Q & A

Questions About The St. Catharines Cycling Club

What pace are the St. Catharines Cycling Club training rides?

This depends on the group you ride with. The A pace is typically 30+ kph average speed. The B pace average is between 28 and 30 kph. Pace varies depending or terrain, weather conditions, time of year and the level of fitness of the riders present. There are also sections of each ride where the tradition is for faster riding and sprints. During these portions of club rides, the A pace can reach in excess of 50 km/h.

The C group is a little slower and this ride’s mandate is a no-drop so the pace can vary quite a bit depending on who’s out. We like to keep the average pace at below 30 kph. We recommend that if you can’t do 25 kph, you may need to seek alternative groups.

Tuesday weeknight rides are typically at race pace.

Are helmets required during club events?

All club members participating in club events MUST wear an approved cycling helmet at all times. Any club members who show up for a club sponsored event without a helmet will be asked to put one on prior to being allowed to ride with the club.

Can I participate in the Club events without being a member?

Training rides are open to St. Catharines Cycling Club members.

Guests are permitted provided they can show proof of current OCA membership. Guests riding are requested to contact the club ahead of time. Guests may only participate in club rides for a limited time.

All riders must abide by the St. Catharines Cycling Club Code of Conduct. Riders violating the code will be given warning. Continued violations may result in revoking of ride privileges.

How do I begin racing?

To race in Ontario, you must have a current UCI license. Ontario residents may obtain a UCI racing license from the Ontario Cycling Association. Race categories are governed by the Ontario Cycling Association. For a summary of the categories, consult the Ontario Cycling Association website.

I just have a TT bike, can I join in the club rides?

For safety reasons, you may ride NOT a bike equipped with extensions, i.e. a TT/Tri bike in group rides. When you’re on the extensions, you just don’t have the visibility, ability to maneuver or brake as on a road bike. And if you’re on the base bars, you can’t shift safely.

If for some reason, you still want to go out for group training on your TT bike, you MUST stay at the back of the group and leave a reasonable gap. Failure to do so will get you kicked off the ride. And if you’re a guest, not at all.