Some Austin group rides have been around for more than 30 years; others peter out after half a season. The ride info below has been verified as of August 31, 2014, but if in doubt, especially after daylight savings time has ended, check in with the ride organizer. This year we've included website links when available.
If you notice a ride we're missing, we'd very much appreciate your help to add it; email Kat at kat@kathrynhunter.net.
Road bikes are recommended for all rides included below unless otherwise noted. "Time" is usually wheels down - it's always a good idea to show up 10 to 15 minutes early. And last but not least, these are unsanctioned rides on open roads; you're responsible for your own safety.
Click the links below to search by difficulty level or click "View By Day of Week" to see a list of rides for a particular day.
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 time changes with the season, so email Stefan if in doubt. You can also check ride info at http://www.austintricyclist.com/articles/rides-and-events-pg37.htm.
| Start | ATC downtown, 923 Barton Springs Rd. |
| Time | Monday, 6 p.m. until end of September |
| Duration | 1.5-2 hrs |
| Route | varies |
| Contact | Stefan Rothe, stefan@rothetraining.com |
BSS (Research Blvd.) Wednesday Beginner Road Ride
Hosted by the Bicycle Sports Shop Research Blvd location, this is a good ride for new cyclists or those wanting to ease back into the saddle. Learn about group riding on a 15-mile, 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. This ride is no drop and makes frequent stops. Check http://bicyclesportshop.com/events/road-pg1768.htm for current info.
| Start | Bicycle Sports Shop, 10947 Research Blvd. |
| Time | Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. |
| Distance | 15 mi, 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. Check http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/news- and-events/ for current info.
| Start | Mellow Johnny’s, 400 Nueces |
| Time | Friday, 2:30 p.m. |
| Distance | 30 mi, ~ 2 hrs |
| Route | southwest toward airport |
| Contact | Mellow Johnny’s, 512-473-0222 |
BSS (Parmer Ln.) All Levels Road Ride
Hosted by the Bicycle Sports Shop Parmer location, this ride offers two options: a faster-paced 35-mile ride for intermediate-level riders, or a more relaxed 24-mile ride for beginner/intermediate riders. The route is a straight out and back on Parmer Lane, so you can turn back whenever you'd like.
| Start | Bicycle Sport Shop, 9900 W. Parmer Ln. |
| Time | Saturday, 8 a.m. |
| Distance | 35 or 24 mi |
| Route | Parmer Ln. |
| Contact | Bicycle Sports Shop, 512-637-6890 |
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. Scout-a-Route is no-drop and is co-hosted by MJ's and the Austin Cycling Association. Check http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/news-and-events/ for current info.
| Start | Mellow Johnny’s, 400 Nueces |
| Time | Saturday, 9 a.m. |
| Distance | 18-25 mi, ~ 3 hrs |
| Route | varies |
| Contact | rides@mellowjohnnys.com |
BSS (Lamar Blvd.) Sunday Beginner Road Ride
Hosted by the Bicycle Sports Shop Lamar location, this ride is a no-drop ride for 18+ adults (16-17 allowed with parental supervision). You must be on a hybrid or road bike; no trikes or recumbents allowed. Bring your helmet and flat repair kit. Average speed is 10-12 mph. An intermediate ride starts at the same time. Check http://bicyclesportshop.com/events/road-pg1768.htm for current info.
| Start | Bicycle Sport Shop, 517 S. Lamar Blvd |
| Time | Sunday, 8 a.m. |
| Duration | 2+ hrs |
| Route | varies |
| Contact | Bicycle Sports Shop, 512-477-3472 |
Jack and Adam’s Sunday Ride
The J&A Sunday Ride is a popular favorite in Austin. Ride options range from “no drop” to intermediate and advanced. Rides are often led by shop employees or teams that the shop sponsors. 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. (**The shop's new location is on South Lamar.**)
| Start | Jack & Adam’s Bicycles, 300 South Lamar, Suite L |
| Time | Sunday, 8:30 a.m. |
| 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 late September. Although it can be described as “moderate,” the ride gets progressively harder as the summer wears on. Riders regroup at Parliament. Lights required! Check http://www.neloscycles.com/shop-ride.html for current info.
