MEMPHIS, TN – The Memphis Hightailers Bicycle Club (MHBC) is inviting its members to help shape the future of the local cycling scene. By launching a new initiative for member-led rides, the club is providing the platform for cyclists to design and lead their own signature weekly group outings across the Mid-South.
Recognizing that a diverse community requires a diverse schedule, MHBC is seeking new Ride Leaders to fill gaps in pace, discipline, and geography. Whether your ideal morning involves a sunrise gravel grind, a mid-week tactical sprint, or a casual social roll to a local coffee shop, the club wants to help you make it official.
Lead the Way: Shape the Schedule
The club's message to potential leaders focuses on community needs and personal passion. "Identify the time, route, and pace that you’d love to see on the calendar," the club stated. "Even a small, consistent group is a success. It’s about hosting the type of ride you want to see in our community".
For those who prefer not to start from scratch, the club is also offering the opportunity to revive "dormant" rides. If there is a classic route that has fallen off the event calendar, you can step up to lead it and customize the pace and distance to fit the group’s needs.
Collaboration and Safety
To help your ride stand out, the club will collaborate with you on a catchy, neutral name that highlights the cycling experience. While leaders have the flexibility to design their ideal outing, the MHBC standard for safety remains non-negotiable. Of course, all rides must follow the rules of the road or trail. Every MHBC-backed ride requires strict adherence to safety protocols to ensure a professional and secure environment for everyone involved.
Understanding the Paces and Distances
To help you categorize your ride, MHBC uses the following standard ride classifications:
- Category A (Advanced): Typical speeds of 18.0–20.0 mph; 60 to 100+ miles.
- Category B (Skilled): Typical speeds of 16.0–18.0 mph; 40 to 60 miles.
- Category C (Intermediate): Typical speeds of 14.0–16.0 mph; 25 to 40 miles.
- Category D (Social): Typical speeds of 12.0–14.0 mph; 25 miles or less.
- Category E (Easy): Typical speeds under 12 mph; 25 miles or less.
How to Get Started
To maintain the club's high standards, the path to leadership involves a straightforward certification process in the below order:
- Maintain Active Membership: You must be a current member of the Memphis Hightailers Bicycle Club.
- Complete a Smart Cycling Class: Achieve a score of 85% or higher in the Smart Cycling course.
- Shadow Existing Rides: Complete a series of shadowed rides to learn group dynamics and MHBC safety protocols.
Once certified, new leaders gain the full backing of the MHBC, including liability insurance and promotional support through the club’s extensive network. This allows leaders to focus on the route while the club handles the administrative heavy lifting.
Ready to put your favorite route on the calendar? Interested members should contact president@memphishightailers.com to begin the onboarding process.