A Ride for Any Day of the Week Austin Area Group Rides

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For the updated 2015 Austin group ride list

Depending on tradition and the other riders in attendance, group rides can be good for a lot of things—being social, enjoying an easy day, motivating yourself to do a hard workout, or getting dropped. Here’s a selection of Austin area rides to liven up your week.

Please note: Some ride times vary according to the season, so if in doubt check in with the ride organizer. Ride info verified as of 4/10/2013.

Road bikes recommended for all rides included below unless otherwise noted. “Time” is wheels down – it’s always a good idea to show up 10 to 15 minutes early.

We know we're still missing some! If you'd like to add a weekly road ride to our list, contact us at contact@atcracing.org.

Beginner - Moderate - Hard - Insane - Women Only - Just For Fun View By Day of Week

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Beginner Friendly

Rothe Recovery Ride

A social ride led by elite cyclist and coach Stefan Rothe, this Monday evening option is open to anyone on a road bike. The route changes every week, going out east toward McKinney Falls and the Tuesday Nighter course, north along Shoal Creek, or south to 5th street or to Buda if time allows. Ride time is typically 1.5-2 hours max.

Start	ATC downtown, 923 Barton Springs Rd.
Time	Monday, 5:45pm
Duration	1.5-2 hrs
Route	varies
Contact	Stefan Rothe, stefan@rothetraining.com

Wednesday Beginner Ride

Hosted by the Bicycle Sports Shop Research Blvd location, this is a good ride for those new to riding or wanting to ease back into the saddle. Learn about group riding on a 60-90 minute ride along bike lanes and neighborhood streets. The route consists of mostly flat roads, with some hills to learn about shifting and cadence.

Start	Bicycle Sports Shop, 10947 Research Blvd.
Time	Wednesday, 5:30pm
Duration	60-90 mins
Contact	Bicycle Sports Shop, 512-345-7460

Friday Truancy Ride

This 17-18 mph ride led by Mellow Johnny’s takes you through neighborhoods and official bike routes for the most part, with minimal travel on large roadways and just a few hills and optional sprint points. This group is very social, usually hanging out for coffee and snacks before and after the ride.

Start	Mellow Johnny’s, 400 Nueces
Time	Friday, 2:30pm
Distance	30 mi
Route	southwest toward airport
Contact	Mellow Johnny’s, 512 473-0222

Scout-a-Route Ride

Great for cyclists new to riding or commuting, or for those just looking for a casual spin, this ride aids participants in navigating through the city and learning safe bike commuting options. Two groups are offered: 1) riders who can average 12 mph for 15-25 miles with one or two regrouping points, and 2) riders who can average 14-16 mph for 20-30 miles, with an extended mileage option. Routes vary weekly, going through Clarksville, Rollingwood, McKinney Falls, South Austin, East Austin, and more.

Start	Mellow Johnny’s, 400 Nueces
Time	Saturday, 9am
Duration	varies
Route	varies
Contact	ride@mellowjohnnys.com

Jack and Adam’s Sunday Ride

The J&A Sunday Ride is a classic in Austin and is usually very well attended. Ride options range from “no drop” to intermediate and advanced. Rides are often led by shop employees or teams that the shop sponsors, such as Neoteric Racing, Jack & Adams Racing Team, Velossimo, and Austin Nationals. Check the J&A blog for the month’s scheduled rides. Note that sometimes rides are canceled for area events, and the ride usually starts from the Steiner Steakhouse once a month. Routes and distances vary.

Start	Jack & Adam’s Bicycles, 1210 Barton Springs Rd.
Time	Sunday, 8:30am
Duration	varies according to level, but is typically 2-3 hrs; Steiner rides are usually 1.5-2 hrs
Route	varies by week
Contact	Jack and Adam’s, 888-499-0863, info@jackandadams.com

Moderate

Nelo’s Shop Ride

Always following the same route (see map info below), this ride meets Monday and Wednesday nights between April and September. Although it can be described as “moderate,” the ride gets progressively harder as the summer wears on. Riders regroup at Parliament. Lights required!

Start	Nelo’s Cycles, 8108 Mesa Dr. #105B
Time	Monday & Wednesday, 7pm from April to September
Duration	14.40 mi, 50 min
Route	Garmin Map
Contact	David Figueroa, 512-338-0505, david@neloscycles.com

River City Market Racing Tuesday AM Hill Ride

This ride, led by the women’s racing team River City Market Racing, meets at 7am for coffee at The Coffee Bean & Tea Lead on Lamar. Roll out is at 7:15am. The route varies, but always hits the hills west of town for a 25-30 mile hard workout. Though the ride isn’t “no drop,” they regroup at the top of each big hill and recover between. Men and women riders welcome.

