Wondering how to prepare for your first group bike ride? You’re not alone! This guide will equip you with everything you need to join your local peloton with confidence.
Photo from Martin Magnemyr (via Unsplash)
Hey, everyone loves a good workout from cycling. But if you’re embarking on your first group ride, you might feel your heart pounding with nerves instead. Don’t worry! Joining a group is one of the best ways to explore new routes and push your limits as a beginner or intermediate cyclist. This is especially true for newer riders who may feel nervous tackling particular routes solo. Let this guide be your secret weapon to make your first group ride a memorable, accident-free experience.
With a little preparation, some etiquette tips, and a healthy dose of courage, you can hop in the saddle and become a regular at your local riding group. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: pre-ride prep, on-the-road navigation, and anything else you need to roll up confident, prepared, and ready to ride. Let’s get you on the road!
How to prepare for your first group bike ride
Imagine showing up to the ride spot with your bike gleaming, snacks packed, and confidence radiating. You’re knowledgeable about the route and the rules of the road. That doesn’t have to just be a dream! It’s just the power of pre-ride prep in action! Here’s what you should focus on before the day of the ride:
Choose the right riding group for your level
First, find a riding group in your area. Group rides are typically sponsored by your local bike shop (LBS), although this isn’t always the case. For your first ride, see if an LBS in your area hosts a “shop ride.” Many rides will start from the LBS, so make sure you can get there easily with your bike. You may also want to consider timing; many rides meet early on weekend mornings, but there are also evening options.
Don’t overestimate your fitness. Most group rides have a designated pace depending on the level of the participants. If you choose a ride that matches your current ability, you’ll have more fun than if you need to push too hard. Some group rides are “no-drop,” or no rider left behind. This means that the group will wait at the top of climbs or slow the pace for stragglers. If you join a no-drop ride, make sure your fitness level won’t slow the group down too much. On a drop ride, you may end up finishing alone if you can’t keep up with the group.
Scope out the route profile in advance. Performing some elevation analysis on Google Maps will help you understand where the big climbs are. Many of the group ride’s regular participants will be familiar with the route already. Knowing a little bit about what to expect from the course helps you join in seamlessly.
Get your gear and supplies ready to go
Is your bike in tip-top shape? If not, get it tuned up, check tire pressure, and ensure everything is working smoothly the night before the ride. Don’t forget to bring a spare tube and pump – roadside fixes are no big deal if you come prepared!
What to wear on a first group cycling ride? While you want to look your best, be sure to dress for the weather, but think layers. Sunscreen, gloves, and sunglasses will be your best friends, even on cloudy days.
Pack up some extra energy-boosting snacks and drinks. You should base your fueling on the ride’s distance and duration. Aim for small, easily digestible bites like bananas, energy bars, or dried fruit. It’s also always better to have more water than you think you’ll need.
Read more: 20 Homemade Cycling Snacks + Recipes To Fuel Your Next Ride (Biked Goods)
For gear, keep safety in mind. A helmet is mandatory, but consider reflective gear for added visibility, especially for evening rides. Even in a large, visible group, it’s important to put safety first.
Learn some essential etiquette for a beginner cyclist on a group ride
Before the ride, learn hand signals for beginner group cycling, including stopping, slowing down, and obstacles. These are also useful for solo cyclists, but some hand signals are intended specifically for group riding. Mastering these non-verbal communications will make sure you can “speak” to your fellow group members on the road… and understand what they’re saying to you!
Read more: Hand signals all cyclists should know before joining a group ride (Canadian Cycling Magazine)
Make sure you understand how to ride safely alongside other cyclists. Group rides will often be either single-file or riding in side-by-side pairs. To be prepared, make sure you understand the basics of riding side-by-side. It’s also helpful to consider other etiquette for group riding, such as braking distance or how to avoid causing a crash.
Remember that group rides are about camaraderie, not competition. Especially for a first ride, you shouldn’t go with a group that’s all about ‘racing.’ There’s no winner on the shop ride! Make sure your group is friendly and will offer help if you get in a pinch.
Now you’re prepared and ready to join the group with confidence. Now, onto the actual ride!
