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The Huntington Bicycle Club, NY

HomeRide Categories

Ride Categories
The following chart shows the HBC Ride  Max Speed on the Flats, in mph, and the Category Description

 The following chart is a guideline for HBC group ride categories. Ride leaders use these guidelines when planning their rides.
If you are new to group riding, or want to move up a level,underestimate your ability until you have more experience riding with the club. Please remember it's 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. This will depend on which riders sign-up for that ride.

Always check who has signed-up for the ride by clicking the Registrants button in the Event Calendar, Ride Details. This may help you decide which ride to go on.

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 contact the ride leader if it is your first ride at that level or if you are unsure what to expect.





Category

Max Speed on Flats

Description

 

 

 

AA

22-23 MPH

Average speed 20+ mph- For very strong experienced cyclists. Should be prepared to ride Single and Double Paceline. Be able to work together with other riders as one cohesive group. Stops every 30+ miles. Slower riders may be dropped from the ride.

 

 

 

 

A+

20-21 MPH

Average speed 19+ mph– For strong, experienced cyclists. Should be prepared to ride Single and Double Paceline. Be able to work together with other riders as one cohesive group. Stops every 30+ miles, regrouping as necessary.

 

 

 

A

18-19 MPH

Overall ride average speed 17 – 18 mph. Should be prepared to ride Single Paceline Be able to work together with other riders as one cohesive group. For strong/experienced cyclists. Regrouping as needed.  Stops every 30+ miles.

 

 

 

B+

16-17 MPH

Overall average speed 15 – 17 mph.  For Strong cyclists. Regrouping as needed. Stops every 25 – 30 miles

 

 

 

B

14-15 MPH

Overall average speed 13 – 14 mph. For solid cyclists. Regrouping as needed. Stops every 20 – 25 miles.

 

 

 

C+

12-13 MPH

Overall average speed 11 -12 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

11-12 MPH

Average speed 9.0 -11 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.

 

 

 

EZ

11 MPH

Average speed 9-10 mph

For riders new to the sport and / or an introduction to group riding.