OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Naples Velo group rides are built on a shared commitment to safety, respect, and accountability. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to group cycling, these guidelines outline the expectations that help keep our rides smooth, enjoyable, and safe for everyone.
Become a Member:
Sign up here: https://runsignup.com/Club/FL/NAPLES/NaplesVelo
Safety:
Our Most Respected Riders:
Group Ride Philosophy:
Group rides are a great way to engage with other cyclists, build your skill and fitness. We like to welcome riders from all over the world with a wide range of abilities. Select the group that matches your strength and experience. That said, group rides are not for everyone. If you’re uncomfortable riding in groups, practice in smaller groups before joining a Naples Velo ride, or ride in the back to watch and learn. If your training agenda for the day doesn’t match the group ride offered – that’s OK. The group ride isn’t for you that day.
Speed-Controlled Rides:
Most Naples Velo rides are speed controlled. These rides aim for a smooth, predictable rotating echelon, often with riders sitting behind the rotation to benefit from the draft. Keeping things safe means steady speeds, no surging, and clear communication with the gatekeeper when entering or exiting the rotation. Gatekeeping should be done by riders familiar with the ride and the riders.
Black Ride – Threshold Focused: Smooth, Predictable Rotation. Unlimited speed, 30+ mph in places.
Blue Ride – Steady, Tempo, Rotation: Speeds between 24 – 27 mph
Light Blue – Steady, Tempo, Rotation: Speeds between 22 – 24 mph
Green Ride – Recovery, Conversational / Coffee: Speeds between 18 – 22 mph
Unlimited Speed Rides:
Three weekly rides add an additional option which are not speed controlled, categorized as the “black rides”: the Saturday Bridge Ride, Sunday FGCU Ride, and Tuesday Hour of Power. These rides still follow the same safety principles and rotation norms as above. On black rides, however, riders may surge, attack, or sprint from time to time, provided this is done without putting others at risk. Riders who temporarily separate off the front of the group must re-integrate smoothly and safely without disrupting the group.
Cycling is Inherently Risky:
Cycling, and especially group riding, involves inherent risks. These include close proximity riding, variable road and traffic conditions, and the actions of other riders, which may at times be unpredictable.
By choosing to ride with Naples Velo, each rider accepts these risks and is responsible for their own safety, decisions, and equipment at all times. Riding within your ability, maintaining control of your bike, and following the group’s safety principles are essential to reducing risk for yourself and others. We hope it doesn’t happen, but if we repeatedly see someone put others at risk, we’ll respectfully ask them to ride elsewhere until they can integrate safely.
Sign up here: https://runsignup.com/Club/FL/NAPLES/NaplesVelo
Safety:
- Be predictable
- Communicate early
- No wheel overlap
- Smooth braking – no panic stops
- Obey traffic laws
- Safety over ego
Our Most Respected Riders:
- Are fit and prepared to contribute to the group.
- Ride with situational awareness and take responsibility for those around them.
- Are poised and calm, especially when things go wrong.
- Speak up respectfully when something puts the group at risk.
- Never put the group at risk to show their strength.
Group Ride Philosophy:
Group rides are a great way to engage with other cyclists, build your skill and fitness. We like to welcome riders from all over the world with a wide range of abilities. Select the group that matches your strength and experience. That said, group rides are not for everyone. If you’re uncomfortable riding in groups, practice in smaller groups before joining a Naples Velo ride, or ride in the back to watch and learn. If your training agenda for the day doesn’t match the group ride offered – that’s OK. The group ride isn’t for you that day.
Speed-Controlled Rides:
Most Naples Velo rides are speed controlled. These rides aim for a smooth, predictable rotating echelon, often with riders sitting behind the rotation to benefit from the draft. Keeping things safe means steady speeds, no surging, and clear communication with the gatekeeper when entering or exiting the rotation. Gatekeeping should be done by riders familiar with the ride and the riders.
Black Ride – Threshold Focused: Smooth, Predictable Rotation. Unlimited speed, 30+ mph in places.
Blue Ride – Steady, Tempo, Rotation: Speeds between 24 – 27 mph
Light Blue – Steady, Tempo, Rotation: Speeds between 22 – 24 mph
Green Ride – Recovery, Conversational / Coffee: Speeds between 18 – 22 mph
Unlimited Speed Rides:
Three weekly rides add an additional option which are not speed controlled, categorized as the “black rides”: the Saturday Bridge Ride, Sunday FGCU Ride, and Tuesday Hour of Power. These rides still follow the same safety principles and rotation norms as above. On black rides, however, riders may surge, attack, or sprint from time to time, provided this is done without putting others at risk. Riders who temporarily separate off the front of the group must re-integrate smoothly and safely without disrupting the group.
Cycling is Inherently Risky:
Cycling, and especially group riding, involves inherent risks. These include close proximity riding, variable road and traffic conditions, and the actions of other riders, which may at times be unpredictable.
By choosing to ride with Naples Velo, each rider accepts these risks and is responsible for their own safety, decisions, and equipment at all times. Riding within your ability, maintaining control of your bike, and following the group’s safety principles are essential to reducing risk for yourself and others. We hope it doesn’t happen, but if we repeatedly see someone put others at risk, we’ll respectfully ask them to ride elsewhere until they can integrate safely.