Long Beach Group Rides
Find the best Long Beach group rides for social spins, beginner-friendly outings, training rides, and cycling community events. Use this guide to discover group rides that match your pace and riding style.
Long Beach has one of the most vibrant and welcoming cycling communities in Southern California. Whether you're a seasoned racer looking for fast training rides, a casual rider who enjoys social spins along the beach, or a complete beginner just getting started, there's a group ride in Long Beach that's perfect for you.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Long Beach group rides — from the different types of rides available, to how to choose the right one for your skill level, to what to expect and what to bring. Our cycling community is known for being friendly and inclusive, so don't be shy about showing up to your first group ride.
Use the filters above to find groups by skill level and ride type, and read on for detailed guidance on choosing the right Long Beach group ride for you.
Best Long Beach Group Rides
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Best Long Beach Group Rides for Different Rider Types
Not all group rides are created equal, and that's a good thing. Long Beach's cycling community offers rides for every type of cyclist, from leisurely beach cruises to hard-charging training sessions. Here's a breakdown of the best Long Beach group rides for different types of riders:
For Beginners
If you're new to cycling or just getting back on the bike after a long break, look for rides labeled "beginner-friendly" or "no-drop." These rides typically go 8-15 miles at a conversational pace (10-12 mph) and focus on building confidence and skills. The Long Beach Beginners' Ride and Beach Cruiser Social are excellent starting points.
For Social Riders
If you ride for fun, fitness, and community, social rides are your sweet spot. These rides cover 15-25 miles at a moderate pace (12-15 mph) and often include a food or coffee stop. The Long Beach Cycling Club Social Ride and Coastal Cruisers are among the most popular.
For Training and Racing Cyclists
If you're training for a century, a criterium, or just want to push your limits, Long Beach has several fast training rides. These rides can hit 20+ mph and cover 30-60 miles. The Long Beach Velo Club Training Ride is the gold standard for serious cyclists.
For Families
Family-friendly rides are shorter, slower, and designed for riders of all ages. They typically use protected bike lanes and bike paths away from traffic. The Family Bike Long Beach group organizes monthly rides perfect for parents and kids.
Types of Group Rides in Long Beach
Beginner-Friendly Group Rides in Long Beach
Beginner-friendly group rides in Long Beach are designed to be welcoming, supportive, and confidence-building. These rides are typically "no-drop," meaning no one gets left behind, regardless of pace. They're the perfect way to transition from riding alone to riding with a group.
What to expect: Beginner rides in Long Beach usually cover 8-15 miles at a pace of 10-12 mph. They tend to use the city's excellent protected bike infrastructure, including the Marvin Braude Bike Path and the separated lanes on Broadway and 3rd Street. Ride leaders are experienced cyclists who provide guidance on group riding etiquette, hand signals, and safety.
Recommended beginner rides:
- Long Beach Beginners' Ride — Meets Saturdays at 9 AM at Colorado Lagoon. A relaxed 10-mile loop with frequent regrouping.
- Beach Cruiser Social — Meets Sundays at 10 AM at Belmont Pier. A casual 8-mile ride along the Marvin Braude Bike Path.
- Women's Cycling Long Beach — Meets the first Sunday of each month at Shoreline Village. A welcoming, women-only beginner ride.
Tips for your first beginner group ride: Arrive 15 minutes early, introduce yourself to the ride leader, let them know it's your first group ride, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Everyone in the group was a beginner once!
Social Bike Rides in Long Beach
Social bike rides are the heart and soul of Long Beach's cycling community. These rides are about more than just pedaling — they're about connecting with fellow cyclists, exploring the city, and enjoying the coastal lifestyle that makes Long Beach special.
What to expect: Social rides typically cover 15-25 miles at a moderate pace of 12-15 mph. They're "no-drop" rides, meaning the group regroups at intersections and hill tops. Many social rides include a food or coffee stop midway or at the end, making them as much about community as about cycling. Routes often combine the Marvin Braude Bike Path, Naples Island, and downtown Long Beach's bike lanes.
Popular social rides in Long Beach:
- Long Beach Cycling Club Social Ride — Meets every Saturday at 8 AM at Shoreline Village. A 20-mile ride with a coffee stop in Belmont Shore.
- Coastal Cruisers — Meets Wednesdays at 6 PM at the Belmont Pier. A 15-mile sunset ride along the beach path.
- Long Beach Critical Mass — Last Friday of each month at 6:30 PM at The Pike Outlets. A large, festive community ride through city streets.
Social rides are a great way to meet people, discover new routes, and build your cycling confidence in a supportive environment. They're also where many lifelong cycling friendships begin.
Training and Fast Group Rides in Long Beach
Training and fast group rides in Long Beach are for cyclists who want to push their limits, build fitness, and ride with others who share a competitive mindset. These rides are faster, longer, and more structured than social rides, and they're an excellent way to prepare for centuries, criteriums, or just take your cycling to the next level.
What to expect: Training rides typically cover 30-60 miles at speeds of 18-22+ mph. They're drop rides, meaning you're expected to keep up with the group. Many include intervals, paceline work, and sprint points. Routes often extend beyond Long Beach into the San Gabriel River Trail or south toward the Palos Verdes Peninsula for climbing.
