Sunday Vintage Starbucks "No Drop" Group Ride

Join the Sunday Starbucks Ride for an easy-paced, “No Drop” ride that’s perfect for Zone 2 efforts and building your cycling skills. We welcome all riders, especially those new to cycling and female cyclists, to join our supportive and fun group.
The ride starts at the Starbucks in Vintage Park, located at 10805 Louetta Rd, Houston, TX 77070. Please note the seasonal start times.

Ride Details

Start Time:

• 7:30 AM (Summer months)
• 8:00 AM (Winter months)

Pace:

Easy (Zone 2). This is a social ride, and we will stay together at a comfortable pace. If there is a large turnout, we may split into multiple speed groups.

Stop Light/Stop Sign Departure:

When the group proceeds from a stop, please do not depart in an aggressive manner. No need to soft pedal either, but rollout where everyone can leave as a group and not get dropped due to hard acceleration.

Sprint Zones:

The route includes several sprint zones. For new riders, leaders will call these out as they approach.

Riding Formation:

We ride two abreast where it is safe to do so. On single-lane or two-lane roads, we will switch to a single file line.

Safety First:

• Calling Out Hazards: Please be vigilant and call out any road hazards such as potholes, cracks, or roadkill to ensure the safety of the group.
• Traffic Laws: All riders must obey all traffic signs and signals.

No Drop Policy:

• This is a true "No Drop" ride; the group stays together, and everyone finishes together.
• The group will stop to provide support for any rider experiencing a mechanical issue or other problem.
• If we split into speed groups, any mechanical issue requires that specific group to stop and assist.
• We encourage communication. If a rider is falling off the back, the group will adjust its speed to reengage them.

Flexible Route:

The route is designed to be shortened if desired. If you plan to cut the ride short, please communicate this with your group.

Route and Maps:

Route: 42.2 mi loop with ~280 ft elevation gain: https://www.strava.com/routes/2733763705287824760

Map & Notes: 

Available on our website → NWCC Favorite Rides

After the Ride:

Many riders stick around for coffee and conversation at Starbucks after the ride.

Weather Check:

If weather conditions look questionable, please check for updates before heading out. Ride status will be posted on the Sundays Starbucks Ride Face Book page & other NWCC Face Book pages generally every Saturday afternoon. You may also check the WWW.NWCC.BIKE club website for other ride or club related information.

The NWCC Vintage Park Starbucks Ride

KEY INFORMATION

Please note that this is a community ride and not an NWCC sponsored ride.

NWCC Mandatory Safety Message

You should be aware that potential risks, hazards, and obstructions may exist whenever you ride and we do not guarantee safe cycling conditions or make any representations about road conditions including pavement conditions, traffic volume, or speed. You are responsible for evaluating road and trail conditions in accordance with your individual level of experience, skill, tolerance for cycling in traffic, weather, time of day, obstacles, road condition and other factors when evaluating or selecting a route. NWCC and its officers disclaim any responsibility for any issues that may arise and in no event shall be liable for any damages or loss of any kind.

DOs

• Helmets are required.
• Obey all traffic signals.
• Ride predictably and smoothly.
• Call out all hazards.
• Use hand signals and call out your intentions, when you are turning, slowing, and stopping.
• Call out vehicles as they approach, “Car back” / “Car up” “Car left / right”
• In double pace lines, roll off one at a time so there will not be four abreast at any time.
• When passing other riders and groups, pass on the left and always call out "on your left."
• Communicate with riders in your group who may be pushing the speed of the group beyond the group's expectations. Ask them to slow down / speed up and/or move to the next group / drop to the group coming up.
• If you are new to group riding, whatever your estimated average speed, we highly recommend starting in the no-drop group, which will be called last.

DON'TS

• No earbuds, headphones, speakers or phone usage while cycling in any pace group.
• No using aerobars in the paceline.
• No overlapping wheels.
• Do not assume that the average speed of your ride will fall within the speed noted for each pace group except for the no-drop and 20+ groups. Groups may average a faster pace, especially on downhills or with a tail wind. On the other hand, the pace may be slower in poor riding conditions, climbing hills or into a headwind.