by Darryl Zurn

TCBC has a large number of evening rides during the summer, so I thought it would be helpful to explain how to figure what the maximum evening distances are. 

First we have to check what the sunset time is. You can look it up in a weather calendar or in the daily newspapers. 

For evening rides, we have to allow sufficient time so that the ride ENDS 15 minutes before sunset. For the riding time, use the average minimum speed for the ride rating (A 18 mph, A/B 14 mph, B 12 mph, C 10 mph) AND add in 15 minutes for each rest stop. The ride rating chart in the front of each newsletter has all the info on the number of rest stops and average speeds. We decided to estimate rest stops as 15 minutes, so people have a chance to actually unclip from their pedals. 

As an example, an A/B ride starting at 6 PM on June 7th can be up to 35 miles: 15 minutes for one rest stop + 15 minutes cushion =3D 30 minutes before 9 PM sunset. In order to finish by 8:30 PM we get 2.5 hours of riding times 14 mph =3D 35 miles. 

The reason for this scheduling policy is that stopping for a repair or a route mistake for long, late rides frequently meant returning after the sun had set. The time cushion helps prevent the sundown panic which causes people to roll through stop signs and do other risky things to avoid getting caught in the dark. 

This was done to fulfill TCBC's mission to conduct safe, friendly bike rides. Thanks for attending to this, and you can call me if you want help in figuring the maximum distance for your rides.

(originally published in the TCBC Activity News: June 1999)

Darryl Zurn
TCBC Schedule Coordinator, 
Ride Leader, &
Lab Certified Instructor #874