Ride style definitions
VBC rides are organized around a single primary measure, the Level of Effort (LOE). Think of it like the rating system for ski runs, applied to club rides. LOE rolls four things into one easy to read rating: how long the ride is, how fast it goes, the terrain, and how much climbing it packs in per mile. On the calendar, LOE is the category color, so members can self-select a ride that fits the day. The ride title still carries the specifics: pace, length, and total elevation gain.
Level of effort
Easy Flat to gently rolling at a relaxed pace. Welcoming to new riders and those returning to cycling, and a good choice for recovery days.
Moderate Rolling terrain at a comfortable pace. Conversation flows easily. Suits riders building their fitness or mileage.
Challenging Sustained hills and/or a brisk pace. Conversation is limited. Riders should have a solid base of regular riding.
Strenuous Significant climbing, long distance, and/or a fast pace. For experienced riders with strong fitness.
New to VBC, or not sure where you fit? Start with the easier category and move up as you get comfortable. Chasing a group that is faster than you is no fun, and there is no pressure to prove anything. When in doubt, pick the easier ride.
Ride type
Ride type tells you whether the group stays together and how often it regroups, which is the thing most riders want to know before signing up.
No Rider Left Behind A no-drop ride. The ride leader rides the pace of the slowest rider, so no one is left behind.
Group No-drop. Riders stay together at the published pace for the entire ride.
Re-Group No-drop. Riders ride the posted pace on the flats and regroup at predetermined locations on the route.
Non-Group Effectively a drop ride. Riders ride at their own pace, and if you are separated you are responsible for getting back on your own.
How to read a ride title
The ride title carries every detail you need to pick a ride. It is the best way to find your ride. The format is Route Name / Pace / Elevation Gain / Length / Ride Leader / Start Time.
Lacamas Lake / 14-16 mph / 1,200' / 28 mi / RL Jane Smith / 9 AM Lacamas Lake Loop Route name.
14-16 mph Pace, published as a 2 mph range. The cruising target on the flats.
1,200' Total elevation gain.
RL Jane Smith Ride leader. Ride leaders are shown with an RL prefix.
How LOE is assigned
Ride leaders set the LOE with the rubric below. They rate the route on each of the four dimensions and assign whichever category is highest. Because the toughest single element sets the rating, riders are never caught off guard by part of a route.
| Category | Length | Pace (flat cruising) | Climbing | Terrain |
| Easy | Under 25 mi | Under 14 mph | Under 25 ft/mi | Flat |
| Moderate | 25 to 40 mi | 14 to 16 mph | 25 to 50 ft/mi | Minor |
| Challenging | 40 to 65 mi | 17 to 19 mph | 50 to 80 ft/mi | Moderate |
| Strenuous | 65+ mi | 20+ mph | 80+ ft/mi | Significant |
Example. A 15 mile ride at a relaxed 14 mph, but with a steep 110 ft/mi climbing ratio, is Strenuous. The climbing alone sets the category even though the length and pace are modest.
Terrain
Terrain describes the character of the climbing, both the average grade and any steep sections. It is measured in average feet of climbing per mile, with an "or" clause so that a single hard wall can raise the rating even when the average looks tame.
Flat Under 25 ft/mi, no notable grades. Possibly a bridge or an overpass.
Minor 25 to 50 ft/mi with easy grades throughout.
Moderate 50 to 80 ft/mi, or shorter routes with climbs of half a mile to a mile, or short steep grades.
Significant 80+ ft/mi, or routes with extended or frequent climbs, or very steep grades regardless of the average.
Examples. The RACC 18 climbs about 400 feet over 18 miles, roughly 22 ft/mi, so it is Flat. A route that averages about 45 ft/mi sits in Minor by the numbers, but if it includes a sustained climb or a short steep wall, the "or" clause lets a ride leader tag it Moderate or higher.
Length
Ride distance in miles, as published in the ride title.
Pace
This is the target speed of the ride, the pace a rider should be able to sustain on flat terrain with no wind. It is published in the ride title as a 2 mph range. A ride with a 15 mph pace, for example, is listed as 14-16 mph.
Pace is the cruising speed on the flats, not your average for the whole ride. Your bike computer will read lower at the finish, since stops, traffic, and climbs pull the moving average down. If you cannot comfortably ride within the posted range on the flats for the full distance, choose the next slower ride.
| mph | Pace |
|---|
| 12 | Social |
|---|
| 14 | Steady |
|---|
| 16 | Brisk |
|---|
| 18 | Quick |
|---|
| 20 | Fast |
|---|
| 22 | Very fast |
|---|
| 23+ | Open |
|---|
The same pace can land in different LOE categories depending on terrain, length, and climbing, since LOE takes the hardest dimension.
Responsibilities
With group riding, there are responsibilities for both the rider and the ride leader.
Riders
All riders should read and understand the VBC Safety Policy. We value the safety of our riders and leaders, and we have taken time to think it through and describe the actions we expect of riders and leaders to keep everyone safe. If riders are unclear on any aspect of the policy, we encourage them to ask the ride leader to explain it.
Riders should also assess their ability to meet the demands of the ride:
- Can I maintain the ride pace for the entire ride?
- Can I ride the listed terrain?
- Is this the right ride for me today?
It is unfair for riders who cannot meet the requirements of a ride to expect the other riders to wait. We encourage riders in doubt to start with an easier ride.
Note. This expectation does not apply to No Rider Left Behind rides.
Ride leaders
- Understand the VBC Safety Policy.
- Ride at the listed pace.
- Adhere to the listed ride type.
Ride realities
There may be more than one group of riders on any VBC ride. The ride leader chooses and publishes a pace for the ride and always rides at that published pace.
VBC rides may have riders or groups of riders who go faster or slower than the published pace. This is normal and expected, and it is the choice of those riders. However, the support of the ride leader may not be available to riders who choose to ride at a different pace, or who are unable to ride at the published pace. The primary responsibility of the ride leader is to those riders who ride at the published pace, since the ride was designated for a particular level of effort.