RASC Road & Gravel Cycling 2024
Throughout the summer, Rochester Active Sports Club hosts road rides every Monday & Wednesday as well as a gravel ride every Thursday. Riders are grouped into speed categories, so there is something for everyone!
How To Join
Step 1:
All regular riders must be RASC members. Please click the button below to register and digitally sign our group ride waiver. If you would like to ride as a guest to try it out, please click on the guest waiver button below to digitally sign our waiver.
Show up and have fun! It’s that simple!
Monday road rides meet at Bamber Valley Elementary School at 6pm with parking available.
Wednesday road rides meet at Bicycle Sports at 6pm with parking available.
Both Monday and Wednesday road rides are divided into groups by approximate speed (see chart below).
Thursday gravel rides meet at varying locations at 6pm. See the calendar below for routes and post-ride plans. Meeting locations will always have parking available. Riders are casually grouped upon meeting (10-12mph, 13-15mph, & 16+ mph).
Step 2:
A & B Groups are “Drop” Rides
These groups are for fast riders who want to push themselves. The group will not regroup or slow down for riders who cannot hold the pace. Riders who are dropped are expected to be able to finish the ride by themselves.
C & D Groups are “Regroup” Rides
Riders work together to ride within the group pace range (see below). The group will stop at the top of hills and at turns for the rest of the group to catch up. The tradition is that the last rider to reach the top of the hill decides when the group should resume.
Speed Preference Grouping
Official Calendar
Additional Resources
Ride With GPS App
Many RASC members use Ride With GPS to schedule group rides and routes. This app is also used to maintain and share our favorite cycling routes. This app is not necessary to attend regular weekly rides.
Sign up for RASC Ride With GPS or add the club to your current account by clicking this link .
Members have access to premium navigation features on all club routes and events:
-Voice Navigation in our mobile app
-Offline Maps in our mobile app
-PDF Maps + Cuesheets
-Advanced Turn Notifications with TCX files
-Estimated time
New (3/23/23) - Map View for Clubs is here! This means all the routes in the entire library are now easier to find using a detailed and discoverable interactive map.
Google Group For Additional Road Rides
Members are encouraged but not required to plan/share alternate rides via the RASC Google Group. To join, send a blank email to RochesterMNBicycle+subscribe@googlegroups.com and you will be automatically added.
Discord For Road & Gravel Riders
Gravel Riders are encouraged but not required to plan/share alternate rides via Discord. You can join the RASC discord by clicking this icon:
Etiquette & Safety For Riding
Group Etiquette
-Rides start on time.
-Arrive at least 10 minutes before the ride and be ready to roll out before the starting time.
-Find your pace group before the start time.
-Bring your own gear (Helmet, Tools, Water, Lights, Phone, Sunglasses, ID, Money, Bike Computer/GPS)
-Keep your bike in good condition. Need a tune-up? Our Affiliate bike shops can help tune up your ride. Some bike shops give discounts to RASC members.
Ride Safety
-Helmets are required for all RASC rides.
-No earbuds or headphones.
-No Aero bars.
-Guest participants must sign the waiver.
-Obey all traffic laws. If a group is split due to a red light, it will regroup at a nearby safe area.
-Experienced riders can give guidance for riding in a pace line prior to/during the ride.
-Riders must signal and/or word call changes in speed and stops. Riders must also signal any change in left or right position, in addition to turns.
-When in front, point out any road hazards to the group. Do not suddenly brake or swerve.
-Do not overlap the wheel of the rider in front of you.
-Most importantly: Do not do anything unexpected!