| Start | Nelo’s Cycles, 8108 Mesa Dr. #105B |
| Time | Monday & Wednesday, 7 p.m. from March to end of DST |
| Duration | 14.40 mi, 50 min |
| Route | Garmin Map |
| Contact | Nelo's Cycles, 512-338-0505 |
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 Leaf 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 Leaf 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. Experience riding in a group is a must. Check http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/news-and-events/ for current info.
| Start | Mellow Johnny’s, 400 Nueces |
| Time | Tuesday & Thursday, 7 a.m. |
| Duration | 1.5-2 hrs |
| Route | varies |
| Contact | Andy Austin, president@violetcrown.org |
Lake Travis Tuesday Nighter
Rolling out from the heart of Lakeway during Daylight Savings Time, the Lake Travis Tuesday Nighter offers a little quality suffering for the work-week. The ride, led by the Lake Travis Cycling Club, usually has a group of 10-20 riders and is moderate to hard, with an average speed somewhere around 18-22 mph. The warm-up lasts the first five miles down 620 to the turn onto Bee Cave Road, and then the peloton separates into unofficial "A" and "B" groups until the turnaround at the Knollwood Loop just before Hwy 360, where the ride regroups again. (See below for the route map.) After the ride, everyone pitches in and enjoys some brews.
| Start | Plains Capital Bank, 1110 S RR 620 |
| Time | Tuesday, 6 p.m. |
| Distance | 24 mi, 1-1.5 hrs |
| Route | http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=blbxnhmahxrgavlw |
| Contact | Tim Diven, chichitao@hotmail.com or https://www.facebook.com/ltcycling |
BSS (Research Blvd.) Tuesday Intermediate & Advanced Road Ride
This 16-18 mile ride takes Spicewood Springs, averaging 14-16 mph. You must be on a road or tri bike. A helmet and lights are required, no exceptions. Check http://bicyclesportshop.com/events/road-pg1768.htm for current info.
| Start | Bicycle Sports Shop, 10947 Research Blvd. |
| Time | Tuesday, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. |
| Distance | 16-18 mi |
| Route | Spicewood Springs |
| Contact | Bicycle Sports Shop, 512-345-7460 |
KLCTVE Fusion Thursday Night Ride
This no-drop ride takes you around town: east toward Mueller, north toward Shoal Creek, and then back downtown via Tarrytown and Pease Park, with one rest stop at the Mosaic market in Mueller. Expect some flats, short hills, and a few optional sprint points. You'll need to be comfortable with urban riding and obeying traffic laws. Bring a helmet and lights. Check http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/news-and-events/ for current info.
| Start | Mellow Johnny's, 400 Nueces |
| Time | Thursday, 6:30 p.m. |
| Distance | 24 miles, ~ 2 hrs |
| Route | central/north |
| Contact | Mellow Johnny's, 512-473-0222 |
Gruppo VOP Friday Ride
Gruppo VOP, formed 15 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. See http://www.bradhoustonlaw.com/gruppo-vop/ for more info.
| Start | Brad Houston’s house, 1813 Holly Hill |
| Time | Friday, 6:30 a.m. (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, 8:15 a.m. (time varies according to season) |
| Distance | 50-60 mi or 70-80 mi |
| Route | varies |
| Contact | David Serrins, dserrins@gmail.com |
Cycle Progression Saturday Ride
Starting on South Lamar at bike shop Cycle Progression, the group rides a casual/medium pace to San Marcos and back. The mileage is generally 60-75 miles and is led by the Cycle Progression team. Check in once the time changes, as they may move to a 9 a.m. start.
| Start | Cycle Progression, 2153 South Lamar |
| Time | Saturday, 8 a.m. (time varies according to season) |
| Distance | 60-75 miles |
| Route | San Marcos & return |
| Contact | Alex Arumi,alex@cycleprogression.com |
Bat City Saturday Team Ride - intermediate
Led by the Bat City Cycling team, this ride has an "A" group and "B" group. The B group averages 18-19 mph for 50-60 miles. The ride starts at Caffe Yolly on the northwest corner of Avery Ranch and Parmer. Yolly opens at 7 a.m., so there's plenty of time for a pre-ride espresso. Check Bat City's Facebook page for current info, maps, and other ride opportunities, or http://www.batcitycycling.com/calendar/
| Start | Caffe Yolly, 14900 Avery Ranch Blvd |
| Time | Saturday, 8 a.m. |
| Distance | 50-60 mi |
| Route | varies |
| Contact | https://www.facebook.com/BatCityCycling |
BSS (Parmer Ln.) All Levels Road Ride
Hosted by the Bicycle Sports Shop Parmer location, this ride offers two options: a faster-paced 35-mile ride for intermediate-level riders, or a more relaxed 24-mile ride for beginner/intermediate riders. The route is a straight out and back on Parmer Lane, so you can turn back whenever you'd like.
