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Gliders Riding Group

Glider word

Group Captain: George Bowen

Group Speed: 20-24
Group Distance: 30-70

Ride Leaders

  Steve Grosteffon
  Dirk Hunt
  Gary Knowland
  Bill Marsh
  Robert Ries
  Ryan Saylor
  Mark Szymanski
  Caroline Worrall

June 21, 2014, Glider Ride

The Gliders are a group that strives to maintain high training speeds over moderate distances and maintain the integrity of the group. The average speed of our Saturday rides generally will fall between 19 and 21 mph, which means our cruising speed will range between 19 and 24 mph. Rides will normally be around 60 miles, but can range between 27 and 75. We will usually stop at a store about half way through rides of over 50 miles.

The group uses pace lines to maintain higher speeds (single and double pace lines; we do not use rotating pace lines or echelons). The group rides at a consistent pace and will adjust its speed (within limits) to keep everyone together. These are group rides; you should be prepared to stop if someone has a mechanical problem. We will stop briefly to regroup if the group is broken up by traffic conditions, stop lights, or big hills.

To participate, you must agree to the safety pledge, wear a helmet, be able to change a flat tire, and have a capable road bike. You should have some experience in group riding, but we will work with you if you do not.

At ten minutes after the posted meet time, we hold a briefing to talk about the route, go over our riding techniques, and to introduce each of the riders on the ride.  Please conclude your conversations before the briefing, and make sure that you are present and ready to ride at 10 after meet time.  Persons not present at the briefing are not considered to be riding with us.

To stay with the ride, you must be capable of staying in a pace line moving at 20+ mph for three to four hours. If you find that you cannot maintain the pace, you should let another group member know that you are going to drop off. If you do not know where you are and anticipate dropping, ask someone how to get home before its too late!

The pace will be slower when:

  • We go up hills

  • There is a strong headwind


The pace will be faster when:
  • We are going down a hill

  • There is a tailwind

  • All members of the group agree to go faster

  • During the last segment of the ride


During the last segment of a ride, stronger group members may accelerate to maintain a higher speed into the finish. If you do not want to go at the faster pace, do not do so. The last segment starts at the following locations:

North
  • US 441 at Hague

  • Millhopper Road at CR 241

  • foot of Interstate Hill on NW 39th Ave

  • NW 53rd Ave at Main Street

  • NW 34th St at the Highway Patrol station

South
  • Rocky Point Road at US 441

  • SR 121 at Short Wacahoota Road

  • Williston Road at Gainesville/Hawthorne Trail


When we find that we have numbers approaching 20 riders, the Gliders will split into two or more groups at the start, and ride with a gap of several minutes between the groups. When you see there is a large group, think about whether you want to go with the "Push Line" or the "Cruise Line."  The ideal size of a group is 6 to 12 riders; fewer than six will degrade the speed that can be maintained, more than 12 starts to get us into the problems associated with larger groups.

We may adjust our normal starting times in cold weather conditions as follows:

Morning low below 40: ride start at 1 pm
Morning low 40-44: ride start at 10 am
Morning low 45-49: ride start may be delayed
Morning low 50+: ride start at normal time

This group does not currently have any rides on the schedule.

When you join the group (in the Members Area) you will be able to elect to receive instant email notifications of group ride postings.

2017 Spring Brownie Ride to Mosswood

When you join this group, you will be asked to agree to the following:

I will ride in a straight line at a constant speed whenever possible.

I will call out hazards at road crossings, such as "Car Right" or "Car Left." I will not add potential confusion by calling out "Clear."

I will not allow my front wheel to overlap the rear wheel of the rider in front of me.

I will maintain a following distance of at least one foot to the rider in front of me, and no more than four feet.

I will maintain my place in the pace line; I will not leave gaps nor pull out of the line until I reach the front.

In a double pace line, I will cooperate with the rider next to me to ensure that our handlebars are even.

When yielding the lead from a pace line, I will signal and move clear of the line BEFORE slowing down. Why?

I will never ride more than two abreast.

I will call out to riders I am about to pass: "On Your Left," or "Good Morning." I will never pass on the right, except when the rider is yielding the lead from a pace line. When I pass, I will leave a three foot gap between us (as required by Florida law).

I will point out obstacles and hazards to following riders, and when possible steer the line around them.

If I stop for any reason, I will get completely off the road.

I will wear my helmet at all times while on my bike.

Group membership is open to all Gainesville Cycling Club members. To join, sign in to the Members Area, go to the Ride page, and click on "Join A Group" just under the "Group Membership" heading.

  
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