A new group ride has popped up on Saturday mornings. It is not a no-drop ride, but it's a great place to test yourself and pick up some new racing skills. Details below. 

Depart from Believer's Center @ 8 am on Saturdays. Double paceline, decent but friendly pace. 

Route goes up and over Gutierrez Cyn, right on Frost, running the Heartbreak loop in reverse. 3 intermediate sprints (each followed by a brief neutral section to regroup).

Sprint 1: 12.4 miles from start. top of Gutierrez cyn. Finish line is the last driveway on the left before entering the downhill S-turn. 

Sprint 2: 32.5 miles from start. Top of Heartbreak (Ranchitos Dr.) just before descending down to N14. 

Sprint 3: 46.7 miles from start. Cedar Crest City limits, just before arriving at Cabra Coffee. 

Post race social time at Cabra coffee. Overachievers can head up the crest after refilling bottles and caffinating at Cabra. 

Comments on etiquette and safety: Plan on the pace being brisk but cooperative until the approaches to each sprint. Once warmed up and on Gutierez, attacks are welcome (but not before then). For example, don't attack in Tijeras or on Frost. Rather, wait until the group has started the ascent of Gutierez or made the left turn off of Frost to begin the real racing. This will help keep the gaps between groups/riders small enough to close during the neutral sections. The final sprint into Cedar crest is on 14, so please check to make sure the lane is clear before going around someone for the sprint. 

The purpose of this is to provide an opportunity to practice racing, try new things, learn, and develop skills. If you're in a position to help someone develop their skills, please do so. Look after each other, and never do anything that exposes yourself or others to undue risk. Everyone is liable for their own actions. 

If the group is large enough, consider splitting into an 'A' and 'B' group to better allow attendees to race against riders of comparable ability level. 

I won't be there for the next two Saturdays, but many people that have already done the ride will be there to guide things. 

Tailwinds,