| Start | Bicycle Sport Shop, 9900 W. Parmer Ln. |
| Time | Saturday, 8 a.m. |
| Distance | 35 or 24 mi |
| Route | Parmer Ln. |
| Contact | Bicycle Sports Shop, 512-637-6890 |
Middle of the Road Ride (MOTR)
On 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 may vary, but current website info lists the "Happy Buda route." Check http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/news-and-events/ for the latest details.
| Start | Mellow Johnny’s, 400 Nueces |
| Time | Saturday, 8:30 a.m. |
| Distance | 35 miles, ~ 3 hrs |
| Route | Buda & return |
| Contact | rides@mellowjohnnys.com |
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 South Mopac/45 and FM 1826, coming back Slaughter Lane to Mopac. It’s the most social of the VOP rides and typically ends by 9:45-9:50 a.m. See http://www.bradhoustonlaw.com/gruppo-vop/ for more info.
| Start | Brad Houston’s house, 1813 Holly Hill |
| Time | Sunday, 8 a.m. |
| 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-level ride averages a steady 18-19 mph The ride starts at Caffe Yolly on the northwest corner of Avery Ranch and Parmer. Yolly opens at 7 a.m., so there's plenty of time for a pre-ride espresso. Check Bat City's Facebook page for current info, maps, and other ride opportunities, or http://www.batcitycycling.com/calendar/
| Start | Caffe Yolly, 14900 Avery Ranch Blvd |
| Time | Sunday, 8 a.m. |
| Distance | 50-60 mi |
| Route | varies |
| Contact | https://www.facebook.com/BatCityCycling |
BSS (Lamar Blvd.) Sunday Intermediate Road Ride
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 (including hills). You must be on a road or tri bike. A beginner ride starts at the same time. Check http://bicyclesportshop.com/events/road-pg1768.htm for current info.
| Start | Bicycle Sport Shop, 517 S. Lamar Blvd |
| Time | Sunday, 8 a.m. |
| Duration | 2-3 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. Check http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/news-and-events/ for current info.
| Start | Mellow Johnny’s, 400 Nueces |
| Time | Sunday, 8:00 a.m. |
| 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. **Ride time frequently changes and will probably move to 8:15 with cooler temperatures.**
| Start | Starbucks, 9600 Escarpment Blvd #700 |
| Time | Sunday, 7:30 a.m. |
| Duration | varies |
| Route | varies |
| Contact | Facebook Group |
Jack and Adam’s Sunday Ride
The J&A Sunday Ride is a popular favorite in Austin. Ride options range from “no drop” to intermediate and advanced. Rides are often led by shop employees or teams that the shop sponsors. 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. (**The shop's new location is on South Lamar.**)
| Start | Jack & Adam’s Bicycles, 300 South Lamar, Suite L |
| Time | Sunday, 8:30 a.m. |
| 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 |
ATC Barton Springs 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. Find more info at http://www.austintricyclist.com/articles/rides-and-events-pg37.htm
| Start | ATC downtown, 923 Barton Springs Rd. |
| Time | Sunday, 9 a.m. |
| Distance | ~30 mi |
| Route | East |
| Contact | ATC, 512-494-9252, info@austintricyclist.com |
ATC 360 Sunday Ride
This no-drop, out-and-back ride takes Bee Caves Rd to Bee Caves Parkway, with a hilly side-trip on Cuernavaca. The group tends to be small, with an average speed around 16 mph. For more info, see http://www.austintricyclist.com/articles/rides-and-events-pg37.htm
| Start | ATC 360, Davenport Village |
| Time | Sunday, 9 a.m. |
| Distance | 30 mi |
| Route | west, click here for map http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/218895751 |
| Contact | ATC 360, 512-483-1273, info@austintricyclist.com |
Division 1 Ride
A recovery ride led by the Boneshaker/Div 1 team and Division 1 staff, the Div 1 ride leaves from the bike shop on East 7th and heads out to Manor. The average pace is 17 mph, and all bikes are welcome. Attendance varies but is usually around 15-20 riders. The bike shop also doubles as coffee house - say yes to the pre-ride espresso!
