FRCC Sanctioned Club Rides
Group rides are our lifeblood. They serve as our social gatherings, as our club meetings, and as our training sessions. Every group ride has it's own unique personality, and each ride can change slightly depending on who shows up.
All of our rides are led by designated ride leaders who know the route, generally know the riders, are safety minded, and know just how far to push. The ride leaders take their job seriously.
Membership is NOT required to join any of our group rides, in fact many people ride with the club before deciding to become a member.
We offer the following weekly rides from about April 1 through about the end of October, or later. Look for maps of our club rides on the Ride Maps page.
Sunday Wojo's Ride(s) - The Sunday group ride is the longest weekly club ride. This ride departs from Wojo's Greenhouse in Ortonville, and heads north on smooth, lightly-traveled paved roads. The ride starts and ends near "Kerr Hill" which provides an exciting descent on the way out, and a tough climb at the end. Early in the season, the ride goes north to Elba and back for about 40 miles at a pace of around 17 mph. Next, in early summer, the route goes further north to Columbiaville and back for approximately 55 miles at a pace of 18 mph. By the middle of summer, the ride peaks out at about 80 miles and a slightly higher pace. There are two groups that depart at 8:00am, an "A" group (drop) averaging 20+ mph, and a "B" no-drop group.
Start with this group early in the season and watch your improvement as you build strength and endurance. This ride is great for preparing for the touring season, or as a recovery ride after a weekend race.
Wednesday Slow and Medium-Paced Gravel Road Rides - The Wednesday night gravel road rides depart at 6:30pm from the Independence Elementary School on Hubbard Road in Clarkston. There are two rides; a slower social ride that averages 12 mph and a intermediate-paced ride that averages 13-14 mph covering approximately 25-30 miles. Both are no-drop rides. These rides follow a variety of routes through beautiful rolling countryside in northwestern Oakland County's Independence, Springfield, Brandon and Groveland Townships. Mountain bikes or cyclocross bikes are recommended. Starting in September, when it starts to get dark in the early evening, headlights and flashing tail lights are required.
Thursday Fast Gravel Road Ride - The Cyclocross team leader leads this ride which departs from Kinetic Systems Bicycles at 6:00pm. This is a fast-paced gravel road ride of about 35 miles that starts with a 5-mile warm up and then kicks in to an all-out charge of 20+ mph. Cyclocross bikes are highly recommended.
Saturday Road Ride(s) - The Saturday road ride is the oldest and longest running club ride. There are actually two rides every Saturday morning, both departing Clarkston's Depot Park at 8:00am. The 45-mile route is generally the same for both rides. The "A" group drives an average pace of around 20+ mph, while the "B" group no-drop ride (aka the 8:02 ride) averages 17+ mph. Other groups may be formed on the spot as needed, to accommodate the riders who show up that week.
Saturday Mountain Bike Ride - The Saturday morning MTB ride is a beginner ride that leaves from the Harmon Rd. lot of Bald Mountain Recreation area at 9am. This ride consists of two loops. one 3.5 mile loop and one 4.5 mile loop. The first time around the park we go at a slow no drop pace to help beginners learn skills needed for off road riding. Any subsequent loops have a pace set by the attendance and desire of the group. Riders often come for just the first part, and some riders enjoy staying for the faster loops that follow. It is really up to you. Any questions, feel free to email John at frccmtnteam@gmail.com