LEISURELY | Category/Level 1:

Average speed 8-12 mph.  Beginning rides for families or individuals. Loop rides within or not very far from town. Friendly, social rides with an emphasis on fun, as well as learning basic safety and bicycling skills. Expect to ride as a group — individuals should not ride too far in front of the group (i.e., out of sight of the rest of the group), and no one will be left to ride alone behind the back of the group. Anyone having mechanical or physical difficulties can expect someone or a small group to stop and lend assistance.

TOURING | Category/Level 2:

Average speed 12-15 mph.  For cyclists competent with basic safety and bike handling skills; participants should have experience riding in a group. Most of the ride should be done in the group format — pace and distance encourage group discussion, socializing and riding, with some emphasis on improving group riding skills. No one will be left to ride alone behind the group, and anyone having mechanical difficulties can expect the group to stop and lend assistance.

FITNESS | Category/Level 3:

Average speed 15-18 mph.  For experienced cyclists with substantial group riding experience wishing to concentrate on improving individual and group riding skills as well as physical fitness, with an emphasis on pace lines, some sprinting and intervals, etc. Individuals experiencing mechanical difficulties can expect a few members of the group to stop and lend assistance, including "pulls" to rejoin the main group. Group will stop occasionally to regroup with stragglers. Although physically challenging, emphasis is still on group riding for fun.

ADVANCED | Category/Level 4:

Average speeds of 18+ mph for extended distances.  Semi-competitive rides; riders are expected to be fully competent with pace lines, sprints, intervals, etc. These are physically demanding rides — dropped riders will probably be on their own, although those with mechanical difficulties may find a few members of the group willing to stop and lend assistance, including “pulls” to rejoin the main group.