Trying to find people to ride with? How do I meet cycling friends and cyclists in my area?
The best part about bikes and cycling is the people. It’s almost a cliche, but it’s true!
There’s nothing better (in our humble opinion) than a coffee shop ride with some good chat, catching up with friends over some miles and espresso. If we had to choose only one ride for the rest of our lives, it wouldn’t be some solo training mission with intervals. Nope, give us 2 hours of cruising, a sign sprint and a coffee stop, please.
Whether you're new to cycling, an experienced solo rider, or you’ve moved somewhere new, finding your group of riding buddies is hard! Like making adult friends in any arena, lots of effort is needed. To help, we compiled a list of the best ways to meet new cyclists in your area and at your level.
Here’s a list of the best apps, websites, and real-world locations where you can find group rides and connect with other cyclists.
Local Bike Shops (LBS)
Your local bike shop is the heart of your cycling community. If you don’t think that’s true, you need to spend more time and money there. Then convince your friends to, also. That’s how you make it the heart. Anyway… most local bike shops organize or serve as meeting spots for regular group rides for different skill levels and disciplines, making them an excellent starting point for meeting other cyclists. Visit their website, give them a call, or drop by the shop to ask about upcoming rides. They can also provide valuable insights into local cycling routes, events and teams.
Strava
Strava has to be the most popular app among cyclists for tracking rides and analyzing performance. It’s also a fantastic tool for discovering group rides. The app has a "Clubs" feature where you can join local cycling clubs or create your own. Many clubs organize regular group rides that are open to members. Additionally, the "Events" section highlights upcoming rides that you can join.
Meetup
Meetup is a platform designed to connect people with similar interests. There are Meetups for literally everything, cycling included. Simply search for cycling groups in your area, and you’ll find various options. The rides will probably be more casual ride, but maybe that’s what you’re looking for! Never hurts to check Meetup.
Facebook Groups
Facebook has put a ton of marketing coin behind Groups in the past couple years. Cycling communities in some areas have Facebook Groups where riders organize group rides, discuss racing, setup group travel to events, sell parts and gear, and share tips. Search for cycling groups in your city or region, and you’re likely to find several active communities. Lots of teams use Facebook Groups as well, so if you’re into racing, Facebook Groups will be very useful.
Cycling Clubs
Many cities have established cycling clubs that cater to different levels of riders. These clubs often have a calendar of scheduled group rides, races, meetings and social events. Usually, clubs participate in multiple disciplines throughout the year too, so you could make a group of friends to race MTB with, AND a group of friends who you can race road with. Joining a club or team is probably the best way to build long-lasting relationships, since it’s a bit more involved. You can participate in the governance, direction and running of the club. Google your area + “cycling team”, or “cycling club” or use the USA Cycling website to find clubs near you. Or, go to a race and see what teams are there and talk to them.
Eventbrite
Eventbrite is a platform that hosts events of all kinds, including cycling rides. Most rides on Eventbrite will be social events or charity rides. Maybe the odd Gran Fondo. By searching for cycling events in your area, you can discover group rides organized by local clubs, charities, and other organizations. These events often cater to a range of cycling abilities and provide a structured, social environment for meeting new people.
Zwift
For those who prefer virtual rides, Zwift offers a unique way to join group rides and meet other cyclists from around the world. The platform allows you to ride in virtual worlds with others, participate in group rides, and even race against others in real-time. It's an excellent option if you want to stay connected with the cycling community, even from home.
Charity Rides and Local Events
Participating in charity rides or local cycling events is another great way to meet cyclists. These events usually attract a wide range of riders, from beginners to seasoned pros. They provide an opportunity to ride for a cause, enjoy well-organized routes, and connect with other participants during and after the event. Check local event listings, cycling clubs, or charity websites to find upcoming events in your area.
Strava Segment Leaderboards
We all love the Strava Segment Leaderboards. Mostly for feeling superiority. But, you can also use it to engage with other riders who frequent the same segments by leaving comments or giving kudos. Instead of flagging an effort by someone who beat you (boooo!), comment and ask if they’d want to ride soon. It’s an easy way to connect with cyclists who ride the same roads and trails as you.
BikeReg
BikeReg is the platform most races and rides use to host their registration process. This makes it an easy way to find rides and events in your area. Just hit up Bikereg.com and search your zip code or city. You’ll also be able to see whose organizing the events. Often, the organizer/owner is a local team, so you can search them out and see what they’re about and where they ride.
Local Parks and Trails
Sometimes the best way to meet other cyclists is simply by riding and saying hello. You might stumble upon informal group rides or make new riding buddies during your regular outings. Don’t be a weirdo, but take all chances you get to say hello, introduce yourself and ask if they ride in the area often or live close. Other people want friends to ride with too, and they feel just as weird about making new friends as you do! Just say hello. People like it.
That’s all to say…
Cycling is as much about the community as it is about the riding. We don’t have a motto really, but if we did, it would be “more bikes, more bike rides, more cyclists.” Not that catchy, but you get it. More bikes and more cyclists is always the goal. So, get out there and meet some folks!
Want to impress your new friends and be a good riding buddy? Show up on time and have your gear ready to go, so no one is waiting on you. It's never been easier when you use The Bag. When your gear is organized and where you can see it, you don't have to worry about a missing shoe or digging for that glove.