Key training rides in Long Beach:
- Long Beach Velo Club Training Ride — Meets Saturdays at 7 AM at the Long Beach Convention Center. A 45-mile ride with paceline intervals at 20-22 mph.
- South Bay Fast Ride — Meets Sundays at 7:30 AM at Belmont Shore. A 50-mile ride heading south through Palos Verdes with climbing.
- Wednesday Night Crit Practice — Meets Wednesdays at 6 PM at the Long Beach Grand Prix course. Drop-in criterium-style practice sessions.
Before joining a training ride: Make sure you can comfortably sustain 18 mph on your own for at least an hour. Bring extra nutrition, water, and a fully charged phone. Know the route in case you get dropped, and don't be discouraged if it happens — every fast cyclist has been dropped at some point.
How to Choose the Right Long Beach Group Ride
Choosing the right Long Beach group ride comes down to honestly assessing your current fitness, skill level, and goals. Here's a step-by-step guide to finding your perfect match:
1. Assess Your Fitness and Skill Level
Be honest with yourself. Can you sustain 12 mph for 15 miles? 18 mph for 30 miles? If you're not sure, start with a beginner or social ride. It's always better to start easier and move up than to get dropped on your first ride and feel discouraged.
2. Consider Your Goals
Are you riding for fun and community? Social rides. Training for an event? Training rides. Getting back into cycling after a break? Beginner rides. Exploring Long Beach with your family? Family rides. Your goal determines the type of ride that will serve you best.
3. Check the Ride Details
Before showing up, check the ride's distance, average speed, and route. Most Long Beach groups post this information on their website or social media. If the pace isn't listed, reach out to the organizer — they'll be happy to help you determine if the ride is a good fit.
4. Start with One Ride
Don't commit to a group before trying it out. Every group has its own culture and personality. Try a few different rides before settling on the one that feels like home. Long Beach has enough variety that you're sure to find the right fit.
5. Ask Questions
Long Beach cyclists are known for being welcoming and helpful. If you're unsure about anything — the route, the pace, what to bring, group riding etiquette — just ask. Ride leaders and experienced group members are always happy to help newcomers.
What to Know Before Joining a Group Ride in Long Beach
Before you show up to your first Long Beach group ride, here's what you need to know to have a great experience:
What to Bring
- A working bike: Check your brakes, tire pressure, and chain before leaving home. If your bike needs a tune-up, visit one of Long Beach's excellent local bike shops.
- Helmet: Required on all organized rides. No exceptions.
- Water and nutrition: At least two water bottles for rides over 15 miles. Bring snacks or energy gels for rides over 25 miles.
- Spare tube, tire levers, and pump/CO2: Be prepared to fix your own flats. Other riders will help, but you should have your own supplies.
- Lights: If there's any chance you'll be riding at dusk or after dark, front and rear lights are essential.
- Your phone and ID: In case of emergency.
Group Riding Etiquette
- Hold your line: Ride predictably. Don't swerve or make sudden movements.
- Communicate: Call out hazards ("hole," "car," "glass") and use hand signals for turns and stops.
- Don't overlap wheels: Keep your front wheel behind the rider in front of you, not overlapping.
- Pace yourself: Don't sprint to keep up with the group at the start. Settle into a sustainable rhythm.
- Regroup: If the ride is no-drop, the group will wait at designated spots. Don't panic if you get dropped on a climb.
Safety First
Long Beach has excellent cycling infrastructure, but you still need to ride defensively. Obey traffic laws, use bike lanes and paths when available, and always be aware of your surroundings. If you're new to group riding, let the ride leader know — they'll give you extra attention and guidance.
Other LongBeach.Bike Resources
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best group ride for beginners in Long Beach?
The Long Beach Beginners' Ride, meeting Saturdays at 9 AM at Colorado Lagoon, is the most popular beginner-friendly group ride. It covers about 10 miles at a relaxed 10-12 mph pace and is a no-drop ride, meaning no one gets left behind. The Beach Cruiser Social on Sundays at Belmont Pier is another excellent option for first-time group riders.
Do I need a road bike to join a Long Beach group ride?
Not necessarily. For beginner and social rides, a hybrid, fitness, or even a beach cruiser with gears is perfectly fine. For training and fast rides (18+ mph), a road bike is strongly recommended as you'll struggle to keep up on a heavier bike. Check the ride description for any bike type requirements, and when in doubt, ask the ride organizer.
Are Long Beach group rides free to join?
Most group rides in Long Beach are free and organized by volunteers. Some cycling clubs may charge a small membership fee if you want to ride with them regularly, but most individual rides are free and open to anyone. Some rides may ask for a small donation to cover snacks or support the organization, but this is always optional.
What happens if I get dropped from a group ride?
On no-drop rides (beginner and social rides), the group will wait for you at regroup points. On drop rides (training and fast rides), you may be expected to find your way back if you can't keep up. Before joining a drop ride, make sure you know the route or have it saved on your phone. Don't be discouraged if you get dropped — it happens to everyone, and it's a sign you should try an easier ride until you build up your fitness.
What should I bring to my first Long Beach group ride?
Bring a working bike with good brakes and inflated tires, a helmet (required), at least one water bottle (two for rides over 15 miles), a spare tube and tire levers, a pump or CO2 inflator, your phone, and some form of ID. For longer rides, bring nutrition like energy bars or gels. Arrive 15 minutes early to meet the ride leader and other riders.