Photo from Gary Butterfield (via Unsplash)
What should you do during your first group cycling adventure?
Okay, so you’ve researched and packed like a pro. You know safety tips, hand signals, etiquette, and where the route will take you. Now, it’s time to meet up with your fellow cyclists and conquer your first group ride.
Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early and follow these steps to start off on the right foot (… or pedal!)
Introduce yourself. Don’t be shy! Approach the ride leader and other riders, introduce yourself, and mention your experience level. Also, you may want to let the ride leader know this is your first ride in case a problem arises during the outing. A friendly hello goes a long way!
Double-check your tire pressure, saddle height, and helmet fit. Make sure everything feels comfortable and secure before the group takes off.
Ask questions. If you have any lingering concerns, now’s the time. Feel free to ask others about the route, pace, or anything else on your mind.
Don’t forget to warm up. A gentle five-minute warm-up will help your ride get off to a smooth start. To stay limber, include some easy stretches. Preparing your muscles reduces the risk of injury.
It’s “go time!” What now?
Take a moment during the departure to observe the dynamics within the group. Watch how seasoned riders interact, where they position themselves, and how they communicate. This observation will give you insight into the kilometers to come.
Don’t worry about being at the front of the group for now! As a beginner, it’s perfectly normal to start near the back. This allows you to adapt to the pace and learn the group flow. Remember, safety and your comfort come first!
Find your groove in the group ride!
So, you’ve rolled out with the group, feeling the wind in your hair and the excitement buzzing around you. How do you stay safe, comfortable, and most importantly, have a blast? Keep reading for a few more essentials to make sure the rest of the group ride goes swimmingly.
Use the first group ride as a great learning experience
Remember, starting at the back of the pack is your friend. From there, you can observe experienced riders, get a feel for the group dynamic, and adjust your positioning smoothly. As you gain confidence, you can gradually move forward, but always prioritize safety and comfort. You may identify riders with a similar pace and experience level as you. Riding near them can give you a boost as well.
Communication is key in group rides. During the ride, look for – and use! – the universal hand signals for stopping, slowing down, and obstacles. Remember, clear communication ensures a nice outing for everyone. If you see something, say something. Many group rides will rely on hand signals because spoken words are not audible on the road.
Avoid trouble by staying prepared and confident!
As always, pace yourself. It’s not a race! Listen to your body and stick to a comfortable pace. Don’t be afraid to fall to the back of the group if needed, and communicate to others if you’re struggling.
What to do if you get dropped on a group ride? It really depends on the situation! If you want to finish the ride solo, that’s up to you. But if the route doesn’t feel safe alone, you may consider taking a shortcut to return to the group or to the start. It’s no fun to be left behind, but that’s the nature of group rides, and there’s no shame in finding a way back to the group even if it means taking a shorter path! Because of the possibility of being dropped, it’s always a good idea for beginner cyclists to start with “no-drop” rides.
Stay fueled. Feeling low on energy or fluids can really take the fun out of the ride. Unfortunately, the effects of low blood sugar or dehydration may start to set in before you realize, so stay vigilant. Remember, drinking is crucial – take regular sips!
Flat tire? Punctures happen, but don’t let them deflate your mood as well! You should learn basic repair techniques like fixing a flat tire. Most group rides also have experienced riders who can lend a hand. Just make sure to let the group know if you’re having a problem so that they can help or wait for you.
Closing thoughts.
Ready for your first big group ride? It’s totally normal to be a little nervous, but with the right preparation beforehand, everything will feel as smooth as the pavement under your wheels. I hope this guide helps you to feel more prepared for your big day out. Before you know it, you’ll be a regular!
The most important thing: enjoy the ride. Since you’ve done so much to prepare, make sure to appreciate the fruits of your labor. Relax, chat with fellow riders, and soak in the views. The shared experience might form some lasting friendships with your fellow riders and help to plan more group rides in your future.
Read more: Want more beginner cycling guides? Check out our other comprehensive guides here!
Do you remember your first group ride… or are you planning it in the near future? What advice do you have for group ride newbies? Let us know in the comments below! ★