Different Spokes SF — LGBTQ+ Group Rides

Different Spokes has been San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ cycling club since 1982 — which makes it one of the longest-running queer cycling organizations in the country. The club puts out a full weekly ride calendar covering everything from casual city loops to serious 100-mile Marin routes. The range of offerings is real: if you’re still building fitness, there’s a ride for you; if you want to push hard through the headlands, there’s a ride for that too.

The culture is welcoming in a specific way. Riders look out for each other, the pace groups actually match their descriptions, and the community extends well beyond the rides themselves. Events, club outings, and the monthly Jersey Ride keep people connected throughout the year. Non-members can join up to three rides before deciding whether to become official members, so there’s a genuine chance to try before committing.

Check dssf.org for the current ride schedule and starting points — routes and meeting locations vary week to week. The second Saturday of each month is the flagship Jersey Ride, which is worth marking on the calendar separately.