Ride. Connect. Belong.
Shop Rides aren't about Strava times or podium chasing. They're about showing up, rolling out with good people, and remembering why we love this sport in the first place. Whether you've been riding for decades or just found your groove, Thursday nights are for exploring trails, building friendships, and finishing the ride with a smile.
That said, these are group rides on real trails — not guided tours or beginner clinics. We want everyone to have a good time, which means coming prepared and knowing what you're signing up for.
Thursday Night Rides!
Every Thursday, May 8 – August 28 | 6:00 – 8:30 pm
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Thrill Ride
For riders who want to turn it up. Black and double-black terrain, technical features, steeper lines, that'll get the heart rate going. You should be comfortable on challenging trails and ready to push your limits a bit. We still regroup — nobody gets dropped — but expect to earn your post-ride snacks.
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Chill Ride
Social pace, good conversation, and trails that flow. We stick mostly to blue-square and flowy black terrain. You'll still cover ground and get a workout, but there's no pressure to charge. Perfect if you want to spin out the week without going into the red.
Gravel Night!
Second Thursday of each month
On the second Thursday of each month, we add a gravel option to the mix. Forest roads, mellow pace, and a great entry point if you're new to group riding or prefer something smoother. Gravel bikes, hardtails, whatever you've got — if it rolls, it works.
Muddbunnies: Women's Ride
Last Thursday per month — ladies only
Twenty years ago, Muddbunnies became the first women's-only mountain bike club in the region. That legacy continues as part of Shop Rides. Once a month, we hold a dedicated women's ride — same supportive vibe, same focus on building skills and confidence together. The Muddbunnies name means something, and we're proud to carry it forward.
This isn't a training group or a race team. Shop Rides exist to help you fall in love with riding — or stay in love with it. Whatever brought you here, Thursday nights are about good trails, good company, and that post-ride feeling where everything else fades into the background.
What To Expect
No-drop policy
We look out for each other. Leaders regroup the pack at every major intersection and trail junction, and nobody rolls off until everyone's accounted for. If you have a mechanical or need a breather, we've got you. That's the deal.
Intermediate and up
Our MTB rides are geared toward intermediate riders and up — think blue square confidence. You should be comfortable on varied terrain, able to handle roots, rocks, and moderate climbs without walking most features.
Not quite there yet? That's okay — we all started somewhere. Our coaching programs are designed to build exactly these skills, and we'd love to help you get ride-ready.
Come as you are
Bring the bike that matches the ride you're joining. MTB nights mean a mountain bike — hardtail or full suspension, your call. Gravel nights are open to gravel bikes, cross bikes, hardtails, or anything that handles mixed terrain. E-bikes are welcome across all rides. Just no road slicks on rooty singletrack — you'll have a bad time and so will we.
Be self-sufficient
Come prepared. Helmet (mandatory), water, spare tube, pump or CO2, and a basic multi-tool. We'll help out if something goes sideways, but the goal is for everyone to be able to handle the basics trailside.
Join a Ride
All Shop Rides are posted in our Mighty Networks community. It's free to join, and it's where you'll find weekly ride details, route info, and the post-ride photos that prove we actually had fun.
Become A Ride Leader
Shop Rides exist because of the people who show up to lead them. Our Ride Leaders are the heartbeat of this program — local riders who know the trails, care about the community, and want to share that with others.
If you've got route knowledge, a calm head, and the kind of energy that makes people feel welcome, we'd love to talk.
Ride Leaders receive real perks — shop credit, exclusive pricing, a Ride Leader jersey, and priority access to Essential Cycles events. But more than that, you get to shape the experience for dozens of riders every season.
This is an invitation-based program. Interested? Learn more about what's involved and how to get on our radar.
Ride With Us, On & Off the Trails
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Fun Weekend Events
See EventsFour times a year, we host community rides with a twist. Show up at the shop, grab your clue sheet, ride out, and come back for treats and prizes. No coaching. No agenda. Just good trails and good people.
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Essential Cycles Community
Join the CommunityJoin our free Mighty Network — a space to connect with other riders, plan rides, share skills tips, and stay inspired. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, it’s your hub for all things Essential Cycles.
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Newsletter
Sign Up NowGet the inside line on upcoming rides, events, new programs, and exclusive deals — delivered straight to your inbox. It’s the easiest way to stay in the loop and never miss a chance to ride.
We also do Mountain Bike Coaching
From private lessons to small-group clinics, we help riders build real trail skills—line choice, braking, cornering, drops, and more. Women-led and co-ed options, e-MTB friendly, North Shore & Squamish.