Club Information
A description of the Sioux Empire Bicycle Club follows as does a listing of the club's benefits as well as our ride and rider guidelines.
[ Description | Membership Benefits | Ride Guidelines | Rider Guidelines ]
Description
The Sioux Empire Bicycle Club is a club that offers a variety of rides in and around the Sioux Falls area. There are hard weekly road rides in the nearby country, and easier trips in town on the local Bike Trail. From September's Tri-State Century to occasional mountain bike trips to Newton Hills or Nebraska's Ponca State Park. Our biggest draw is the comfortably paced monthly Moonlight Rides around the Sioux Falls Bike Trail. We strive to offer group-riding opportunities for all types and all levels of cyclists
In addition to our weekly schedule we'll sprinkle in some other rides on weekends that will be both fun and challenging.
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Membership
The club is a membership organization with a five person board. Annual memberships are $15 per family or individual.
Membership is not a requirement for participation in club rides.
Membership Benefits:
- Insurance coverage by League of American Bicyclists Insurance Program. (pdf)
- Club communications delivered directly to you by e-mail or post.
- Eligible to be an SEBC ride leader.
- Free admittance to special member-only events. (think food)
- Discounts for club sponsored fee events.
- Post bicycle items for sale on the club website.
You can download the membership form here. Print it, fill it out, and mail it to the club to become a member.
Download Membership Form: Word document or PDF
Request a mailed form: paul@sebc.emrydesign.com
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Ride Guidelines
The Sioux Empire Bicycle Club strives to be a welcoming club to riders of all abilities. To achieve this we try to encourage rider participation by offering a variety of levels of rides and support.
These ride guidelines are meant to assist riders in finding rides that will provide a positive experience.
SEBC road rides obey all traffic laws. SEBC off-road rides follow the IMBA Rules of the Trail.
SEBC rides are categorized from A to D. "A" rides require the most effort and skill and "D" rides require the least. Ride leaders determine the category for their rides based primarily on the following chart.
| Ride Key | Hilly or Technical | Moderate | Flat or Non-Technical |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-20+ mph | A | A | A |
| 15-17 mph | A | B | B |
| 12-14 mph | B | C | C |
| 9-11 mph | C | D | D |
Ride speed describes the likely rate of travel while on the bike. Obviously unpredictable ride conditions can greatly affect the actual speed traveled of any ride.
Terrain is a more subjective measurement. Generally, if a route is known to be hilly, or hills will be intentionally sought on a ride, then a hilly categorization should be given. If the route is known to be flat, or flat routes will be specifically sought then the flat categorization is used.
Ride distance, rest stops, and leader position/support are additional considerations. Look to the specific ride descriptions for these details. Generally the higher category the ride, the fewer rest stops and less leader support there will be. Distance is not as necessarily bound by the ride category.
Faster or slower self-sufficient riders are welcome on all SEBC rides regardless of category. Please see Rider Guidelines for further descriptions of self-sufficiency.
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Rider Guidelines
Club membership is not required for participation in SEBC rides. We'd rather have you ride with us, than have your money.
All Sioux Empire Bicycle Club rides are open to self-sufficient riders of all levels. To increase the comfort, enjoyment and security of everyone we offer the following Rider Guidelines.
Helmets are mandatory on all SEBC rides.
SEBC road rides obey all traffic laws. SEBC off-road rides follow the IMBA Rules of the Trail.
Realize that cycling can be dangerous.
Please pay attention to the described ride categories, descriptions and leader involvement. For some, getting dropped on a ride is fun and part of the challenge. For others getting left behind is neither.
Be responsible for yourself and your bike. If you find you've been left behind on a ride, take comfort in the fact that you have enough water and supplies to fuel yourself and fix a flat.
Opportunities are available for highly supportive rides. Most often these can be found in the C and D categories. If you have questions about a particular ride you see posted please contact the ride leader or a club board member.
Children on pull behind trailers are welcome on rides.
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