Road Rides

OCC members can ride in any group at any time, and move groups during the season, but should review the group definitions below to ensure a good fit. Please read this article when considering moving up a group: Observations from the Other Side: Moving Between Ride Groups

View our 2023 season road ride groups

Rules and tips that apply to all groups

Rules of the road

The basic rule is that nobody gets abandoned out on the road. Your ride leader will try to ensure that the pace is suitable for all. If some of the stronger riders want to go ahead, they can do that, and the leader will stay with the main ride. But this must be communicated to the others in the group. If a rider or a few riders are dropping off the back, the leader will initially slow the entire ride down, and also make sure that the group waits at the top of the hills. If the slower riders decide that they want to turn back they will be accompanied by a designated Club rider to make sure that they do not get lost on the way home. You should not leave the ride without letting the tour leader know. Also, the group stays together in case of a tire puncture or other accident. A helmet must be worn during the ride and all traffic laws must be obeyed (yes, that means stopping at stop signs).

All OCC members must read and follow the club guidelines: Group Ride Guidelines and Etiquette.

What type of bike can I ride?

Our group rides are best-suited for road bikes. Gravel, cross or hybrid bikes can be ridden in the Recreational group, although not recommended. Mountain bikes are not suitable for the speeds and distances that are covered in any group.

E-bikes are allowed in the 21, 23, 26 and 28 km/h groups. Only Class 1 e-bikes that are pedal-assist, with no throttle, and have a maximum assisted speed of 32 km/h/20 mph are permitted on our rides. No Class 2 (throttle-assisted) or Class 3 (speeds up to 45 km/h/28 mph) are allowed on any OCC group ride.

Aero bars are not permitted on any group ride.

Cancellations

If a ride is going to be canceled because of bad weather, the ride captain will send out an email to that effect 90 minutes before the scheduled start (to our MailChimp mailing list). If you look out your window and are wondering if there is a ride or not, please check your email before heading out.

Tips

Check the weather forecast and make sure that you have the right kind of clothing with you to remain comfortable throughout the ride. Although some rides will have planned stops for refreshments, you should make sure you bring plenty of water with you and also some high energy snacks. A spare tube and tools to change a tire are also a very good idea, as is a tire pump. Be sure to check the condition and pressure of your tires before you leave the house!

All rides start at a slower pace and shorter length early in the season and progress towards the lengths All rides start at a slower pace and shorter length early in the season and progress towards the lengths listed below. As a result, be wary of joining in mid-season when regular riders are in better condition for the longer rides.

 

Our road ride groups

 

21 km/h

This is our introductory-level group. If you are new to road riding, have never ridden in a group, or are looking for a more-relaxing pace, this might be the group for you. Before coming out, you need to be able to ride on your own at an average speed of at least 20 km/h for rides 25 km in length or more, and be comfortable riding on roads with vehicular traffic.  Road bikes or hybrids with road tires are strongly recommended; no off-road/mountain tires or bikes, please. For 2021, electric road bikes (e-bikes) in pedal assist mode are permitted.

Group Notes:

 

23 km/h

This group is an ideal option for those new to road or group riding, or riders who are more interested in being in nature with a great bunch of people rather than racing. Electric road bikes (e-bikes) in pedal assist mode are permitted.

Group Notes:

26 km/h

This group is for riders who have a fair bit of road ride experience and have been on group rides before.

Group Notes:

28 km/h

This group is for riders who have a fair bit of road ride experience and have been on group rides before.

Group Notes:

 

30 km/h

This group is well-suited for those who have been road riding for at least a few years and are looking to increase pace, distance, or generally improve group riding skills.

Group Notes:

 

32+ km/h

The fastest of our recreational group rides. We usually ride in groups, but some people by choice may end up finishing the ride alone due to current fitness levels or wanting to start with the group but finish at a different pace. 

Group Notes: