Ride Expectations

Throughout the riding season the Fort Follies will host regular rides all over town and Northern Colorado. These can be a great way to check out new roads and areas to ride with the support of a group of experienced leaders. 

Many of our rides are not training rides. Come for the confidence, community and experience. 

The 2 main things to keep in mind no matter what kind of ride you’re joining:

  • Be adaptive…we change routes, we combine groups and we sometimes go a bit longer than expected. We make adjustments for the safety and morale of the group. All of these decisions are expressed at the beginning of the ride so you have the choice to bail if desired.

  • Try to match the vibe. If you’re on a ride where you can go faster than the advertised pace, don’t push the speed if the ride leader isn’t. If you show up for a challenging ride that is not no-drop, don’t expect the ride leader to have frequent regroups for people who can’t keep the advertised pace (this is not the majority of our rides).

  • Casual and Beginner ride expectations are that riders improve their group riding etiquette, practice riding safely, and have fun.

  • Intermediate and Advanced group expectations are that you always practice excellent group ride etiquette by calling out road hazards, are comfortable riding in large groups, and know the route.

All Fort Follies rides require previous acknowledgment of our liability waiver and we require riders to wear a helmet on all rides. All riders should ensure their gear is in good working order, as well as have a spare tube and pump in case of flat. If special equipment or spares are needed we will post that in the ride description. 

  • We ride in all temperatures and weather; be prepared and ask questions before we meet up (Slack, Instagram, email) or leave if you’re not sure if you have the right gear.

    We do not ride if there is lightning. We won’t judge or tell if you decide to carry on your ride, but your ride is considered unofficial and not led by a member of the Fort Follies.

    In case of inclement weather, we will make all final decisions by at least an hour before the start of the ride. These updates will be shared on Instagram and Slack. If you do not see a cancellation, expect there to be a Fort Follies ride leader at the ride. The exception to this is our Wednesday Night Weepeats. We try to announce cancellations for Weepeats by 5:15 pm ahead of meeting at 5:45 pm, unless we definitively know the weather will not be rideable earlier in the day.

  • Riders are responsible for bringing enough water for their ride: 

    • Casual to Moderate rides= 1 - 2 bottles of water (500mL - 1L)

    • Intermediate rides = 2 - 3 bottles (1L-1.5L)

    • Advanced rides= 1 bottle + hydration pack (2L +)

    Water refills spots are frequently available and we make an effort to communicate the amount of refill opportunities ahead of time. However, sometimes water spots are closed unexpectedly so we can never 100% guarantee these.

  • We host community rides with the intent of giving riders an introduction to riding without any fitness or equipment requirements. These rides are typically in town on bike trails or roads with bike lanes, average speeds around 10mph, no major climbs, and with frequent rest stops. A ride leader and sweep will assist with keeping the group together and safely on the route.

  • These rides consist of longer routes on bike trails and lower-speed roads (paved and unpaved) around town. Average speeds will be in the 10-12mph range with some elevation gain. We pay special attention to learning the rules of the road, how to ride in a group, and other on-bike skills that will help you become a more confident rider. These rides are no-drop with regular stops to regroup, eat, drink, and chat. Any special gear requirements will be in the ride description.

  • 🟩 Moderate Road

    • On a moderate road ride you can expect paces of 10-13mph, with your own pace on hills, regrouping as necessary. Moderate rides can be drop or no-drop, but may not be suitable for beginners due to the ride length, climbing, or comfort on the roads. A ride leader sets the pace and sweep helps to keep the group together. We mainly ride on bike paths and roads with shoulders, taking the lane when necessary. These are for people who have some prior experience riding on the road in close proximity with other riders.

    🟦 Intermediate Road

    • Road riding is often defined by faster paces and less regrouping. On an intermediate road ride you can expect paces of 13-15mph, >1500’ of climbing, with paceline/drafting options within the group, but we will also regroup as necessary. You can expect ride times of 2-3 hours, and possibly more for longer routes. Intermediate rides can be drop or no-drop. A ride leader sets the pace and sweep helps to keep the group together. We mainly ride on roads with shoulders, taking the lane when necessary.

    ⬛ Advanced Road

    • Advanced road rides feature 16+ mph average paces and more elevation than intermediate rides. The ride leader will post expectations for the ride: specific pace, regroups, etc., but if you are dropped from the main group it is your responsibility to safely complete the ride. You can expect ride times of 3+ hours.

  • 🟩 Moderate Gravel

    • Gravel rides introduce cycling on primarily unpaved roads, trails, and singletrack. A moderate gravel ride will typically include a mix of all types of surfaces that can vary with time of year and location. You can expect average speeds of 10-13mph, with your own pace on hills and stops to regroup. Rides can be drop or no-drop, but may not be suitable for beginners due to the ride length, climbing, or terrain.

    🟦 Intermediate Gravel

    • Gravel rides introduce cycling on primarily unpaved roads, trails, and singletrack. An intermediate gravel ride will typically include a mix of all types of surfaces that can vary with time of year and location. You can expect average speeds of 12-15 mph with regroup stops as needed, elevation changes of >1500’, and ride times of 2-3 hours. Rides can be drop or no-drop.

    ⬛ Advanced Gravel

    • Advanced gravel rides feature 16+ mph average paces and more elevation than intermediate rides. The ride leader will post expectations for the ride: specific pace, regroups, etc., but if you are dropped from the main group it is your responsibility to safely complete the ride. You can expect ride times of 3+ hours.

  • 🟩 Mountain Bike Beginner

    • Beginner MTB rides will ride on green-level trails with minimal obstacles or technical features. Rides will typically be 1-2 hours long. The ride leader will set the pace and a sweep will help keep the riders together. Elevation changes will be minimal.

    🟦 Mountain Bike Intermediate

    • Intermediate MTB rides will include uphill and downhill riding, trail features, and obstacles. We will ride faster and stop less, but still take time to work on skills and try features as a group. Rides can be 1-3 hours and contain significant elevation changes.

    ⬛ Mountain Bike Advanced

    • Advanced MTB rides can involve more technically advanced features, jumps, berms, and require more skill to traverse. Special equipment may be required and riders are responsible for knowing their own limits.

  • Throughout the year we offer specialized clinics to focus on building the skills we need to be better cyclists. A clinic will typically include a presentation and demonstration by a skilled leader, followed by group participation and practice. Every clinic is different and you will be instructed on what to expect and what you need to bring in the invitation. Clinics that are advertised on our Instagram and public-facing calendar are open to all femme community members. Events that are open only to registered team members appear on our private team google calendar. Many of our clinics are free but occasionally we will have clinics with a registration fee to help cover costs.