| Start | Division 1 Bicycles, 1620 E. 7th |
| Time | Sunday, 9 a.m. |
| Distance | 25-30 mi |
| Route | Manor & return |
| Contact | Div 1 Bicycles, 512-481-1333 |
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. See http://www.bradhoustonlaw.com/gruppo-vop/ for more info.
| Start | Brad Houston’s house, 1813 Holly Hill |
| Time | Monday, 6:30 a.m. (time varies according to season) |
| Distance | 32 miles |
| Route | see website |
| Contact | Brad Houston, brad@bradhoustonlaw.com |
Gruppo VOP Wednesday Ride
Gruppo VOP, formed 14 years ago, is an informal association of cyclists that welcomes all riders. This 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. Be prepared for three highly coveted sprint points.
| Start | Brad Houston’s house, 1813 Holly Hill |
| Time | Wednesday, 6:30 a.m. (time varies according to season) |
| Distance | 28 mi |
| Route | see website |
| Contact | Brad Houston, brad@bradhoustonlaw.com |
Squadra Hustle
Super Squadra leads this new ride from Austinbikes every Wednesday afternoon, heading west for a steady, 2-2.5 hour ride on hard roads. They start as late as daylight allows, 4:30 p.m. currently and moving to 2:30 p.m. once the time changes. Check out the ride's Strava profile for more details: http://www.strava.com/activities/179892520
| Start | Austinbikes, 1010 West Lynn |
| Time | Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. until DST ends |
| Duration | 2-2.5 hrs |
| Route | west, see sample Strava profile above |
| Contact | Dave Wenger, david.wenger@gmail.com |
Pure Austin Driveway Series The Driveway Series is a criterium race, not a ride, but it happens every Thursday evening from March to October 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. Some riders add on Lime Creek. The short ride usually travels back along Bee Caves Rd from the intersection of Hwy 620 and Bee Caves Rd. See http://www.bradhoustonlaw.com/gruppo- vop/ for more info.
| Start | Brad Houston’s house, 1813 Holly Hill |
| Time | Saturday, 7:30 a.m. |
| Distance | 26, 45, or 52 mi |
| Route | see website |
| Contact | Brad Houston, brad@bradhoustonlaw.com |
MJ 100K
If there's not a road race going on the same weekend, this cutthroat ride is popular with a fast crowd. There aren't sprint points, per se -- everyone just rides like there's one every quarter mile. The route twists through far southeast Austin's farm country, with a quick refueling stop at mile 35. You'll get left behind if you drag your feet, and the group doesn't always stop for mechanicals. Check http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/news-and-events/ for current info.
| Start | Mellow Johnny's, 400 Nueces |
| Time | Saturday, 8 a.m. |
| Distance | 62 miles |
| Route | southeast |
| Contact | Mellow Johnny's, 512-473-0222 |
Bat City Saturday Team Ride - hard
Led by the Bat City Cycling team, this ride has "A" and "B" groups. If it's your first time on the ride, it's recommended to stick with the B group, as this is probably the fastest team ride on the north side of town, with lots of surging and a consistently hard pace. The A group averages around 20 mph for a 65-75 mile route. The ride starts at Caffe Yolly on the northwest corner of Avery Ranch and Parmer. Yolly opens at 7 a.m., so there's plenty of time for a pre-ride espresso. Check Bat City's Facebook page for current info, maps, and other ride opportunities, or http://www.batcitycycling.com/calendar/
| Start | Caffe Yolly, 14900 Avery Ranch Blvd |
| Time | Saturday, 8 a.m. |
| Distance | 65-75 mi |
| Route | varies |
| Contact | https://www.facebook.com/BatCityCycling |
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. The group meets at the Pflugerville Pedestrian Bridge. Lights and helmets required. Beer money recommended for after.
| Start | Pflugerville Pedestrian Bridge |
| Time | Monday, 7:30 p.m. |
| Route | Bikely |
| Contact |
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 by most accounts, it's very much a race.
