The Pedalers classic ride is back for 2024! As usual we will ride with three basic ride paces showing full "mullet protocol" (i.e. business at the front, party at the back).
A prompt 6pm departure will take us on an ever-changing route (due to sunset times) out to Montgomery County and back, taking myriad turns, climbs, descents, and views in along the way. Our ride takes a circuitous route outbound but a more direct (and often flatter) route back - it's easy to shortcut if you need to get back sooner than the rest of the group.
As usual, a prompt 6pm departure is the rule of the day. Given we flirt with sunset ,
lights (front and rear) are MANDATORY - no exceptions!
The Groups:
A Group: To put it bluntly: buckle up, motherf**ckers! This group will start the season somewhat tame but as the days get longer this group is all business! While this is decidedly
not a racing group, there are elements of high-performance cycling that are part-and-parcel of the A group: proper rotating pacelines, hammering up the climbs, etc. We will regroup, and we do keep it social for a fast-paced ride - and we won't take any unnecessary risks!
BB Group: The "Goldilocks" of our three groups. While there are elements of the A group approach (e.g. rotating pacelines for the return leg) the pace isn't as leg-burning and lactate-generating. This is the "ride with flow" group that's ideally suited to those who are regulars on shop rides or have a decent amount of group riding experience but don't need to leave it all out on the road.
B Group: This is where the party is! Leaders of this group will change from week to week (often our A leaders take turns leading the party pack), and the distance may be shorter depending on the group sentiment. Not to worry: we make it back with plenty of time for post-ride refreshments, and you will have earned them by tackling one of the famed DTB routes! If you're new to a spirited group ride this is probably the place to start your DTB journey.
The Routes:
May 1:
City-State Hilly (30 miles, 2,150' of climbing)
May 8 & 15:
Avenel Short (32 miles, 1,750' of climbing)
May 22: TBD
May 29: TBD
(NOTE: RideWithGPS links go public approximately one week before posted ride date. Want to see them sooner? Become a Potomac Pedalers member and get full access to the club's RWGPS library!)
The Post-Ride:
Routes that return via MacArthur Boulevard will go to Aslin Brewing on 14th Street NW. Routes that return via Rock Creek Park will go to breweries along the Metopolitan Branch Trail, either City-State Brewing or Lost Generation.
If you partake of post-ride relaxation it is mandatory to bring lights!
Essential Notes:
It is required that you sign our
Liability Waiver and Emergency Contact form before participating in the Downtown Breakaway - thank you!
(Note: this is "the second waiver" mentioned in the email blast!)
Also: if you participate in more than three DTBs and are not already a member of Potomac Pedalers we kindly ask that you
join the club. Your club membership dues help sustain the club as well as fund the CLIP insurance that covers this ride each and every week. Thank you!
Note that
front and rear lights are required for safety. In the case of rear lights, they need to be on a solid beam mode unless you're riding solo. Also: working brakes are required (i.e. no track bikes where skid stopping is the only option), as are helmets (which is true for
all Potomac Pedalers rides).
If the weather takes a turn (thunderstorms, rain, ice, snow, windstorms), the air quality is unhealthy (AQI of 100 or more), or the heat index is over 101°F the ride will not go. Any late-breaking news about this will be posted to the club website, to the club Twitter feed, and to the ride's email list - to which you can sign up below: