Rocket Mountain Biking Club

Who are the Rockets?

The Rockets are a non-profit mountain bike (MTB) club based in southwestern Ontario, Canada with members from Essex and Kent counties and southeastern Michigan, USA. Our organization is a member of the Ontario Cycling Association (OCA) and the International Mountain Bike Association(IMBA).

As a club, we host a four race series and hold two 8-hour relay citizen event for charity. For the recreational rider we have picnics, fun rides and training rides that many find enjoyable.

East Side Riders

To get on their mailing list, send an email to Alex.

Our group is always changing.

More cyclists are showing up. Cyclists themselves are going faster.

Because of these changes we have to change to accommodate as many as possible. The condensed ride schedule below reflects this. Basically, we have enough cyclists to have a Coffee Ride every weeknight. Mondays and Wednesdays, will also have a Decaf Ride and Tuesdays and Thursdays will also have and Espresso Ride.

Ride Schedule

• Monday thru Friday @ 6pm Coffee (32-35kph)
• Monday and Wednesday @ 6pm Decaf (sub 30kph)
• Tuesday and Thursday @ 6pm Espresso (c35+kph)
• Saturday and Sunday @ 9am Everyone invited with sub-groups formed at the start

DECAF IS BACK

This happens every year at this time. The decaf ride starts very tame in the spring, everyone is getting their legs and by mid summer, most decaffers are pushing Espresso speeds (and loving it). However, the problem is we don’t have a ride for dedicated Decaffers, tourers, new cyclists and those wanting a recovery ride or base miles.

We are dedicated to preserve the nature of the Decaf ride. This will be a no-drop ride, speeds will be sub 30kph (excluding sprints to stop signs, etc). On Monday’s and Wednesday, their will be STRICTLY DECAF. Chances are very good that there will ALSO be a coffee ride. Ride with one or the other.

NOTE to Coffee Riders: If you are looking for a Monday/Wednesday Coffee ride and don’t have enough cyclist to start a Coffee Ride, please join the Decaf Ride, but please respect their speeds.

The difficult part of this schedule is the “Pre – Ride Split” to separate the two different groups of cyclists.

NEW MONDAY/WEDNESDAY DECAF RIDE FORMAT

Heads up decaffers. This monday, we will start our rides using a new start format.

This will assure that decaffers have a monitored ride. A true decaf ride at decaf speeds.

On monday and wednesday nights, we will start in two separate groups. One group will be decaf, the other coffee. Look for a ride captain to announce that he/she is taking out the decaf group. Decaf group will leave moments after the coffee group leaves.

Again, all flavours are welcome to join the monday/wednesday decaf rides. We just ask that you respect the speeds.

If you feel the need to go faster, this is not your ride, go with coffee.

If there aren't enough coffee riders to start a coffee ride and you want to ride with the decaf……please respect the speeds.

Questions and comments are always welcome.

Notes:

• Helmets are required (no exceptions).
• Lights are required when rides may get close to dusk or start before dawn (as per the law).
• No head phones are to be worn in the pack. (no exceptions and also as per the law).
• No gator aid bottles in the cages (they don't fit, they fall out, and cause accidents).
• If you need to answer your phone, pull out and fall off the back before answering it.
• No riding areo bars in the pack (Clarification: riding areo bars is accepted as long as you are on the front pulling. If the second line rider says he isn't getting a draft and ask you to pull off or sit up, do it, don't blow him up).
• Carry a spare tube. If you don't have a spare tube and pump, don't expect others to give you theirs.

Before joining one of these rides, you should be aware of local cycling laws. You should be familiar with how to ride and handle your bicycle. You should always wear a helmet. You should know your abilities on a bicycle. You should be of age and ability to make decisions for yourself and your safety. You should be able to complete basic roadside repairs or be able to get yourself home if the need arises.

You are responsible for your own actions. We are only providing a way to communicate and meet with other cyclists. You make the decision if you would like to, or if it safe for you to ride. Although some riders may give others helpful hints on rides, they are not coaches or instructors and should not be seen as coaches or instructors. We are all just friends cycling together. Each individual on these rides is responsible for his or her own actions.

If you require lessons, coaching, special instructions or help with cycling or cycling equipment, please contact your local bike shop.