The Merced Bicycle Coalition 

LOCAL RIDES:

There are a large number of group rides that are informal but leave on a regular basis.  Below is listed the most common rides with a brief description of the difficulty and distance that can be anticipated.  The following list is a work in progress and is being supplied as a courtesy to those whom might be interested.  These rides are not guaranteed to take place or sponsored by the MBC.

Weekdays:

Tuesday and Thursday:

7:30am road group leaves from the Raley's Parking lot.  The route is consistently a 28 mile out and back to Snelling with average pace around 16-18mph.  Intermediate riders will find themselves at home with this group.

6:00pm road group leaves from Raley's Parking lot. (5pm-ish in the winter)

There are two groups that normally ride.  Simply meet the rider's near the Chevron and ask anyone which ride to accompany based upon your level.

• One is advanced, consisting of a large contingent of rider's.  On Tuesday's the ride is a 40 mile figure 8 out to Planada and back with average speeds above 20mph and very fast sprints.  Comfortability with group riding is a must.  On Thursday's, the ride is a 28 mile Out-and-back to Snelling.  The pace is similar to the Tuesday night ride, and again comfortability riding in a tight group is a must.  For more information you can check out the schedules at MercedCycling.
• The second group rides different routes depending upon the preferences expressed by the group.  The level is beginning to intermediate with average pace around 14-18mph.  The distance varies, but is usually in the 20 mile range.

Weekends:

Saturday:

8:00am road group leaves from the Raley's Parking lot. The same groups leave that are listed above, but the distances will be significantly longer.  Ask the rider's what the plans are for the day.

An example of the advanced ride: mileage around 60 miles with speeds averaging 20mph+ while the route will vary.

An example of the intermediate ride: mileage between 30 and 60 miles with speeds averaging 14-18mph.

As with most road communities, there are a lot of last minute rides that get together via email/blog. 

To stay in contact with our riders: please fee free to email us or join the yahoo group!  You can also join the MercedCycling  group for updates from other riders in the area.

***Note that these times change depending upon daylight savings***

• AS WITH ANY GROUP RIDE: HELMETS ARE A MUST!!! 

• Riders should plan ahead and be self-sufficient!  You should carry:

  • spare tubes
  • air pump (CO2 or manual)
  • a patch kit
  • a tool kit
  • water bottles
  • a phone
  • money
  • medical I.D.

• Common Rides and Routes:

  Snelling or Merced Falls "Out and Back":

  Route to Snelling is 14 miles one way with approximately 800 ft. of climbing round trip.  The Ride to Merced Falls adds on just over 7 miles each way with very little climbing.

  

  Merced Falls Rides:

  Ride Options: Click on the "Magnify button" at the bottom right of the map to enlarge.

  • NOTE: Water is incredibly important, and basically unavailable along these routes! Make sure to carry a Camelback or other water carrying device as even two water bottles may not be enough to keep you hydrated if it is hot! 

  • Old-Toll Loop including the Bear Valley Climb (43 miles, aggressive hill climb): Note that some sections of Old Toll Road are incredible rough, but the ride is excellent otherwise with a challenging climb. (3700 feet of elevation gain to the top.)
  • Cathy's Valley: Out and Back along Hornitos Rd. (Rolling hills: approx 38 miles): Rolling hills with a couple sustained climbs. 
  • Bagby Loop: Three aggressive climbs totalling around 8000 ft. in elevation gain with equally exciting decents.

Click here for a list of valley routes!  (You can easily use Google Earth to tour the routes, but this give you topographics too!)