Harrisburg Bicycle Club Ride Descriptions
The Harrisburg Bicycle Club (HBC) offers a variety of rides for riders at all levels. Rides are classified based on average speed, distance, and other factors:
A 20+ mph average speed, varying distances, few stops, competitive, riders lagging may be dropped
B+ 17-19 mph average speed, up to 50 miles, few stops, riders lagging may be dropped
B 15-17 mph average speed, 25 to 50 miles, few stops, riders lagging may be dropped
C+ 13-15 mph average speed, 25 to 45 miles, usually 1 stop, riders within speed range will not be dropped
C 11-13 mph average speed, 15 to 30 miles, at least 1 stop, riders within speed range will not be dropped
D+ 9-11 mph average speed, 8 to 20 miles, at least 1 stop, no riders dropped
D 8-10 mph average speed, 8 to 15 miles, at least 1 stop, no riders dropped
Generally speaking, we have two types of rides: Regular Rides and Email Rides.
Regular Rides
Regular Rides are those that are scheduled on a regular recurring basis. They typically are scheduled for the same day of the week, departing from the same location, and at the same time each week. Since we know the schedule in advance, Regular Rides are loaded onto the Event Calendar at the beginning of the year (in the case of year-round rides) or before April 1 (in the case of Regular Rides that run from April through September). Following are the Regular Rides currently offered:
Carlisle Action C+ This ride is scheduled for Sunday mornings, typically 10:00 AM during April and October and 9:00 AM during the months in-between. It departs from the U-Haul location on Walnut Bottom Rd in Carlisle. This C+ ride is usually in the 14-15mph range and 25-35 miles of distance.
Greenbelt “First Sunday” This ride is held on the first Sunday of each month throughout the entire year. Departure is typically at 1:00 PM from the Greenbelt parking lot behind the City Line Diner on Derry St in Paxtang. The ride averages 10 mph and is 18 to 25 miles distance.
Hershey Tuesday A This ride is scheduled for Tuesday evenings from April 1 through September 30 and departs from Briarcrest Square in Hershey at 5:00 PM. As an A ride, it averages over 20 mph, with distances determined by the amount of available daylight.
Hershey Friday B+ This ride is scheduled for Friday evenings from April 1 through September 30 and departs from Briarcrest Square in Hershey at 5:00 PM. As an B ride, it averages 17-19 mph, with distances determined by the amount of available daylight.
Hershey Sunday B+/A These rides are scheduled for 8:30 AM on Sundays from April 1 through September 30 and departs from Briarcrest Square in Hershey. Average speed depends on the level of riders that show up for the ride.
Hershey B / B+ / C / C+ These rides are scheduled for 6:00 PM on Monday and Thursday evenings from April 1 through September 30. They depart from Briarcrest Square in Hershey. There is a separate ride for each of the B, B+, C, and C+ groups, with distance and average speed according to the group rating. Ride distances typically go whatever the average speed will allow until ending just before sunset. The departure time may be modified to an earlier time during the months in which there is less daylight.
Mechanicsburg Weekend C This ride is typically scheduled for Saturday mornings, and occasionally Sunday mornings as well. From May 1 through September 30 the ride departs at either 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM. From October 1 through April 30 the ride departs at 12:30 PM when it is held. Departures are from Mechanicsburg High School with riders meeting in the parking lot near the tennis courts close to Williams Grove Rd. The ride is a C ride at 11-13 mph for 15-30 miles.
Owen’s Sunday Sociable This Sunday morning ride departs from the City Island parking lot at 7:15 AM. It typically lasts 75 minutes at an 8-10mph average speed. Afterwards, some riders gather for breakfast at Roxy’s Café on North St in Harrisburg.
Upper Allen Friendship Park B / C / C+ These rides are typically scheduled for 6:00 PM on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from April 1 through October 31. They depart from Upper Allen Friendship Park on Fisher Rd in Mechanicsburg. There is a separate ride for each of the B, C, and C+ groups, with distance and average speed according to the group rating. Ride distances typically go whatever the average speed will allow until ending just before sunset. The departure time may be modified to an earlier time during the months in which there is less daylight. The departure time may be modified to an earlier time during the months in which there is less daylight before sunset.
Email Rides
Email rides are those that vary each week in departure location, or time, or average speed. Most email rides are not loaded onto the Event Calendar in advance; they will show up on the Calendar when the Ride Leader creates the ride. Following are the Email Rides that are offered:
East Shore Flex / West Shore Flex These are ad-hoc rides in which the Ride Leader determines the departure point, speed, and distance. They can range from short, easy rides, to longer, more challenging rides at unusual locations. The East / West designation is determined based on whether the departure point is East or West of the Susquehanna River.
East Shore Tuesday This ride typically departs around 6:00 PM during the April to September riding season. Departures are from various East Shore locations such as Lenker Park, Fort Hunter, etc. Average speed is typically 11-14 mph and distances are 15-30 miles, depending on daylight. See the Event Calendar for specific departure point, time, and distance.
Friday Night Social For 2022, this ride will be scheduled for Friday evenings beginning in May and continuing through September. They are casual rides at 9-11 mph for 10-15 miles and are often followed by dinner at a restaurant in the area. See the Event Calendar for specific departure points, time, and distance.
Grantville C+ This ride is typically scheduled for Saturday mornings. Average speed is 13-15 mph and distances are 25-50 miles. See the Event Calendar for specific departure point, time, and distance
Learning to Linger These leisurely rides are scheduled in an ad-hoc fashion. The speed averages 8-12 mph, with distances from 8-25 miles. See the Event Calendar for specific departure point, time, and distance.
Rick’s Saturday D+ Ramble This social ride is scheduled for Saturday mornings. Average speed is 9-11 mph and distances are typically 15-20 miles. Breaks are frequent and no riders are dropped. See the Event Calendar for specific departure point, time, and distance.
Saturday C This ride is typically scheduled for Saturday mornings during the April through September riding season, and late Saturday mornings from October through March. Average speed is 11-13 mph and distances are 15-30 miles. See the Event Calendar for specific departure point, time, and distance.
Silver Spokes These rides are typically scheduled for Wednesday mornings, and usually include a group lunch after the ride. Average speed is 12-14 mph and distances are 25-45 miles. See the Event Calendar for specific departure point, time, and distance.
West Shore D This ride is geared toward riders who prefer slower speeds and short distance. Average speed is typically 8-10 mph and distances are 8-15 miles. New riders and young people are especially welcome. Breaks are frequent and no rider is left behind. Young riders should be able to capably and safely maintain the minimum ride pace of 8 mph.