DC Paceline

This ride has no stops or regrouping points. You must be comfortable riding in a fast moving bunch. All we ask is be nice to everyone around and enjoy the ride. Everyone welcome!

Distance: 50 miles
Pace: Moderate to Very Spicy, 21 - 23 mph avg. Proper challenge ride.
Route

This is no drop ride and two of regrouping point. First regrouping spot is on the top of Great Falls climb and the second on top of Brickyard climb. If you are new to cycling or group riding, this is the perfect ride.

Distance: 27 miles
Pace: Recovery, No drop, beginner friendly - 16 - 18mph avg.
Route

• 8:00 AM: Gather & grab coffee
• 8:20 AM: Pre-ride briefing
• 8:30 AM: Roll out!

• A Group (Moderate Pace with fast segments): Minimal regrouping, stopping only at Oaklyn & Falls and the top of the Great Falls climb. Riders who can't maintain the pace can rejoin the B group.
• B Group (Social Pace): Stays together, regroups as needed, and offers a no-drop policy (picking up riders who drop from A).

• Road bike (without TT bars)
• Helmet
• Foot retention (clipless pedals)
• Tail light (recommended)
• Water & spare tube

From Sweet Science, it’s about 51 miles with 2,900ft for the full ride. We usually stay together at a brisk pace for the first 17 miles, until Tuckerman road, where breakaways should be expected. At the one-lane bridge where Glen Rd meets Glen Mill Rd, there's a shortcut option (46 miles, 2,100ft) for those who don't want to do the rollers. At the 27-mile mark, we head back along Piney Meeting House Rd, then circle back toward DC via River Rd to Falls Rd. We regroup at the top of Great Falls Park (37-mile mark), and return together on MacArthur.

Start
We roll promptly at 8:35am from Sweet Science in Arlington, stopping briefly at 8:55 am at Pierce Mill to pick up DC riders. The ride lasts about 3 hours.

Pace
This ride comprises experienced riders who value their training time. The ride is open to everyone, but expect a challenge. Expect speeds from 16-18mph during warmup, 20-25 mph for much of the ride, and 25+ mph during more challenging sections. Riders should be comfortable in a fast pace line, and be prepared to support themselves if they are separated from the group. 

This is a moderately-paced ride with several opportunities for harder efforts. The first 5 miles or so on MacArthur Blvd. will be fairly relaxed at a pace of around 20-22 mph on flats, with the pace typically heating up somewhat when the group turns onto Goldsboro road and featuring several sprint opportunities. The pace then settles down for the return on MacArthur into Georgetown. 

Open to: Cyclists with at least some group-riding experience and fitness interested in a fun ride and a good workout to help keep them fit in the off-season and to make new friends on the bike. If you’re new to this ride, please introduce yourself to someone in team kit!