Rides

Rides Classification System

BIC depends on its members to ensure a good time is had by all. Therefore, please review our ride classification system so that you select a ride that matches your cycling style and abilities. When in doubt, select the lower level. Note that ride policies are more of a recommendation than a rule. Some ride leaders will follow the practice they feel works best for their ride.

[TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY RIDES]
[WEEKEND RIDES]
[SPECIAL EVENT RIDES]
[RIDE SIGNUP SHEET (pdf)]

Class A Advanced 45 to 100 miles	These rides are designed for the fast-paced rider. The pace is between 15 and 20 miles per hour and the route distance is between 45 and 100 miles. Riders will ride the selected distance at the designated pace. Rest stops will be few and quick. The riders decides if they regroup along the route. This classification will comprise of only Sunday rides.	15-20+ mph
Class B Intermediate 25 to 65 miles	These rides are designed for the mid-paced rider. The pace is between 12 and 17 miles per hour and the route distance is between 25 and 65 miles. Rides over 65 miles are possible, but should not extend too far beyond that number. Rest stops comprise of a few quick stops and a possible longer break, usually at a food venue. Saturday rides should include this lunch break, while Sunday rides should have this as optional. Both Saturday and Sunday rides comprise of this classification. Saturday rides require regrouping along the ride, while regrouping is optional on Sunday rides.	12-17 mph
Class C Casual 15 to 40 miles	These rides are designed for the casual-paced rider. The pace is between 10 and 15 miles per hour and the route distance is between 15 and 40 miles. The riders will regroup along the route. Rest stops are required and may comprise of quick stops and lengthy stops. A mid point or end point stop will usually exceed 30 minutes (festival or event). Only Saturday rides will comprise of this classification.	10-15 mph

Touring Rides

Saturday and Sunday rides are planned year round (weather permitting) ranging in distance from 20 to 100 miles. You do not need to be a member of BIC to join in on the rides, however we hope that after a few rides with us, you will see the benefits of a membership.
[URBAN RIDES] | [EVENT RIDES]

Saturday rides focus more on the general group enjoyment of the ride. These are casual rides where we stop to regroup at certain points along the route in order to refresh ourselves. Typically these rides include a stop at a dining establishment before the group ventures back, or this may be planned as a choice at the end.

Most rides are slow to mid-paced, but you should check the ride classification provided to get a better idea of what to expect. Ride leaders will generally look after the slowest rider so that no one is left behind.

Sunday rides are a bit more focused on the miles and training aspect of cycling. If you are training for RAGBRAI and other long mileage events, and are more focused on mileage than conversation, these rides may be for you. Breaks are less frequent and the ride leader decides if he or she will look after you. In some cases, riders may or may not regroup on the route. See the detailed classification information to determain this. When in doubt, please contact the ride leader. You don't need to be a faster rider to ride one of these rides, but you should be prepared to complete the mileage selected for that day.

There are also the Wednesday Evening Escapes. These 20 to 30 mile rides are free-for-all rides. Riders organize compatiable groups and ride.

Please try to arrive at least 15 minutes before the ride departure time, so that we may start riding on time. While many leaders choose often to wait an extra five to ten minutes past the scheduled start time, there is no guarantee this will happen. If you show up late, you will be responsible for your own well-being. Ride cancellations will be posted on the main page of this website at least 24 hours before the start of the ride. You are more than welcome however

As with all rides, some aspects may change depending on the leader's tastes. If you have doubts, please contact the leader. Check our the ride section for more details on the classification given to each ride. If there are any questions that you still have, please e-mail bicyclistsofiowacity@gmail.com.

Urban Rides

BIC also has a series of urban rides which are all casual. Our long standing tradition of our Thursday Evening Leisure Rides still meets weekly. These casual group rides are scheduled in distances of 5-20 miles and for those who ride less than ten miles per hour. They are perfect for the beginning or newer rider who wants to increase his or her cycling skills or just hang out with a great group of people. All riders stay together as a group. Typically all rides include ice cream or a quick snack at the end. Look for these rides every Thursday between the beginning of May and the end of September.

Please watch the BIC Calendar for the next ride of this type as they will vary throughout the year.

[ TUESDAY , WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY & WEEKENDS RIDES]
[RAGBRAI] | [OTHER "EVENT" RIDES]
[RIDE SIGNUP SHEET (pdf)]

Cancellations & Weather Conditions

Sometimes a ride host may not be able to lead a ride due to last-minute circumstances. If the weather looks uncertain, you should check our Facebook page to see if a ride has been cancelled. If there is no updated status, then please contact the ride host. Rides may be cancelled up to 12 hours before ride start time. If they are cancelled, it's important to note that the ride host may still have it at his or her discretion, but BIC is no longer responsible for it. Usually, ride cancellations follow the same criteria:

Rain or Snow falling
Heavy fog
High Winds
Lightning & Thunderstorms (Severe Weather Warnings)
Temperatures below 32°F/above 100°F (Heat indexes above 100°F, Wind Chill below 32°F)
Air Stagnation Warning