Sussex Cyclists - Group Ride Speed/Distance Categories

Group Ride Speed / Distance Categories

Ride leaders are responsible for setting the category as part of the posting of their ride, and adhering to that category during the ride.

Ride participants are responsible for understanding the category and being able to meet the speed and distance requirements associated with the category of ride they are on. If in doubt whether a group ride is appropriate for you, join an easier ride or one that is posted as a mixed category ride (e.g. "D/E", "C/C+"). The ride speed is the average Rolling (Moving) Speed ("ARS) of the ride. Wind / Hill (only for some Out-of-Area Rides- not applicable for most rides in the Lower Eastern Shore) conditions can allow for slightly higher or lower speeds as the ride progresses. The no-drop and ride as a group policies of the club take precedence over speed considerations.

Ride Speed Categories as of 11/13/2020 Updated 10/22/21

Category	Title	Average Rolling Speed	Average Ride Length (Rest Stops)	Pace, Planned Stops, Drop Policy
F	Group Riding Skills	8 to 10 mph ARS	Less than 20 miles (Frequent rest stops, typically every 5 miles)	ARS may vary depending on terrain, wind, traffic, and ability of riders.. No Drops
E	Casual	10 to 12 mph ARS	Less than 25 miles (Frequent rest stops, typically every 5 to 10 miles)	Cruising speeds may reach 14 mph for short periods. Rest stops every 5 to 10 miles. No Drops
D (D+)	Easy Touring	12 to 14 mph ARS	Length varies, typically 20 to 30 miles (Rest stops every 10 to 15 miles)	Cruising speeds may reach 16 mph for short periods. (D+ at higher end of Speed and/or Distance) # No Drops
C (C+)	Touring / #	14 to 16 mph ARS	Length varies, typically more than 30 miles (Rest stops every 10 to 15 miles)	Cruising speeds may reach 18 mph for short periods. (C+ at higher end of Speed range and/or greater Distance) # No Drops
B (B+)	Fast Touring / # Training	16 to 20 mph ARS	Length varies, typically more than 35 miles (Rest stops every 15 to 20 miles)	Cruising speed (# Pace Lines) may reach 20-22 mph. (B+ at higher end of Speed range and/or greater Distance) No Drops
A	Fast Training	20+ mph ARS	Length varies, typically more than 40 miles (Rest stops every 20 to 25 miles)	Pace Lines approach 22 mph but may top 24 mph for short intervals

NOTE:
“+” Rides will be at the higher end of the Average Rolling Speed (ARS) range and/or greater Distance than typical.

At Ride Leaders’ discretion, the group may be split to ride at different Speeds and/or Distances before ride start or at rest stop, but Ride Leader will ride with “posted” Category and will designate a Ride Leader for the alternate group (e.g. a “C” ride is posted but the Ride Leader can designate at ride start or at rest stop an alternative Ride Leader who would lead a “C+” or "D" speed category group)

“#” Group MAY ride as a Pace Line SOLELY at Ride Leader’s discretion, with sensitivity to riders’ skills, familiarity with other riders in group and road/weather conditions. Front rider intervals for "pulling", distance between wheels, etc. will be reviewed during pre-ride briefing.

Sussex Cyclists. - PO Box 204. -- Rehoboth Beach, DE. 19971.
"Sussex Cyclists, Inc." is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.