Groups

Road Riding Groups

A Riders

Group Captain: Ken Sallot

Group Speed: 19-22
Group Distance: 40-85

A group that strives to maintain a very high level of fitness and endurance. The average speed of the rides generally falls between 19 and 21 miles per hour, which means at times our cruising speed may reach up to 23-24 miles per hour (with a tailwind, etc).

Bee-17s

Group Captain: Ed Gardner

Group Speed: 17-19
Group Distance: 30-75

This is a no-drop friendly ride for "B" riders in reasonable physical condition, or "A" riders slacking off for fun. Expect ride speeds of 17-19 mph with a target pedaling speed of 17 mph and an average speed of 16-17 mph. We try to have FUN on our rides, and welcome suggestions for favorite routes and destinations for future rides.

Developers

Group Captain: James Thompson

Group Speed: 18
Group Distance: 30

This teaching ride uses experienced riders to mentor new and fit riders who wish to learn group etiquette, safety, and drafting.

Feet First

Group Captain: Gary Kirkland

Group Speed: 14-16
Group Distance: 25-45

A group for recumbent enthusiasts.

GCX

Group Captain: Todd Leedy

Group Speed: 16-21
Group Distance: 25-55

The GCX group traverses the unpaved roadways of north central Florida using primarily cyclocross equipment to maintain a moderate-high intensity training pace. Group activities include winter weeknite rides (Nov-Mar) and longer weekend rides year round. Group members a have a mixture of road and mtb backgrounds which mix happily, whether on dusty washboard limerock or sticky rain-soaked sugar sand. GCX riders occasionally participate in cyclocross races but their primary goal is training for road/mtb events and enjoying all that rural Florida offers when pavement does not interfere.

Gliders

Group Captain: Roger Pierce

Group Speed: 19-21
Group Distance: 30-60

The Gliders are a group that strives to maintain high training speeds over moderate distances and maintain the integrity of the group. The average speed of our rides generally will fall between 19 and 21 mph, which means our cruising speed will range between 19 and 23 mph. Rides will normally be around 50 miles, but can range between 30 and 75. We will usually stop at a store about half way through the ride; on longer rides we may stop twice.

Haile Riders

Group Captain: Matt Staras

Group Speed: 20-21
Group Distance: 30-60

A level rides leaving from the Haile area. No drop except for a few sprint points, which we regroup at and except for a couple of sprint points the ride is fairly mellow. Speed is usually around 20 mph, but I do not like to specify average speed because there is no point in sprinting up a hill just to coast down the otherside :) Regularly meets on Wednesdays at 6 pm. Weekend rides (usually early starts) on some weekends.

High Bees

Group Captain: Michael Steinberg

Group Speed: 18-19
Group Distance: 45-55

The HighBees ride pace is about 18-19 mph. This is a friendly, no drop ride; we re-group at all turns when needed. If you are new to GCC and are looking for a weekly ride with a moderate pace and moderate distance, please feel free to join us. Membership Requirements: Please note that HighBee rides are open to all GCC members who wish to participate. Those that are non-members may ride with the group as a guest of a sponsoring member once without being required to be a member.

Hokey Pokeys

Group Captain: Chandler Otis

Group Speed: 8-12
Group Distance: 15-25

Beginner rides chaperoned by a ride leader who will ride at the back of the group to make sure no one gets lost. The ride leader is also a bicycle mechanic who can help fix flat tires and help with any other mechanical problems.

LoBees

Group Captain: Bob Newman

Group Speed: 16
Group Distance: 25-45

The Lo Bees are a group that strives to combine consistent workouts with camaraderie among our riders. We like to keep the speeds in the 16 MPH range (sometimes a little higher or lower depending on the terrain). Our distances usually are in the 30-40 mile range. While riders should be able to maintain this pace no one will be abandoned and we try to practice cycling courtesy at all times. Needless to say, helmets are mandatory. Mirrors are not required but are strongly recommended. Everyone is expected to comply with all applicable bicycling laws (which can be found on the GCC web site).

Pedalers

Group Captain: Diann Dimitri

Group Speed: 12-14
Group Distance: 15-25

The Pedalers are cyclists who enjoy casual rides in the countryside. Ride distances are from 15 to 25 miles at slower speeds ranging from 12 to 14 mph. Riders should have a road-capable bicycle in good repair, carry and be able to use basic tools for repairing a flat, carry a water bottle, and wear a helmet.

Saddle Tramps

Group Captain: Melinda Koken

Group Speed: 12-15
Group Distance: 25-50

The Saddle Tramps are a spin-off of the Pedalers, riding between 12 and 15 miles per hour, emphasizing longer routes between 25 and 50 miles in length. This group will include hill work and preparation for longer rides such as the Ride to Remember, MS-150 and the GCC cycling weekend rides of 50 plus miles. These longer rides can also be preparation for bicycle touring, including information on getting started touring, optimal gear, bicycle friendly routes, and other resources. We are a friendly, no-drop group, who welcome Newbies, who like to visit natural settings, enjoy being outdoors on bikes, who usually ride low traffic roads, and occasionally stop and take pictures.

