Notice Board - Ride Grading System

05-Apr-22

Ian Davies, Sec and Rides Coordinator. 07813856969 [email protected]

Ride Grading System

Following our recent AGM, we are currently trialling a new ride grading system.

The new system assumes that a “ride” is made up of two components—the “route” and the “pace”.

A “route” is made up of fixed elements, including the places it goes to, the distance, surface—busy urban roads, quiet country lanes, cycle paths, etc—the total amount of climbing and the steepness of the longer or more difficult climbs. We have graded the routes 1 - 5 according to their difficulty.

The “pace” simply refers to how fast we will go—the average speed at which a particular “route” will be ridden, and how often we stop to regroup and recover at the top of climbs. We have graded the anticipated paces from A - E+, with each one a little faster and having fewer stops.

A “ride” then, is made up of a particular route (Grade 1 - 5) and the pace at which it will be ridden (A - E+).

It is hoped that by trialling a system which gives members more information about the planned rides – the Grade of the Route and the anticipated Pace, we will be open up a wider range of exciting rides in our monthly rides programme.

Your feedback is welcome based on your experience with this new system – this will help us refine it.

Pace

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A. Easy Touring: anticipated pace of about at 8-10 mph (13-16 kph) on a flat route, with stops as required.

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B.  Touring: anticipated pace of about 10-11 mph, (16-18 kph) with stops as required to regroup at top of climbs.

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C.  Touring Plus: anticipated pace of about 11-12 mph (18-19.5 kph) with stops as required to regroup & refresh at top of climbs.

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D.  Fast Touring: anticipated pace of about 12-13 mph (19.5-21 kph) with fewer stops to regroup & refresh at top of climbs.

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E.  Intermediate: anticipated pace of about 13-14 mph (21-22.5 kph) with fewer stops.

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E+. Sportive - anticipated pace of at least 14-16+ mph ( 22.5-26+ kph)

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Route

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Grade - Terrain

1.  Generally flat with a couple of easy climbs, up to a max of 800 feet (250m), over a distance of 20-30 miles (32-48km).

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2.  More undulating, with climbing in the range of 800-2200 feet (250-660m), over a distance 24-40 miles (38-64km).

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3.  Partly hilly, some longer climbs, up to 10% (1 in 10), total climbing between 2000- 4000 feet (610-1200m), over a distance of 40-60 miles (64-96km).

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4.  Hilly route, some hills steeper than 10% (1 in 10), total climbing between 4000-5900 feet (1200-1800m), over a distance of 40-60 miles, (64-96km).

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5.  Longer hilly route, some hills steeper than 10% (1 in 10), climbing between 5500-7200 + feet (1700-2200m), over a distance of 60-100+ miles (90-160+km).

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