** Ride MKE Core Values:
1. Promote cycling in our area through a unified front. 2. Provide a friendly environment to teach new riders important skills in areas such as group riding, pace line protocol, ride safety, etiquette, etc. 3. Organize club participation in large events in our area including UPAF, Trek 100, Horribly Hilly, Wright Stuff, MS 150, Scenic Shore 150, etc. 4. Hold in-season monthly group activities ranging from after-ride socials to Saturday afternoon BBQ in the parking lot to informational meetings with product reps and industry folks. We offer 5 levels of ride groups. Below are the group descriptions Group 1: Cruising Speed: 25+ mph Overall Average Speed: 22+ mph This group averages 22+ mph, with many stretches in the 25 - 29 (sometimes faster!) mph range. Group riding/pace line skills are absolutely required. This group is made up of racers and experienced riders who are comfortable riding at high speeds in a tight group. THIS IS A DROP RIDE Group 2: Cruising Speed: 22 - 25 mph Overall Average Speed: 20 - 22 mph This group will average 20 - 22 mph with many stretches in the 23 - 26 mph range. Just like Group 1, group riding/pace line skills are required. The pace of this group demands that someone be comfortable riding in a tight pack. This group looks a lot like Group 1 with the only difference being the average and cruising speeds are slightly lower. THIS IS A DROP RIDE Group 3: Cruising Speed: 20 - 22 mph Overall Average Speed: 18 - 20 mph This group will average 18 - 20 mph with many stretches at 22 - 25 mph. Group riding experience is also required. This group is likely our largest group. Riders must still feel comfortable riding in a pace line at fast speeds. At the same time, this group is welcoming of those riders that wish to test themselves. However, since it is a drop ride, no whining is allowed if you find yourself off the back sooner than you thought/hoped. THIS IS A DROP RIDE Group 4 Cruising Speed: 18 - 21 mph Overall Average Speed: 16 - 18 mph This group averages 16 - 18 mph which means some stretches may see speeds of 20 mph. In this group, it is expected that the rider at the head of the group will ride at between 18 and 20 mph on the flats. Riders that feel this is too slow belong in Group 3. Group riding experience is recommended, but not necessary. This group is perfect for those cyclist that want to push themselves, but aren’t either ready or interested in the high speeds and pressure of Groups 1, 2, and 3. This group is also perfect for those more advanced riders that want a slower ride due to fatigue, tapering for an upcoming event, or are introducing someone to our group and are keeping them company. The Group Ride Leader is chartered with making sure the pace is as advertised and the group waits for anyone falling off the back. It is the responsibility of each Group 4 rider to help the Group Ride Leader in controlling the pace. If you choose to ride Group 4, you’re to ride at the Group 4 pace, not try and speed things up if you decide you feel better than you thought at the start. THIS IS A NO-DROP RIDE* Group 5 Cruising Speed: 16 - 18 mph Overall Average Speed: 15 - 16 mph (see italic text below) While there are published cruising and overall average speeds, this group will ride at a pace that allows the slowest rider to still be part of the group. In this group, it is expected that the rider at the head of the group will ride at between 16 and 18 mph on the flats. This is a good group for those that are newer to group riding skills but are interested in learning more. This group may elect a slightly different route than the other groups, and is chartered with making sure no rider is left behind. Just like with Group 4, it is expected that the Group Ride Leader for Group 5 will control the pace so all riders are comfortable. THIS IS A NO-DROP RIDE* ON HIATUS FOR 2022 Monday / Wednesday Group 4/5 Only Ride: Cruising Speed: 15 - 20 mph Overall Average Speed: 16 - 19 mph This Monday evening ride is targeted toward Group 4/5 riders. It's a great ride for those that want to get a feel for what Ride MKE Group rides are like. This is a no-drop ride, meaning if you fall behind the group will wait for you at logical muster points. More experienced riders may choose to use this ride as a recovery ride, which means you'll benefit from their experience and expertise. THIS IS A NO-DROP RIDE* ![]() Membership in Ride MKE is free. We ask that you join the Wisconsin Bike Fed as we support their continued efforts to make Wisconsin the most bicycle friendly state. Click on the image to join.
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*Notes on a "no drop" ride:
A “no drop ride” is, as you can guess, a ride where no one is left behind to fend for themselves. This doesn’t mean the group will always ride at the pace of the slowest rider, but it does mean that either the group will stop at logical points on the ride to allow everyone to regroup, or someone from the group will drop back - usually one of group leaders - and ride with the slower riders for the rest of the ride. Pace Line Flow: We have decided to have a standard Ride MKE Way for pace line flow. It is not the only way, but to ensure consistency and don’t have accidents or close calls as we’re riding in pace lines, we are adopting the following as our pace line flow.
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