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A group for experienced pace-line riders that due to age or fitness are not comfortable, or capable of, riding with faster pace-line groups. Group speed will generally range between 17 and 21 mph.
The group uses pace lines to maintain higher speeds (single and double pace lines; we do not use rotating pace lines). 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.
When there is not much wind and the terrain is flat, we'll travel at 18-20 mph. Wind and hills slow us down, tailwinds speed us up.
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. (Stronger riders might join us with a gravel or mountain bike to provide a handicap.)
Please plan to arrive at the start location at the posted meet time. At five to 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 5 minutes after the meet time.
Please RSVP for Cruiser rides. We do a last check of the RSVPs about a half hour before the meet time. We will start the briefing and depart when all RSVPed riders are present and ready to ride.
If you have RSVPed and are delayed en route to the ride, text the ride leader (link in the ride announcement). We will wait up to 15 minutes after meet time. If you have RSVPed and will not be able to make the ride, please remove your RSVP (same procedure as establishing it) at least an hour before the ride meet time.
We expect all riders to have completed their COVID-19 vaccination shots.
Those of us in the core group of the Cruisers are in our 70's. We pride ourselves at being in top shape and being able to ride at a high level. We welcome younger riders to join us whose fitness profile is a good fit for our rides; we have a number of semi-regulars who do this.
If you are a highly fit younger rider who would like to try out our rides, please be aware that we are in our 70's, and riders a quarter to half century younger can easily outperform our comfort level. We ask that you ride on the back until you can judge what the pace of the ride is, and then when you take a pull respect that pace. Do not expect to get a workout at a Glider or A Rider level on our rides. While we clearly are not wimps, we do have our limits. |
The numbers below each group name are the typical cruising speeds of the group. Most groups will pick up speed at the end of a ride, and average speeds are generally on the lower end of the range presented.
A gray backgound denotes a tentative ride that has not been confirmed.
A yellow background denotes a group that you are a member of.
Current as of Monday, December 15, 5:18 am.
| Group | Mon, Dec 15 | Tue, Dec 16 | Wed, Dec 17 | Thur, Dec 18 | Fri, Dec 19 | Sat, Dec 20 | Sun, Dec 21 |
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Cruisers
17-21 |
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| Group | Mon, Dec 15 | Tue, Dec 16 | Wed, Dec 17 | Thur, Dec 18 | Fri, Dec 19 | Sat, Dec 20 | Sun, Dec 21 |
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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.
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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