Explanation of Expected Paces

Although we employ an excellent method of ensuring that nobody gets lost (irrespective of their own chosen pace) and that allows everyone to ride well within their own envelopes, and hence safely, there are rides that rely on a minimum overall pace that may be too fast for some. Likewise, some of our events may well be too slow for others.

When runs are put together, the section times are carefully kept to sensible lengths so that we are not in the saddle for too long before a break. In order to determine this, and to be sure that the day doesn't overrun badly, an assumption is made about the expected pace that the ride will make overall. Every rider is different, and this is why we use our radio system of organising rides, so that we can accommodate these differences.

However, although our system ensures that we do not loose anybody, if there are widely different paces on a run that is tightly based on a rapid or fast pace, then this does run the risk of throwing the event out, and forcing route changes to shorten the distances or reduce the lengths of breaks, and hence claw back some time.

To try to avoid this happening, we have introduced pace terms that will be used to describe the expected general pace that has been assumed in planning any particular ride. This means that the event will assume that attendees are happy to ride at the quoted paces for significant sections of the route.

Our aim is always to provide the most enjoyment, in the greatest safety, for all attendees. What we are keen to avoid is placing anybody under any pressure to ride 'out of character'. This can be both at too fast or too slow a pace. So that you can judge whether or not you're likely to be happy on a particular event, we have provided the following explanations of the pace terms we use. Please keep in mind our golden rule that all speed limits below the National Speed Limit are adhered to at all times, on all our rides.

Pace	Explanation
Gentle	A bimble, quite possibly well below the speed limit, used where the principle aim is to take in the scenery, or to view specific features of the landscape. An appropriate pace for novice riders, or those coming back to riding after a long break, or those who have just moved onto a bigger bike than they have been used to. Suitable for just about all riders.
Medium	Taking advantage of the speed limit but not attacking corners with any particular gusto, or being overly concerned with making progress on overtaking. A moderate pace applied where open opportunity exists, but with no particular emphasis on this. An appropriate pace for riders with a couple of years of experience, or those who do not want to be intimately involved in their riding all the time. Suitable for riders who are building their confidence.
Pacey	Taking advantage of the speed limit and making good progress through the bends. It is assumed that overtaking will be the norm, and all safe opportunities used. An appropriate pace for riders with a number of years of experience, or those who like to get involved in using their machines more fully. Suitable for confident riders.
Fast	Taking advantage of the speed limits and, in National Speed Limits, somewhat more, with bends taken at optimum speed using all the road, where safe to do so, for the sheer pleasure of it. It is assumed that overtaking will be done smoothly, with no interruption of pace and for the joy of it. Suitable for advanced riders.

Note that rides can have a range of assumed paces, and that these will be separated on the event's page by Ü. So, you will find, for example, MediumÜPacey being shown. This means that the run has been put together assuming that significant parts of the ride will be run at paces within this range.

If you're at all concerned that an event that you like the look of may not be appropriate for you, then by all means contact the Event Coordinator to discuss it. We are well aware that many Ferrets have found it usefully instructive being on runs that have encouraged them to continue their learning, and from which they have gained a great deal of further skills and confidence through watching the riding techniques of other attendees. We do not want to discourage this, but in the interest of safety we need to be aware of any situations like it, and hence then be able to provide this benefit in a better way during the ride.

Page Updated

21/03/2008 02:27