Barrie Cycling Club

In an effort to help members better assess the level of difficulty, effort and skill required for participation in each club activity, specific names were created. Events listed in the event calendar will now reflect this rating system:

Road

Casual/Touring

Moderate touring pace (22-28 km/hr average speed) rides with a ride leader and sometimes a sweep. Tourist rides vary in distances, but are generally 40-80km per day on routes with a variety of terrain; from flat to usually mild climbs. Occasional stops to allow riders to catch up, with generous opportunities as well for pictures, and food/drink to keep these rides a social event. Riders should to be able to make basic bicycle repairs, but others with more experience should also be willing to help.

Moderate Effort

Slightly faster pace (28-31 km/hr average speed) and/or longer distances and/or challenging terrain Rides for (but not limited to) more experienced cyclists who want to stretch their legs, so to speak. These rides have a ride leader/organizer, but usually no sweep. Routes may be flexible and vary in distance, and up to 160 km per day. It’s highly recommended that each participant should be self-sufficient, as rides can be longer in distance.

High Pace/Training

These rides are fast paced (average speed 31+ km/hr) and can be over longer distances. Typically for riders who train/race, and riders looking to experience higher paced rides. There is an emphasis of fitness and endurance. Rides are organized, but you may get dropped. High Pace/Training rides are for cyclists who want a challenge, like sprints and bigger climbs etc. Each participant must be self-sufficient.

Note:The above ratings are primarily for road cycling. For MTB rides/tours, distance and terrain are the most important factors determining difficulty rating. For all tours, cyclists are encouraged to contact the ride-leader for more details on a particular ride/tour.

MTB

Recreational/Beginner

Moderate pace rides with a ride leader and sometimes a sweep. Ride will vary in distance/time. Occasional stops for pictures and eating make these rides a social event. Terrain will be moderate avoiding serious off-road terrain. Riders should be able to make basic bicycle repairs, carry a spare tube and tools and water/food.

Aggressive

Rides will be faster pace, with fewer stops, longer distances or times and more challenging terrain. For more experienced cyclists/weekend warrior type who like the rough stuff and are not afraid of getting hurt. These rides have a ride organizer, but usually no sweep. Each participant should be self-sufficient.

High Pace/Training

These rides could be fast or slow, depending on there nature of the trail and proximity to event day (like an upcoming race). They could be a race course pre-ride with stops to examine the course or a course pre-ride with a ramp up on lap times, or a higher paced ride concentrating more on a combination of speed, fitness and technical ability. Rides are organized, but you may get dropped. These rides are for cyclists who want gain experience and benefit from others opinions evaluating a race course, training tips, technical riding tips etc. Each participant must be self-sufficient.