| Are you new to
WCBC and in the process of deciding which ride would be a good first one
for you? For someone that has never been on a club ride, selecting your
first ride from the schedule can be intimidating. We were all at that
point when we first started riding with the club, so each of us can empathize
with you. Here are a few pointers and explanations that can help you with
your selection.
A good strategy is to pick a ride you can complete comfortably. Choose
a ride with a combination of pace, terrain, and mileage that is easier
than you are used to. This will enable you to meet other riders and acclimate
to riding with a new group without the stress of struggling to keep up.
Many bike clubs categorize their rides as A, B, C, and D. While we have
a similar range of rides suitable for race training to novice riders,
we prefer to let the Ride Descriptions tell the story of what to expect
on a particular ride. (Note: a few Ride Descriptions contain letter ratings
due to multiple club listings) You may notice references to “Family
Friendly” or “Fit & Fun” rides. Family Friendly
and Fit & Fun rides are a good place to start for riders with less
experience or those wishing to ride at a more relaxed pace over less challenging
terrain. While our goal is for each rider to be self sufficient on all
club rides, Ride Leaders leading Family Friendly or Fit & Fun rides
are prepared to help you by offering more frequent stops, riding tips,
and assistance with basic repairs, such as a flat tire, if needed.
Each Ride Description will contain information on the start time, location,
pace, terrain, mileage, and a way to contact the Ride Leader. Many will
offer information on planned stops. Some will even contain details about
special equipment needed (lights for night rides) or suggested gearing.
Most of our listings are for road rides. Some of our rides are on trail
systems suitable for mountain bikes, while others take place on paved
and unpaved multi-use trails. It will be noted in the Ride Description
if you will need a mode of transportation other than a road bike. Conversely,
Family Friendly Rides can be ridden on road bikes, mountain bikes, kid’s
bikes, or tandems. Towing a trail-a-bike or trailer is also suitable on
some Family Friendly Rides.
You should arrive at the starting point at least 15 minutes before the
start time in order to sign-in and take care of any last minute necessities.
We intend the start time to be the actual time we “push off”
to begin a ride. The pace of the ride is a rolling average, the same as
measured by a typical auto stop cycle computer. Ride Leaders will strive
to finish the ride within the advertised pace range. This may mean going
slower or faster at certain points in the ride, such as slower into a
headwind or faster with a tailwind. Terrain is described as flat, rolling,
hilly, very hilly, or some combination as appropriate. Mileage refers
to the expected total distance of the ride.
Most Ride Leaders provide cue sheets and/or maps for their rides, although
they are not a requirement. Some Ride Leaders share routes electronically
and may include GPS mapping. Another category, “Show & Go”
rides, are typically weekly rides that follow repetitive routes, are lead
by a single or variety of leaders, and seldom include a cue sheet. Show
& Go rides are generally a poor choice for first time club rides due
to a relative lack of back up with regard to route directions.
If you start conservatively and find the rides less challenging than you’d
like, please select rides that are incrementally more demanding. Ride
Leaders and experienced club members can offer helpful advise to assist
you in your selection process. We’re confident that most riders
will enjoy our rides if they choose carefully.
All riders should carry emergency contact information, fluids and food
as necessary, a multi-tool for basic adjustments or repairs, and equipment
to fix a flat tire. Helmet use is required on all WCBC rides.
WCBC welcomes non-members to try our rides. Over the years we have had
the privilege of sharing riding experiences with members of other bike
clubs, exchange students, professionals in the area on temporary assignment,
and a variety of other visitors. If you enjoy riding with us, we welcome
you for the duration of your temporary stay. Non-members living in our
service area should limit themselves to three trial rides in order to
assess interest in WCBC. Membership is inexpensive, gives you unlimited
access to club rides, grants you voting privileges, provides you with
secondary insurance, furnishes you with a Tailwind subscription, our club
newsletter, and more.
We want to encourage cyclists to ride with WCBC. If you have any questions,
please contact us. We hope to see you on your bike.
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