What to Expect at Your First Shop Ride

Shop rides can feel intimidating if you've never done one. Will everyone be way faster than me? Will I know anyone? What if I can't keep up? What if I show up and it's all spandex-clad hammerheads who don't talk to newbies?

Valid concerns. Here's how it actually works at our shop rides — no gatekeeping, no drop rides, just good times on bikes.

Who Shows Up

Everyone. Literally.

You'll see regulars who come every week. First-timers who are nervous (just like you might be). People on $10,000 bikes and people on bikes they bought used five years ago. Fast riders. Slow riders. Riders who just want to chat and cruise. Riders who want to push.

Shop rides aren't a race team. They're a community ride. The whole point is getting people out on bikes together.

The Pace

We don't drop people. Full stop.

Here's how it works: we regroup at every intersection or decision point. Faster riders might push ahead on a climb or descent, but everyone waits at the top (or bottom). Nobody gets left wondering where the group went.

The overall pace is social. You should be able to hold a conversation. If you're gasping for air, we're going too hard.

That said, if you want to push on certain sections, go for it. There are usually others who want to do the same. Just wait at the next regroup point.

What to Bring

• A bike that works (brakes, shifting, tires with air in them)

• Helmet (non-negotiable)

• Water

• A spare tube and basic tools, or at least know someone in the group has them.

That's it. You don't need special clothes, special gear, or special fitness. Just show up ready to ride.

The Social Part

One of the best parts of shop rides is meeting people. This is how riding crews form. You chat with someone during a climb, find out you have similar pace and interests, and suddenly you've got someone to text when you want to ride midweek.

Don't be shy about introducing yourself. Everyone was new once. Most riders are stoked to meet people who want to ride.

We usually end up at the shop or nearby for a drink/snack after. You're welcome to hang out or head home — no pressure either way.

What If I'm Too Slow?

You're not. But also: nobody cares.

Seriously. The group waits. That's the whole point of a no-drop ride. If you're concerned, mention it when you show up — "Hey, first time, I might be slow" — and people will look out for you.

The only way to "fail" a shop ride is to not show up.

When & Where

Shop rides run every Thursday from May through September. We meet at 6:00pm. Routes vary — we'll post the plan each week so you know what kind of ride to expect.

Second Thursday of each month is gravel night. Same deal, different bikes. If you're curious about gravel riding, this is a great low-pressure way to try it out.

See you out there.