Start	The Coffee Bean & Tea Lead on Lamar
Time	Tuesday, 7:15am
Duration	25-30 mi, 90-105 mins
Route	varies
Contact	James Murff, james@murffbada.com

T&T Violet Crown Ride

Meeting at Mellow Johnny’s every Tuesday and Thursday morning and led by a member of the Violet Crown cycling club, this ride is ideal for the intermediate-level cyclist. Expect a steady tempo ride with an average pace of 16-18 mph. No headphones or aero bars. Experience riding in a group is a must.

Start	Mellow Johnny’s, 400 Nueces
Time	Tuesday & Thursday, 7am
Duration	1.5-2 hrs
Route	varies
Contact	Andy Austin, president@violetcrown.org

Gruppo VOP Friday Ride

Gruppo VOP, formed 14 years ago, is an informal association of cyclists that welcomes all riders. The Friday ride is a 28-mile loop going from Westlake out Bee Caves Rd, down River Hills Rd, and up through Seven Oaks back to Bee Caves Road and the Bee Cave City limit sign. Some riders skip the river valley and go to the Barton Creek West entrance for a 19-mile loop. No aero bars. No membership required.

Start	Brad Houston’s house, 1813 Holly Hill
Time	Friday, 6:30am (time varies according to season)
Duration	19 or 28 mi
Route	see website
Contact	Brad Houston, brad@bradhoustonlaw.com

The Bagel Ride

Led by the Violet Crown cycling club, this ride usually ends with a celebratory bagel and coffee. The ride starts at the Einstein Bros Bagels on Parmer/North I-35. One group completes 50-60 miles, and another travels 70-80 miles.

Start	Einstein Bros Bagels, 12400 N IH35
Time	Saturday, 8:15am
Distance	50-60 mi or 70-80 mi
Route	varies
Contact	David Serrins, dserrins@gmail.com

Middle of the Road Ride (MOTR)

The UT Cycling Team leads this intermediate-level, 30-40 mile ride. The front group averages 17-20 mph, and a second group averages 15-16 mph. All participants start together in a large group of 50+ people and naturally split into the intermediate and advanced groups. Routes vary weekly, generally 30-40 miles on in-town bike routes and roads with low to moderate traffic, going to or around areas such as Creedmoor, McKinney Falls, Buda, the 360 loop, Bee Caves, and more.

Start	Mellow Johnny’s, 400 Nueces
Time	Saturday, 8:30am
Duration	varies
Route	varies
Contact	Mellow Johnny’s, 512-473-0222

Gruppo VOP Sunday Ride

Gruppo VOP, formed 14 years ago, is an informal association of cyclists that welcomes all riders. The Sunday ride, ideal as an introduction to VOP, is a 27-mile recovery ride that heads south from Westlake to the South Mopac Loop. It’s the most social of the VOP rides and typically ends by 9:45-9:50am. No aero bars. No membership required. Unless you’re experienced riding in a peloton, please stay at the back of the pack for your safety and the safety of others.

Start	Brad Houston’s house, 1813 Holly Hill
Time	Sunday, 8am
Duration	27 miles
Route	see website
Contact	Brad Houston, brad@bradhoustonlaw.com

Bat City Sunday Team Ride

Led by the Bat City Cycling team, this intermediate- to advanced-level ride starts at the parking lot at the southeast corner of Parmer and Lakeline Blvd, just north of the Bicycle Sport Shop Parmer location. The route and distance change each week, but the group usually travels 50-85 miles at an 18+ mph pace. There are usually a couple of city limit sprints and at least one store stop.

Start	southeast corner of Parmer and Lakeline Blvd
Time	Sunday, 8am
Distance	50-85 mi
Route	varies
Contact	http://www.batcitycycling.com/contact/

Bicycle Sports Shop Sunday Ride, Lamar

Hosted by the Bicycle Sports Shop Lamar location, this ride features a different route in south and west Austin each week. Average speed is 14-16 mph.

