Grizzly Peak Cyclists
Ride Series Overview

Grizzly Peak Cyclists puts on a number of ride series during the year of interest to the general cycling community. Our two main ride series are described in greater detail on the linked pages:

• Our famous Novice Ride Series helps less experienced riders develop the skills needed for group rides in an enjoyable and fun atmosphere. It consists of one ride per weekend for five or six weeks. The Novice Series typically begins with a 20 mile flat ride; the routes gradually increase in length and difficulty, culminating in a 30 or 35 mile hilly ride. The next Novice Series will start in August 2008. If you can't wait that long, check the ride schedule for the next L or LT ride.

  See information about the Summer 2009 Novice Series (runs August - September 2009).
  Go directly to the Summer 2009 Novice ride schedule.

  See information about past Novice Series: Summer 2008; Summer 2007; Fall 2006; Fall 2005; Fall 2004; Fall 2003; Fall 2002; Fall 2001; Fall 2000; Fall 1999.

• The Century-Preparation Ride Series is for intermediate cyclists who want to prepare for the Grizzly Peak Century or simply build stamina and increase range. It consists of one ride per weekend for the six weekends prior to the Century; that is, from mid-March through the end of April. The rides are about as hilly as the Century itself; they start at about 25 or 30 miles (where the Novice Series leaves off) and ramp up to a finale of about 55 miles. Those who complete the series should have no trouble completing at least the Century's North Loop (73 miles, a metric century+).

  See information about the Spring 2010 Century-Prep Series.
  Go directly to the Spring 2010 Century-Prep ride schedule.

  See information about past Century-Prep Series: Spring 2009; Spring 2008; Spring 2007; Spring 2006; Spring 2005; Spring 2004; Spring 2003; Spring 2002; Spring 2001; Spring 2000.

Send general comments or questions on the Novice or Century Prep ride series to the Ride Series Coordinator.

Yet more GPC ride series:

• Alex's Second Saturday Ride. This ride series started in February 2002. The second Saturday of each month (except May), riders of all speeds and abilities meet 9:00am at Orinda Bart (usually) and ride together for 10 miles before breaking into separate groups. For the next one, check the monthly ride listings. For more info, see the Alex's Second Saturday Ride page or contact the ASSR Coordinator.


• Mid-week training rides, for bikers wanting to work on strength, speed, and hill-climbing prowess. Typically 3/MB/25-40, which is near the upper end of our club's pace ratings, and typically only from April through September. See the Berkeley Tuesday Evening Ride page for details, and check the weekly ride listings for confirmed schedule.


• Individual time trial and tempo ride (ITT). Ride a fixed course — the hilly 18.7 mile loop known as The Bears — against the clock (time trial) or at the heart rate of your choice (tempo ride). One rider starts each minute. The ITT is usually held the first Saturday each month, from spring through fall. To confirm, check the monthly ride listings or contact the Time Trial Czar. Due to insurance requirements, GPC membership is required. If you would like to participate but aren't a current GPC member, paperwork will be available at the start: dues are $15 and good for a year.


• Double-century preparation rides. Century-prep rides not enough for you? During January - April, we run an informal series of preparation rides for double centuries such as the Devil Mountain Double and Terrible Two. You must be a strong, experienced, self-sufficient rider to undertake these. For information, see the Double-Prep Ride page. For information on TM-pace (ie, somewhat slower pace) versions of the rides, see the Double-Prep-TM Ride page. For a lot of hints and opinions :-) on doing these rides at an M-pace, see the Double-Prep-M Ride page.


• Family and friends rides. These are designed for families with children or non-bike-maniac friends; typically as many as half the riders are children under age 15. They are all 1-2/XL/10-15, which is to say: essentially flat or only a few low hills; extra-leisurely child-friendly pace; distance about 10 to 15 miles. There are plenty of snack stops, sometimes a playground stop, and the kids always have a blast. There are several rides per year, depending on the interests of the parents/riders who lead them. For the next ride, check the monthly ride listings or contact the Family Ride Coordinator.

Finally, here is a former ride series. It was offered by the club in the past, but no one is organizing it at present. The club still has information on the routes, etc., if anyone else wants to lead them again.

• Scenic Routes Ride Series. This series ran in November-December 2003. It introduced some of our old favorite routes to new riders. Club members are welcome and encouraged to help out and to keep riding during the colder darker months. Five rides have been scheduled over a period of six Saturdays, carefully avoiding the Alex Second Saturday Ride. They all start at 9:00 a.m.

See the ride rating system for how to interpret the ride ratings.

GPC Home Page | GPC Ride Guidelines | GPC Ride Rating System