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Green Valley Cyclists

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Green Valley Cyclists – New Member Guide

Welcome to the Club! Your First Steps as a New GVC Member

Whether you’re brand new to cycling or have been riding for years, this guide is your one-stop resource for getting started with Green Valley Cyclists (GVC). It includes everything you need to confidently join your first ride, meet other members, and explore what the club offers.

If you only do three things today: check the Event Calendar, pick a C or D ride, and read the Ride Etiquette guide.

  1. Welcome to GVC

    Green Valley Cyclists (GVC) is a community of riders of all ages, experience levels, and interests. We ride for fitness, friendship, and fun — and we work together to promote safe cycling across the Las Vegas valley.

    While you’re getting familiar with us, please also take a moment to check out our sponsors and partners who help support club events, programs, and member benefits.

  2. Membership Basics

    Understand who can join, how the trial works, and what paperwork is required.

    Eligibility

    • All adults (18+) are welcome.

    • Junior memberships available with parental consent.

    • No experience required — beginners encouraged!

    30-Day Trial

    New members can ride with us for 30 days before dues are required.

    Liability Waiver

    All riders must complete the GVC liability waiver before joining any club ride or event.

  3. Your First Stop: Explore the Ride Calendar

    The Ride Calendar is where you’ll find every scheduled ride, with all the details in one place.

    All rides are posted here:

    → Event Calendar

    Each ride listing includes:

    • Start time and location

    • Ride leader

    • Ride category (pace/skill level)

    • Safety notes

    • Distance and elevation

    • Downloadable route map (when available)

  4. Understanding GVC Ride Categories

    Learn how our ride categories work so you can pick a ride that matches your pace and experience.

    GVC offers multiple categories to match your fitness and comfort level:

    • A – Fast, strong riders; advanced pace.

    • B – Moderate/steady pace; experienced riders.

    • C – Social/relaxed pace; popular for newer riders.

    • D – Shorter distances; beginner-friendly.

    Full guide:

    → Ride Categories

  5. How to Join Your First Ride (Step-by-Step)

    A simple checklist you can follow to feel prepared and confident on your very first GVC ride.

    1. Pick a ride that matches your comfort level. Most new members start with C or D rides.

    2. Review the route. Check distance, elevation, and download the GPS file.

    3. Show up early. Arrive 10–15 minutes before the start time.

    4. Introduce yourself. Tell the leader it’s your first GVC ride.

    5. Enjoy the ride and ask questions. Members are friendly and happy to help.

  6. Essential Gear Checklist

    Make sure you and your bike are ready so you can focus on enjoying the ride.

    • A roadworthy bicycle

    • Helmet (required)

    • Water bottle(s)

    • Spare tube, pump or CO₂

    • Rear light

    • Snacks or nutrition

    Note: many of these items can be purchased from Swanny's Cycles.

  7. Ride Etiquette & Safety Expectations

    These are the basic safety and group-riding guidelines we follow on every GVC ride.

    GVC promotes safe, predictable, and courteous riding.

    Helmet & Bike Requirements

    A helmet is required. Your bike must be in safe working condition.

    Paceline Basics

    Leaders will explain paceline structure before the ride.

    Regroup Points

    Most rides include regroup spots.

    If You Get Dropped

    • Go to the next regroup point, or

    • Follow the route on your GPS, or

    • Call the Ride Leader (phone listed on event page).

    Headphones

    No headphones or earbuds for safety.

    Ride Leader Authority

    Ride leaders make all safety and route decisions.

    Full etiquette guide:

    → Ride Etiquette

  8. Using the GVC Route Library

    Find routes that fit your schedule, location, and climbing goals — even outside of scheduled rides.

    The Route Library includes dozens of local rides.

    • Browse by area, distance, or climbing

    • Find rides matching your goals

    • Create Quick Rides

    • Email the Ride Coordinator for help

    → Route Library

  9. Navigating the GVC Website

    A quick guide to where to find rides, routes, member info, and club details on the site.

    Hover over nav items to open dropdowns. Key areas:

    • Rides & Events – Calendar, Weekly Series, Special Events

    • Members – New Member Guide, Ride Etiquette, FAQ

    • Routes – Route Library

    • About – Club history, leadership, contact

  10. Member Benefits

    See some of the perks that come with being part of GVC beyond just the weekly rides.

    • Weekly group rides

    • Training & skills clinics

    • Shop discounts

    • Advocacy & outreach programs

    • Club merchandise

    • Newsletter updates

    Learn more about our sponsors and partners who help support these benefits.

  11. Frequently Asked Questions

    Quick answers to some of the most common questions new members ask.

    Do I need to be fast or experienced?
    No — all levels are welcome.

    Can I bring a guest?
    Yes. Guests may join trial rides.

    Do rides cancel for bad weather?
    Sometimes. Check the calendar.

    Where can I ask questions?
    You can always ask the ride leader before or after a ride.

    Review the FAQ for more questions.

  12. What to Do Next

    A simple checklist you can follow this week to get rolling with the club.

    1. Review the Event Calendar.

    2. Pick your first ride.

    3. Read the Ride Etiquette page.

    4. Introduce yourself at the ride.

    5. Have fun!

    Welcome to Green Valley Cyclists — we’re excited to ride with you.

  13. Need Help or Have Questions?

    Not sure which ride to choose or how something works? We’re here to help.

    If you still have questions after reading this guide, you can:

    Don’t hesitate to reach out — we want every new member to feel welcome, informed, and confident.