Washington, DC - Group Rides
Wednesdays
Ride1. Downtown Breakaway Ride
(A, B, C) |
TIME6:00pm
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LOCATION |
DESCRIPTIONA post-work ride with a bit of everything: rollers, punchy hills, pacelines, views of the Potomac, you name it! There are three distinct riding groups: a spirited, high intensity A group; a more social (yet still fast) BB group; and a more social, no-drop B/CC group. The course takes a very indirect route between Kalorama and Glen Echo, opening up the throttle a bit more once clear of the rush hour traffic. The route lengthens and shortens depending on the time of year but varies between 20 - 40 miles. Routes usually go as far out as Great Falls, with most rides returning via MacArthur Blvd (the longest routes return via Beach Drive/Rock Creek Park). If you are not riding in the A group, bring lights depending on the time of year. Rain/Thunderstorms = No Ride.
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Link |
Thursdays
Ride1. Hains Point
(A,B,C) |
TIME
Year Round
6:00pm |
LOCATION
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DESCRIPTION
Thursday nights are the unspoken, yet most popular night, to gather at Hains Point for repeats of the 3-mile loop. This is an impromptu ride which forms as cyclists assemble and ride around the 3-mile loop surrounding the East Potomac Golf Course. Most cyclists wait in the parking lot on Buckeye, Dr. until the group rolls around. Groups vary from a few cyclists to groups of almost 40. Very dependent on weather.
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Link
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Saturdays
Ride1. 7am Ride (A, B)
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TIME
Year round
7:00am |
LOCATION
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DESCRIPTION
One of the fastest rides on a Saturday morning in DC. Riders should be very experienced riding in large groups of cyclists and well acquainted with the "pain cave." If you aren't, don't worry, you will be. Ride begins at the top of Rock Creek State Park. The ride leaves no later than 7:10am (be there by 7 to be safe) and is about a 40 mile ride in total length. The ride takes you up the Potomac River via MacAruther Blvd, brings you in and out of Great Falls State Park, and then proceeds to wind back to the top of Rock Creek.
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Link
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2. Bicycle Space - Social Ride (C)
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10:00am
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Join a group as they roll out from the Bicycle Space DC shop every Saturday & Sunday. This is a great social ride where you can explore new parts of the city, become comfortable riding in groups and comfortable riding through the city streets. All skill levels are encouraged to attend the ride. Furthermore, if you are looking to purchase a bike from their store, they encourage riders to use the ride as a great way to test out the bike. If you plan on a test ride however, ensure you arrive 20 minutes early.
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3. Bicycle Space - Hills of Anacostia (B)
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8:00am
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Anacostia possesses some of the best kept secrets in the cycling world. Join a group from Bicycle Space every Saturday as they explore these routes through South East DC. The group goes at a moderate pace through the city and rides for 20-25 miles.
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4. Bicycle Space - Cupcake Ramble
(C) |
11:30am
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Have an appetite? Love riding your bike? Want to explore some of the hidden wonders of DC? PERFECT! Join a group which rolls out from Bicycle Space every Saturday at 11:30am. Sol Schott (cycling enthusiast and pasty chef) leads a group through DC and brings some delicious self-created treats to share with the group at a break point. Total ride distance is 20-25 miles.
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5. DC Tri
Club (B, C) |
8:10am
8:30am *Updated 11/23 |
Every Saturday the DC Triathlon Club rolls out from Eastern Market at 7:40am, meets a group in Georgetown at 8:00pm and has a group ride with distances varying from 40 - 110 miles. The group covers varying routes each week so be sure to check their forum for the most up-to-date information regarding their group ride. The group splits into an "A group" and a "B group" once the riders in Georgetown have been picked up. Refer to the DC Tri Clib website for further detail each week regarding the ride.
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6. The Bike Rack Intro Ride
(C) |
10:00am
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This is a strict introductory ride which meets at the Bike Rack every Saturday at 10:00. The ride normally rolls out by 10:15am. A perfect ride for someone who is looking to become comfortable in group riding and would like to explore DC. The ride is led by experienced cyclists in the area. Average speeds of 12-15mph and covers distances of 25-30 miles.
