Tuesday -
From Birgfeld's Bike Shop - Rt 1, Searsport - 6 PM:
Fast paced group ride with only a few brief stops along the way.
Average pace 18 - 20 mph.
Route varies from week to week, but generally rides are about 25-30 miles in length at the peak of the season, shorter in the spring and fall. Some riders bike over to Searsport from Belfast to get in a few more miles, generally leaving from Belfast Bicycles around 5:15-5:30. Check the blog and emails each week to see if this is anyone's plan.
Wednesday -
From Birgfeld's Bike Shop - Rt 1, Searsport - 6 PM:
Easy paced group ride with several stops along the way to allow for re-grouping. Average pace 12 - 15 mph. Route varies from week to week, but generally rides are about 15-20 miles in length at the peak of the season, shorter in the spring and fall.
Thursday -
From Belfast Bicycles - downtown Belfast - 5:30 PM:
This ride has two defined groups that generally start out together and split apart somewhere in the middle.
Group A generally looks for about 30-35 miles at an average pace of 17-19 MPH.
Occasional stops for regrouping.
Group B generally rides at about 15 MPH, stops on occasion and will allow for riders who need to fall back from the Group A ride to find people to ride with.
Routes for both the Group A & B rides vary week to week depending on who is riding and how much time everyone has.
Sunday -
From The Belfast COOP - downtown Belfast - ride start time varies
Early season start times range from 9 AM to 11 AM depending on weather Peak season Sunday rides generally start early to maximize mileage - sometimes starting as early as 7 AM. Sunday rides can range from 30 to 75 miles, with an average pace
from 15-19 MPH. This is a free-form ride, really dependent on who shows up.
If you're interested in joining us for a Sunday ride, it is best to be part of the email group for the club (sign up on the right side of the blog in the GoogleGroups box) and check the blog regularly to see what people are thinking about riding - distance, pace, route, etc.
If you are going to come to a Sunday ride, please reply to any email threads out there about the ride so we know you are coming.
Got questions about these rides?
Email the club at belfastbikeclub@gmail.com at least a day prior to the ride - someone will get in touch with you to help answer your questions and find the best ride for you.
Here's a tip for new cyclists looking to find people to ride with:
Use the blog, club email or Facebook page that we have set up to communicate your riding interests to the group at large. Tell people out there, when and where, how far and how fast you want to ride and make a plan to meet them at a group ride. Coming to a group ride can be intimidating for some. Bringing a buddy to ride with can make it easier and way more fun!!
Final notes and quasi-legal stuff:
1. Helmets are required for all riders at all times - no exceptions.
2. Bikes must be in good working order - all rides listed here are on road bicycles unless otherwise specified.
3. Early and late season rides generally end in fading light - bring a front and rear bike light if you have one.
4. The Belfast Bicycle Club is in no way to be held responsible to any injuries or damages that occur prior, during or after any of these gatherings.
