Slow Spokes Road Cycling
No-drop Bay Area road cycling group with multiple pace groups from 12 to 21 mph. Mission: mentor riders and help them progress. Helmets required, no fees.
The vibe
No rider left behind
Founded in 2005, Slow Spokes runs on a simple premise: every pace deserves a group ride. The club maintains four distinct pace groups — A (20+ mph), B (17–18 mph), C (15.5–17.5 mph), and D (12–14 mph) — so riders at any level can participate without the anxiety of getting dropped or holding others back. It’s a no-drop format with a genuine mentorship culture baked in.
The Bay Area road network gives these rides real variety. Routes cover different parts of the region depending on the week, and experienced riders in each group help newer members navigate traffic, understand pace lines, and develop the skills that make group riding enjoyable rather than stressful.
Free to join, no club fees. Helmets required. Check the Slow Spokes Meetup page for current ride schedule and starting locations. If you’re looking to improve your road riding or just want consistent group rides without the elitism that can creep into cycling clubs, this is worth trying.