Riders still gather during colder months, with about five group rides a week (weather dependent). During late spring through early fall, cyclists can saddle up for group rides of varying distances, speeds, and terrain hosted essentially every day of the week, plus two to three options on Saturdays and Sundays. The mission of this 640-plus member group is threefold: fun, fitness, and safety. Membership: $25/year for individuals $40/year for families out-of-towners welcome to join rides. After the paid rides, cyclists refuel with après lunch, beer, and other beverages. On top of that, Cycling Kansas City also puts on three paid rides a year, each with the option of a century plus a minimum of three shorter distance options. These weekly group rides, which typically conclude with drinks or food, range in both speed (from no drop to 20-plus mph) and distance (from eight miles to 50-plus miles). Throughout the year, cyclists can pick from about 30 group rides every week with more options during summer and slightly less in winter. Today, the group supports about 700 members with a mission to promote safe cycling through new rider clinics in the summer, an eight-week rider development class every spring, and volunteer service as ride marshals at local charity rides. In 2011, two long-standing cycling groups in the Kansas City area-one in Missouri and one in Kansas-merged to form Cycling Kansas City. Non-members and out-of-towners welcome on group rides after signing a waiver. Membership: $20/year $10/year for students. Other perks: an annual picnic that’s free for members and an annual banquet that the club heavily subsidizes for members. The club also offers reduced entry charge on the group’s big paid events (including an annual century ride and ride to Brooklyn) and discounts at local bike shops. Pay the nominal member fee and you’ll get a lot in return, including gratis food and drink at occasional postride social gatherings, as well as various parties and educational events. Weekend rides are typically longer and include lunch during the winter, organized hikes are added to the schedule. Now four decades in the running, this 1,000-person group hosts about 20-plus rides a week ranging in distance (from about 10 to 60 miles), speed (around 9 to 20 mph), and terrain (from flat, urban routes to hilly countryside paths). This year’s edition drew about 1,350 riders and all proceeds went to a seriously good cause: inner-city youth cycling organizations. In addition to standard weekly get-togethers, MACC’s main event is the “One Love Century,” an annual charity ride. It’s a somewhat lengthy process-you must meet a list of specific requirements, including completing seven rides with the group and taking a test-but once you’re in, you can don the Metro Atlanta Cycling Club (MACC) kit and also partake in their new members-only retreat, held annually. Essentially all rides end with a social component (think tailgating in the parking lot or going out for pizza).Ĭommitted cyclists can also apply for membership. The goal of this approximately 100-member ATL-based group is “to promote cycling in the black community and build camaraderie amongst all cyclists.” Anyone (including non-members and out-of-towners) is welcome to pedal along-they host about one to three rides per week of varying difficulty, plus some weekend rides and impromptu rides organized via group text. Membership: $30/year out-of-towners welcome to join rides after signing waiver. ![]() ![]() Distances typically range between 30 and 50 miles, with terrain switching every other week between hills (up to 3,000 feet of climbing) and flats (as little as 700 feet). Join the signature ride every Saturday, which is divided into different speed groups ranging from 14 to 24 mph, or smaller group rides on Tuesdays and Thursdays. “You won’t get dropped and find yourself out on the road alone,” says Glen Bolen, Portland Velo Cycling Club member. This means the rest of the riders don’t need to worry about, well, any details of the workout. Thanks to their ride leader program, which trains and pays members to head various speed groups, each ride has a designated lead responsible for navigating the course and ensuring the group’s safety and enjoyment. This Rose City-based group takes special care of its 380-plus members.
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