PCMSC Road Bike Riding Participant’s Guide
Club Bike Rides
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 access the turn-by- turn ride instructions for the Park City Loop and time their ride. Members can then compare the assessed ride time to the club’s published chart to see what level of ride is suitable for them. This information can be found on the Club’s website, under “Summer Sports”, “Biking”. Further, as members ride more they can update their assessment to see if they are ready for the next level ride. If you have any questions regarding your fitness level or you need to acclimate to Park City’s altitude, it is strongly advised to start at the easier levels until you are confident you can advance.
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 handle bars) 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.
New for 2022 – The use of E-bikes on road bike rides is permitted.
Adverse Weather: The ride leader may cancel the ride if there is adverse weather near the scheduled starting time. In such case, it is the rider’s responsibility to verify the status of the ride by calling the ride leader’s cell phone.
Notice: Park City Mountain Sports Club is a club of independent adults, each ultimately responsible for his or her own safety. This list is published for you to use as a guide as you see fit.
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
Equipment Make sure you bicycle is in good condition. Test tire pressure, brakes and gears before going on a Club ride. A spare tube, patch kit and pump should be in your tool kit. A cell phone is highly recommended. A rear view mirror can be handy.