Reorganizing a bike club

[Fujichants]

Let's face it - people who take off like a rocket and decide to go fast the whole ride are just not going to wait up for anybody. You said that you don't want to divide it in a fast and slow group. How about one day the ride is somewhat longer and harder (for those who are more advanced), and the next day, the ride is a bit shorter, there's some talk about traffic rules, how to ride in a group, how to pace yourself, etc. People will then have a fair choice without feeling like they are slow.

Do you guys have a club jersey? I know that it probably won't keep people together, but there is more of a sense of unity and being a part of something. Also, try to have fun events...like bbq's, or have every member sign up for a charity ride at least once or twice a year.

Good luck with this!

[SouthernBelle]

Don't call it "fast group" and "slow group". Say this group will ride 12-15 mph. That group will ride 14 -18, next 18 and up.

Nobody wants to be told they are slow.

& if somebody is riding out of the parameters, you have a reason to rein them in.

[snapdragen]

Here is how my club classifies rides:

Pace
SL - Slow leisurely: below 10 mph. Stops as needed.
L - Leisurely: 10-12 mph. Stops as needed.
LM - Easy moderate: 12-14 mph. Regroups approx. every 30 min.
M - Moderate: 14-16 mph. Regroups approx. every 45 min.
MB - Hard moderate: 16-18 mph. Regroups approx. every hour. For experienced riders.
B - Brisk: 18-20 mph. Stops infrequently.
S - Strenuous: faster than 20 mph. Stops infrequently

They also have rankings for how hilly or flat a ride might be.

http://www.actc.org/schedule/notes.php#tag2

[kelownagirl]

I have only been on one 'club' ride but I do now they have two groups. The A group that is very fast (strenuous on Snap's list) and the B group which is everyone else. They leave from the same place but travel different routes. Because it's hilly around here the people get separated on the climbs but there are regular meeting up points. I would say this group is moderate to hard/moderate. These groups have men and women though so that's part of the reason they separate a little.

I'd let the super fast ones in your group take off and not worry about staying together. Then have a leader for the rest and keep them together. If there's a LOT of disparity in that group, then maybe have two groups/paces for them as well.

[jesvetmed]

We have multiple rides a week, of varying "paces". Pace is stated right onthe schedule sent to everyone for the month.

However our big rides are the Wednesday night rides. At each, we have three levels, based on Distance instead of speed. Being "night", it's hard to go the long route if you are planning to ride slowly. But honestly, the divisions don't really expect riding as a group except for the fast men. If you chose to stay with the group you can, but others just "do their own thing".

I'm glad to be able to say that no one has ever been rude or snobbish to me as a newbie -- they were just the opposite. Encouraging me to do more, telling me about other group events and encouraging me to try other things (including a time trial -- mentioned on my first night out!). Sounds like they are a rare group and I am lucky!

Jes

[cyclinnewbie]

I would not be offended if I were told I needed to be in the slow group. I am slow...I have come to terms with it. I would actually be relieved, because then I wouldn't feel that I had to kill myself to try and keep up!