Saturday Ride

Implied Consent

When you ride with SDBC, you are giving your implied consent that you are assuming all responsibility and liability for your safety.

Implied Consent:

“I acknowledge cycling is an inherently dangerous and potentially deadly activity.  I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assign, personal representatives, and next of kin, release SDBC, its officers and directors, volunteers, and members for any and all liability associated with my participation in any SDBC related activity.”

By riding with SDBC, you assume full responsibility for your safety and release SDBC and its members from all liability.

Full Schedule

Our Saturday ride is held every Saturday, rain or shine, except on the day of our Barrio Logan Grand Prix race and on our Holiday Toy Ride in early December.

Rides roll out, in order, with faster groups leaving first:

• Orientation for first-time riders is at 0815 in front of UC Cyclery
• A Group rolls out shortly after 0830
• B Group rolls out right after the A Group
• C Group - rolls out right after the B Group
• Development Groups roll out after the C group, in order
• The last group to roll out is D-4

All rides return to UC Cyclery. See our FAQ’s for more information on return times.

Parking & Location

Parking is available near UC Cyclery, which is in the northwest corner of the Lajolla Village Square Mall. The address for UC Cyclery is:

UC Cyclery
8715 Villa La Jolla Drive #B
La Jolla, CA 92037
map link

Parking and Location details:

• Vehicles with roof racks should use the Nobel Drive entrance, just west of I-5.
• There is ample parking in the large lot just to the east of UC Cyclery.
• Do not park directly in front of the bike shop.
• There is also a Blue Line Trolley station nearby and many cyclists ride from home.
• Please note: The bike shop does not open before the ride groups roll out.

A/B/C Rides

The A, B, and C group rides require extensive group riding experience and competence in rotating pacelines. If you do not have this experience, please join one of the Development Rides to gain the required experience and skills. Inexperienced riders in the A/B/C groups pose a risk to themselves and everyone in the group.

D-2 Group Ride

D-2 is a brisk paced 42 to 43 mile climbing-focused ride that takes a hilly path off the regular SDBC route. It has steeper climbs and more elevation gain than any other SDBC ride. Riders must have group riding and rotating pace-line experience. While it is a “drop-ride”, it features several re-groups after the various climbs and descents. For much of the route there is no following group, so be sure to know the route and “bail-out” points. There are several variations of the D-2 route. E-bikes are not allowed in the D-2 group. D-2 rolls out after D-1.

D-3 Group Ride

D-3 is the core development ride of SDBC. The route is 37 miles long and somewhat hilly. It is ideal for riders who have cycling experience but are new to riding in packs larger than 4 or 5. Riders are coached as needed and speed is kept at a moderate pace between 15 and 17 mph on the flats and 13 to 14 mph average overall. Opportunities are taken at regrouping points to teach participants group riding skills including rotating pace-lines. While not considered a “no-drop” ride, effort is made to keep the group together and to accommodate slower rides who are putting in the appropriate effort. Pedal-assist e-bikes are allowed. D-3 rolls out after D-2.

D-4 Group Ride

D-4 is SDBC’s entry level training ride. At 24 miles long, it follows the first 10 miles of the D-3 route but at a slower pace. This is a “no-drop” ride that accommodates all cyclists who are putting in the appropriate effort. This is a good ride for riders with little or no group riding experience. It is also popular with cyclists coming back from an injury or looking for a shorter, slower ride.

The terrain includes a number of shorter climbs plus the longer and more challenging 1.5 mile long Torrey Pines grade. Riders should have the fitness and ability to stay with the group and to climb hills without walking their bikes. Instruction on how to maximize use of gears and other skills is provided as needed to help beginners become more efficient cyclists. Pedal-assist e-bikes are allowed. D-4 rolls out after D-3.

FAQS

Do you ride every week? Every Saturday?

Yes, we plan for all seven ride groups every week rain or shine except for the Holiday Toy Ride in December and the on day of our Barrio Logan Grand Prix Race, usually in June.

Which group ride should I choose?

Read the descriptions above and choose a ride that best matches your skills and experience and not necessarily your ability to keep up. A brief description of each group level is given during Orientation.

When do the rides end?

Ending times can vary every week depending on conditions, the composition of the groups, stops for flats/mechanicals, and the length of the coffee stop. Typically:

• D-4 returns between 1130 to 1200

• A, B, C, and D-1 arrive between 1200 and 1230

• D-2 and D-3 typically return around 1230.

If you need to get back earlier, you may skip the coffee stop and return directly on your own or with others going in the same direction.

What else should I know?

• Be self-sufficient

• Bring a spare tube and inflation device

• Carry ID, money and/or a credit card

• Your bikes should be in good working condition with chains lubed, tires inflated, brakes and gears checked for function. Fellow cyclists are happy to help with flats, but you must have your own spare tube and inflation device.
  

What is the history of the Saturday Ride?

Originally a single-group workout for the Club’s racers, the Saturday Rides have evolved and expanded to a much wider range of cyclists.

Who can I contact for other questions?

For further questions about the Saturday ride, contact our Training Director.