The NYCC Spring Training Series STS

The A-STS is a storied program within the club that provides A-Level Riders a training series to aid in laying the foundation for the upcoming season. In this series, all A Leveled Riders with the requisite skill and riding experience to contribute in a smooth operating paceline are welcome to participate.
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Each group will set off with the goal of working together in a cooperative paceline, however ride pace and structure will not be modified for riders having an off day.  That said, camaraderie is encouraged, and rides will regroup regularly as needed, such as at the tops of noted climbs. The goal is to have fun while working collaboratively to push ourselves and gain fitness for the upcoming season.

The B-STS is a non-instructional series of progressively more challenging rides during the Spring. It consists of three paces; B16, B17 and B18.  It is designed for experienced riders who are already familiar with NYCC’s typical single-file group riding style (based on experience with NYCC or a comparable group), and are comfortable with distance and elevation comparable to that of the B-SIG (40-100 miles, 2000-5000 ft progressive).
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‍The speed groups include some route overlap in the first few weeks so participants can find the group that works best for them. Rides will start out slightly below advertised pace for coming out of winter and getting to the target pace by the middle of the series.  
Further information regarding each ride will be available on the individual ride sign-up page on the ride sign-up board.

The goal of C-STS is to help club members improve their conditioning after a winter of relative inactivity. We expect you to ride single file unless otherwise instructed, stay between the leader and co-leader, call out stopping and hazards, and be familiar with the operation of your bicycle including gears and brakes. If you are not an experienced group rider, you should choose the C-SIG instead. C-STS participants are encouraged to ride with us each week but there is no commitment to do a specified number of rides. Rides start at 25-30 miles and progressively increase to 50-60 miles by the end. Cruising speed (on smooth level roads with no wind) is 13 or 14 mph as noted in the ride listings.

The D-STS provides a training series for gravel riders in the club. For riders who have graduated from the D-SIG and want to continue adventuring and pushing themselves, we offer 12 rides exploring the best dirt in the area from fast carriage roads to challenging singletrack, with crushing climbs and dizzying descents. We’ll dig deep into the NYCC dirt-ride library, exploring segments you’re unlikely to find on any other ride.
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Requirements: We require a baseline level of skill and fitness: an ability to ride in a rotating paceline at an A-18/20 pace, as well as comfort with handling your bike on unpaved surfaces. We assume that graduates of the D-SIG have these skills; if you’ve come by these skills in a different way (e.g. you did the A-SIG, and then raced CX), you’re welcome as well. If you’re unsure, please contact the ride leaders. Additionally, you need equipment appropriate to off-road riding: wide tires, deep gearing, and SPD-style cleats (some of our rides require portaging your bike). You should bring tools/materials for a variety of field repairs: Allen keys, quick links, derailleur hangers, zip-ties, etc. At times fueling and water stops will be few and far between. Plan to bring plenty of pocket food and hydration. For some rides, you may need three water bottles or a hydration pack.

The “R” in R-STS is for “randonneur” which is a style of riding that blends touring and racing and which prioritizes preparation, efficiency and sleep deprivation.  It comes from the French word "randonee" which means wandering around and getting lost. The most famous randonnuer event is the quadriennial 750 mile, ninety-hour Paris-Brest-Paris.   Routes: The R-STS goes out of its way to go out of the way. Rides will span Hunterdon County in western NJ, Orange and Suffolk in NY, and Litchfield, CT. Distances range 60 to 117 miles. Climbing from 20' to 70' per mile.
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2026 Ride Schedule
• 3/07 - #01 - Hicksville, 70 miles, 1350' - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/17970365
‍• 3/14 - #02 - Old Field, 64 miles, 1700' - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38795666
‍• 3/21 - #03 - Babylon by Candlelight, 63 miles, 2400' - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45371392
‍• 4/04 - #04 - Haverstraw, 60 mile, 2100' - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35677081
‍• 3/29 - #05 - Croton Heights, 49-64 miles, 2900' - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38895295
‍• 4/11 - #06 - Rainbow Lake, 49 miles, 2800' - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42420819
‍• 4/18 - #07 - Quogue, 100-117 miles, 1750' - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27403054
‍• 4/25 - #08 - Clove Mountain, 54-69 miles, 3700' - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39107576
‍• 5/02 - #09 - Pancake Hollow, 64 miles, 3100' - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42888731
‍• 5/09 - #10 - Roxbury, 54-59 miles, 3900' - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30090367
‍• 5/16 - #11 - Goodridge, 67-72 miles, 3950' - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39406181