Saturday Signature Ride (Hillsboro; every Saturday)

The ride starts at 9 a.m. as of May 7, 2011. The start location is the parking lot of LaCie Ltd., located at 22985 NW Evergreen Parkway in Hillsboro. Parking is only allowed in the LaCie Ltd. spaces and will be strictly enforced. For new riders/new members as well as riders visiting from outside the area, our Saturday ride is the perfect introduction to the Portland Velo “cycling culture.” This is our largest group ride of the week, and it’s one of the largest weekly group rides in Portland.

Ride distances vary from just over 30 to 50 miles, and we typically alternate weeks between relatively flat to rolling routes and routes with some real climbing thrown in. Each week we ride a different route from our map database.

The “features” of our Saturday rides are our designated ride groups led by the Portland Velo Ride Leader team. Each Saturday we have five different and distinct groups of riders based on their cycling skill and fitness levels. Our groups are as follows: 14-16 mph, 16-18, 18-20, 21 and 21+, based on average speeds on flat roads.

We expect people to place themselves in the groups that best match their abilities, again, based on both fitness and cycling skill set. The particulars of each group are as follows:

14-16 mph

This group rides at a moderate pace and includes numerous regroup points. The group may also stop for a quick refreshment break at some point on certain rides. If you are new to group rides and/or working on your fitness, this is the perfect group for you. On occasion, this group may ride either an alternate route or a modified version of the planned route.

16-18 mph

This group rides at a steady, brisk pace and uses drafting as a way to ride in a more efficient manner. Regroups are decided on an as-needed basis and the rider expectation is that you are able to maintain a consistent 16-to-18-mph average speed on the flats.

18-20 mph

This is a fast-paced group where the rider expectation ramps up. This group rides in paceline formation for the majority of the ride and expects those within the group to have the skills necessary for this type of riding. The rider expectation is that you are confident and honest about your ability to ride at this pace and that you understand how to communicate within a group of this nature. Regroups are at the discretion of the ride leader.

21 mph

This is a closely monitored, strong group that’s perfect for those looking for a consistent, strenuous effort. Riders in this group are expected to follow the ride leader mandate of what type of ride it is, and be able to ride in a tight pace line, climb well and communicate effectively with other riders in the group. The mandate for this group is a set of serious group riding skills, which is more important than being fit enough to ride 21 mph. If you have the fitness but not the riding skills, please do not attempt to ride with this group.

21+ mph

The 21+ group is the “throw down” group of our club. At more than 21 mph, it should be obvious to anyone considering this group that your cycling skill set and fitness level need to be top notch. Tight, rotating pacelines are the order of the day in this group and climbs are ridden hard. This group follows the lead of the day’s ride leader in terms of what kind of ride the day brings. The speeds in this group can easily approach 25 mph, perhaps more, so be prepared for a seriously hard day in the saddle.

Freestyle group

Like the idea of doing your own thing? Want to put together your own group of friends and ride together at your own pace? Wanna “stop and smell the roses” on your ride? Like to start your ride a bit earlier? Rather ride solo or with a smaller group? Don’t have a “group ride” mentality or enjoy the structure of a defined group? If you answered yes to any of these questions then our “Freestyle” group is where you should be. This group rolls without a ride leader and, using the provided map, navigates for themselves. We ask that you pick up the day’s map beginning at 8:30 a.m., and request that you’re on the road no later than 8:50 — prior to the official rollout of our designated and defined groups.