Group Rides vs. Solo Cycling: What’s Best for Beginners?
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Because your bike journey should match your vibe—not anyone else’s.
When you’re starting out with biking, you’ll probably hear two pieces of advice:
“Join a group ride, it’s so motivating!”
or
“Just go solo—it’s peaceful and less intimidating.”
So… which is right for you?
Truth is, both have their perks.
Let’s break it down so you can decide what feels best right now.
The Case for Group Rides (a.k.a. Pedaling with People)
Group rides come in all shapes:
Slow rolls, mom meetups, cycling clubs, or fitness-focused crews.
Why women love group rides:
– Built-in motivation (less likely to cancel when someone’s waiting)
– You learn from others—gear tips, trail shortcuts, how to shift like a pro
– It’s safer, especially on new routes or in traffic
– Hello, social time. You get your workout and connection
But heads up:
– Some groups are fast-paced or intimidating. Find the chill ones.
– You might need to keep up, even if your legs are yelling “no thanks”
– Matching schedules can be tricky
Where to find beginner-friendly ride groups:
– Ask your local bike shop
– Look on Facebook groups (search “women’s cycling group + your city”)
– Try Meetup or Eventbrite
– Join women’s fitness groups and ask if anyone cycles casually
Look for phrases like “no drop ride,” “leisure pace,” or “all levels welcome.”
Translation: no one gets left behind, and your leggings are more important than Lycra.
The Joy of Solo Rides (a.k.a. Peace and Pedals)
Solo riding is a whole mood.
No schedule. No pace to match. Just you, your bike, and your thoughts.
Why it’s perfect for beginners:
– You set your own pace (and stop for coffee whenever you want)
– There’s zero pressure to “perform”
– It builds confidence—you learn to rely on your own rhythm
– You choose the playlist (or silence, if that’s your jam)
But be mindful:
– Safety matters—ride in daylight, stay visible, and share your location
– Some days, motivation can dip without a buddy
– Troubleshooting a flat tire alone? That can be stressful—unless you’ve read this guide
Still, solo rides are incredibly empowering, especially for women easing into cycling as self-care or fitness.
What If You Want Both?
You’re allowed to mix it up.
– Do a solo ride midweek when you need mental space
– Join a casual group on weekends for motivation and trail discovery
– Invite one friend for a low-key “duo ride” (less pressure than big groups)
There’s no one “right” way. Your biking routine can be a beautiful blend.
Pro Tips to Make Either Option Work:
If you’re joining a group ride:
– Ask about pace and route before you go
– Bring water, lights, and a mini multitool like this just in case
– Don’t feel weird showing up as a beginner—everyone started somewhere
If you’re riding solo:
– Share your route or ETA with someone
– Use a tracking app like Komoot, Strava, or Life360
– Keep a small bike phone mount so directions stay handy
Either way: trust your gut. Ride how you want to ride.
Final Thoughts
Cycling should feel good—not like a chore or a performance.
Whether you thrive with a ride squad or crave quiet solo mornings, you’re still a “real” cyclist.
This journey is yours.
And however you ride—alone or with friends—it still counts. Every. Single. Mile.
