Ride Guide

Info for All Bentonville Ride Club Rides

  1. Please read our Community Norms.

  2. Everyone on the ride must have submitted Emergency Contact information.

  3. Rides depart promptly at the posted start time. Example: Start time at 4:00 pm. If it’s 4:01 pm you missed the start time.

  4. Each rider must have the route (available via RideWithGPS).

  5. Changes in the Group Ride schedule due to weather will be announced via WhatsApp group & updated in Strava.

Group Ride Protocols

Ride Levels

Level 1 Rides

Who? Newer Riders with some cycling miles under their tires.

Distance:

  • Gravel: 20 to 25 miles

  • Mtn Bike: 10 to 12 miles

Average Speed:

  • Gravel: 13 mph to 14 mph (1.5 hours ride time)

  • Mtn Bike: 7 mph (1.5 hours ride time)

Elevation:

  • Gravel: Less than 1,500 feet of climbing

  • Mtn Bike: Varies

No Drop Rides

When: Tuesday rides are typically Level 1 Rides.

Other: Level 1 riders should also make time for other rides during the week to increase fitness as most BRC rides are Level 2 and Level 3 rides.

Level 2 Rides

Who? Recreational riders who have a couple seasons under their tires.

Distance:

  • Gravel: 25 to 30 miles

  • Mtn Bike: 12 to 15 miles

Average Speed:

  • Gravel: 14 (2 hours ride time).

  • Mtn Bike: 7 mph to 8 mph (2 hours ride time)

Elevation:

  • Gravel: Typically less than 2,000 ft of climbing.

  • Mtn Bike: Varies

Level 2 rides follow our Start Together, Finish Together practices.

When: As scheduled

Other: Level 2 Rides can also be great for those Level 1 Riders with E-Bikes.

Level 3 Ride

Who? Experienced riders (either speed or endurance levels).

Designed for those who have been cycling for a few seasons or who are pursuing a seasonal goal like a Century Ride or a Fall Destination Event (like MidSouth Gravel, Big Sugar Gravel).

Distance: Mileage for Level 3 rides is determined based on upcoming endurance events, but it is designed to get you to the finish line.

Average Speed:

  • Gravel: 13.5 to 15 mph based on the training schedule.

  • Mtn Bike: 7 to 8 mph based on the training schedule

Elevation: TBD

When: As scheduled and typically a Saturday or Sunday ride.

Level 3 rides may drop riders if not able to consistently keep the designated pace.

Other: Level 3 rides often have loops that allow Level 2 riders to start together and cut back early to stay within a Level 2 Ride format.

Rider Expectations for Mechanical Breakdowns

Just like death and taxes, mechanical breakdowns will happen. Please be prepared. We don’t want you to get stuck out there.

What to Bring?

  • All riders are expected to carry basic repair tools and supplies (i.e. a spare tube and bike pump/CO2).

  • Cell phone with Route downloaded (via RideWithGPS account).

  • Carry enough food and water for the ride. RideWithGPS Routes will have refuel locations marked.

  • Depart for the ride with tires at proper air pressure.

  • Please do not show up for a ride with a bike that is non-operable.

  • For more info, check out our LFG Pre-Ride Checklist.

All Riders should be able to…

  • Fix a flat tire or plug a tubeless tire.

  • Have someone they can call if they need to be picked up (or be able to wait until group completes ride and someone from the ride will come pick you up).

What if I don’t know how to do these repairs?

One of the benefits of becoming a Bentonville Ride Club member is you can take advantage of our Whiskey and Wrenches Shop & Training Nights or get a consult from our BIEA Accredited Bicycle Assembly & Repair Technician.