How rides are grouped

We want to make each ride as enjoyable as possible to the participants so each ride will have the target audience described in each posting. TORC determines groupings by fitness and technical ability, it’s up to you to determine where you fit. Our Ride Groupings are as follows:

• Beginner - These type of guided rides are casual and meant to be enjoyable to everyone that participates. The target audience are new cyclists or cyclists new to single track. Rides are typically 1 to 4 miles in length on the easier trails in the area with a minimal amount of climbing. All of these rides are “No Drop”. No Drop means there will always be someone riding with or near you. If for what ever reason you fall behind on the ride, another cyclist will drop back to ride with you for the duration. These rides are meant to help you build the skills and endurance needed to participate in the longer intermediate level rides.
• Intermediate - This is the middle ground that a large majority of cyclists inhabit. You’ve got the skills and endurance to ride for 5 to 12 miles on more technical terrain and are looking for new challenges. Expect there to be more climbing on these rides and as a result more downhill. This rides are typically “no drop”, if there is any question, please contact the ride coordinator.
• Advanced – Advanced riders have the skills and endurance to handle the longest rides, for TORC that means 20+ mile Epics to backwoods areas. These rides will include steep climbing and long rocky descents. These rides are occasionally billed as “no drop” but don’t count on it. You can expect a 9-10+mph average pace for this type of ride.
• Night Rides – These rides are open to anyone with the proper gear to participate, most notably at least a 10W/200 lumens head lamp. Typically there will be an organized group for beginners or those new to night riding. Intermediate and Advanced riders are encouraged to form groups or enjoy these rides solo.