The Club offers four levels of road bike rides as listed below: These are designed to offer club members of widely differing capabilities the opportunity to enjoy group road bike riding in our beautiful Park City and its environs.

• A level Ride: For fit cyclists. Average pace between 15.0 and 17.0+ MPH with a distance between 35 to 50 miles or more. Long climbs are routine.  Generally, one rest stop. Leader rides at listed pace.  Slower riders may be dropped.
• B level Ride: For accomplished cyclists.  Average pace between 13.0 and 15.0 MPH with a distance between 20 to 35 miles.  Some climbing depending on the route.  Up to 15 miles between rest stops. Leader shall sweep at no slower than 13 MPH.  No riders will be dropped.
• C level Ride: For experienced cyclists who want an easier pace. Average pace between 10.0 to 12.0 MPH with a distance between 15 to 25 miles.  Some rolling hills with no steep climbs.  Rest stops as needed. No riders will be dropped.
• Leisurely Ride: For members who want to ride at an easy, comfortable pace with gentle climbs and a distance not to exceed 5 to 10 miles.  The expected pace is 4 to 6 mph, but we will determine the pace during the ride to accommodate the slowest rider.  In an effort to minimize road / traffic, these rides will maximize use of cycle paths.  Rest stops as needed. No riders will be dropped.

In addition, rides may be designated as +/- if they fall between the above categories.  For example, a 40-mile ride at a B pace or a 30 mile ride with more climbing than is the norm for a B ride, may be designated at B+

It is very important each individual rider understand their proficiency in bike riding as well as their ability to ride at the A, B or C level distance, pace and elevation gains.  To help members assess their riding ability, they can do a test loop.  Click HERE for our Biking Guidelines and more information on determining your pace group.

CLUB ROUTES: To View Common PCMSC Routes, Click HERE

Bike Ride Leader: Each scheduled ride will be led by a volunteer leader.  Riders should note the leader’s cell phone number prior to the ride.  On some rides the leader will have an assistant to act as a sweep.

The leader responsibilities include:

• Remaining in charge and encouraging participants to follow the protocols noted below:
• Cancelling a scheduled ride due to weather, etc.
• Describing the route, approximate distance, pace, elevation gain, rest frequencies as well as notable sights
• Confirming rider equipment
• Enforcing rider drop rules, if required
• Notifying the bike coordinator if there are riders who fail to follow ride protocols despite warnings.

 Biking Protocols for Riders:

• Riders should obey motor vehicle and bicycle laws for the state of Utah and use appropriate hand signals when turning, slowing or stopping
• Ride as close to the right edge of the road as is safe and practicable.
• Do not ride 2 abreast when you may hinder traffic flow around you.  Only ride 2 breast on quite rural roads and never more than 2 abreast.   The ride leader may require single file riding on busy roads.
• If a rider behind you calls out “car back” please slide into single file if it is safe to do so.
• Pass riders ONLY on the left, and try to warn riders prior to passing (e.g., “passing on your left”)
• If there is a right turn lane for cars at a traffic light, but you are going straight, “take the lane” to the left of the right turn lane (be sure to signal your intention to cars and other riders).
• Call out and point to hazards such as: “hole”, “grate”, “glass”, “rough road”, “car back”, “car up”, etc. which may save other riders from injury.Call out rider intentions and use appropriate hand signals: “slowing”, “stopping”, “turning right”, “turning left
• Never call out “clear” at an intersection, since conditions can rapidly change for following riders.
• Riders are encouraged to keep the outlined pace.  If there are faster riders they will be allowed to go ahead.
• Organized “pace lines” are sometimes used on A rides.  Pace lines are optional and rarely used on B rides and never on C ride.  When forming a pace line or merely drafting a rider, be sure that the lead rider is comfortable with you being “on their wheel”.  If you are not comfortable with being drafted, feel free to ask the rider behind you to give you more space.
• Riders are asked to inform leader if they are injured or are intending to leave the ride
• Riders must sign the Club’s Activity Release Form
• Be considerate of other riders and have fun

Required Equipment:

• Well functioning bike, flat tire repair kit, helmet and sufficient water.   
• A, B, and C rides are intended for human-powered road bikes (lightweight frames, approx. 20 gear options, narrow tires and no suspension).  If someone shows up with a mountain bike (wide tires and suspension) for a road bike ride, they will be advised that it will be difficult for them to keep up with the group and may be dropped notwithstanding the “No Drop” rule for that ride.  
• Hybrid bikes (similar to road bikes but with upright handlebars) are permitted on all B and C rides assuming that riders are able to keep up with others. 
• For leisurely rides, all types of human-powered bikes, including beach cruisers are acceptable.

E-bikes: are permitted on road bike rides, but if in a pace line, please stay at the back of the group.

Adverse Weather: The ride leader may cancel the ride if there is adverse weather near the scheduled starting time. Check the Club Calendar for any ride updates.

Five Essentials:  While not mandatory, the Club suggests that riders bring the follow five essentials on a ride:

Fluids: Water, sports drink – bring more than the minimum (don’t turn into a raisin)
Clothes: Bright colored cycling shirt and rain jacket is recommended
Food: Power bars or lunch, if there are no food stops noted in the ride description on a long ride
Personal: Sunglasses, sunscreen, health insurance card, credit card