Joining a Group Ride in Minneapolis: A Beginner's Guide
One of the best ways to fall in love with Minneapolis cycling is to join a group ride. The Twin Cities has one of the most welcoming group-ride cultures in the country, with options ranging from casual coffee spins to competitive training races. Here's how to find your people.
Types of Group Rides
- No-drop social rides — nobody gets left behind, pace is conversational. Perfect for beginners.
- Coffee and donut rides — social rides with a food stop. The Saturday Morning Donut Ride is the classic.
- Training rides — faster-paced, drop rides where you keep up or fall off. Read the description carefully.
- Gravel rides — adventure-focused, off-pavement, variable pace.
- Family rides — short, slow, kid-friendly with playground stops.
Group Ride Etiquette
Call out hazards ('hole!'), signal turns, don't overlap wheels with the rider ahead, and be predictable. Most importantly: choose a ride that matches your fitness. Starting with a no-drop social ride is always the right call.
Where to Find Rides
Check the Twin Cities Bike Club calendar, the Minneapolis Bicycling Club, local bike shop bulletin boards, and our community groups directory. Show up 10 minutes early, introduce yourself to the ride leader, and let them know it's your first time.
Minneapolis cyclists are famously welcoming. You'll be part of the group by the first coffee stop.
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