By Barb Taylor, CRW Member

CRW hosts many different rides that cater to various types of riders. Ride descriptions generally list the ride pace(s) supported  on that ride. For example, Bike Thursday rides are designed for "cyclists that enjoy riding at a slower pace of between 10-12.5 mph". The Mighty Squirrel ride description states "the pace will be defined by who shows up and how fit the group is." The Cranberry Century on Oct 13, 2024 has at least 11 different supported pace groups across the 4 ride distances!

Most Ride Leaders ask riders to declare their "Ride Speed" on the registration form:

The information you post there is used by the Ride Leader to make sure riders are well-suited to their ride, and when appropriate, to plan for different pace groups within the ride. For this reason, it is important that riders know their ride speed, or "average pace".

So...how do you decide which Ride Speed (pace group) to join?  A seemingly simple question that is actually very nuanced.

When I joined CRW, I was not sure how to answer this. Should I check the box based upon:

• overall average pace? (spoiler alert: yes!)

• the top speed that I like to ride at? (no) 

• the speed I like to ride at on comfortable flat roads? (logical and tempting, but no)

CRW, like most other cycling clubs, expects you to join a group that is reflective of your overall average pace.

So knowing your pace - and how to define your pace compared to ‘others’ -  is helpful, as it sets expectations on who could be a good ride partner, which rides and pace groups to join, and how hard you may have to work (or not) on any particular ride.

However, ‘average pace’ is also very nuanced.  Up hill, down hill, in a group, including/not including stop lights - pace varies a lot even within a ride - and the ‘average’ pace really depends upon what parts you decide to include as your total.

How do I figure out my average pace? Bike computers or activity watches

Most cyclists use a bike computer which can log and track your rides (and link to Strava) as well as calculate your average pace for each ride.  

After a few rides, especially if done on the same route, your Strava or computer ride log will give you a sense for what your ‘average’ pace is on that route. That is a good baseline for judging how fast you’ll be on other rides, when you consider and compare who you’ll be riding with and how hilly and long the course is.

Note #1: As you figure this out, you may want to start and stop your computer for just the group ride or section that you want to track vs the whole time you are on your bike (which may include a meandering warm up as you bike to and from the ride start).

Note #2: There is a feature on most bike computers to NOT include non-moving time (e.g., stop lights or coffee stops), which most cyclists use.

This is what you should use - your Strava or bike computer average - when asked ‘what is your pace’!

Now, this value may seem slower than you would expect because you know that when you’re on a nice, flat country road, you can comfortably zip along at a speed of X, which is higher than what Strava says is your average.  But no course is a 100% flat and there will be slow uphills to bring your average down - sometimes by a surprising amount. Regardless, use your Strava average as your default baseline.

No bike computer?

Well that’s a bummer…you should get one. In addition to keeping you on-route, most bike computers track your ride stats, and let you upload your rides to Strava or other online app, which is better than just following your friends. But if not, you can use your phone or an activity watch (like Apple Watch or Garmin) to track your pace.

[Side note: CRW's Rider Guidelines require that each rider has their own source of navigation; a bike computer is a great option, rather than using your phone or cue sheets].

If you don’t like looking at data or ride logs, well…ask your friends that you ride with. Or pay attention to your speed when you’re feeling comfortable on a flat road and decrease that number by a few mph to estimate your average pace.  For example, if you usually ride 14 mph on a nice flat road, I would estimate on a not too hilly course, your average pace is probably 10-12 mph.  

OK! I know my average pace! Now what?

Register for a ride that matches your pace! If  you're not sure if a ride offers your pace group, contact the Ride Leader for more info.

Once you are on the ride, the supported pace groups will do the best they can to maintain an average pace. That means they’ll be faster going downhill or along the flats, and slower going uphill. Expect variation throughout the ride and expect to go faster than the ride range on flat road. Picking the right pace group will ensure you’re riding with the right group, at the pace you expect.

Reassess your average pace from time to time. Injury and time off the bike may see it decrease. Towards the end of a busy riding season, you may find your pace has increased. This is a great way to track your fitness gains!