| Video | Tuesday Nighter History |
| Start | Alum Rock Dr and Thaxton Rd, Southeast Austin |
| Time | Tuesday, 6 p.m. sharp during daylight savings time |
| Route | Strava |
| Contact |
ATC World Championship Saturday Ride
This ride is a classic in Austin, regularly hosting elite-level and professional triathletes and road cyclists. If you're trying to "A pack" it, most weeks the pace is very fast. The pro: no one will ever chide you for attacking or pushing the pace. The con: you will probably get dropped. The directions are simple, though, and numerous splinter groups form off the back. The ride starts with a warm-up down Barton Springs and the Mopac feeder. After the right turn onto Southwest Parkway, the pace picks up, continuing at top speed through the right turn onto Hwy 71 until the sprint point at the Bee Caves city limit sign. The group often pauses at the cleaners at Hwy 71/Bee Caves. Some people head home from there via Bee Caves for the short loop and others continue on the dam loop, with the possible addition of Lime Creek. 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.
| Video | ATC Video Montage |
| Start | ATC downtown, 923 Barton Springs Rd. |
| Time | Saturday, 8:30 a.m. |
| 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
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 8:00 pm (departs 8:20pm) |
| Duration | varies |
| Route | varies |
| Contact |
BSS (Lamar Blvd.) Women's Intermediate & Advanced Road Ride
Welcoming intermediate/advanced level women cyclists, this ride averages 14-16 mph, including hills, for 15-20 miles. Meet at the shop at 6:15. You must be on a road or tri bike. A helmet and lights are required, no exceptions. Check http://bicyclesportshop.com/events/road-pg1768.htm for current info.
| Start | Bicycle Sport Shop, 517 South Lamar Blvd. |
| Time | Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. |
| Distance | 15-20 mi |
| Contact | Bicycle Sports Shop, 512-477-3472 |
AFWC Ladies’ Rider
Led by the Austin Flyers Women’s Cycling Club, this intermediate, women-only ride averages 15-16 mph, with varying routes. The pace and the people are friendly. Check http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/news-and-events/ for current info.
| Start | Mellow Johnny’s, 400 Nueces |
| Time | Sunday, 8 a.m. |
| Duration | 2.5-3 hrs |
| Route | varies |
| Contact | austinwomenonbikes@gmail.com |
Rides by day of week
Monday
Rothe Recovery Ride, ATC Barton Springs
Nelo’s Shop Ride, NC
Gruppo VOP, Westlake
Heavy Metal Ride, Pflugerville Ped. Bridge
Bikin’ Betties
Tuesday
River City Market Racing Hill Ride, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf on Lamar
T&T Violet Crown Ride, MJ’s
Tuesday Nighter, SEast Austin
BSS (Lamar Blvd.) Women's Intermediate & Advanced Road Ride
BSS (Research Blvd.) Tuesday Intermediate & Advanced Road Ride
Lake Travis Tuesday Nighter, Lakeway
Wednesday
BSS (Research Blvd.) Wednesday Beginner Ride
Nelo’s Shop Ride, NC
Gruppo VOP, Westlake
Squadra Hustle, Austinbikes
Thurs
T&T Violet Crown Ride, MJ’s
Pure Austin Driveway Series, Driveway
KLCTVE Fusion Thursday Night Ride, MJ’s
Friday
Friday Truancy Ride, MJ’s
Gruppo VOP, Westlake
Saturday
ATC World Championship Ride, ATC Barton Springs
Scout-a-Route Ride, MJ’s
BSS (Parmer) All Levels Road Ride
MJ 100K
Middle of the Road Ride, MJ’s
Gruppo VOP, Westlake
Cycle Progression Saturday Ride
Bagel Ride, Einstein Bros. Bagels
Bat City Saturday Team Ride (hard), Cafe Yolly
Bat City Saturday Team Ride (intermediate), Cafe Yolly
Sunday
J&A’s Sunday Ride, J&A’s
Gruppo VOP, Westlake
Bat City Sunday Team Ride, Cafe Yolly
BSS Lamar Sunday Beginner Ride
BSS Lamar Sunday Intermediate Ride, BSS
Sunday Violet Crown Ride, MJ’s
Sunday Circle C Ranch Cycling Club Ride, Starbucks Escarpment
ATC Sunday Recovery Ride, ATC Barton Springs
ATC 360 Ride
AFWC Ladies’ Rider, MJ’s
Div 1 Ride, D1
© Copyright 2014, Kathryn Hunter
