Area Training Rides
Listed below are regular informal rides, usually with racers and fast riders from several different area clubs, but where you will find many QCW Cycling members riding. For a variety of slower-paced rides, check out the Bicycle Club of Philadelphia’s ride list.
Summer Schedule: In effect from the first Sunday in April until the last Sunday in October.
The Drives: Tuesdays at 6:30pm. Leave from Falls Bridge. Ride proceeds around Kelly and West River Drive. Pace is fast and competitive, typically averaging 27+ mph. Three or more laps around the drives, daylight permitting. Sprint line is the last yellow “lane ends” sign before the turn at the end of West River Drive.
BCP Recovery Ride: Wednesdays at 6:00pm. Leave from the Italian Fountain. Ride pace is intended to be smooth, recovery pace. To Conshohocken and back on the bike path.
Hill Ride: Wednesdays at 6:00pm. Leave from the Bulldog Statue at Pennsylvania and Fairmount Avenues, alongside the Art Museum. Ride heads towards Gladwynne to climb hills such as La Collina, Rose Glen Road, Waverly Road, and Lafayette Road. Return through Conshohocken and the bike path.
Great Valley Training Crit: Thursdays at 6:00pm. This impromptu crit is held weather permitting, April through September at the Great Valley Corporate Center near Malvern. There is no registration and it is not sanctioned. Points (sprint) format, 30 laps of a 1-mile course, sprint every 3rd lap, 30 miles, mostly flat with a slight hill at one end.
Greentree Training Crit: Thursdays at 6:30pm. Leave from the Greentree Industrial Park in Marlton, NJ. This is a popular training race on a 1 mile circuit. Speeds average 26+, although if you fall off, you can rejoin the group fairly easily on the next lap.
Italian Fountain: Saturdays and Sundays at 9:00am. Leave from the Italian Fountain, behind the Art Museum. These rides vary, with typically 40+ riders (fewer during racing season) showing up going anywhere from 45-65 miles. Generally, this ride breaks up into smaller groups.
Winter Schedule: In effect during Daylight Standard Time, from the first Sunday in October until the first Sunday in April.
QCW Base Training Ride: Sunday 8:45am. Runs from October to early-March. This is a moderately paced Fall/Winter base building ride. Usually each ride is different, the route depending upon the mood of the riders that show up. This is a great ride in which to meet QCW club members. Leave from the Bulldog Statue at Pennsylvania and Fairmount Avenues.
Night Ride: (sounds crazy but it works!) Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30pm. Leave from the Bulldog Statue at Pennsylvania and Fairmount Avenues. Ride heads to Memorial Hall and continues on the roads in Fairmount Park. Stay tuned for February and March’s Thursday evenings Points Race at this time! Remember to bring a light.
Italian Fountain: Saturdays and Sundays at 9:00am. Leave from the Italian Fountain, behind the Art Museum. These rides vary, with typically 40+ riders (fewer during racing season) showing up going anywhere from 45-65 miles. Generally, this ride breaks up into smaller groups.