Al's Ride Club

Our group rides are divided into different categories to allow the rider to choose their best workout. Most of our GROUP RIDES are at TEMPO PACE/Zone 3 and higher covering middle-distance courses (16 to 25 miles). We have some scheduled longer rides, chill rides, Tempo rides, Climbs, Master’s rides and recovery rides.

As group leaders, we aim to keep our rides cohesive. However, there are times when the ride’s intensity may increase to provide riders with a better workout. Our goal is to enhance our fitness as a group and community. We typically categorize our group rides. Visit our EVENTS page for upcoming rides to join.

I have listed ride categories based on watts/kg and ride type. Remember, every rider has a different riding ability. I base the categories on my own riding ability and fitness.

Most of our GROUP RIDES are listed weekly and broken down into these categories:

1. RECOVERY RIDE (2.0 to 2.5 watts/kg) LOW INTENSITY

These rides emphasize active recovery. They consist of very low-intensity exercise sessions aimed at helping the body recuperate after a strenuous workout or race by maintaining movement while exerting minimal stress on the muscles. This approach facilitates blood flow and nutrient delivery without inducing further fatigue; essentially, it’s a very easy ride focused on light effort without pushing your limits. There will be no sprinting at the end of the ride, and the group leader will ensure the group maintains an easy, recovery pace.

2. CHILL RIDE (2.5 to 3.0 watts/kg) MODERATE INTENSITY

These rides emphasize Zone 2 – 3 efforts while maintaining group cohesion. Zone 2 and Zone 3 can vary among riders, which may lead to the formation of front, secondary, and tertiary groups. This is a moderate intensity ride. The key is to ensure that efforts remain predominantly consistent in ZONE 2 with some Zone 3 or threshold riding, but without venturing into the higher zones.

3. TEMPO RIDE and RACES(3.0 and higher watts/kg) HIGH INTENSITY

These rides concentrate on Zone 3 or THRESHOLD and higher zones. Races are sometimes added and will be announced to get XP and points. Zones may increase during climbs, breakaways, and a sprint at the end of the ride. For some riders, this is a high intensity ride and can feel like a race; however, the emphasis remains on tempo/higher cadence and threshold riding with elevated power zones to enhance fitness. The group rider will sustain a relatively steady pace that is faster than a chill ride and closer to an actual race. Tempo rides are excellent for building endurance and improving your capacity to ride at higher intensities for extended periods.

4. LONG RIDE (2.5 to 3.0 watts/kg) MODERATE, STEADY PACE

These rides concentrate on steady state, long rides. A long ride would be considered 40 miles or longer. The long ride will build a base for the average rider and keep the stronger riders fit. It’s good to break up the week with different intensities and include at least 1 long ride.

5. ClIIMBS (3.0 and higher watts/kg) HIGH INTENSITY

These rides are categorized as a climbers course. The course can vary with large, long climbs and shorter, punchy climbs. The ride is usually intense and can split the groups.

6. MASTERS RIDE (2.5 to 3.0 watts/kg) MODERATE INTENSITY

These rides are specialty rides for 50+ riders. Sorry, young bucks, you’ll have to find another group to ride with. This is strictly for the old, hard core roadies.

Remember that even if you fall behind the leader on these rides, there is a “rubber banding effect” feature built into the Rouvy Software. It refers to a feature in group rides where the app automatically adjusts your resistance to keep you closer to the pace of the group, essentially acting like an invisible “rubber band” that pulls you back if you fall behind, allowing riders of different abilities to stay together during a group ride. It will also make resistence harder as you pull ahead of the group leader.