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Group Ride Program

May - September

From May until the end of September, group rides are scheduled every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning. On Friday and Sunday, the group rides are "Open" rides - all levels welcome - so speed and distance will vary depending on the riders who join in. On Saturdays, there is a group ride at each of our five levels. These scheduled rides are road cycling.

 

Which group should I ride with?

Finding the levelled group ride best suited to your skills, fitness level, and cycling goals is the key to having a rewarding and enjoyable group ride experience. Here are some tips below on how to decide which level to cycle with.

Spoke Sisters member picture
Consult the Choosing a Ride Level info sheet, which describes each level in detail - average, speed, riding distances, and what kind of rider is suited to each level - to help you decide which group to ride with.

Conducting your own simple speed test will help you pick the right group to ride with. You must have a speedometer to gauge your average speed. Cycle for 15-20km and then check your average speed.

If you are still unsure of which group to ride with, play it safe and start off with one of the slower groups on your first outing. If the group is too slow for you, move up a level for the next group ride.

As you progress through the season, you may wish to move up to the next group level to challenge yourself. Throughout the season, we offer "Ride-Up-a-Level" rides and members who think they might be ready for a greater challenge are encouraged to move up a level.

*Please note that it is extremely challenging for us to accommodate riders who are unable to maintain a minimum speed of at least 16-18km/hr over a distance of 25-30km. This is the speed and distance for a typical "Beginner" level ride.

How do I join?
Details for all group rides - start time and locations, planned route, distance - will be confirmed by Group Ride Leaders (GRLs) via the "Members Only" Facebook page, approximately three days before the scheduled ride (typically by Wednesday evening for the Saturday rides). Each ride is posted as an "Event". Select "Going" and comment "I'm in!" to join in. The GRL will confirm all participants by the evening before the ride.

Considering becoming a GRL?
As the club grows, so does the demand for volunteer GRLs and Co-Leads.
What are the responsibilities of a GRL?
  • Organizing and overseeing the ride, including choosing the route
  • Monitoring the group's speed to keep it within the appropriate range
  • Ensuring that participants follow recommended group ride etiquette and safe cycling practices
  • Providing assistance and guidance to participants as needed
  • Oversee participant wellness
  • Making sure that everyone finishes together
  • Taking photos and posting to the "Members Only" Facebook page after the ride
  • Passing along any feedback or suggestions from members to the Group Ride Program Coordinator

What are the responsibilities of the Co-lead?
  • Act as a sweep for the ride to ensure that no one is left behind
  • Assist the GRL as required
  • Assist with navigation (needs to have route downloaded and be familiar with it)
  • Be prepared to lead a group if needed based on participant numbers

Members who want to become GRLs or Co-Leads will receive an orientation session, and be mentored by an experienced leader. We will work with the new GRLs and Co-Leads until they feel comfortable and confident in their role. If you are interested in becoming a GRL or Co-Lead, please indicate this on your registration form or speak to one of our current GRLs or Board members. Your name will be passed on to our Group Ride Program Coordinator, who will follow up with you. NCR Spoke Sisters is grateful for the contribution of these dedicated volunteers, and we hope that you will consider becoming a GRL or Co-Lead.​

*Please note that our GRLs typically have at least one year of experience riding with the club.
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