Start	Bicycle Sport Shop, 517 S. Lamar Blvd
Time	Sunday, 8am
Duration	2 hrs
Route	varies
Contact	Bicycle Sports Shop, 512-477-3472

Sunday Violet Crown Ride

Reputed to be one of the oldest group rides in Austin, this group has been meeting every Sunday morning for more than 30 years. Average pace is 17-18 mph for 50-60 miles, and there are some rest points, but if you get dropped, you’re usually on your own. The ride is well suited for an intermediate rider on a road bike accustomed to riding in groups. No headphones or aero bars.

Start	Mellow Johnny’s, 400 Nueces
Time	Sunday, 8:15am
Duration	3-4 hrs
Route	varies
Contact	Dave Henderson, suplesse@gmail.com

Sunday Circle C Ranch Cycling Club Ride

This ride is a more spirited version of the club’s no-drop Saturday ride (contact the club for more info). Distances and routes vary, but can range from 35-70 miles, depending on the difficulty of the terrain. The average distance is generally 45 miles, with a speed of 13-15 mph. A few riders tend to go off the front at higher speeds. Expect a pack of anywhere from 4 to 30 riders, with a mix of beginners and seasoned veterans. Inclement weather may cancel the ride. Sign on to the Yahoo Group for more info, including weekly maps. Membership encouraged but not required.

Start	Starbucks, 9600 Escarpment Blvd #700
Time	Sunday, 8:15am
Duration	varies
Route	varies
Contact	Facebook Group

Jack and Adam’s Sunday Ride (click here )

ATC Sunday Recovery/Intermediate Ride

Led by ATC employees, this is a very small and casual group, usually between 4 and 20 cyclists. The average pace is 17 mph, and riders regroup at multiple points along the 30-mile route, which heads southeast to Stassney and Burleson. This ride is often canceled for rain or very cold weather; if in doubt, call the shop to check.

Start	ATC downtown, 923 Barton Springs Rd.
Time	Sunday, 9am
Distance	30 mi
Route	East, see website
Contact	ATC, 512-494-9252, info@austintricyclist.com

Pure Austin North Ride

All riders are welcome on this non-competitive North Austin ride, provided they can safely ride a bike two-by-two in traffic and hold 16 mph for 50 miles. Participants range from intermediate-level recreational riders to more advanced bike racers. There are no attacks, intervals, accelerations, or weekend warrior attitudes, but this is not a ride for absolute beginners.

Start	front door of Pure Austin Fitness Quarry Lake, 4210 West Braker Ln.
Parking	To save gym parking for Pure Austin members, park next door at the Capitol One Bank, which is closed on Sundays.
Time	Sunday, 9:00am April to October, 12pm December to March
Distance	always less than 50 mi
Route	varies
Contact	jason@jasonnewman.net, 512-417-1001

Hard

Gruppo VOP Monday Ride

Gruppo VOP, formed 14 years ago, is an informal association of cyclists that welcomes all riders. The Monday ride is a fast-paced, 32-mile loop that heads south from the Westlake area. Very important: Sometimes the start time and place for the Monday ride varies slightly, so for this ride, email Brad a few days in advance so that the riders know you’re joining them. No aero bars. No membership required.

Start	Brad Houston’s house, 1813 Holly Hill
Time	Monday, 6:30am (time varies according to season)
Distance	32 miles
Route	see website
Contact	Brad Houston, brad@bradhoustonlaw.com

Tuesday Morning Blazing Saddle Ride

MJ's and the 787 Racing team lead this fast early morning ride, which averages 20+ mph and covers a distance of approximately 40 miles. The route takes on the hills of West Austin. Lights required.

Start	Mellow Johnny’s, 400 Nueces
Time	Tuesday, 6:15am
Duration	2-2.5 hrs
Route	West Austin
Contact	ride@mellowjohnnys.com

Gruppo VOP Wednesday Ride

Gruppo VOP, formed 14 years ago, is an informal association of cyclists that welcomes all riders. The very popular, very challenging Wednesday ride is a race-paced, 28-mile loop that goes out and back on Southwest Pkway to Barton Creek Blvd and Bee Cave Road, then through the neighborhoods in Lost Creek. You’re guaranteed to get in some hard efforts and brutal hills on this ride. Be prepared for three highly coveted sprint points. No aero bars. No membership required.

