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Note: This is only how CIRCA categorizes rides. 

Hilliness / Pace / Mileage (ex. 3/B/34mi)

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A "Local" ride is a ride for which the start location is accessible by bicycle or BART.

An "Away" ride is one that would require a car to reach the start location.

The ride conventions are as follows:

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Hilliness (% in average gradients)

1: 0-2% Essentially flat, just cruising - 0- 1,000 ft

2: 2-6% A few low hills, start putting in some effort - 1,000-2,000ft

3: 6-8% Moderately hilly,  entering climbing territory- 2,000-3,000ft

4: 8-12% Very hilly, must have sufficient fitness and have done level 3s - 4,000-6,000ft

5: 12+ % Extremely hilly with steep sections, for those who face hills with a smile - over 6,000ft

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Pace

A: 14-16 mph, Fast pace, for strong experienced riders, maybe one stop. 

B: 11-14 mph, Steady pace, 14-17 mph on mostly flat rides, fewer stops, for experienced riders

C: 8-11 mph, Easy pace, average speed on rides with hills, 12-15 mph on mostly flat rides, frequent stops, good for new riders

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Distance

Short      10 -  25 miles

Medium  25 -  50 miles

Long       50 - 100+ miles

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• Water, snacks, sport drinks

Staying hydrated and fueled is important on any length. Carry a water bottle with you in any weather. Stash an energy bar in your bike bag or jersey A water bottle and snack can go a long way in the last leg of your ride when you need that final push. 
 

•  Basic Repair Kit

Spare inner tube, tire levers, patch kit, mini-pump, and a folding multi-tool. Even if you are not familiar with fixing your own flat or making adjustments, a Good Samaritan will be able to help you along. 

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• Credit Card/Cash/Personal ID/ Health Insurance Card

In case you take a pitstop or need to make a small purchase somewhere, having this on hand will give you the option to refuel or even repair your bike on the road if you happen to be next to a bike shop. Personal ID with emergency personnel/health insurance card (if possible),  would be helpful in case of an unfortunate event. 

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• Mobile device (smart phone)

They've come a long way from just making phone calls.

- Have a plan b in case you're stranded and need to phone a friend or family. 

- Navigating unfamiliar areas and need to pull up maps

- Emergency calls and contact information are automatically shown and available w/o unlocking

- For taking those memorable pictures to show off to your friends :)

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Safety First

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Be Predictable - this is crucial for letting others (drivers and riders around you) know your intention prior to doing it.

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Signals

- Hand - using your arms as indicators are universally understood (turning right, left, slowing, stopping, potholes, glass, etc)

- Voice - used to vocalize if a car is coming from the back ("car back"), both hands are on your handle bars and you are coming to a stop, ("stopping")

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Visibility

Day - consider wearing brightly colored items and investing in a rear tail light (which is always on day and night)

Night - View blog for tips on riding at night​

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Obey traffic laws - as cars follow the rules of the road, cyclists are also subject to these rules as well which means, always stopping at stop lights and signs. 

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Be aware of your own surroundings at all times - through practice, your situational awareness will improve as you continue riding outside and practicing above. Do not wear ear/headphones. 

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In-progress

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