AUBURN – The Maine Cycling Club weekly rides will begin on Monday, April 18, offering club-led group rides of varying lengths for varying skill levels. Most rides depart from Harriman Associates off Kittyhawk Avenue, and this year a new beginniners’ ride on Thursday evening will depart from Colonial Ridge, a development at 88 Hardscrabble Road.

There is no charge to participate in these rides, which are scheduled to last through the summer. The Thursday beginners’ ride departs at 5:45 p.m.; all other rides depart at 6 p.m.

Helmets are required.

Each week begins with the regular Monday beginners’ ride, a social ride of between 14 and 18 miles designed for cyclists who may not be familiar with riding in a group. The pace is moderate and the route’s terrain is relatively flat.

On Tuesday, the club offers a faster-paced ride for more experienced cyclists, and the ride regroups at all intersections so riders are not left behind.

Wednesday offers the fastest group rides of the week, designed to challenge riders of all levels without becoming a race. The pace, distance and terrain will change week-to-week, depending on the riders attending that week’s ride.

On Thursday, the ride will split into two groups and drop to a more moderate 15-17 and 17-19 miles per hour depending on the group, and riders will decide the route when they gather at the start.

Also on Thursday, the new beginniners’ ride will loop a 5- to 6-mile route at a beginner pace. Ride leaders will emphasize and demonstrate safe riding practices on public roads, and families are welcome. Anyone under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

For details on routes, skill levels and departure times, go to mainecyclingclub.com for a full schedule. Like the club on Facebook, or follow members @MEcyclingclub on Twitter.