Wondering how fast the rides are?
You will notice that on the Strava ride description that there will be some descriptors. They are listed below and serve as a target for our ride leaders. It’s important to note that these are guidelines and pace changes might happen if the group agrees to it. Looking for what kinds of rides we offer? Check them out here.
If there are multiple leaders on the same ride, splitting into sub-groups may be possible if there are enough people of varying abilities, however you shouldn’t expect this to happen every time. The leader (and thus the official ride designation, with guaranteed routing and insurance) will always remain with the more moderately paced group.
We rely on a self-assessment of your fitness and skills before coming to our longer rides. If you are unsure if a ride would be right for you, ask your ride leader or email us and we will be able to guide you in the right direction! Unsure how you stack up or want to improve? Our hills and intervals rides are for everyone!
What does no-drop mean to ertc?
A no-drop ride to ERTC does not necessarily mean that the entire group will wait for you, however this does mean you will not be left out there alone on a ride (unless you want to be). This means:
If you meet the self-assessed minimum expectations of the ride, then we will endeavour to keep you in the group. Miss a clip in? Didn't hit the light? Fumbled your nutrition? Mechanical issue? No problem, we'll slow down or stop if needed.
If you are really having a bad day, or suffer an injury or major mechanical, then the ride leader will ask you how you are doing. If you can't continue, then you will be given the option of an escort home (by someone on the ride, or the ride leader) or your emergency contact will be called, and someone will be with you until someone arrives for you.
The minimum expectations of the rides will be below, on the strava description, and stated at the beginning of the ride. This will be your chance to make your self-assessment prior to rolling out.
The importance of drafting
If you are meeting the minimum “on your own” requirements but the “group cruising speeds” seem daunting, we encourage you to come to our skill nights, interval nights, or a lite ride to practice on your drafting skills, as it is the primary reason why we can achieve higher group cruising speeds. Our “on your own” speeds correlate to the approximate amount of effort you should be exerting while you are in the group.
In order to get an effective draft, you are within 2 bike lengths, with less than 1 bike length being optimal.
If you are struggling you are not expected to take long pulls (or any at all). Instead, focus your energy on finding and keeping the proper place to position yourself for a good draft.
Less experienced group riders who are contributing to a poorer drafting situation for everyone (half wheeling, leaving a big gap, coasting on a downhill) may get constructive feedback from more experienced riders / leaders on the ride. We hope that this can contribute to your success!
Without further ado, our ride pace descriptions!
Social
Riders should be able to ride at a sustainable 22 km/h on their own, on flat ground, in still conditions, to find success on this ride.
Group cruising speed of approximately 25 km/h on flat terrain.
These rides are meant to be the most undemanding pace within ERTC and meant for rides with a specific goal (ie. Treats Rides)
This is a no-drop ride.
Free Ride (Hills/Intervals):
These rides are usually structured as self - contained workouts, allowing a variety of rider abilities to attend. Use these rides to level up your fitness and skills.
Riders are free to ride at whatever pace is appropriate for them in the time available. These rides will have a regroup prior to moving on to the next segment/drill.
Sections between hills or intervals will be “Casual” paced unless taking place during “Tempo” rides.
This is a no-drop ride.
Casual
Riders should be able to ride at a sustainable 26 km/h on their own, on flat ground, in still conditions, to find success on this ride.
Group cruising speed of approximately 25-30 km/h on flat terrain.
Riders are encouraged to know the route but this is not required.
Riders who feel in between ride paces should consider attending the slower paced ride and spending more time pulling, or attend the Free Rides to work on their skills or fitness.
Ride may include Free Ride segments where riders are free to ride at whatever pace is appropriate for them in the time available. These rides will have a regroup prior to moving on to the next part of the ride.
This is a no-drop ride.
Tempo
Riders should be able to ride at a sustainable 29 km/h on their own, on flat ground, in still conditions, to find success on this ride.
Group cruising speed of approximately 29-36 km/h on flat terrain.
The group will have regular designated regroup points and the ride leader will ensure that everyone is at each regroup point before continuing.
Riders are encouraged to know the route but this is not required.
Riders who feel in between ride paces should consider attending the slower paced ride and spending more time pulling, or attend the Free Rides to work on their skills or fitness.
As this is oriented towards training, it is not the most ideal place to practice drafting, and some proficiency with group riding and drafting is expected. Our interval nights and Lite rides are the perfect place to gain confidence in this area.
Ride may include Free Ride segments where riders are free to ride at whatever pace is appropriate for them within the designated distance. These rides will have a regroup prior to moving on to the next part of the ride.
This is a no-drop ride.
Race Pace
Riders should be able to ride at a sustainable 33 km/h on their own, on flat ground, in still conditions, to find success on this ride.
Group cruising speed of approximately 35-40 km/h on flat terrain.
The group will have infrequent designated regroup points with no guarantee of stops at gas stations etc.
Riders must know the route and be self sufficient.
Experience with group riding and drafting is required.
Riders who feel in between ride paces should consider attending the slower paced ride and spending more time pulling, or attend the Free Rides to work on their skills or fitness.
This is a drop ride.