Ride Difficulty

by Robbie

Level 1: These rides are meant for riders of all levels to attend. Avoids any major climbs, or any exceedingly steep pitches. The pace will be easy, with perhaps a few accelerations. You can expect the ride distance to be somewhere between 20 and 30 miles.

Level 2: These rides will not be much more difficult than the level 1 ride. We may ride at a slightly faster pace. You can expect any amount of climbing under 1,200 ft. The ride distance will be somewhere between 25 and 35 miles.

Level 3: These rides will be relatively challenging, although not impossible if you have been riding fairly consistently. For a very strong rider, level 3 rides won't be very challenging. You can expect either more climbing, or further distance, or both. Max ascent for a level 3 ride will be around 2,500ft. Max distance will be about 45 miles. Bring food and mixed drinks (non-alcoholic, unless you're Matt Hayes or Bama), because bonks can be expected for calorie free riders.

Level 4: Please, no beginners. You can expect these rides to last more than three hours, covering distances up to 60 miles, and maximum ascents of about 3,900ft. Bring at least two water bottles and some form(s) of carbohydrate replacement (drink mix, bar, dried fruit, gu, cookies). Make sure you are fairly well rested and not too hung over. Try to avoid burning up your matches early in the ride because you're going to need them on the way home. If the ride isn't exactly "epic," it will be fast, with several intense, or sustained efforts.

Level 5: These rides don't have any maximum distances, times, or ascents... These rides have minimums: In the least, we'll be ascending more than 4,000 ft, and/or covering distances over 75 miles, and/or riding for four hours, and/or riding at a simulated race pace, sprinting to country lines and bike jousting, with nothing but spandex, and maybe a heart rate monitor to protect piercing our hearts. Preparation on these rides is essential, we may be riding up at high elevations (peak to peak hwy, Brainard Lake, Estes, etc.), so even if it is 90 degrees in Boulder, bring a light vest in case it starts to rain, hail, or snow. Bring plenty of food, I'd bring at least two Clif Bars and a couple Goo's (Power Gel, Honey Stinger, whatever...), and definitely some money, or a credit card, just in case you need to buy a hamburger, or a bowl of pasta. Make sure you take a good look at the route before we depart so that you can designate a couple direct routes home in-case of unexpected bonks, and know when and where to pace yourself or when to hammer.