Ride Descriptions

Kawartha Cycling Club has a no-drop policy, however, to ensure the enjoyment of all participants, it is important to choose the right ride for your current abilities. If you are uncertain which ride is best for you, we recommend choosing a lower level and moving up as your skill and confidence allow.

We use Strava for ride mapping.  To access the Strava map on our website, you will require a (free) Strava (Strava | Running, Cycling & Hiking App – Train, Track & Share) account. Once you have an account please download the app and join the KCC Strava Club . You will be invited to participate in our rides on a monthly basis using the Strava app where you can let us know if you plan to join each ride. This lets the ride leaders know participant numbers.

Members will be welcomed to any ride whether you have Strava or not, and our ride leaders will support you through the process.  If you need help, please contact us.

Level A

Pace:  25+ km / hour
Distance:  40 + km
Terrain:  A variety of flat and rolling terrain, with more challenging climbs
Traffic:  Moderate traffic with some higher traffic or faster-moving traffic
Bike:  Road bikes only
Skill:  High level of rider confidence is expected as close proximity cycling including pace-line formation and 2-up riding is standard. Riders should be able to hydrate and fuel while riding.

Level B +

Pace:  20 – 24 km / hour
Distance:  40 + km
Terrain:  A variety of flat and rolling terrain, with more challenging climbs
Traffic:  Moderate traffic with some higher traffic or faster-moving traffic
Bike:  Road bikes only
Skill:  Confident riders, prepared to build skills in close proximity cycling including pace-line formation and 2-up riding is standard. Riders should be able to hydrate and fuel while riding.

Level B

Pace:  20 – 24 km / hour
Distance:  30 – 60 km
Terrain:  Flat and rolling terrain with low to moderate climbs
Traffic:  Moderate traffic with wide shoulders preferred in higher traffic
Bike:  Road, gravel, and pedal-assist e-bikes; hybrids may struggle to keep pace
Skill:  Riders should be confident riding around traffic and on a variety of road surfaces. Ability to hydrate while riding is an asset, but not required.

Level C

Pace:  17 – 22 km / hour
Distance:  20 – 40 km
Terrain:   Alternates between calm roads and trail rides weekly with flatter overall terrain
Traffic:  Primarily lower traffic roads and wide paved shoulders while road riding
Bike:  Road, gravel, hybrid, mountain, and pedaled e-bikes appropriate for the route
Skill:  A social ride for casual cyclists, those new to group riding, returning from injuries or anyone looking for a leisurely pace. Rides are lead from the back of the pack or have a sweep present to ensure that riders are supported throughout. Breaks are frequent to ensure riders have sufficient time to hydrate and ask questions.

Trail & Gravel

Pace:  16 – 22 km / hour
Distance:  30 – 50 km
Terrain:  Gravel and trail routes over flat and rolling terrain
Bike:  Gravel, hybrid, mountain, and fat-tire bikes
Skill:  Riders should be comfortable on a variety of surfaces including muddy or wet areas, loose, coarse, or fine gravel, and hard packed dirt. This ride is social, and often includes a mid-ride or post-ride stop for refreshment and conversation.

Adventure

Pace:  20 – 24 km / hour
Distance:  50 – 90 km
Terrain:  Mixed flat and rolling terrain
Traffic:  Moderate traffic with some higher traffic or faster-moving traffic
Bike:  Road, gravel, and pedal-assist e-bikes; hybrids are likely to struggle with pace over the distance
Skill:  Riders should be confident riding around traffic and on a variety of road surfaces. Ability to hydrate while riding is an asset, but not required. Rides will include points of interest and pit-stops along the route. These rides take place both in and outside of the City of Kawartha Lakes. Some travel may be required to the start point.