SLOBC Ride Rating System

All SLOBC rides are designated as to Terrain and Average Speed to give riders a better idea of how hard or easy the ride will be. If you join an SLOBC ride and find yourself consistently falling behind, consider trying a ride that would better suit your riding style and strength.

One of the joys of riding together is "Riding Together." Finding a group that suits you will make your riding experience more enjoyable. It will also mean that others in the group will not be separated from the group to see that you are not left behind.

Terrain

Terrain is simplier to understand as it gives an indication of how much climbing the ride will include and if that climbing is steep or more gradual. The more climbing a ride includes the slower your average speed will be. It also means that you must be stronger to achieve the average speed.

Code	Terrain
1	Generally Flat
2	Easy grades, Some Hills
3	Rolling Hills. Vineyard Drive and Peachy Canyon.
4	Hard Hills. Highway 46 from coast to Paso Robles, Santa Rosa Creek.
5	Very Challenging Hills. Fortunately, not many in our area.

Average Speed

Most riders have a bike computer or smart phone app that shows their speed at any point during a ride and calculates the Average Speed at it's end. It is the Average Speed for the whole ride that the following chart references. Average Speed is affected by the terrain in that your current speed is slower while climbing (e.g. 10 mph), faster while descending (e.g. 30 mph) and some where in between on the flat (e.g. 17 mph). Knowing your Average Speed over different terrain will help you choose a ride.

Code	Average Speed
AA Very Slow	Less than 10 mph. This pace is for families with children and for those recreational riders who like to "stop and smell the flowers." Regroups often. Waits for the slowest of riders.
A Slow	9 to 12 mph. Easy pace, allows riders to visit while riding. Some riding skills required. Waits for slower riders. Regroups occasionally, usually after a hard hill or just before a route change.
B Moderate	12 to 15 mph. Good riders. Social pace. Regroups every 30-45 minutes but still waits for slower riders.
C Brisk	14 to 17 mph. Requires experienced riders. Regroups at roughly every hour or so. Some optional pace line riding.
D Fast	Over 16 mph. Race training, infrequent stops. Mostly pace line. No obligation to wait for other riders