Although the gliders are still riding on the A-riders schedule (this
Saturday south, Sunday north, 9AM), I'll be conducting a ride later in the
morning up to see the races on Saturday.

Details:

Meet at NW Chevron at 11:30AM on Saturday for a no-later-than
11:45AM departure.  Distance will be approximately 40 miles[1] with the
ending at Progress Park around 2PM.  Once we arrive at Progress Park the
ride is over and everyone will be on their own to leave when they want.
Total ride including the return trip from Progress Park will be
approximately 50 miles[2].

Pace will be a normal "gliders" pace - average will be between 18 and
19.5mph, with cruising speeds upwards of 20-21; no one will be dropped.
If there's a noticeably stronger contingent then we may choose to split up
into two groups.

The only stop on the ride will be at Progress Park.

As always, helmets are required on all GCC rides.

About the Gliders
The Gliders are a group that strives to maintain high training speeds over
moderate distances and maintain the integrity of the group. The average
speed of our rides generally will fall between 18 and 19.5 mph, which
means our cruising speed will often be around 21 mph. Rides will normally
be around 50 miles, but can range between 35 and 75. We will usually stop
at a store about half way through the ride; on longer rides we may stop
twice.

We will sometimes have a Power Glider group that will average up to 20.5
mph. It is more likely that such a group will form on a Saturday, usually
in mid-Summer as group fitness peaks.

The group uses pace lines to maintain higher speeds (single and double
pace lines; we do not use rotating pace lines or echelons). The group
rides at a consistent pace and will adjust its speed (within limits) to
keep everyone together. These are group rides; you should be prepared to
stop if someone has a mechanical problem. We will stop briefly to regroup
if the group is broken up by traffic conditions, stop lights, or big
hills.

To participate, you must sign the safety pledge, wear a helmet, be able to
change a flat tire, and have a capable road bike. You should have some
experience in group riding, but we will work with you if you do not. To
stay with the ride, you must be capable of staying in a pace line moving
at 21 mph for three to four hours. If you find that you cannot maintain
the pace, you should let another group member know that you are going to
drop off. If you do not know where you are and anticipate dropping, ask
someone how to get home before its too late!

We generally observe a speed limit on flat terrain. Early in the year it
will be 20 mph, and will be 21 or 22 as the group gets stronger. Riders
wishing to go faster than this should move up to the A Riders.
The pace will be slower when:

      * We go up hills
      * There is a strong headwind

The pace will be faster when:

      * We are going down a hill
      * There is a tailwind
      * All members of the day's group agree to go faster
      * During the last segment of the ride

During the last segment of a ride, stronger group members may accelerate
to maintain a higher speed into the finish. If you do not want to go at
the faster pace, do not do so. The last segment starts at the following
locations:

      * US 441 at Hague
      * Millhopper Road at CR 241
      * Rocky Point Road at US 441
      * SR 121 at Short Wacahoota Road

Ken
[1] By "Approximately 40 miles" I mean we'll be winging it and the ride
may be 35 miles or may be 45 miles, but I promise to throw some hills your
way because you like the hills.  You know you do.  Really, you do.  The
hills are your friend.  Really, they are.

[2] By "Approximately 50 miles" I mean we'll be winging the first portion
of the ride, and thus can't give you a firm distance for the total ride
once you return to the Chevron.

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