Strays

Group Captain: Rob Wilt

Group Speed: 11 - 14
Group Distance: 20 - 50

The Strays is a TOURING group. We ride locally most of the time, and at other times we take off to ride in distant places. Sometimes we will ride with ride groups from other bike clubs, in their territory. As a touring ride group, we have no pace lines, no wheel sucking, and no racing. We are dedicated to riding with the idea of having fun and getting some exercise, and enjoying companionship and scenery. Our pace is typically in the 11-14 mph average range, and this varies with the terrain and what there is to see on our ride. We sometimes stop to smell the flowers and check out the sights. Definitely not a ride for the impatient or hurried. Lance posers and other self-involved egotists should ride with another group. Courtesy and respect for fellow cyclists, and safety are the watch words for Strays.

Sunrise

Group Captain: Paul Messal

Group Speed: 19-22
Group Distance: 30-60

Faster rides that start earlier than the club standard meeting time. We leave early, we don't include a rest stop and we're home early enough to take care of everything that needs taking care of on the weekends.

Tandem Group

Group Captain: Andrew Gill

Group Speed: 15-25
Group Distance: 25-150

This group is for tandem cyclists to ride together, attend events together, and generally promote tandem riding.

Team Gainesville

Group Captain: Jo Weaver

Group Speed: Varies
Group Distance: 25-100

Team Gainesville is not a race team; we are a fundraiser-touring & ride team. We gathering together for social events, to prepare, train and raise money as participants in fundraisers, centuries and other tours. *Our primary fundraiser is Bike MS: PGA TOUR Cycle to the Shore, St. Augustine - Daytona September 29-30, 2012.

Team VetMed

Group Captain: Chris Sanchez

Group Speed: 15-18
Group Distance: 30-100

Team VetMed rides to support scholarships for the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Group training rides are held throughout the year.

TT Training

Group Captain: Paul Bonanno

Group Speed: 18-27
Group Distance: 10-25

This is to develop people that are interested in Time Trial Training. The goal is to improve on your form, speed, better understanding of how to make you a better time trial rider. I follow Chris Carmichael's training. This is a 7 week training group that will get you ready for a race. Even if you are beginning or advanced the training is the same. Its intense and after 7 weeks you will be faster, leaner, and a better rider.

Women's Ride

Group Captain: Carey Zukaitis

Group Speed: 16
Group Distance: 15-25

This is a steady no-drop ride (conversational pace.) Meets at Tioga Town Center on Monday evenings.

Off Road Riding Groups

Off Roaders

Group Captain: Scott Pfaff

Off-road rides on local trails and area mountain bike parks. All levels welcome.

Youth MTB League

Group Captain: Clint Gibbs

Group Distance: 5-15

The goal of the GCC Youth Mountain Bike League is to create a positive environment in which local youth can learn, enjoy, and develop as trail riders. For those that are interested we will also teach kids how to race and prepare for races. We will be providing support and encouragement for the members of the Youth Mountain Bike League at most of the mountain bike races held in Florida. Safety, healthy practices, sportsmanship, and fun will be emphasized.

Rail Trail Riding Groups

EZ Riders

Group Captain: George Edwards

Group Speed: 10-12
Group Distance: 10-29

Relatively slow rides on the paved rail-trails of the area, with an emphasis on the apprieciation of Nature. These rides are the best place for beginners and families to get an introduction to GCC rides. Faster riders soon move up to the other groups. Rides are generally less than 30 miles, and we leave no one behind.

Independent Trail Riders

Group Captain: Richard Colbert

Group Speed: 1-25
Group Distance: 1-32

Persons who ride independently on local Rail Trails.

Interest Groups

Cheese Wheelers

Group Captain: Doug Folkerth

A group that meets at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field to run up and down the steps. A fun(?) winter cross-training activity.

Commuters

Group Captain: Jim Funk

We are a group of cyclists who enjoy using bicycles as transportation. (and recreation) Our purpose is to socialize with folks of similar interests, and to facilitate and encourage our and others using cycling as a means of safe,communal, and green transportation.

Trailkeepers

Group Captain: Fairlie Bagley

Those of you who ride the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail know that it needs help. Sometimes there are too many leaves and branches on the Trail. In places there are bumps caused by tree roots. Obviously, the Florida Park Service needs help in keeping the Trail clear and clean, and in repairing aging pavement. To this end, a small group of us have banded together as the TRAILKEEPERS, to help the Trail.