Good morning, VBC members.
Attached find a report, prepared by Paul Jensen, summarizing the results of the 2026 Ride Interest Survey. Thanks to the 112 members who completed it, and congratulations to Karen Combs, who won the raffle for the Bivo insulated water bottle!
I have already shared this report with all ride leaders, and will be working with them to address select survey issues and opportunities within the framework of the rides they like to lead. Also, in concert with Scott and Paul, the road captain team has made progress in some key areas identified in the survey:
- The number of weekend rides held through 22 June 2026 are up 26% compared to the same period in 2025
- The number of evening rides held through the same period are up 33%
- We're actively seeking new ride leaders; they are often interested in starting rides from new locations, on different days/times and posting unique rides; year-to-date we have:
- Four new, fully qualified leaders
- Six candidates part way through the qualification process
- One candidate in the queue to start the training
- Paul took the lead creating new, easier to understand ride categories
- Paul has created a "Ride Style Definitions" page on the website (which can be seen at https://vbc-usa.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=851488&module_id=245681); it includes how we define "pace":
- "... the pace a rider should be able to sustain on flat terrain with no headwinds for the duration of the ride...."
- Pace is not your average for the whole ride (bike computers will read lower at the finish, since stops, traffic and climbs reduce the average)
- Choose the next slower or shorter ride if you can't comfortably ride within the posted range on the flats for the full distance,
- Note 1: The listed pace is not a speed limit for the ride!
- While the ride leader should be riding at the posted pace, other riders may, if approved by the ride leader, choose to ride at a faster pace
- Anyone who rides ahead of the group is responsible for their own navigation, safety and mechanical repairs
- Note 2: Pace varies greatly when descending (faster) or climbing hills (slower) versus the posted pace; this just makes sense and is allowed, provided it is done safely
- We're working on clarifying which rides are categorized as group, re-group, non-group etc. as well as other initiatives to enhance your Club ride experience.
Again, thank you for helping inform our decisions about how to move the program forward in 2026. Let's stay in touch!
Tom Eggers
Road captain