skills; spare tube, patch kit, pump, chain tool, water | at group or rider's discretion | riders fix their own bikes | anywhere |
MB-A/B |
Rapid - less than 6 hours | challenging dirt trails or roads, roots, rocks, many hills, technically quite difficult | advanced MB skills; spare tube, patch kit, pump, water | at least 1 time each hour | riders fix their own bikes | anywhere |
MB-B |
Moderate - less than 4 hours | gravel or dirt trails or roads, some hills, technically moderate | intermediate MB skills; spare tube, patch kit, pump, water | at least 1 or 2 times each hour | leader helps | with the group - riders regroup occasionally |
MB-C |
Slower - less than 2 hours | gravel or dirt trails or roads, few hills, technically simple | beginner MB skills; spare tube, patch kit, water | 2 or more times each hour | leader helps | with the group - riders regroup frequently |
| ** see additional Mountain Bike Ride considerations ** | ||||||
TCBC Ride Considerations
All TCBC Rides:
TCBC Rides are open to members and non-members alike unless otherwise noted. Ride times listed are departure times. Arrive early and allow time to get yourself and your equipment ready. Come to the ride start location at least 15 minutes before the depart time listed on the schedule and find the ride leader (leaders usually have the back of their car open with sign up sheets in the back). All participants need to complete the Ride Report Sheet and non-members must sign a non-member waiver at the start of each TCBC ride. There will be maps for the ride (unless it is specified as a mapless ride on the schedule). The ride leader will also give a briefing on the route to the group, and then you'll be on your way!
Bicycle: Have your bicycle in good mechanical condition. We recommend at least an annual tuneup. Mountain bikes are required for MB rides.
Helmets: Properly fastened ANSI or Snell-approved helmets must be worn (see bicycle tips on helmets)
Protective glasses: Recommended for all bike rides
Clothing: Wear clothing appropriate for the day's weather conditions. Cycling shorts or tights and cycling gloves greatly increase your comfort. Mountain bike rides may require more protective clothes. MB riders may encounter abrasive brush, bushes, tree branches. Muddy terrain may be common on MB rides.
Hydration/Water: Drink lots of water before you ride. Carry water or sports drink with you on the ride and drink frequently. There will most likely NOT be water available on mountain bike rides - bring at least two full bottles for MB rides.
Food: Bring quick-energy food with you on the ride. Dried fruit, bagels, energy bars, and bananas are all quick-energy foods.
Tools: Carry at least the following on your bike: tire levers, a pump, spare tube, patch kit. (add chain tool for "MB - A" rides)
Traffic Laws: Riders must obey all traffic laws and safe riding procedures.
General: Bring money, identification, sun screen (as needed). Pre-registration is not necessary unless stated. If you have any questions, check with the leader for specifics.
Mountain Bike rides:
see additional Mountain Bike Ride considerations
Night Rides: