Group Bike Rides for Every Day of the Week
May is National Bike Month, and what better way to celebrate than by joining one (or multiple) group bike rides around our beautiful Roanoke region?
As the Mountain Bike Capital of the East Coast, Roanoke offers plenty of options for adventurous riders of all skill levels.
From beginner to seasoned riders, from casual road rides to intense mountain trails, from Monday to Sunday, one of these 14 group rides is guaranteed to fit the exact pedaling experience you’ve been looking for. You can celebrate Bike Month literally every single day in May!
MONDAY
Monday FUNday Salem Group Ride by Trek Roanoke
The best way to set the mood for the week.
This road ride has two rides to choose from–plus, the route changes weekly, so you’ll always have something new to explore.
When: Mondays at 5:45 pm.
Location: Olde Salem Brewery in Salem (in the back parking lot).
Social Pace Ride: A leisurely ride for those who want to enjoy the scenery and chat with fellow cyclists.
Intermediate Pace Ride: A bit faster, perfect for those looking for a bigger challenge.
Both rides are strictly no-drop, meaning no one gets left behind, and all types of bikes are welcome!
Photo by Rob Meador
TUESDAY
L’Eroica Roanoke
Considered “America’s Friendliest Group Ride,” this weekly cycling event brings together riders of all levels for an enjoyable and social biking experience.
When: Tuesdays at 5:40 pm.
Location: Cardinal Bicycle Grandin.
Family (a.k.a. The Ice Cream Ride): (6.8 miles) Start = 5:46 pm.
Flatlanders: (10.5 miles) Start = 5:46 pm.
MnM: (15.3 miles Start = 5:44 pm.
Classic: (18.0 miles) Start = 5:45 pm.
Elite: (22.9 miles) Start = 5:40 pm.
Fun fact: “L’Eroica” is Italian for “The Heroic,” and it’s generally associated with the celebration of vintage bikes and gear.
Although vintage bikes or clothing aren’t required, this group encourages riders to show off any vintage gear/apparel.
Photo by Kay Maynard
WEDNESDAY
Roanoke Riders
There are three different group rides happening every Wednesday night.
Roanoke Riders offers two different routes depending on skill level.
When: Wednesdays at 5:45 pm.
Location: Big Lick Brewing (meet in the back gravel parking lot).
Mill Mountain Route: Ride up Mill Mountain to the stop sign on the parkway and back.
20-Mile Loop Route: Take a left past the stop sign on the parkway and connect back to the Greenway.
It is a great opportunity to catch an evening ride while enjoying the scenic Mill Mountain.
Photo from Roanoke Riders Facebook Group
Roanoke Valley Riveters
Sponsored by Just The Right Gear, this fun group welcomes women mountain bikers of any skill level.
When: Wednesdays at 6:00 pm.
Location: Bennett Springs parking lot at Carvins Cove.
This community of women mountain bikers also hosts a variety of mountain biking events for all women-identifying/non-binary individuals!
Photo from Roanoke Valley Riveters Facebook Group
Mullet Ride
A no-drop ride for intermediate bikers who like a challenge.
When: Wednesdays at 5:45 pm.
Location: Cardinal Bicycle Grandin.
Details: This ride consists of the Greenway and roads up Mill Mountain. It typically lasts 1.5 hours and ends with a happy hour at the Cardinal Café.
*Riders must feel comfortable riding the Mill Mountain trails before joining.
THURSDAY
Olde Salem Brewery Ride
An exciting ride around Salem hosted by the Roanoke College Cycling Team.
When: Thursdays at 5:30 pm.
Where: Olde Salem Brewery in Salem (in the back parking lot).
Details: This no-drop ride features 21 miles, 1,200 feet of climbing, and a three-mile bomb down the back of Harborwood. It is divided into groups A and B (group A usually moves at a faster pace).
Finish your ride with a rewarding pint and lots of bike talk!
