How to read the ride descriptions: The rides are listed by date and time of departure. Next is the ‘ride rating’ given as A-E and 1-4. The letter primarily designates the pace for the ride while the number describes the terrain. Ride distance follows. The ride title should help outline the type of ride. The “Departs from” contains a map link for the starting location. The detailed description then follows. The ride host and contact information are listed for any questions. The word ‘map’ links to an online map. A gray sphere at the' start of the listing indicates the ride is weather cancellable. The ride leader will cancel online 2 hours prior to the ride start shown by the sphere turning red and a red line crossing through the ride title.

 

The Ride Ratings – See the FAQ for more detailed descriptions.

 

 

Rating	AVG Speed mph	Rest Stops	Leader Support	Leader Position
A	18+	Every 25-35 miles	Stop at leader’s discretion	Within group as desired
B	16-18	Every 20-30 miles	Stop at leader’s discretion	Within group as desired
C	14-16	Every 15-25 miles	Group stops. Leader helps with flats.	At rear of group at 14 mph
D	12-14	Every 15-20 miles	Group stops. Leader helps with flats.	At rear of group at 12 mph
E	< 12	Minimum once an hour	Group stops. Leader helps with flats.	At rear of group sweeping

 

Terrain Ratings:

The ride description can provide more details regarding the hills along the route but the number system is as follows:

1 – Flat (e.g. East farmlands, Great Northern Blvd)

2 – Flat to Rolling (e.g. Parmer Lane, MoPac Extension)

3 – Hill Country (e.g. Loop 360, 2244, Liberty Hill)

4 – Difficult (e.g. Courtyard, Jester Blvd)

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do I read the ride descriptions?

The rides are listed by date and time of departure. Next is the ‘ride rating’ given as A-E and 1-4. The letter primarily designates the pace for the ride while the number describes the terrain. Ride distance follows. The ride title should help outline the type of ride. The “Departs from” contains a map link for the starting location. The detailed description then follows. The ride host and contact information are listed for any questions. The word ‘map’ links to an online map. A gray sphere at the start of the listing indicates the ride is weather cancellable. The ride leader will cancel online 2 hours prior to the ride start shown by the sphere turning red and a red line crossing through the ride title.

 

What does the ride time mean?

It means departure time so you should be ready to roll at the time listed. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to be ready to ride on time. The ride leader will gather the group at the ride time.

 

Is there a pre-ride meeting?

Yes. The ride leader will hand out maps or cue sheets and briefly go over the ACA rules of the ride. Any important announcements, rest stop clarification or particular hazards will be covered at this time.

 

What are the basic ACA rules of the ride?

All riders must wear a helmet.

All riders will obey traffic laws including stopping at stop signs and red lights.

All riders will help maintain the group as a group.

All riders will have a fun time!

 

What about the ‘classic’ ACA rides?

These rides will continue to be offered as long as the ACA membership continues to support them. The classic format containing several distance options and no set speed works well for many members. As long as members continue volunteering to be ride starters and riders come out to ride, they will be available each weekend.

 

 

Why do the Hosted rides have ride ratings?

It’s a way to describe what the ride will be like. Having guidelines will help the group members match up with other similar riders. The group will ride together as a group so we need to have similar speed levels to accomplish that.

 

What does the pace rating mean?

This is the rolling speed average over the entire ride (this doesn’t include stops.) These are general guidelines, since the pace will vary with different terrain.

 

What do the hill ratings mean?

These are to give you an idea of what the terrain is like for the route using familiar landmarks. This should help you choose a ride that fits your capabilities in conjunction with the pace rating.

 

How do I know what pace I can maintain?

If you have a cycling computer you can check the average speed for several of your rides to see what range you typically fall into. For example, the C range is given as 14-16 mph average. Our experience tells us that this is a maintainable speed for most recreational cyclists with a bit of experience. Novice cyclists, relaxed cyclists or those just getting into exercising may find this pace a challenge. Race-oriented cyclists or those with a strong base of fitness from another sport would find the B pace of 16-18 a comfortable ride.

 

What if I don’t have a cycling computer?

You can time yourself on a known distance course like the Veloway taking into account how much exertion you were expending over that distance. For example, a comfortable three laps on the Veloway that took  37 minutes = 9.3 miles/ (37 minutes/60 minutes per hour) = 15 mph. Remember that this is a short test on a relatively flat course so you would want to maintain that average pace over the longer length of a ride.

 

What if I’m not sure I can maintain the published pace?

