MHBC has launched a number of affiliated Strava “clubs” (groups) that you can join to receive ride invitations directly in Strava!
The descriptions below will give you a general idea of what to expect on rides in these Strava groups, but please note that ride leaders may have slightly different approaches and may include more detail in their ride invitations. Feel free to introduce yourself to the Strava group(s) you join with a post - it will be shared in the Strava feed for all members of that group!
For all rides -
Always download the route shared in the invite to your phone or GPS unit. It can be very unsafe for riders behind you if you have to suddenly slow down / sit up / turn around to ask for directions as you approach intersections!
Carry a tube (or tubeless plugs), and a pump or CO2 for flats. Do not assume someone else will have one for you!
Carry water and snacks/nutrition as appropriate for the ride
Always carry emergency contact information on your person
Rides will be 18+ mph, often reaching 20-23 mph on flatter routes.
These are generally hard, fast, but friendly teamwork-oriented rides with pacelines - you need to be experienced riding with groups and capable of doing 18-19 mph average on 1-2 hour solo rides to keep up with these rides and not be dropped.
For those with power meters, if you can do ~3W/kg normalized power for 1-2 hours and take advantage of drafting when possible, you should be fine on these rides. Ask if unsure in an introductory post - we are happy to advise!
Occasional displays of individual fitness, your bike's amazing light weight, or aero-ness may be tolerated ahead of designated segments/regroups on these rides - this will be up to the ride leader to set the tone.
For the safety of all riders in a paceline, no aerobars, TT bikes, recumbents or e-bikes are allowed on these rides and ALWAYS download the route so you know where the group is headed.
Weekend & weekday B and B+ paced (14-18 mph) road rides on both sides of the Hudson.
For predictable riders who are conditioned for the average pace level, distance, and elevation change set by the ride leader. Ride leaders will indicate whether or not there is regrouping. We look to improve our group riding and bike handling skills while having a great time on the bike. Routes vary in distance from 25 - 100 miles, with the bulk being in the 30 - 65 mile range. Our most frequent rides have an average pace upon completion of 15 - 17 mph over the course of 2 - 4 hours. Please feel free to post a question about an invitation and we will be happy to advise.
Recreational group. Weekday and weekend rides.
Varied terrain. Avg Speed 10-15 mph, depending on participants.
No drops.
These are friendly, social rides - ride leaders may include a rest/lunch stop, but carry a snack with you just in case. Post if you're new and we'll help you figure out if it's right for you!
A mix of weekly and special occasion time trials open to all riders of all abilities!
These are self/Strava timed fun social TTs to push yourself on whatever bike you have - we've seen road, TT, gravel, recumbent and even fixed gear bikes show up! Our TTs are about racing yourself and working to improve your best efforts vs. the clock with whatever equipment you enjoy riding. They are also a great way to pick up all sorts of tips and techniques from other riders that can help you become more efficient and faster in your day-to-day riding.
These rides usually start with a social group warm-up - in some cases, we will preview the full course - and then we organize at the designated start line. We typically start with 1 minute time gaps between riders. No drafting is allowed - if you are motivated to try to catch people ahead of you, it is OK to pass, but you should always allow a wide berth.
Prior events have included:
8-10 mile TTs (Tues evenings) just outside New Paltz, rotating among a flat, rolling, and hybrid flat/hillclimb course
8 mile "lollipop" loop TTs (Thurs evenings) near Freedom Park in central Dutchess County
40k weekend TTs
Fall Mohonk gravel TTs