San Diego Bicycle Club

World Famous Saturday Ride

General Info

Orientation: Orientation for all first-time SDBC riders is at 8:20 AM on the patio next to UC Cyclery.

What: On Saturday mornings, many riders from the local cycling community gather for a fast paced ride from La Jolla Village Square. The "Saturday Ride" consists of diverse individuals who share the road together, so proceed with caution.

Where: 8715 Villa La Jolla Dr. at the La Jolla Village Square parking lot, located just off the 5 freeway in La Jolla (MAP).

All vehicles must enter from the Nobel entrance, just west of I-5. Only that entrance allows clearance for roof racks, so be careful! Please park your vehicle in the large lot immediately to the east of UC Cyclery and west of Island’s Restaurant.

When: 8:30 AM every Saturday

Please assemble prior to 8:30 AM in the parking area noted above. Helmet is required! All rides are open to public. First timers are encouraged to start with one of the developmental groups to learn pack riding skills.

Ride Info:

A Group: This is NOT an SDBC organized ride, although SDBC members participate. It is a very fast-paced 50 mile ride (mostly attended by current racers), and does not have required re-group spots. The ride varies from sustained tempo to a series of attacks on hills and flats. If you are not in top form, you can expect to be dropped during the ride.

B Group: This is an SDBC organized ride. It is approximately 50-miles and is the core training ride for SDBC members. An SDBC member acts as ride organizer, which involves specified pace-line practice, tempo riding, and optional hill-attacks. The overall pace is fairly high (20+ mph) and all cyclists are expected to be very competent in close-quarter riding. There are specified re-grouping spots, but riders come and go. You are responsible to know the route and for being able to return to the start/finish. The ride includes a major refreshment stop at Java Depot/ B&L Bike and Sports.

Developmental Groups:

All emphasize riding skills including close-quarter riding, pace line rotation, safety and cooperation in a peloton. Riders will be given instructions through much of the ride.

Dev 1: A moderately fast ride with several regrouping points. Riders should already have the rudimentary skills necessary to ride in a peloton and have experience in a double rotating pace line. 45 miles in length, riders should be in good physical condition and able to maintain a speed of 16 to 18 mph.

Dev 2: A brisk paced 40 mile ride that takes a hilly path off the regular SDBC route. It is a good ride for the adventurous type which uses hills to build strength.

Dev 3: This is the core developmental ride of SDBC and is 35 miles long and somewhat hilly. Ideal for the those folks who have riding experience but are new to riding in packs larger than 4 or 5. The riders are given coaching throughout while speed is kept at a moderate pace between 15 and 17 mph. Time is taken at regrouping points to teach the rider many of the skills necessary to ride safely in a peloton as well as practice in a double rotating paceline.

Dev 4:

At 24 miles long, the D-4 ride follows the first 10 miles of the more advanced D-3 course but at a slower pace. The ride then heads west to the coast and, at mile 14, a short break at Java Depot, an SDBC sponsor, where coffee, smoothies, and snacks can be purchased. Leaving Java Depot the ride heads south and returns to the starting point.

The course terrain does have a number of shorter climbs plus the longer and more challenging Torrey Pines grade. Riders should have the appropriate fitness and ability to stay with the group. While on the hills, D-4 cyclists should have the ability to climb the hills without dismounting and walking their bikes to the top.

Coaching is provided and is tailored to the ride participants. It sometimes includes how do a single rotating paceline.

This ride is appropriate for cyclists:

with no group riding experience.
who have group riding experience but who are concerned about riding close to other cyclists.
looking for tips on getting the most out of their bikes, such as gear selection and other useful information.
who are experienced riders rehabbing an injury or who want a slower-paced ride.

If you have questions about the D-4 ride please talk to any of SDBC’s ride leaders the morning of the ride.

Dev 5: A slow paced short ride with no hills, 3 to 10 miles in length, those who are working on a healthy lifestyle should begin here. Any type of bike is acceptable and a person with no experience will be fine.