You have a couple of options. The recommended first option is to choose a slower paced ride until you are ready to face a potential challenge.

 

The second option is to be prepared to ride alone off the back of the group, using the map or cue sheet provided by the host. This allows the ride leader to keep the group moving together at the minimum pace listed in the ride schedule. Choose the second option wisely – only picking routes that you are comfortable riding alone.

 

What if the group is moving to slow for me?

You have a couple of options. The first option is to relax and enjoy riding with some folks that you normally wouldn’t have the chance to ride with.

 

The second option is to inform the host that you will be leaving and ride off the front of the group. We ask that faster riders not push the pace up beyond what the leader has set – make a clean break from the group. This will allow the riders fully meeting the minimum requirements to enjoy the ride without fear of being dropped by the group.  

 

What about rest/store stops?

Rest stops are required somewhere between 1 hour and 1.5 hours for all rides. In extreme heat, the stops will be more frequent as needed by the group. Stops will typically be at a location where drinks/snacks will be available for purchase. Any routes that don’t have accessible water supplies will be disclosed in the ride listing and at the pre-ride briefing. For example, the route to Johnson City does not have a stop until the turnaround point.

 

What do the Ride Leader Support levels mean?

ACA asks that you have all the necessary supplies to change a flat with you on all rides but with some of the ride ratings the leader will help change the flat as needed. Ratings C-E all have the group stop when someone has a mechanical issue. The host will help, to the limit of their knowledge – don’t expect a pro bike mechanic but the ride leaders have been trained to change a flat and take care of some of the most common mechanical issues. 

 

The A and B ratings allow the ride leader to decide the policy on the group stopping for mechanicals. A no-stop policy will be disclosed in the ride listing and again in the pre-ride briefing. This is to give some flexibility for the ride leader since these pace ratings imply more experience on the bike. Some of these rides will be designed as strenuous training rides on known routes in populated areas, so other riders would prefer to complete the course, confident that all riders are self-sufficient. Other routes would dictate that either the entire group stop or the group split into two with some staying behind with the mechanical. 

 

What does the Leader Position description mean?

This indicates the level of ‘sweep’ the ride leader will provide. As the pace ratings increase, the level of ride leader sweep decreases. This reflects that the faster pace ratings imply more experience.

 

For A and B ratings, the ride leader is free to ride anywhere within the group so they are not necessarily riding the actual sweep position. The group will not drop riders maintaining the minimum pace.

 

For the E rides, the ride leader will sweep at the back of the group. For some of these rides, there may be 2 ride leaders – one for the front of the group and the other for the back – expect this for the rides published as ‘family friendly.’ This makes sure that everyone is taken care of.

 

For C and D rides, the ride leader will be riding sweep at the minimum published pace. This ensures that all riders meeting the minimum pace requirements are kept within the group. This makes clear who is riding in the sweep position for the ride. The ride leader is still the host for the ride so the group will accommodate the minimum pace.

 

How come I can still get dropped on a hosted ride?

The idea is to match up riders of similar paces so everyone can enjoy their ride. Schedules are busy these days and many riders only have limited timeframes to get out on their bikes. It is not respectful of your fellow club members to show up for a ride beyond your capabilities and expect the group to compromise the published ride. (Unforeseen mechanical issues and medical emergencies during the ride do not fall into this category.)

 

What if I never see rides that fit for my level and schedule?

We are glad you asked! Sign up for the next Ride Leader Training class and start hosting rides that you’d like to see on the schedule. Chances are that you have some kindred spirits just waiting to ride with you.

 

What are the requirements to be a Ride Leader?

First and foremost, be a cyclist wanting to meet other cyclists. As a ride leader, you do not have to be a racer, fast, or a bike expert, just be someone who wants to share a love for cycling.

 

Second, be an ACA member.

 

Third, take the Ride Leader Training Class.

 

What is covered in the Ride Leader Training Class?

The training class will provide ride leaders with all the tools they will need to feel confident hosting rides. The day starts with learning bike safety – aka vehicular cycling – driving your bike as a legal vehicle on the road. Group riding has its own rules and etiquette, so that is next on the agenda. Followed by a demonstration of the quick fixes for some minor mechanical problems, creating some sample routes (trying out a couple of software mapping options), plus brainstorming some ideas for themed rides. The day is finished up with the online ride submission process.

 

What are the annual contests?

We’ll be having some contests at the ACA annual meeting (and party.) We are working to find a way for riders to submit their mileage to be tracked and submit votes for more creative categories. More info will come as that is developed.