The Advance Spring Training Series is a collection of rides intended to get you ready for the summer. This year, the theme is to experience riding in all directions north, south, east, and west of the boroughs. We will travel on greenways, trails, and streets through flat and hilly terrain. If you consider yourself a competent rider who enjoys riding in the comfort of a group that complements one another, this training is for you. Each ride will be between 14 and 16 mph. It won't go much faster than the slowest rider in the bunch can handle, but we ask that you be able to maintain the minimum pace noted. If you can maintain 14 mph on the flats, you will not be left behind. On an advance ride, we bike as a group. We typically ride and turn together when biking long distances. The point-drop-sweep technique will be used sparingly. Compression stops will be used occasionally to keep cyclists together.

Please note that these rides will either be partial or whole scouts. That is, the leaders may either be traveling the route for the first time, some segments for the first time, or they have not ridden the route in a while. But don't worry, we won't have you wandering in the wilderness with no hope of returning. Also, there will be no make-up rain dates.. If a ride is canceled due to inclement weather, we encourage riders to ride during the week to prepare for the next ride date. The ride destinations are subject to change. Check your email and the group website at least two hours before the scheduled meetup to see if there have been any changes or delays. Please bring the standard cycling accessories, such as spare tubes, tools for changing a flat tire, hydration, and bike food. Helmets are required at all times.

Advance Spring Training Series Dates & Destinations (subject to change)

5/11 - 43 miles - West  - Paterson Falls, NJ

5/18 - 42 miles - South  - Atlantic Highlands, NJ

5/25 - 45 miles - North   - Pearl River, NY

6/01 - 55 miles - East    -  Port Jefferson, LI

Let’s head west to Paterson Falls, NJ

Paterson was established in 1792 as America's first planned industrial city, with its center at the Passaic River's Great Falls. Our inaugural ride will be a 43-mile round-trip route from the NY side of the GWB to Paterson Falls, NJ. If you've never been to the falls, it's a stunning sight in such a bustling city. On the flats, we'll maintain an upper-moderate speed of 14 mph. According to RWGPS, the elevation is estimated to be 1535 feet, with the highest grade of 7.2%. We'll meet just inside the GWB Bus Terminal on Fort Washington Avenue. All registered participants will receive additional information about the ride via email.

IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT: If you are unable to attend the ride, please 'unregister' so that those on the waiting list can move up and take the slot.