Visit the Calendar page for current times and locations as daylight, road construction, and other factors cause changes throughout the year.
Maps for some common routes are listed below.
Maps for some common routes are listed below.
Notes and reminders for all AAVC rides:
- All riders MUST wear helmets on these rides, and bikes should be in good working order. You are responsible for bringing water and/or food, and supplies to fix a flat tire or other minor mechanical problem.
- Riders are encouraged to select a group appropriate to their skill and fitness level or to the level of exertion needed in their training cycle.
- Keep in mind when reading these descriptions that recovery time is riding at a slower pace for a short distance. Riders should not expect to stop, dismount, eat, drink, etc.
Monday evening, Wheeler Park (map), 20-30 miles
Recovery ride. This is a great ride to come out and learn about the club. Meet other members on a low-key, easy ride. This ride is from May through August.
Tuesday evening, Group ride, 35-45 miles
Tuesday rides begin the first week in April and continue until the fall time change, though, attendance can be low once criterium practice begins (see below).
- A Group: Fast tempo ride with pace dictated by the stronger riders. Typically, the speed of this ride is 25+ mph with the paceline reaching speeds of 35+ mph. Distances are 45-60 miles. Most of the riders in this group are Category 1, 2, or 3.
- B Group: Fast tempo ride with recovery time at major intersections only. Distances of 40-50 miles at a riding pace of 22-25 mph. Emphasis on working in smooth pacelines and maintaining the group effort.
- C Group: This group is formed when there are too many riders in the B group. Typically, this is for riders who are newer to racing and or paceline techniques. Distances and speeds are similar to the B group but with more chance for recovery.
Tuesday evening, Runway Plaza (map), Criterium Practice — Summer
Runway Plaza is south of Ellsworth and east of State Street. The workouts are run on the same course as the Spring Training Series, and take place from the first week of May until the end of August.
These workouts have been described as being the most physically demanding that the club offers. Practices generally last 90 to 120 minutes and consist of six short practice races. Corner marshal and finish line/lap counter volunteers are needed for each race.
The workout typically consists of four to six short races of various distances focusing on criterium skills such as riding in a pack, attacks, lead-outs, sprinting, etc.
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| DIRTHAMMER ride interactive map |
This fall ride is a weekly mainstay of cyclocross season. True to its name, it encompasses dirt roads and is a hammerfest from the start. These rides usually start by September, if not slightly earlier. Cyclocross bike recommended, but a road bike with tough wheels and tires will work, too.
There is rarely any waiting for mishaps or dropped riders on this ride, so come prepared with a copy of the route map and lights as the days get shorter.
There is rarely any waiting for mishaps or dropped riders on this ride, so come prepared with a copy of the route map and lights as the days get shorter.
This is a ride and skills practice for junior team members focused on learning and practicing the basics of riding in a group and essential race skills. Typically the group will do a 45-60 minute ride (about 12-16 miles) plus practice bike handling will skills, drills and games.
Thursday evening, Forsythe Middle School (map), 40-60 miles
Rides leave from at 6:00 p.m. on Thusdays from the first week in April until the fall time change.
- A Group: Fast tempo ride with pace dictated by the stronger riders. Typically, the speed of this ride is 25+ mph with the paceline reaching speeds of 35+ mph. Distances are 45-60 miles. Most of the riders in this group are Category 1, 2, or 3.
- B Group: Fast tempo ride with recovery time at major intersections only. Distances of 40-50 miles at a riding pace of 22-25 mph. Emphasis on working in smooth pacelines and maintaining the group effort.
- C Group: This group is formed when there are too many riders in the B group. Typically, this is for riders who are newer to racing and or paceline techniques. Distances and speeds are similar to the B group but with more chance for recovery.
Saturday and Sunday morning, Wheeler Park (map)
Democratic ride (whoever shows up decides on the type of ride). Often this a tempo ride of 50-70 miles (occasionally longer) with one or two groups split by fitness or training level. Steady pace of 22+ mph with occasional roll-ups. Recovery time and regrouping will occur at major intersections.
Common Ride Routes
The following links are for maps of a few common routes used for AAVC group rides. Rides involve other routes or variations on the following routes depending on available time, road conditions, and rider desires.
