GII has rides for all levels. Here is a description of the typical rides that are offered throughout the cycling season. Our club cycling season typically runs from late April to the beginning of October.
Weekly Rides
Monday Morning Chillax (C or N): Offered on Monday mornings starting in White Plains, MD. There are three route options - Trail (up to 26 miles), 34 miles or 42 miles. This is a nice relaxed ride with some elevation. The first 13 miles are on the Indian Head Rail Trail, so if you are a new rider, you have the option of staying on the trail and heading back when ready. If you are a slower rider, it is recommended that you leave before the start time to get a head start. There is no SAG.
Monday Motivation (A, B, or C): Offered on Mondays starting in Bowie, MD. The route is about 20 miles. A lot of the cyclists on this ride use this route to work on their speed. If you are a slower rider, it is recommended that you leave before the start time to get a head start. There is no SAG.
Tuesday Hill Training (A, B, or C): Offered Tuesdays starting in Alexandria, VA. There are two routes, a 23-mile route for more advanced riders and a 19-mile route that eliminates some of the big climbs. The first half of this route includes a good amount of elevation that cyclists use to practice their climbing. Midway through the ride, people re-group at a park. Because the 2nd half of the ride has a lot less elevation, some riders use this half of the ride to work on their speed. There is no SAG.
Hump Day Ride (C or N): Offered Wednesdays from Accokeek, MD. This is a 19-mile ride geared towards beginners. During this ride, the focus is on learning to ride on the road, learning how to ride in groups and pacelines, riding etiquette, and cycling safety. There is no SAG.
Trash Talking Thursday aka TTT ( A, B, or C): Offered Thursdays from Brandywine, MD. There is a 23 mile advanced route and a 20 mile shorter route that eliminates some of the hills. A lot of the cyclists on this ride use this route to work on their speed. Some of the riders doing the advanced route have a friendly competition to get to the end of this ride first for a chance to stand on the TTT podium each week. If you are a slower rider, it’s recommended that you leave a little before the start time to get a head start. There is no SAG.
Other Rides
Saturday Morning Road Rides (A, B, or C): Offered Saturdays throughout the full year, weather permitting. During the winter these rides are 30-40 miles for riders to get base miles under their belt. Once the cycling season starts, these rides will usually have two options; one that could be over 50 miles and one under 50 miles. These rides will start from a variety of locations typically in Southern Maryland, Prince George's County, Montgomery County, or Northern Virginia. SAG is normally available for these rides.
Trailblazers (C or N): These rides are offered on Saturdays as an alternative to the Road Rides. Trailblazer rides are for people who enjoy riding the trails. The location of the trails change each week and sometimes include a portion of the ride on the road. Riders have the option to shorten their ride at any point because they can usually turn back on the trail when ready to head back. There is no SAG.
N.E.O. Road (N): N.E.O. Road stands for Novice Educated On the Road. This ride is aimed towards new and casual riders. This ride is offered once a month on Sundays throughout the cycling season. There will be a pace leader to keep most of the group together and a sweeper to stay back and ensure no cyclist is left behind. The starting location will vary each time. The rides will always be 10 miles or under and include a lesson on something cyclists need to know. Check the Meetup schedule to find out the topics for each month and to get the start locations. There will be SAG available for these rides.