Start	Brad Houston’s house, 1813 Holly Hill
Time	Wednesday, 6:30am (time varies according to season)
Distance	28 mi
Route	see website
Contact	Brad Houston, brad@bradhoustonlaw.com

Pure Austin Driveway Series The Driveway Series is a criterium race, not a ride, but it happens every Thursday evening and is a great way to train. Many Austin area bike racers consider it an essential part of their weekly training plan. For event info, go to http://www.drivewayseries.com/

Gruppo VOP Saturday Ride

Gruppo VOP, formed 14 years ago, is an informal association of cyclists that welcomes all riders. The Saturday ride offers ride options of 26, 45, or 52 miles. Like the Gruppo VOP Wednesday Ride, this ride often feels like a race, with multiple sprint points and a consistently high pace. The longer loops follow Wednesday’s route and then continue up Hwy 620 to River Place or Anderson Mill Road. The short ride usually travels back along Bee Caves Rd from the intersection of Hwy 620 and Bee Caves Rd. No aero bars. No membership required.

Start	Brad Houston’s house, 1813 Holly Hill
Time	Saturday, 7:30am
Distance	26, 45, or 52 mi
Route	see website
Contact	Brad Houston, brad@bradhoustonlaw.com

787 Cycling Team Weekend Ride

787 Racing leads a hard group ride every Saturday and Sunday from Mellow Johnny’s. Average pace is 22-26 mph. Participants should be very experienced riding in groups and be able to handle their own mechanicals. Routes vary.

Start	Mellow Johnny’s, 400 Nueces
Time	Saturday & Sunday, 8am
Duration	varies
Route	varies
Contact	ride@mellowjohnnys.com

Bicycle Sports Shop Parmer Ln. Saturday Ride Hosted by the Bicycle Sports Shop Parmer location, this ride offers two options: a fast-paced (18+ mph) 50-mile ride, or a more relaxed (13-15 mph) 24-mile ride.

Start	Bicycle Sport Shop, 9900 W. Parmer Ln.
Time	Saturday, 8am
Distance	24 or 50 mi
Route	The 50-mile ride is to the Andice General Store and back, but riders can turn back at any time along Parmer.
Contact	Bicycle Sports Shop, 512-637-6890

Bicycle Sports Shop Research Blvd Sunday Ride

Hosted by the Bicycle Sports Shop Research Blvd location, this ride is an advanced, hilly journey along Loop 360 with some out-and-backs on the hills.

Start	Bicycle Sports Shop, 10947 Research Blvd
Time	Sunday, 8am
Duration	2+ hrs
Route	Loop 360 & area
Contact	Bicycle Sports Shop, 512-637-6890

Insanely Hard

Heavy Metal Ride

All masochists are welcome, whether dedicated roadie, fixie rider, mountain biker, or whatever-else-on-two-wheels, on this informal Monday-night hammerfest, but be warned you probably won’t be able to hang on, and no one will shed tears for your demise. The group meets at the Pflugerville Pedestrian Bridge. Lights and helmets required. Beer money recommended for after.

Start	Pflugerville Pedestrian Bridge
Time	Monday, 7:30pm
Route	Bikely
Contact	Facebook

Tuesday Nighter

Not for the weak of heart, this event has been tearing down farm roads in Southeast Austin at 25-30 mph for what some regulars estimate to be 25 to 30 years. However, the addition of neighborhoods and two stop signs on the course has slowed things down a bit. The ride currently completes three 9-mile laps, with an unofficial “A group” and “B group” determined by who can hang on in the first few miles. The ride is free, and there’s no marked course, no support, no prizes, no judges, and no category system, but make no mistake, this is a race.

Video	Tuesday Nighter Hitsory
Start	Alum Rock Dr and Thaxton Rd, Southeast Austin
Time	Tuesday, 6pm sharp during daylight savings time
Route	Strava
Contact	Facebook

ATC World Championship Saturday Ride

Words can’t really describe what the ATC Saturday ride does to your legs and lungs. Earning the reputation as one of the hardest group rides in Texas, the Saturday ride regularly hosts elite-level and professional triathletes and road cyclists. Making the “A group” is usually an accomplishment; for the rest of the masses, numerous splinter groups form off the back. The ride starts with a warm-up down Barton Springs and the Mopac feeder, but get ready to grind it out after the right turn onto Southwest Parkway. This is one of the few group rides that welcomes tri bikes and aero bars—just be sure to stay out of them when you’re in the pack. Free breakfast tacos await back at the shop.

Video	ATC Video Montage
Start	ATC downtown, 923 Barton Springs Rd.
Time	Saturday, 8:30am
Distance	30 or 55 mi
Route	30 miles, 55 miles: continues north along 620 on the dam loop
Contact	ATC, 512-494-9252, info@austintricyclist.com

Women Only

Mellow Ladies’ Ride

Led by the women of Mellow Johnny’s, this in-town, no-drop ride provides valuable group riding skills and the opportunity to meet other women cyclists. Average pace is 14-15 mph, and some group riding experience is expected.

