FAQs
Please note: At the close of 2024, we stopped running these.
Social Ride
Do I have to be a member to do the social group ride?
Nope! This is open to all female-identifying cyclists and is genuinely just a good opportunity to meet and socialize with other fellow riders.
How long is the ride, and how fast do you go?
The route is approximately 16 miles. This typically takes ~2 hours. While the speed on a ride will vary (e.g., uphill, downhill, wind, etc.), the average speed ranges from 11 to 13 mph.
For safety reasons, we will keep the group together. Please do not get ahead of the ride leader unless you are willing to set a manageable pace and have the route loaded on your device.
Do I have to be an experienced rider to do this?
This is for ALL skill levels. However, you should be knowledgeable about basic gearing/shifting. If you’re not sure how the gears on your bike work or when to use them, learning on the fly during a group ride while on a busy road won’t be very fun for you or anyone else. It’s important that you also have a good fitness base and know you can tackle that distance. We will be sharing the road with cars, but don’t let that intimidate you! Follow traffic laws, some basic bike safety, and stay with the group. If you have questions, just ask!
We want to stress that you should always have a backup plan. This is billed as a beginner friendly ride, but the term “beginner” means different things to different people.
If for any reason you cannot complete the distance, or just plain don’t feel great, you should make sure you have someone you can call or are able to ride back alone if you cut the ride short.
When and where?
Four times a year! We will make a ride post on Instagram when one is coming up! If you’re a PBCC member, you’ll get a newsletter, Slack, and Strava reminder!
Meeting spot is at Dry Spokes. Many of us just ride there, but if you live further away and need to drive, there’s parking on Leavenworth St and along 19th St.
If you want to park on 19th St, please note that it’s a one way going north! So turn right on 20th St, and access 19th that way :)
Do you guys socialize after the ride?
Yes! Stick around for a drink at Dry Spokes and some snacks. Make new friends :)
What happens if the weather is bad?
If there is inclement weather and it’s unsafe to ride, we will cancel the ride. Please check our Instagram page for cancellations/changes. As always, use your best judgment.
What do I need?
A helmet, lights (front and rear), and basic repair kit. That’s it. Doesn’t matter what type of bike, either (road, hybrid, gravel, e-bike, fat tire, commuter, it matters not). Because the possibility of getting a flat exists, and because everyones bikes are so different, it’s on you to bring what you need to repair your specific bike. This includes things like a patch kit, bike tool, spare tube, pump/CO2 canisters, etc. Do not rely on anyone else to have what you need.
Legal Disclaimer
While we plan for every Prairie Bloom Rider to have a safe experience, there are some inherent risks in choosing to participate in cycling, such as adverse traffic conditions, road conditions, weather, and the actions of motorists and other cyclists. By choosing to participate, you acknowledge that you are willing to assume these risks, and that neither PBCC nor its members are responsible for any damage that may occur.