Ride Levels
Petunia Mafia welcomes women cyclists at a wide range of speeds. We offer leader-appointed rides labeled as green, blue, and black (like ski resort maps!).
Here's how that translates to the skill and pace of the rider compounded by the cycling route:
To enjoy your experience at Petunia Mafia, have a few years of cycling and a base of fitness under your belt. Green rides are no-drop. There will be an official leader and most likely a sweeper for larger groups. You can specify that you’re pulling off early if you want to head back on your own or prefer to not make others wait on you (we’ve all been there), but please do tell us so no one’s afraid you’re lost.
The team offers free and low-cost skills clinics, bike maintenance workshops, and talks by pros such as sports psychologists, trainers, coaches, nutritionists, etc. While we love you just the way you are, we’ll enable you to become a better cyclist. It’s more fun, trust us. You don’t have to become a hard-core badass. However, you should show up with knowledge on how to fix your flat (go to aforementioned clinics) and have a bike in proper working condition (ditto).
Road: you like a pace of about 10-13mph on average on flat or rolling road rides, and/or are just beginning to get used to riding in a group.
Typical green road rides: Hygiene, Eldorado Springs, Bakery rides
Gravel: You enjoy a more social pace of about 10 -12 mph on the flats. You are gravel curious and/or just starting your gravel journey. Terrain is generally open smooth farm/county roads or bike paths.
Typical Green Gravel Rides: Dirty Hygiene (North Boulder dirt roads), Niwot Trails, Coal Creek Trails.
MTB: the terrain this is slightly more technical than a hilly gravel ride but doesn’t include drops much bigger than a low curb. You may go on a blue ride and walk over the scary parts; no judgment from us. You’re learning how to corner, climb and descend. A 6-8 mile ride is ideal.
Typical green MTB rides: Marshall Mesa, Betasso, most of North Table Mountain, Moab’s Dead Horse State Park
You’ve identified as a cyclist for a while and are comfortable riding in groups. You like a workout versus a cruise when you ride and are game to push yourself on occasion. While the pack may re-group at crossroads or natural gathering points, blues can be drop rides. The goal isn’t to drop anyone, however, the possibility exists if you’re waaaaay off the back. It’s rare.
Road: the pace averages 15mph on a rolling ride but can reach higher. These rides generally include more climbing and descending than green routes. The leader may try to organize a peloton paceline on straightaways if the assembled crew is known to be more experienced group riders.
Typical blue road rides: Carter Lake, Jamestown, Ward, Four Mile Canyon, even Mt. Evans at your own pace
Gravel: You are comfortable with a 13-15 mph pace on the flats, and riding in a group. You may encounter a bit more technical trails and chucky gravel. These rides tend to be longer and involve more climbing.
Typical Blue Gravel Rides: Gold Hill, Mayhoffer, Dirty Hygiene/Carter, Bow Mountain, Chapman.
MTB: you’re comfy on varied, somewhat technical singletrack. A 15-mile ride sounds great. You have decent bike handling skills on dirt, gravel, roots, and small-to-medium rocks but may not be launching it yet. You know how to be prepared for mechanicals on the trail. You may walk sections that are more technical than 80% of the trail.
Typical blue MTB rides: Springbrook, Heil, Hall from Antelope, Moab’s Navajo Rocks
You’re pushing the pace, training for a race, want to get your heart rate up, have expert skills, and/or are an experienced cyclist. Black-level rides are drop rides, so you should have the route downloaded.
Road: You’re on a group ride and your instincts want to organize everyone into a pace line. Long mountain passes make you drool and 18% grade sections are a red badge of courage. You’re a past or present racer of crits, hill climbs, and/or TTs. ‘Nuff said.
Typical black road rides: Mt. Evans at a fast clip, Triple Bypass, Sugarloaf to Peak to Peak, Magnolia, TT, or crit race training
Gravel: You like to ride fast at a 16+ mph pace or enjoy more technical routes.
Typical Black Gravel Rides: Gold Hill/Rowena, Magnolia
MTB: You’re a past or present racer. You’re in a flow state while riding, and braking/cornering/shifting is intuitive. Advanced technical skills or strong endurance on difficult terrain can both land you in this category. Therefore you choose the ride based on the trail review, but chances are you’ve already ridden it.
Typical black MTB rides: Up the rock garden at Hall, Captain Ahab (Moab), Apex, Porcupine Rim (Moab)
Sometimes rides fall somewhere between levels, so read the full ride description on TeamSnap to know what pace to expect.
We don’t want to discourage a lower-level rider from trying something a little more challenging. It’s how we advance as athletes. Don’t underestimate your ability. Memories aren’t made from the couch.