Road Rides
If you are not yet a member, sign up for a free one-month trial membership. It requires you to electronically sign a liability waiver prior to riding with the club.
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Our group road rides range from casual and social to faster and more serious rides. They are listed below from easiest to hardest. These are formal group rides, they are on the ride calendar, and they will occur as scheduled, if weather permits. Please make your own decision on whether you feel safe to ride in given weather conditions.
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If you are not yet a member, sign up for a free one-month trial membership. It requires you to electronically sign a liability waiver prior to riding with the club.
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Helmets are required, and front and rear bike lights are encouraged.
Pace estimates below are inclusive of pace on hills.
We recommend that you download the emergency contact list and/or share your cell number with other group members in case of an emergency on route. Keep in mind that cell reception can be spotty on some routes.
The BBC has many opportunities to ride with friends!
Beginner and Social
Selected Sundays, 1:30 pm, March–October
About twice a month.
Check BBC Ride Calendar for dates and routes.
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Meeting Place: Varies (but often starts at Switchyard Park)
Pace: 8–10 mph
Mileage: 12–16 miles
No drop
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These rides use area bike paths and quiet neighborhood roads and avoid the big hills. They are perfect for beginners, families, or those ready to get back into cycling. Each ride will feature a stop for refreshment and social time. Give this a try!
This is a no-drop ride—we will stay with you. Ride with others—it's safer and more fun! Learn and explore beginner-friendly cycling routes around Bloomington.
Nice and Easy
Sundays, 1:30 pm, March–October
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Meeting Place: Switchyard Park Splash Pad
Pace: 8–12 mph
Mileage: 19–25 miles
No drop
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Sunday rides feature lower mileage and slower paces. Routes are posted on the BBC calendar. Nice ‘n Easy rides cater to those who want to take it easy and or ride at a slower pace.
Metric Mondays
Mondays, start time varies based on weather and time of year, April–October
Meeting Place: Varies; can carpool from Bryan Park parking lot, if needed
Pace: 10 mph
Mileage: 60–70 miles
No Drop
Communication: Text or call Jimmy Schroeder (260-450-2007) on Sunday night if planning to ride
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This ride is for all the adventurous and endurance-minded road riders who don't work on Mondays, want to drive approximately 30 miles, and then ride new roads and see new sights of southern Indiana. Our starting locations rotate among Martinsville Walmart, Spencer CVS, Nashville IGA, Bedford Walgreens, and CountryMark at I-69 & US-231. Monday Morning start time depends on the weather and time of year. The RideWithGPS route will be posted on the club's ride calendar in advance. Plan on a lunch stop and additional breaks.
Early Birds
Tuesday and Thursday mornings or afternoons, March–October, plus additional rides when weather permits
Meeting Place: Bryan Park East Parking Lot, S. Woodlawn Avenue (usually)
Pace: 11–15 mph
Mileage: 20–30 miles
No drop
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This is a moderate ride for those who can ride during the day. The route is planned in advance and is posted on the ride calendar. Check the calendar for occasional changes to starting location. Start times are also posted on the calendar and vary from 8:30 am in summer to beat the heat to 1:30 pm in spring and fall to allow temperatures to warm up. This is a no drop ride, but not a beginner’s ride. Expect an overall average moving speed of 11–15 mph including hills. Since this weekday ride is not time-limited by sunset, short, unplanned side trips to explore new territory are sometimes added during the rides.
OWLS
Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 5:45 pm, March–October
Meeting Place: Sherwood Oaks Church, 2700 E. Rogers Road, north side parking lot
Pace: 12–15 mph
Mileage: 20 miles (early season)–35 miles (late season)
No Drop
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The “Older, Wiser, and a Little Slower” group emphasizes moderate rides and a route planned in advance that is posted on the ride calendar. This is a no drop ride for a range of intermediate riders—it is not a beginner’s ride. Regroup points are discussed in advance. Early season rides are shorter, and rides get longer as the season progresses. Peak season rides average 25–35 miles, depending on available daylight. Rides depart promptly at 5:45.
Saturday Epic
Saturdays, March–October. Start times change from month to month with the availability of light and the onset of Indiana heat and humidity. Check the ride calendar for start times.
Meeting Place: Switchyard Park Splash Pad
Pace: 13–17 mph (often breaks into subgroups with different speeds)
Mileage: Varies, see ride calendar. Short options are available on most routes.
No drop
Saturday rides take cyclists to surrounding counties and accommodate cyclists of a variety of abilities. Participants frequently break up into multiple groups based on speed. Occasionally we have drive and rides or optional extensions to make a longer ride.
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Links to routes are on the ride calendar. Ride leaders ensure that no rider is completely dropped and all riders make it back to the starting point. On longer rides, leaders designate regroup points and rest stops for food and water. Mileage and difficulty increase over the course of the summer. These are a great way to acquaint yourself with the area, build endurance, and meet others who share your interest in cycling.
iRide
Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 5:45 pm, March–October
Meeting Place: Mostly meets at Sherwood Oaks Church, 2700 E. Rogers Road, north side parking lot
Pace: 18–21 mph
Mileage: 25–40 miles
No Drop
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The iRide is a faster intermediate training ride with an average speed of 18–21 mph depending on the route profile and season. The iRide group will typically follow the OWLS route posted on the BBC Ride Calendar, often with route extensions discussed before departure.
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We ride as a group for safety and support. Although we might get spread out on climbs or long stretches or hard segment efforts, we regroup regularly. If you do lose contact with the main group due to speed or a mechanical issue, simply stay where you are or stop at the closest main intersection and someone will come looking for you. Oftentimes, regroup points are discussed in advance to ensure group cohesion.