Purpose: ERTC-Lite bridges the gap between introductory riders and racers by provided a place for new riders to grow, improve fitness and skills in a low pressure atmosphere. ERTC-Lite creates inclusive group riding experiences for new and non-competitive riders with a focus on creating confident, comfortable, safe group riders.  

Goal: To offer ride options that are ‘lite-er’ than regular ERTC rides in distance and speed, with a goal of increasing fitness, speed, distance, and rider skill throughout the season. For many, the goal is also to progress to full ERTC rides, however this is not a requirement.

Who is ERTC-Lite designed for?: New riders, riders newer to group riding, new ERTC members looking for a stepping-stone between the Learn to Ride series and full ERTC rides, tenured club members looking for a more relaxed option (recovery ride), riders training for Gran Fondo type events as opposed to races, women looking for similar ride options to the Monday Women’s ride.

Ride Options:

  • ERTC Hills-Lite: Same as the usual ERTC Thursday Hills ride, but we will ride as a seperate group leaving shortly after the main group. The goal is a cohesive relaxed pace between hills, and a similar route/workout while offering the ability to challenge yourself with other riders similar in speed/ability on the hills.

  • Weekend endurance rides: Will begin at 50km and approx 25km/hr and slowly increase throughout the season, with a goal of reaching approximately 120 km with increased average speed. The actual progression will be based on the group.

  • Women of ERTC Rides: ERTC-Lite is an expansion of the WoERTC in that it has a similar purpose, goal, and target rider group - without the gender distinction. Both groups will partner together to ensure there are numerous ride options that work towards the same goal - rider development

  • All rides have mandatory re-groups and are no-drop, so feel free to shout out if you’re having trouble keeping with the pace. Our goal is to ride in a proper paceline without leaving anyone behind.

Schedule:

  • Learn to Group Ride Series: A series of 4 2 hour clinics showing you basic drills and group riding skills. Start date depends on weather but generally is Tuesdays, late April or early May.

  • ERTC-Lite Season Opener: You’ll get an email when this starts. Joining Strava is your best bet.

  • ERTC-Lite Hills: You’ll get an email when this starts. Joining Strava is your best bet.

  • For more information be sure to follow ERTC on Strava. All Lite rides will be posted there

Support/Questions:

  • ERTC-Lite is supported both by tenured riders and racers who are passionate about rider development and growing the love for cycling in Edmonton. 

  • If you have any questions specifically about the ERTC-Lite group, please email ertclite@ertc.org.