Western Jersey Wheelmen - Ride Categories
Looking for a ride suited for you? Each WJW sponsored ride is categorized by difficulty, based on distance, terrain, and average speed. Ride leaders are expected set the correct pace for the ride's category. Note that these are general guides and with favorable or unfavorable terrain and conditions, the paces may be slightly higher of lower. Riders should contact the ride leader to see if their abilities fit the ride. If you have not ridden with a particular leader before, checking is a particulary good idea.
We can always use
more ride leaders. Please
do not hesitate to sign up for the next schedule. It's
your pace, your route, and your
ride.
Ride Leaders should
ensure they lead the pace within the range for the category they sign
up for.
The
following are WJW ride categories:
A
16+ average MPH. These are fast
challenging rides that focus on a hard workout for the rider.
Expect hilly terrain, infrequent rest stops
(if at all), pelotons and pacelines.
B
14-16 average MPH. These
are moderately
fast rides over a variety of terrain, including hills.
More times than not, there will be a rest
stop near the halfway point. No
riders
are dropped.
C
12-14 average MPH. These
are slower
paced rides over a variety of terrain, seeking a flatter route, with
some
hills, given our territory. Riders
should have some riding experience.
Rest
stops are expected. No
riders are
dropped.
D
<12 average MPH. Short
in miles, slow
in pace, social in nature. Any
mileage
under 20 miles. No
riders are dropped.
OR
A/B/C/D Off road
A, B, C
and D rides are for those mountain bikes and hybrids that were made for
just
these types of rides; single track or rails to trails, towpaths, rocks,
roots,
and jumps. The level or conditions of the trail determines the pace and
difficulty of the ride. You should call the ride leader for the details
and
conditions for riding.
This
indicator (+) following a letter designation indicates a ride at the
upper
limits of the category in terms pace, terrain or distance. This
indicator (-) following a letter designation indicates a ride at the
lower
limits of the category in terms of pace, terrain or distance.
Riders
on a ride that is too slow for them should stay well behind
the leader and not push the pace. Or, after letting the
leader know, they can drop from the ride to go at their own pace.