Start	Mellow Johnny’s, 400 Nueces
Time	Monday, 5:30pm (through November)
Distance	20-25 mi
Route	varies
Contact	ride@mellowjohnnys.com

Bikin’ Betties

A very casual, ladies-only ride, Bikin’ Betties welcomes beginning cyclists. The distance traveled is from 8 to 20 miles, always ending at a bar, restaurant, or coffee shop for post-ride refreshment. Since rides vary widely in intensity and distance, check the event details on their Facebook site.

Start	varies
Time	Monday 8:00pm (departs 8:20pm)
Duration	varies
Route	varies
Contact	Facebook

Second Saturday Women’s Ride Day

Hosted by the Bicycle Sports Shop Parmer location, Women’s Ride Day offers an opportunity to ride in an easy-paced and friendly setting. Participants can opt between 12-, 25-, and 40-mile options. RSVP in advance for the event, and meet at the shop 15 minutes before the start for an orientation meeting.

Start	Bicycle Sport Shop-Parmer, 9900 West Parmer Lane
Time	2nd Saturday of each month, check the RSVP page for ride times
Distance	12, 25, or 40 mi
Contact	Bicycle Sports Shop, 512-637-6890

AFWC Ladies’ Rider

Led by the Austin Flyers Women’s Cycling Club, this ride offers three difficulty options to accommodate all fitness and experience levels. Average pace is 15-16 mph for a duration of 2.5-3 hours. Routes vary.

Start	Mellow Johnny’s, 400 Nueces
Time	Sunday, 9am
Duration	2.5-3 hrs
Route	varies
Contact	austinwomenonbikes@gmail.com

Just-for-fun rides

The Yoga Ride!

Follow up a short, approximately 5-mile ride with yoga specially designed for cyclists. Bring your own lights, a lock, water, and a yoga mat. Free event.

Start	Doug Sahm Hill
Time	Tuesday, 6:45pm
Contact	Facebook

Bikes Babes & Gardens

Dubbed a “guerilla gardening adventure,” this ride is sponsored by the Food Is Free Project and Fast Folks Cyclery. Girls, guys, single speeds, fixies...all cyclists are welcome. Helmet and lights are required.

Start	Lamar Pedestrian Bridge
Time	Wednesday, 8:30pm
Contact	Facebook

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Rides by day of week

Monday

Rothe Recovery Ride, ATC Barton Springs
Nelos Shop Ride, NC
Gruppo VOP, Westlake
Heavy Metal Ride, Pflugerville Ped. Bridge
Mellow Ladies’ Ride, MJ’s
Bikin’ Betties


Tuesday

Blazing Saddle Ride
River City Market Racing Hill Ride, Austin Java
T&T Violet Crown Ride, MJ’s
Tuesday Nighter, SEast Austin
The Yoga Ride!, Dough Sahm Hill


Wednesday

Wednesday Beginner Ride, BSS 
Nelos Shop Ride, NC
Bikes Babes & Gardens, Lamar Ped. Bridge
Gruppo VOP Wednesday Ride


Thurs

T&T Violet Crown Ride, MJ’s
Pure Austin Driveway Series, Driveway


Friday

Friday Truancy Ride, MJ’s
Gruppo VOP, Westlake


Saturday

ATC World Championship Ride, ATC Barton Springs
Scout-a-Route Ride, MJ’s
Bagel Ride, Einstein Bros. Parmer
Middle of the Road Ride, MJ’s
Gruppo VOP, Westlake
787 Weekend Ride, MJ’s
BSS Parmer Saturday Ride, BSS
2nd Saturday Women’s Ride, BSS


Sunday

J&A’s Sunday Ride, J&A’s
Gruppo VOP, Westlake
Bat City Team Ride, Parmer
BSS Lamar Sunday Ride, BSS
Sunday Violet Crown Ride, MJ’s
Sunday Circle C Ride, Starbucks Escarpment
ATC Sunday Recovery Ride, ATC Barton Springs
Pure Austin North Ride, Pure Austin Quarry Lake
787 Weekend Ride, MJ’s
BSS Resarch Blvd Sunday Ride, BSS
AFWC Ladies’ Rider, MJ’s

© Copyright 2013, Kathryn Hunter