Charles River Wheelers

Ride Attribute Definitions

Attributes are descriptive and multiple selections are allowed. These attributes describe key characteristics of a ride so riders can better understand what to expect and select rides appropriate to their interests and abilities.

No single attribute fully describes a ride. Riders should consider these attributes together with distance, pace, and route information when evaluating whether a ride is suitable.

Ride leaders use these descriptors to communicate the general character of a ride, but conditions such as weather, attendance, and rider ability may affect how a ride unfolds.

Average Pace

Average Pace describes the overall average speed for the moving time of the ride, typically expressed in miles per hour.

Average pace reflects riding speed across the entire route, including flats, hills, and descents. Riders should expect speeds to vary throughout the ride, with faster sections on flats and descents and slower speeds on climbs.

Average pace is used to help riders choose appropriate rides and pace groups. Riders should select rides that match their typical average pace, not their top speed or flat-road speed.

For more information on how to determine your average pace, see HERE.

Elevation Profile

Elevation Profile describes the overall climbing characteristics of the route, particularly the frequency, length, and steepness of hills.

Because climb duration varies widely with rider ability and pace, these descriptors refer to route characteristics and expected impact on pacing, not the time required to climb a hill.

Flat
0-30 ft/mile (approx.). The route is predominantly level with minimal climbing. Any hills are short and gradual and do not significantly affect pacing.

Rolling
31-40 ft/mile (approx.). Frequent short hills or undulating terrain. Climbs are generally brief and moderate in grade and are followed by descents. Elevation changes occur regularly but do not involve long sustained climbs.

Moderate Hills
41-50 ft/mile (approx.). Routes include several sustained climbs or repeated hills that require noticeable effort. Climbs may be longer or steeper than those found on rolling routes and will affect pacing.

Hilly
50+ ft/mile (approx.). Routes include numerous or sustained climbs that significantly affect pacing and effort. Riders should expect repeated climbing and longer or steeper grades.

Surface

Surface describes the type of riding surface encountered during the ride. Mixed rides will display more than one surface type.

Road
Primarily paved public roads shared with motor vehicle traffic.

Bikeway
Primarily paved multi-use paths or rail trails generally separated from motor vehicle traffic.

Gravel
Unpaved surfaces such as gravel roads, hard-packed dirt, or similar surfaces suitable for gravel or wider-tire bicycles.

Group Intent

Group Intent describes the expected pattern of effort for the group. It reflects whether the group aims to maintain a consistent level of effort across a variety of terrain or conditions, or not.

Ride Intent is independent of average pace and intensity.

Spirited
Effort may increase or decrease depending on the terrain and the energy of the group. Group splits are to be expected.

Steady
Effort remains relatively consistent throughout the ride, increasing moderately on climbs and powering down hills.

MixedMix of steady and spirited. The ride leader will provide more details about their particular ride.

Group Structure

Group Structure describes how riders are organized during the ride. More than one may apply.

Regrouping
The ride may spread out between stops, but the group periodically regathers at predetermined or convenient points. Riders are expected to reach regroup locations on their own.

Pace Groups
Multiple groups may form based on rider average pace or ability. Riders who cannot maintain the pace of a faster group may fall back to a slower group.

Drop Ride
Riders who cannot maintain the pace may fall behind and continue on their own. Riders are expected to navigate independently and complete the ride without group support.

No-Drop
The group is intended to stay together, and ride leaders will make reasonable efforts to keep riders together and accounted for through regrouping or other support. This includes the use of a sweep or similar methods. No-Drop does not guarantee that every rider will complete the ride or receive assistance with mechanical issues.

Paceline (may develop)
In a paceline, cyclists ride closely together and take turns at the front to share the effort of maintaining the pace. Pacelining typically occurs among riders who are experienced with group riding techniques. Participation is voluntary, and riders who are not comfortable riding in a paceline may ride slightly behind the group.

Ride Leadership

Ride Leadership describes how ride leaders guide the ride.

Leader Only
One ride leader is present and leads the ride.

Multiple Leaders
More than one ride leader is present. Leaders may guide different average pace groups or sections of the ride.

Informal Leadership
Leadership coverage may vary depending on attendance. Riders should be prepared to navigate independently if needed.

Sweep Coverage

Sweep Coverage describes whether a rider is designated to remain at the very back of the ride. A sweep rider rides behind the final group and monitors riders who fall behind the rest of the ride.

Sweep Assigned
A designated rider will remain at the back of the final group.

Sweep Likely
A sweep rider is expected but depends on attendance.

No Sweep
No designated sweep rider. Riders should be prepared to continue independently if they fall behind the final group.

Human Arrows (may be used)
A rider stops at turns to direct others, then re-joins after the last rider passes. This rotating approach helps keep the group together without frequent regrouping.

Notes for Riders

Ride attributes provide guidance but cannot fully capture the experience of every ride. Factors such as weather, attendance, rider ability, and leader availability may affect how a ride unfolds.

Riders are encouraged to review all ride information, including distance, average pace, elevation profile, surface, and route details, when deciding whether to participate.