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Sundays
Ride1. Revolution Cycles
(B, C) |
TIME
Spring / Summer
8:40am |
LOCATION
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DESCRIPTION
The Sunday revolution cycle shop ride is a 30-mile no-drop ride. Multiple groups may form at the start based upon skill level and the number of riders who are present at the start. Riders meet at Exxon station on M street and join the group riding from Clarendon. The ride proceeds to Potomac, MD and loops back to the shop.
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Link
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2. 10am Ride (A, B)
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Year round
10:00am |
Different route than the 7am ride; however, still the same intensity. Ride begins at the bottom of Rock Creek State Park. The group leaves no later than 10:10am and the ride totals about 50 miles. The ride proceeds through the park at a moderate pace where riders will join the group. Once the ride reaches Tuckerman Ln, the pace quickens rapidly and proceeds at a quick pace (25mph avg. for the next 20-25 miles). Terrain contains mostly rolling hills. The ride proceeds toward the Potomac and eventually loops back on River Rd. and back into Rock Creek State Park for the finish.
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3. Squadra Coppi Sunday Ride (A,B)
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8:35am
9:00am |
The ride rolls from the Java Shack in Arlington county around 8:35am. The ride rolls into Rock Creek State Park where it is met by a second group of riders leaving from the Art Barn. From there the ride proceeds through the Maryland and heads toward Potomac, MD. The ride loops back along the Potomac River and finishes in Arlington. The ride begins at a casual pace, however the ride picks up and maintains paces ranging from 20-25 mph with some peaks higher than that. This ride is NOT a "no-drop" ride; therefore, riders should be able to navigate their way home in the event they cannot keep pace. Roughly a 50 mile ride in total.
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4. Bicycle Pro Shop
(A, B) |
9:00am
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Meet at Bicycle Pro shop at 9:00am in Georgetown on Sundays. Hungry before the ride? M Street has a wide variety of bakeries, cafe's & coffee shops to enjoy before of after the ride.
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Not Available
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5. Bicycle Space - Social Ride (C)
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10:00am
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Join a group as they roll out from the Bicycle Space DC shop every Saturday & Sunday. This is a great social ride where you can explore new parts of the city, become comfortable riding in groups and comfortable riding through the city streets. All skill levels are encouraged to attend the ride. Furthermore, if you are looking to purchase a bike from their store, they encourage riders to use the ride as a great way to test out the bike. If you plan on a test ride however, ensure you arrive 20 minutes early.
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6. Bicycle Space - City Explorers Ride
(B, ) |
11:30am
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Find yourself riding the same trails and routes every weekend? Need to see some new sights but don't know where to go? Join a group from Bicycle Space on Sundays at 11:30am to explore a different route and part of the city every week. This group will show you some new routes in and out of the city which allow you to avoid some of the traffic-heavy areas and allow you to enjoy more peaceful and scenic routes. Ride progresses at a moderate pace for 20-40 miles; however, it is a no-drop ride and therefore no one will be left behind. Riders should be comfortable riding in group conditions and somewhat experienced riding in traffic.
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7. The Bike Rack Intermediate Ride
(A,B) |
8:30am
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Every Sunday at 8:30am the Bike Rack has their intermediate & advanced rides. The intermediate loop is approximately 40 miles, while the advanced ride splits off and does a total of 60 miles. Riders wishing to do the advanced ride should be able to hold 18-20+ mph depending on the segment. Ride is cancelled under bad weather conditions. If you are not familiar riding in groups, please do not attend these rides and begin with their introductory Saturday ride (discussed above). Visit their website for a detailed breakdown of each rides loop.
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Daily (Monday through Friday)
Ride1. Noon Ride Hains Point (A, B)
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TIME
12:00pm - 1:00pm
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LOCATION
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DESCRIPTION
Ride starts at 12:00pm sharp. The first lap is slow to allow riders to group together. Once the first lap is completed, the ride is "full-gas" (race pace) until 1:00pm when people return to their jobs. Great way to break up your work day and have fun riding with groups as high as 50 riders. Monday & Fridays are recovery, Tuesday through Thursday are fast.
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Link
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2. Hains Point (A, B)
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6:00pm
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Very similar to the "Noon Ride," an impromptu ride assembles at Hains Point around 6:00pm from Monday to Friday. Thursday is historically the night where the largest group of riders show. No definite end to the ride. Most cyclists will wait in the parking lot on Buckeye Dr.
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