Photo from Roanoke College Cycling Team Facebook Group
Roanoke Mountain Adventures
A no-drop, two-hour ride for both road and gravel riders.
When: Thursdays at 5:30 pm.
Where: Under the covered patio at Roanoke Mountain Adventures.
Details: This group offers several routes to the Mill Mountain Star and a thrilling descent back to RMA for a post-ride refreshment (BYOB).
Photo by Roanoke Mountain Adventures
Crank Sisters Social Ride
A casual, social ride for women, trans, and non-binary individuals.
When: Thursdays at 6:00 pm.
Where: Cardinal Bicycle Grandin.
Details: This is a 10-mile, flat ride on the Greenway and quiet neighborhood streets. Depending on group interest and comfort levels, the group (or part of the group) may venture to some rolling climbs.
Connect over snacks and refreshing drinks at the Cardinal Café post-ride.
FRIDAY
Roanoke Friday Coffee Club (RFCC)
A year-round, relaxed, and caffeinated event.
When: Fridays at 9:00 am (spring/summer); 10:00 am (fall/winter).
Where: Sweet Donkey Coffee.
Details: Everyone is welcome to this weekly coffee meet-up (bike or no bike). However, impromptu rides after coffee often occur based on weather/interest.
Photo by Elizabeth Snyder
SATURDAY
But Coffee First
A 30–40-mile route around Roanoke for intermediate riders.
When: Saturdays at 9:30 am.
Where: Cardinal Bicycle Grandin.
Details: This ride requires riders to keep a 14-16mph pace.
You can even grab some pre/post-ride breakfast at the Cardinal Café (opens at 9:00 am).
Photo by Kay Maynard
Single Track Shenanigans
Pedal your way through the local trail systems as you explore bike trails, gravel roads, and as little asphalt as possible.
When: Saturdays at 9:30 am.
Where: Cardinal Bicycle Grandin.
Details: You can ride a mountain bike, a mountain e-bike, or maybe even a gravel bike. These are intermediate, no-drop rides, and they are typically between 20 and 40 miles (3-5 hours with 2k-5k climbing).
Photo by Cardinal Bicycle
SUNDAY
Salem Sunday Surprise Hosted by Roanoke Area Cyclists
This is truly a create-your-own-adventure ride. It can be road, gravel, MTB, or a combination.
Road rides
When: Sundays at 10:00 am (time may vary).
Where: Parkway Brewing.
Gravel/MTB Rides
Time and location vary for these rides depending on weather and inspiration. They are posted weekly on Fridays, so make sure you join the Facebook group.
M&M MTB Ride
An adventurous Sunday ride that will convert you into a mountain biker for life.
When: Sundays at 9:30 am
Where: Bennett Springs parking lot at Carvins Cove.
Details: It is divided into groups depending on ability levels.
It is a fun and welcoming group who share a passion for mountain biking and the outdoors!
Dirt Church by Trek Roanoke
The perfect off-road experience for riders of all levels!
When: Sundays at 5:00 pm.
Where: Bennett Springs parking lot at Carvins Cove.
Details: Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or just looking to admire the scenery, this group ride is all about having fun!
Photo by Trek Bicycle Roanoke
Other Ways to Get Involved
Roanoke Gravel is a group dedicated to helping people find and explore dirt routes in the Roanoke area. If you know/find a perfect route, but don’t see an event posted, it’s your time to set up a group ride!
The Virginia Endurance Series highlights the very best backcountry biking destinations in Virginia with free ride events, volunteer ride leaders, and various distance options.
Gravel Camp is the perfect event for anyone curious or fascinated by gravel riding. From beginners to experts, this camp covers the best gravel rides in Bedford, Floyd, and Craig counties.
Just The Right Gear is often posting bike-related events around the Roanoke area!
What better time to get involved than now?
No matter your skill level, bike type, or day-off, there’s a way for you to get pedaling and appreciate the beautiful scenery our area has to offer.
Connect with other riders, enjoy the fresh air, and find your new favorite route!
Happy Bike Month!
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