L ooking for a new way to explore and make new friends this summer? Halifax’s cycling community is bigger than ever, meaning there are plenty of options for you to ride your way into a new social circle and bond over a shared interest. Whether you’re looking to gain more confidence biking on the roads, want a new way to exercise or are just curious to explore your home in a new way, here is a guide to group rides happening around the Halifax Regional Municipality this summer.
Halifax Critical Mass
Group rides organized by Halifax Critical Mass are great for beginners looking to get comfortable biking around the city. The rides are generally slow-paced and the routes are local. Currently, they’re holding group rides on the last Sunday of each month. They meet up at the Grand Parade at 6pm.
Finbar’s Cycling Club
Finbar’s Cycling Club runs out of Finbar’s Irish Pub in Bedford. According to their Facebook group, the rides are usually 30 to 35km at a pace of about 28km/h and happen weekly. You can visit the group page to find more information on how to join.
City of Lakes Cycling Club
This Dartmouth cycling club holds weekly rides and activities to get you exploring Dartmouth while also staying social with others who share a passion for cycling. You can join its Facebook group for more information on when and where the rides are happening this summer.
Nova Scotia Ramblers
Nova Scotia Ramblers prides itself on being a “very social, relaxed paced bicycle club.” The trails are meant for beginners or those getting back into cycling after a long period of time and the routes are usually scenic trails in rural Nova Scotia. You do have to join the Nova Scotia Ramblers as a member for $15/year to participate. They have multiple rides a month happening throughout the summer—you can check out its updated 2023 schedule and head to its website for information.
Rocky Lake Cycling Club
Rocky Lake Cycling Club is another club based out of Bedford. They have regular group rides throughout spring, summer and fall that are accessible to anyone who owns a road bike and is able to ride at a speed of about 25km/h. Its website has everything you need to know about becoming a member.
Women on Wheels
Hey ladies! Women on Wheels’ goal is to get women cyclists of all ages and fitness levels moving in a welcoming atmosphere. The best part about this cycling group is that it holds group rides across the entire province—some locations include Halifax, Dartmouth/Cole Harbour, Pictou, Truro, Tantallon and Lunenburg. You can contact them through their website and they’ll set you up with the closest riding group to you.
Bike Dalhousie
Bike Dalhousie is organized by the Dal/King’s Bike Centre and wants to help you get more comfortable cycling the streets of Halifax. They host group rides around the HRM with multiple distance options. These group rides are great for anyone wanting to make some new friends, get exercise and explore the city. Bike Dalhousie posts its upcoming group rides on its Instagram.
Halifax Triathlon Club
Don’t let the Halifax Triathlon Club’s name scare you—while they do have training for more advanced riders, the club also offers group cycling rides and training sessions for riders of all levels. Bike rides are organized throughout the spring, summer and fall. Its website has everything you need to know about signing up to participate.
Halifax Cycling Coalition
The Halifax Cycling Coalition makes biking fun with multiple themed bike rides happening throughout the summer. One initiative running right now is Biking and Brews: Group rides around the city that end with a shared pint at 2 Crows Brewing. The Coalition is also currently running a Bike and Picnic group ride. You can find more information on its Instagram page.