Kalamazoo Bicycle Club

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Definitions

Ride Guide

Category Explanations

Ride DayDay of the week that the ride takes place
PaceRange in which a ride’s overall average MPH will stay. Actual riding speeds may be higher or lower for short periods of time, depending on the route terrain.
Type of RideThe type of riding in which the rider will be expected to participate.
Skill LevelThe minimum recommended cycling skill level for participation in the ride.

Mechanicals
Indicates who will be responsible for repairing any mechanical problems (flat tire, etc.) that occur on the ride. All riders are required to supply spare tubes and/or patch kits, parts, pumps, tools, etc. Ride leaders may supply knowledge and/or muscle (their own or a volunteer’s) to repair the problem.  But, riders should be prepared to repair any problem themselves.
Leader ResponsibilitiesAspects of the ride that the ride leader is in control of and responsible for adhering to.
Type of Group
The type of grouping that can be expected and should be adhered to during the ride.

Type of Ride

Social / RelaxedAn easy pace such that riders can converse and communicate easily while riding
Relaxed / Steady
A social, but fairly steady and taxing pace at which conversation is still fairly easy
Steady / TightA steady and taxing pace within an aerodynamic pack
Fast / Paceline
A steady, fast paced ride utilizing paceline drafting techniques for most of the ride
Very fast / PacelineA group-determined, fast-paced ride utilizing paceline drafting techniques as much as possible

Skill Level

BeginningGeneral riding skills required, group riding experience not necessary; ability to fix flat tires and having general mechanical skills are required.
Intermediate Proficient riding skills required, group riding experience preferred, mechanical skills preferred.
AdvancedAdvanced riding skills required, group riding experience required, mechanical skills required.

Mechanicals

Leader may helpRider provides tubes/patch kits and pump, leader provides knowledge and some muscle if necessary.
Rider’s responsibilityRider provides tubes/patch kits, pump, misc. tools; ride leader verifies rider is safe and capable.

Leader Responsibilities

DirectionsVerifies that riders know the route, supply maps if necessary.
GroupingKeeps the group together, adjusting the groups speed as needed to accommodate slower riders.
PaceKeeps the group within the posted average MPH range for the ride.
RearWatches the rear of the group, falling back with other riders that cannot maintain the group pace.
SafetyVerifies that all riders return safely to the starting point. Also verifies the safety of riders that fall off the pace of the group to rider in smaller groups or alone.

Grouping *

LooseRiders or groups of riders may become spread out. Maximum group “length” is about 100 meters/yards front to rear.
Small groupsRiders may form smaller groups that ride as one larger pack, but distanced from other groups.
SinglesRiders may ride separated from the main group and/or smaller groups, but at the same pace.
One groupAll riders ride as a pack. If a rider cannot maintain the pace, the group slows to accommodate the rider. All riders slow or stop for unsafe road conditions or mechanical problems until a decision can be made.
Major & Minor groupsMost riders will belong to a main (major) group. Riders may break off into smaller (minor) groups if necessary for pace or safety concerns. All riders in the immediate group slow or stop for unsafe road conditions or mechanical problems until a decision can be made.

* Ride leader responsibilities apply in conjunction with group responsibilities for all safety or mechanical situations.

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  • Home
  • Rides
    • Rides
    • Club Rides
    • KBC Ride Leader Responsibilities
    • Calendar
    • Ride Safety
    • Ride Route Maps
  • Events
    • Events
    • KalTour 2025, Sunday, June 29th
    • Ride Our Routes
    • Other Events
  • Members
    • Members
    • KBC Insurance Coverage
    • Ride with GPS
    • Newsletter
    • Volunteers
    • Time Trial Results
  • Resources
  • About KBC
    • About KBC
    • Club Officers
    • Grants and Awards
    • Community
    • KBC Timeline
    • History
  • Contact
  • Donate
    • Donate
  • Log In