What's "No-Drop?"  A no-drop ride means no one is left behind. Our rides are "no drop" provided you meet that ride's expected pace and duration. For a B ride, for instance, rolls at 17–18 mph for about 55 miles. Please note your ride's description before showing up. Slower rides often, but not always, have a "sweeper" to pace slower riders back to the group. Faster rides instead typically regroup at muster points en route. Flat tire? Don't rely on others to have equipment for your repair. We wait for minor mechanicals, but the group may choose to move on if repairs take longer than 10 minutes.

First club ride?  Unsure what your own pace and endurance are? Make prior arrangement with a ride buddy to stick together if you need to leave the group. Or, before the ride, load the route on your bike computer so you can retrace your path home from any point. The best strategy is to be conservative. Choose a group easier and shorter than you think you can ultimately handle. 

Are these speeds exact?  No. An advertised "18 mph" means "an effort level of 18 mph if there were no wind." The pace should fall in a headwind or rise with a tailwind. What doesn't shift is an all for one, one for all ethos.

Group A
Cruising speed: 20–22 mph with some stretches above 22 mph
Average speed: 19 mph
Cyclists prepping for road or criterium races rely on very fast, "attacking" group rides for training. This is not that ride. While faster than group B, the goal is fast but steady. Like in a team time trial, the hope is to bring everyone home—not to splinter the group with green-light sprints or hero pulls. Experience with pack riding and paceline rotation is a prerequisite. However, we welcome the fit rider with limited experience who wants to test themselves. Observe the remarks, "Keep a Consistent Speed," under Road Etiquette.

Group B
Cruising speed: 17–18 mph with occasional faster stretches
Average speed: 16 mph
We ride for fun as well as fitness. Group riding experience is recommended but not necessary. Group B is perfect for cyclists who aren’t ready or interested in the high speeds and pressure of Group A. Leaders will make sure the advertised pace is kept; the group generally waits for those falling off the back. Others should assist in controlling the pace. While this group suits advanced riders who want a slower ride due to fatigue, we caution such "A" riders to not speed things up if your energy returns mid-ride. Respect the vibe!

Group C
Cruising speed: 15–16 mph
Average speed: 13–14 mph
This newer weekend group has a later start time and shorter distance than the A/B folks. No group riding experience needed! On most days, we'll have a formal leader and sweeper, too. Tired of solo treks on the North Branch Trail? We want your awesome self!