What Skirt Rides Expect from You
First and foremost, that you have an interest in cycling and want to have fun, meet new people and learn new skills from area racers. Additionally, in order to enjoy yourself, it is expected that you have some basic cycling experience and a minimum fitness level on your bike.
At a minimum you should be able to:
Ride your bike for an hour above 13 mph average
Understand the basics of your bike; clipping in (although clipless pedals are not required; if you have them - you should be comfortable using them), starting, stopping, shifting gears, etc.
Be reasonably comfortable riding around other riders
Know the rules of the road
What do I need to bring?
In order to enjoy the ride, it is recommended that you have a road bike. Cross bikes, mountain bikes and hybrids are okay, as long as you're ready to work a bit harder than the rest of the group! If you are on a tri-bike with aero-bars, this is fine - however, it is highly recommended that you stay off the aero bars. They are not conducive to group riding. Please wear a helmet. Spare tube, pump or C02 cartridge have been known to come in handy on some rides. Also - bring a smile & a friend or two!
How Fast Do We Go?
That depends on the ride and any specific clinic that may be taking place. Generally, Monday rides are the slower intro/social ride and will average at or below 14 mph on rolling terrain through Cherokee and Seneca parks. The new addition of a Thursday ride will be the workout ride which will leave with the Thursday night group rides from Cycler's Cafe. These rides average at or about 20 mph over a longer course on open roads.
What are the Rides About?
Mostly, they are about having fun, meeting new women and riding bikes together, but they also have more specific purposes and goals: there are two rides a week. Each has a specific purpose and is designed for different fitness and skills.
Monday Intro/Recovery/Social Rides These rides are Ladies Only (guys may join us - but remember guys - its all about the girls ... no jacking the pace!) We will stay in Cherokee & Seneca parks, occasionally venturing out if foot traffis in the park is heavy; and include a clinic at least once a month. On clinic days, and when Niki is not in town - there may be a "guest coach" to help work on individual skills: cornering, climbing, sprinting. The other three Monday's will be social rides and will focus on improving comfort levels in a group, and having fun!
There may be certain days where the numbers and ability levels of the girls will allow for an "A" group and a "B" group. The A group being a group that would like to go faster than a "social" pace, the "B" group being one that stays in the park at the recovery/social level.
Thursday Advanced/Workout Rides These rides are co-ed and will join the Thursday night group ride that leaves from Cycler's. This will be the workout / race simulation ride during which we'll work on more team-type tactics: rotating pacelines, attacks, bridging, etc. This is a faster, higher intensity ride and it would be expected that you are familiar with the area and should you get dropped, are able to find your way home!
When are the Rides?
Intro/Recovery Rides - Monday nights at 6:00.
Thursday Advanced/Workout Rides - Thursday nights at 6:00* (This is the "Thursday Night Cycler's" ride).
How long are the rides?
Generally, the rides are 1.5 - 2 hours.
When do they start up again?
April 5th
Where are the Rides?
All rides start and leave from Cycler's Cafe (2295 Lexington Road, Louisville, KY)
How to I Communicate with other Skirts?
Right in the Skirt Rides clique on Bikeclicks.com. It's our own little social networking page. There's a conversation wall, called "What's Going On"? where you can chat about rides or look for a riding partner, post pictures, links & comment on what others' have posted. And there's a forum where we talk about training tips, race strategies and anything else that the Skirts want to chat about. Or, you can send members personal messages by clicking on their avatar on BikeClicks. If you are not a member yet, please join!
What about weather cancellations?
Wet roads or rain at start of ride cancels the ride.
Are Monday and Thursday Nights the only Nights for rides?
Right now, Mondays & Thursdays are the only 'official' rides. One of the purposes of Skirt Rides, however, is to connect other women riders so that they can then connect on their own to continue their riding, so feel free to post up rides on the Skirt Rides Forum or "What's Going On? page.
Weekend Skirts: Niki Dallaire will also occasionally post up some longer, later afternoon weekend rides for anyone wishing to join! These rides will likely be longer in length exploring new areas of town and include some long climbs. In order to enjoy these rides, it is expected that you have an ability to ride for 3+ hours, have a road bike with clipless pedals and know how to fuel for a long ride.