Friends that bike together, stay together.
Stockholm in the 1970s was the starting place of group bicycling, and the movement came to California in the early 90’s. In 1992 the first ‘Critical Mass’, a group ride organized to raise awareness of social issues, equality, and protest, took place in San Francisco. Riding a bike changes the way we perceive life and the world around us. It promotes self-reliance and environmental responsibility. Group rides force motorists to slow down and enjoy the parade. Whether you’re looking to “reclaim the streets” or just get outside, community rides are a creative and distinct way to explore the city.
Big time
Detroit has pretty much set the bar when it comes to community bike rides. In the warmer months, thousands of riders will join the procession for Slow Roll Detroit, now in its seventh year, and 23+ ride, knows how to have a good time. Meeting most Mondays, riders cycle through neighborhoods, folks come out, wave and watch the parade, raising community awareness of feelings of togetherness. The event has made a big impact on the Motorcity. Check into slowroll.bike for registration, membership options, updates on ride locations, themes and how to financially support the massive project. May through October.
Detroit Slow Roll Kick Off Ride | Monday, May 7 | 5:30pm
Rides in the 419
Driving up to ‘the D’ is one way to take to the streets, but neighborhood ‘Rolls’ or group rides are popping up in Toledo, alongside a few long-standing area events. From bike shops to community groups, any way you roll it, cycling with a group is a fun and safe way to explore routes for the first, or the 100th, time. Visit Toledo Roll on Facebook to stay in the loop.
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Spoke Life Cycles | spokelifecycles.com
This new bike shop hosts mountain bike trail racing teams and community rides in the Metroparks.
26611 N Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg | 419.931-9919
Perrysburg Slow Rollers, hosted by Spoke Life. Community group ride through various Perrysburg locales on these weekly social rides. Lights are a must for night cycling.
10th Annual Barry Roubaix 62. This challenging 62 mile gravel race is no joke. Sign up to join the Spoke Life team.
Saturday, April 21 | 7AM
Barry Roubaix Race | Hastings, MI | barry-roubaix.com
CycleWerks | shopcyclewerks.com
CycleWerks focuses on athletic training rides, challenging competent road riders and speed cyclists to compete with the best.
7510 New West Rd, Whitehouse | 419-517-7577
Brick and BBQ Rides. For an athletic challenge, meet at the shop where participants will start with a ride (approx. 10-16 miles) followed by a run (2-5 miles). Mileage and pace vary by week, depending on weather, light, and those present to train. After the workout, stick around for grilling and beverages.
Wednesdays at 6:30pm | April 25 & May 2, 16, 23, 30
Wersell’s Bike Shop wersellsbikeandskishop.com
Wersell’s is the host of some of the area’s longest-standing community bike rides. Events are open to the public with a GLOW ROLL theme (deck out your bike with glow-in-the-dark lights). Meet at the shop 15 mins. prior to the ride. Routes vary, but usually pass through the Ottawa Hills and Old Orchard Neighborhoods, Wildwood Metropark, and the University Bike Trail. Most rides keep a slow and steady pace for about two hours. Support the shop for all you biking needs. Family friendly. Lights are a must for all night cycling.
2860 W Central Ave, Toledo | 419- 474-7412
Glow Roll | Friday, April 20 | 7pm
Glow Roll | Wednesday, May 23 | 7pm
Reggie’s Bike Shop | reggiesbikes.com
This local bike shop hosts regular community bike rides open to the public. Rides vary from event to event, and organize carpools to the location. From mountain biking in Brighton, to a night of Bike-n-Bowl, Reggie’s Rides are fun. Support the shop for all your biking needs.
5934 Secor Rd, Toledo | 419-475-1585
Island Lake Recreation Area Ride w/ Reggie’s
Meet at the store to carpool at 9am or meet at the Trailhead Lot at Island Lake for a fun day of trail riding.
Island Lake | 6301 Kensington Rd, Brighton, MI
Saturday, April 21 | 10:30am
Jermain/Ottawa Park Group Ride w/ Reggie’s
Meet at the Ottawa Park parking lot for this mountain bike trail ride.
Wednesday, April 25 | 6pm
Toledo Roll Community Bike Rides
Supporter, fan, and frequent flyer of the Detroit Slow Roll, John Eikost brings that enthusiasm back to Toledo. Toledo Roll rides take cyclists past the many murals of Downtown Toledo, the Historic South End, Uptown and Adams St. Village. Bring old friends and make new ones. Get connected with Toledo Roll on Facebook.
Toledo PubRiders Community
These fun rides have a multi-purpose: support local bars, have fun, and raise donations for area kids in the way of collecting new boxes of crayons from riders. Rides vary from 15-40 miles. Lights are a must for all night cycling. Helmets recommended. Facebook.
Sylvania Slow Ryders
A community group hosting group rides in Sylvania most 4th Sundays in the warmer months. Search for them on Facebook or contact [email protected].
