Four Events. One Shop. Zero Regrets
Four times a year, we host community rides with a twist. Show up at the shop, grab your [clue sheet / cards / bingo card], ride out, and come back for treats and prizes. No coaching. No agenda. Just good trails and good people. New for 2026: we're partnering with NSMBA — all donations go directly to trail building and maintenance.
2026 Events
Mark your calendars. Four weekends, four excuses to ride with friends.
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Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, April 26
Our season opener. Grab your clue sheet, solve the riddles, find the checkpoints, and try not to get too lost. Solo or team up — all bikes, all skill levels.
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Poker Ride
Saturday, June 13
Five stops. Five cards. One questionable poker hand. The route changes every year, but the format stays classic — ride the stops, draw your cards, and hope the poker gods are feeling generous.
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Bike Bingo
Sunday, September 20
Grab a bingo card and ride out to check off squares. Some are easy. Some are weird. All of them are more fun than sitting in a church basement yelling B-12.
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Halloween Ride
Saturday, October 31
Our annual spooky spin. Costumes encouraged. Dignity optional. Dress up, show up, and ride some trails looking absolutely ridiculous. Prizes for the brave.
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
Who can join?
Everyone. These events are open to all skill levels and all bikes. Bring friends, bring family, bring your weird neighbor who just bought a gravel bike.
How much does it cost?
That's up to you. We ask only for a donation to the NSMBA — they're the ones building and maintaining the trails we're about to ride.
Do I need to register?
It Helps. Registration is free and it gives us an idea of how many people to expect for catering purposes. Then you just show up at the shop before the start time. We'll have everything you need — clue sheets, cards, bingo boards, whatever the event calls for.
What should I bring?
A bike that works, a helmet, and whatever you'd normally carry on a ride. We provide snacks and post-ride beverages.
Are there prizes?
Yes. Are they good prizes? We think so. Are they worth showing up for? Absolutely.
Proudly Supporting the North Shore Mountain Bike Association
New for 2026 — we're proud to partner with the North Shore Mountain Bike Association. All event donations go directly to trail building and maintenance. You ride the trails, you give back to the trails. It's that simple.
Ride With Us, On & Off the Trails
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Thursday Evening Shop Rides
Tell me MoreNew for 2026 we are running regular trail rides because we love bringing riders together. These are fun, social ways to explore the trails and connect with our community.
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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.