East Side Riders
For more information and to get on their email distribution list, please contact eastsideriders@cogeco.ca.
EAST SIDE RIDERS is a social group, unchartered, that gets together for the simple purpose of cycling.
There are varying degrees of experience, from the casual/social rider to the experienced racer, and everything in between.
The involvement of each rider is their choice. Riders acknowledge that there is no formal group, that the moniker of EAST SIDE RIDERS is simply a reflection of the location of the ride.
ALL RIDERS ACKNOWLEDE THAT THEY ARE RIDING AT THEIR OWN RISK, ACKNOWLEDGE THAT CYCLING IS AN INHERENTLY DANGEROUS SPORT GIVEN THE LOCATION OF THE RIDES AND THE CLOSE PROXIMITY OF BIKES TO EACH OTHER AND THE SPEEDS THAT CYCLISTS TRAVEL AT.
From experience, it is not a question of “will I crash but rather when will it happen”. Frankly it happens to the best therefore it may happen to the average cyclist.
The rides, by practice, have been set up to accommodate varying degrees of interest. Those out socially and travelling at moderate speeds will have a group as well as those that are out there for speed and everything in between.
As such the following will be the rides based on ability, distance and interest. While the EAST SIDE RIDERS began as a small group it has now significantly grown in size. Again EAST SIDE RIDERS is not an organization, simply an acknowledgment of the location from which the rides form.
DECAF RIDE –PLEASE NOTE SPEED CHANGE FROM LAST YEAR
WEDNESDAY @ 6:00, SATURDAY AT 10:00
This is a “no drop” ride and is an excellent introduction to group cycling. Speed range is a comfortable, 26-28 km/h (no wind) and length is generally 50kms, depending on the group interest. The intent of this group lies in the social aspect of cycling while enjoying a workout. Intermediate and Advanced cyclists may join this group as a recovery/base mile ride, BUT MUST RESPECT THE PARAMETERS OF THIS RIDE. Please, if you feel the need for speed, this in not your venue.
COFFEE RIDE
TUESDAY, THURSDAY @ 6:00, SATURDAY, SUNDAY AT 10:00
This ride is a great fit for the intermediate rider who has spent some time on the bike riding in groups and on urban roads, but is looking for a bit more challenge in distance and speed. This “no drop” ride averages in excess of 30 km/h, over the entire distance. Distances average 70 plus km on roads with low to moderate traffic. Riders of this group should have experience riding in groups, be able to change a tire and address minor mechanical issues and understand the etiquette of group riding.
ESPRESSO RIDE
TUESDAY, THURSDAY @ 6:00, SATURDAY, SUNDAY AT 10:00
This ride is designed to go…hard and fast. This advanced ride varies in routes and distances; you can bet the pace will be fast, averaging 35 km/h plus with speeds up to well into the 40 km/h plus range, sometimes in excess of 50 km/h on sprints. This is not a “no drop” ride. So, having the condition, strength and speed to keep up with the pack is a must! Riders are expected to handle their own mechanicals, and have experience in group riding skills such as rotating pace lines/echelons.
IMPORTANT: RIDE FORMAT CHANGES
DECAF RIDE
We will be starting in two groups on Saturdays. The first group to leave will be the Coffee/Espresso group and the Decaf ride will start moments after. Look for the appropriate Ride Captain and be ready at the start. Note: On Saturdays, both groups will follow the same route for the first half of the ride. If you want to try a coffee ride, but can’t keep up, you will be able to drop back and get picked up by the following Decaf group.
COFFEE RIDE
Coffee and Espresso riders will be mixed together as one group at the start of rides. Along the ride, there will likely be a split. Espresso Riders might separate into their own faster paced group. If you go with the Espresso Group, remember, both groups will follow the same route for the first half of the ride. If you want to try an espresso ride, but can’t keep up, you will be able to drop back and get picked up by the following Coffee group.
ESPRESSO RIDE
Start the ride with the Coffee group to warm up. Split whenever it’s appropriate. Anticipate some Espresso rides to be separate from the start with an announcement like – “Hey, we’re doing a Lighthouse and back tonight – who’s coming?” or “Who’s wants to try for a 40Km/h average?”
NOTE TO ALL RIDERS: THE WEEKEND 10:00 STARTING TIME WILL CHANGE LATER WHEN TEMPERATURES START TO CLIMB.
Also coming soon, Tuesday and Thursday Morning rides. Details are being worked on will posted soon.