Toledo Bikes | toledobikes.org
Toledo’s only bike co-op with this mission: “To keep bicycles out of the waste stream and put them into the hands & feet of those who need them. Also, to help educate people on proper maintenance and repair of their bicycles and safe practices of riding.”
The co-op hosts group rides downtown, as well as bike-friendly drive-in movies.
114 Washington St, Toledo | 419-386-6090
Bike-In-Movie at Toledo Bikes
Bike down to the shop for a special, all-ages outdoor movie in the parking lot. Check out the 80s BMX movie, RAD. Donation. BYOB.
Friday, May 11 | 8:30pm
Maumee Valley Adventurers mvadventurers.org
Part of a 40-year tradition in NW Ohio, MVA is a peace-seeking non-profit, with community members seeking to “educate and empower people of all ages, cultures and economic backgrounds by providing and advocating for affordable recreational and travel opportunities.” MVA continues to host numerous group rides varying by location, pace, and purpose. A yearly membership of $10 is encouraged, but non-members can attend all Group Rides.
“Spring through fall, join us for Thursday and Saturday morning bike rides. In summer, we also have Tuesday evening ice cream rides. Riders must wear helmets.”
Pat Squire, Activities Chair | 419-243-7680
Scenic Sylvania Ride
20 mile round trip. Meet at the Nature Photography Center for a ride to Mayberry Square for lunch.
Thursday, April 12 | 10am
Secor Metropark | 10001 W Central Ave, Sylvania
Elvin Buchele | 419-885-0528
Fallen Timbers Cannonball Ride
20 miles. Ride the scenic Wabash-Cannonball Trail and grab lunch in Historic Whitehouse. Meet at the JCP, lot F2.
Thursday, April 19 | 10am
Fallen Timbers Mall | 3100 Main St, Maumee
Elvin Buchele | 419-885-0528
Tour de Maumee Ride
20 miles. Explore the shops and streets of Maumee, and ride the Anthony Wayne bike trail. Lunch in Maumee. Meet at the watertower.
Thursday, April 26 | 10am
Parkway Plaza | Corner of Town St & S Detroit Ave & AW Trail
Marcia Roby | 419-382-0883
MVA Saturday Social Rides
“Join our Saturday social ride, with a stop for coffee.” Routes vary.
Most Thursdays | 9am
Lowe’s | 7000 Central Ave, Toledo
Keith Webb | 567-703-6378
MVA Bike Tours
For more information about these group bike tours, visit mvadventurers.org.
Portage River Tour | Sunday, June 24
Metroparks Tour | Saturday, July 21
Irish Hills Tour | Sunday, September 16
Tombstone Tour | Sunday, October 21
Toledo Farmers’ Market
Ride to the Market Day. Bike to the market and show your community spirit.
May 12 | 9am-noon
525 Market St, Toledo | toledofarmersmarket.com
Beverly Neighborhood Ride
Friday, May 11 | 8:30pm | Beverly Block Watch
Beverly Park | 3722 Beachway Blvd, Toledo
Old West End Festival
Although golf carts are the official ride of choice for the week long festival, bicycles are a close second, if not tied. Explore the neighborhood and the parties via two wheels. Don’t forget a lock. Lights are a must for all night rides.
OWE Fest | June 1-3
Historic Old West End, Toledo | toledooldwestend.com
Art Loop Toledo | theartscommission.org
Not an organized group ride, but bike riding is a great way to explore the Loop, especially in the warmer months. Art Loop Toledo takes place in the city’s center and surrounding areas every 3rd Thursday of the month, April-December, 5:30-9pm. Themes vary. Bring water in the warmer months.
419 Day | April 19
Glass City Film Fest | May 17
Art of Autos | June 21
Summer Spectacular | July 19
Dog Days of Summer | August 16
Haunted Harvest | October 18
We Are Traffic | wearetraffic.org
We Are Traffic, spearheaded by Keith Webb, holds a mission of promoting biking as a “viable form of transportation in the Greater Toledo Area”. Join them for community, encouragement, and education on cycling.
Ride of Silence with We Are Traffic
“Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn’t aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.” Join the Global Ride of Silence. HELMETS REQUIRED.
TOLEDO RIDE OF SILENCE
(meet at UT, Lot 1 North, by University Trail)
Tuesday, May 16 | 6:30pm
Bancroft & Towerview, Toledo | Keith Webb | 567-703-6378
BOWLING GREEN RIDE OF SILENCE
(meet at City Park)
Tuesday, May 16 | 6:30pm
Keith Webb | 567-703-6378
Toledo Bicycle Coalition | toledobikeco.com
“The Toledo Bicycle Coalition inspires people to bicycle and advocates for a city where everyone feels comfortable riding.” Community group hosts special events and bike rides.
Toledo Museum of Art Color Wheels Rides
toledomuseum.org
The Museum hosts group cycle tours exploring themes of art in the community.
Bedford Bike Cruise
Choose from a 30 mile route or the family route.
Saturday, May 19 | 10am
Forrest View Lanes | 2345 W Dean Rd, Temperance
