GEARs Quick Guide
Find your speed group
GEARs Guide
Find your speed group
To ensure a safe and enjoyable cycling experience for all, GEARs offers three main speed groups (16+, 13-15, 10-12 mph) for its rides, as well as an 18+ Paceline (that is designed for those wishing to reach a higher fitness potential). It is important that all cyclists have a clear understanding of what is expected of them when riding in a particular group. It is the riders responsibility to ensure they ride in the appropriate group.
*GEARs must have Volunteer Ride Leaders for us to be able to schedule any of these rides.
Speed Groups are defined as: a rider must be able to maintain the mph on the flat over 30 minutes, without the aid of a tailwind or drafting with others.
Please note that the speed groups are not average speeds as determined by your bike computer at the end of a ride. To help the riders decide which group will offer them the best club riding experience, we have devised the following speed guidelines.
10-12 mph.
Leisurely. A leisurely group ride that is ideally suited to riders that are new to cycling or learning group riding skills. This group also gives the riders time to enjoy the scenery.
Most of the ride will be at 10-12 mph, but speeds may exceed 13-15 mph for part of the ride. It is expected that riders are able to maintain a consistent 10-12 mph. Rides are generally 25-45 miles in length.
13-15 mph.
Intermediate. If you are new to GEARs, but have some group riding experience, or are an experienced rider that wants to ride at a moderate speed. This group rides is expected to be able to ride 40 miles in 3 hours before joining this group. Speeds may exceed 16-18 mph for part of the ride.
Rides are generally 35-60 miles in length. Terrain varies depending on route. Riders are expected to have some climbing and descending skills.
16+ mph.
Fast. This speed group is best suited to the more experienced rider that likely has familiarity with the terrain and route to be taken. This group will ride most of the ride above 16 mph. Speeds may exceed 20-22 mph for part of the ride.
Rides are generally 35-60 miles in length. Rides will be largely flat with expectation of a some rides will include many hills, so riders are expected to have good climbing and descending skills.
Paceline riding is optional.
It is expected that riders in this group are able to maintain a consistent 16-18 mph on the flat when cycling alone and without a tailwind.
18+ mph – Paceline Rides
Faster and Paceline Experience Riding Required. This speed group is best suited for riders who are seasoned, capable and proven looking to train with a like-minded, faster, yet non-racing training group. These riders should be very comfortable riding in a group and be able to acknowledge, communicate and avoid road hazards quickly, as well as have the ability to ride directly behind another rider at a fast speed safely and confidently. This group will ride most of the ride above 18 mph. Speeds may exceed 20-25 mph for longer portions of the ride.
You must be able to keep up with the group and understand that riders may get dropped from this ride if they are unable to maintain the group pace or safely ride in a Paceline.
Rides are generally 35-75 miles in length. Rides will be primarily flat. Paceline riding is the norm.
It is expected that riders in this group are able to maintain a consistent 18-22 mph on the flat when cycling alone and without a tailwind.
For the enjoyment of all riders in any of the groups, it is essential that each cyclist rides in the appropriate speed group.