Ride Format:
ABC's Thursday Night Fast Ride returns on April 4, 2024. As part of our Thursday night format we continue to focus on group etiquette, riding skills and safety, while riding at the advertised pace. The fast ride will be broken into the following 2 advertised paces of “fast” (A) and “moderate” (B). The 2 defined paces are:
The B group(s) will begin shortly after the A group(s) following the same route. As reference, the A ride attracts a collection of Category 2-5 racers. This doesn’t mean you have to race to participate in this ride. It is simply for perspective. Our routes typically include 2 climbs, averaging a total of around 1800 feet over 30 miles. Our ride lengths vary from 25 - 35 miles depending on the available evening daylight.
With 2 groups, we expect to attract riders with varying skills and abilities. As a cycling club, we want to focus on developing those skills. As our ride includes several riders who also race (or have raced), some will use the ride for conditioning. In the past, we have also had riders join race teams from our fast ride as they continued to advance in their abilities. We continue to promote both the A & B rides as “no drop” rides. With this being said, we know that an "A" and "B" group is often not enough to accommodate the riders who attend. To support “no drop”, the ride leaders will specify the re-grouping point or points prior to each ride. If it is clear that either the A ride or the B ride must be further divided, the ride leader will state this at the beginning of the ride or first regrouping point. We will try to maintain subgroups that will promote the group riding skills of those in attendance that day in the "no drop" format. Don’t be afraid to go with the faster subgroup. However, if you are caught in the middle, ease up your pace and fall back to the group behind you. Subgroups should check for other riders around them, particularly at the top of climbs and regroup by soft pedaling. No one will be left behind.
Routes are published in advance, but we encourage folks to join the club's groups.io site to stay current in case of any last minute information. We often need to change our plans or re-route due to construction projects. Please check the route each week for the latest information.
https://akronbicycleclub.groups.io/g/ABC/topics
Since routes are published in advance and we're in the information age, we do not provide maps to start the ride. Our routes have all been created using Ride with GPS. For those with GPS units, we encourage you to download the current link to your GPS unit. If you'd like a printed copy of the cue sheet, please access the information on-line ahead of the ride and find a printer. Alternatively, you can download the Ride with GPS app to your phone in case you need to pull up the route mid ride.
Our club policy is that all new riders get one "free" ride as a non-member. If you you have a good time and want to come back (of course we know you will!) you must join the club for our nominal annual fee before returning.
Skills & Safety:
As a cycling club, we want to promote the development of group riding etiquette, skills and safety. If you are new to group riding (or if you want a refresher), please review the following videos to better appreciate our focus. Ride leaders and other experienced riders will provide advice and instruction during rides to assist. Do not take this personally, as this is done for the safety of the group and development of group riding skills. Any observed unsafe riding will be addressed individually after the ride.
Depending on the size of the groups, participants in the Thursday ride should generally expect to ride 2 abreast in a paceline format i.e Double Paceline. Riding a double paceline reduces the length of the group making it easier for cars to pass (although many drivers may not think so). Please keep the 2 lines tight. If you have any questions or want to discuss group riding, please reach out to one of the ride leaders. Periodically, we may choose to focus on a particular skill as part of our ride (such as riding in a paceline). This will be included in the ride description for the week.
Each rider is expected to bring extra tubes, CO2, pump, multi-tool, etc. for any mechanicals you may encounter. Also, bring front and rear lights. These promote safety and alert drivers to our presence during all hours of the day.
For safety reasons and in accordance with our club's e-Bike policy, e-Bikes are not permitted on this ride.
As with all ABC rides:
- Always arrive at least 10 minutes before start time to allow for adequate check in time.
- All cyclists must wear bike helmets, obey all traffic laws, and no use of ear buds or cell phones while riding.
- Use of rear-view mirror, headlight, tail light and reflectors is highly recommended.
- ALL ABC Rides are for members only please join by clicking Join ABC.
Maps and Related GPS Files:
Akron Bicycle Club Ride With GPS Page
Videos:
Following are a handful of short videos (many from the Global Cycling Network - GCN) to provide examples of the etiquette, skills and safety we wish to promote. We encourage everyone to take a look at these videos when you get a chance.
How to Ride in a Group - Group Riding Etiquette
How to Climb in a Group
How to Descend in a Group
How to Draft Like a Pro
How to Communicate With Signals
How to Corner in a Bunch
How to Ride Like the Pros - Riding in a Double Paceline
5 Cycling Skills Every Rider Needs
How to Improve Your Bike Handling
Cycling Skills & Safety - RoadID Rules of the Road
How to Improve Your Balance on a Bike