Memphis Group Rides
Find the best Memphis group rides for social spins, beginner-friendly outings, training rides, and community cycling events. Use this guide to discover group rides that match your pace and riding style in Memphis.
Find Your Memphis Cycling Crew
Cycling is more fun with friends, and Memphis has one of the most welcoming cycling communities in the South. From the long-established Memphis Hightailers Bicycle Club — organizing rides for every skill level for decades — to casual social groups exploring the city's neighborhoods, there's a group ride for everyone in the Bluff City.
Memphis cycling groups range from competitive training rides for racers to relaxed family-friendly outings through city parks. Whether you want to improve your fitness, meet fellow cyclists, explore new trails, or just enjoy a Saturday morning ride with good company, the groups below will welcome you. Most allow first-time visitors to join a ride before committing to membership.
Best Memphis Group Rides
6 groups found
Memphis Hightailers Bicycle Club
One of the oldest and most active cycling clubs in Memphis, the Hightailers offer organized rides for all skill levels every weekend. From leisurely scenic rides to challenging century routes, the Hightailers are the heartbeat of Memphis's road cycling community.
Weekly rides every Saturday morning at 8am, Sunday rides at 7:30am
Various locations across Memphis — check website for weekly meeting point
Mid-South Cycling Club
A competitive and training-focused cycling club serving Memphis and the greater Mid-South region. Mid-South Cycling Club fields racing teams, hosts training rides, and participates in regional cycling events. Whether you're a seasoned racer or looking to get into competitive cycling, this club has a place for you.
Tuesday/Thursday evening training rides at 6pm, Saturday morning group rides at 7am
Shelby Farms Park Greenway main trailhead
Memphis Urban Cyclists
Championing cycling as everyday transportation in Memphis, the Memphis Urban Cyclists organize social rides, advocacy events, and community bike rides through the city's neighborhoods. This group is passionate about making Memphis more bike-friendly and welcoming to riders of all backgrounds.
Monthly community rides on the last Saturday of each month at 10am
Tom Lee Park, Downtown Memphis
Shelby Farms MTB Crew
The dedicated mountain biking community centered around the Lick Creek and Shelby Farms trail systems. This crew organizes group trail rides, trail maintenance days, and skills clinics for all experience levels. If you love singletrack, this is your Memphis tribe.
Sunday morning rides at 8am, monthly trail work days on Saturday
Lick Creek Park trailhead, Germantown, TN
Memphis Velo
A diverse and inclusive cycling group focused on building community through bike rides, social events, and exploration of Memphis's neighborhoods. Memphis Velo welcomes riders of all abilities and backgrounds, making cycling accessible and fun for everyone in the Bluff City.
Wednesday evening social rides at 6:30pm, Saturday morning rides at 9am
Overton Park, Midtown Memphis
Memphis Family Bike Riders
Making cycling a family affair in Memphis! This group organizes kid-friendly rides, cargo bike meetups, and slow-paced neighborhood explorations perfect for cyclists with children in tow. Safety, fun, and community are the top priorities for every Memphis Family Bike Riders outing.
Saturday morning rides at 9am (every other week, check social media for schedule)
Shelby Farms Greenway main entrance
Best Memphis Group Rides for Different Rider Types
For Beginners
New to group riding? Memphis Velo organizes beginner-friendly rides in Midtown, and the Memphis Family Bike Riders welcome newcomers of all ages with kid-friendly, slow-paced rides. The Memphis Hightailers also offer gentle 12mph social rides perfect for building confidence.
For Intermediate and Fitness Riders
Looking to push your fitness? The Mid-South Cycling Club hosts training rides and participates in regional events. The Memphis Hightailers offer intermediate pace groups for riders ready to go a bit faster. These groups help you improve while riding with others at your level.
For Mountain Bikers
The Shelby Farms MTB Crew is the heart of Memphis mountain biking, organizing group trail rides at Lick Creek and Shelby Farms, plus trail maintenance days and skills clinics. If you love singletrack, this is your tribe.
For Social and Community Riders
Memphis Urban Cyclists champion cycling as everyday transportation with monthly community rides through city neighborhoods. The Memphis Family Bike Riders focus on making cycling a family affair with kid-friendly routes and cargo bike meetups.
Types of Group Rides in Memphis
Beginner-Friendly Group Rides in Memphis
Beginner group rides in Memphis are welcoming, no-drop, and focused on fun over speed. Memphis Velo leads beginner rides from Overton Park in Midtown, with a focus on building confidence and community. The Memphis Family Bike Riders organize kid-friendly rides at Shelby Farms Greenway every other Saturday. The Memphis Hightailers offer gentle social rides at 12mph — perfect for riders new to group cycling. All three groups are patient, supportive, and happy to teach group riding basics.
Social Bike Rides in Memphis
Social rides in Memphis are about community, exploration, and good company. Memphis Urban Cyclists organize monthly community rides through different city neighborhoods, combining cycling with advocacy and socializing. Memphis Velo hosts Wednesday evening social rides from Overton Park with post-ride gatherings. These rides are slower-paced, conversation-friendly, and often end at a local restaurant or coffee shop. They're a great way to meet fellow Memphis cyclists and discover new parts of the city.
Training and Fast Group Rides in Memphis
For riders looking to push their limits, Memphis has training-focused groups. The Mid-South Cycling Club hosts Tuesday/Thursday evening training rides at 6pm and Saturday morning group rides at 7am from Shelby Farms Park. These rides are faster-paced and designed for fitness improvement. The Memphis Hightailers also offer fast pace groups (20mph+) for experienced riders. These groups participate in regional cycling events and races, and can help you take your cycling to the next level.
How to Choose the Right Memphis Group Ride
Match Your Skill Level
Choose a group that rides at your pace. The Memphis Hightailers organize rides by pace group (from 12mph social to 20mph+ fast), making it easy to find your fit. Memphis Velo focuses on beginners, while Mid-South Cycling Club caters to intermediate and advanced riders.
Consider Your Goals
Want to socialize? Choose Memphis Urban Cyclists or Memphis Velo for community-focused rides. Want to race or train? Mid-South Cycling Club is your answer. Want family fun? Memphis Family Bike Riders specializes in kid-friendly outings. Love mountain biking? Join the Shelby Farms MTB Crew.
Check the Schedule
Most Memphis groups ride on weekends, with some offering weekday evening rides. Check each group's schedule to find rides that fit your availability. The Memphis Hightailers ride every Saturday and Sunday morning, while other groups meet monthly or bi-weekly.
Try Before You Commit
Most Memphis cycling groups welcome first-time visitors on their rides. Show up, introduce yourself, and try the ride before deciding on membership. This lets you experience the group's culture and pace before paying dues.
What to Know Before Joining a Group Ride in Memphis
Check the Ride Level
Before showing up, check the group's ride pace and distance to make sure it matches your ability. Most Memphis groups post this information on their website or social media. Starting with a ride that's too fast or too long can be discouraging — it's better to start easy and work your way up.
Bring the Right Gear
For any group ride, bring a helmet (mandatory for most groups), a fully charged phone, water, a spare tube, and a mini-pump. For longer rides, bring snacks. Memphis summer rides require extra water and sun protection — some groups cancel or shorten rides during extreme heat.
Arrive Early
Arrive 10-15 minutes before the posted ride time. This gives you time to introduce yourself to the ride leader, sign any waivers, and get briefed on the route. Memphis groups are friendly and welcoming to newcomers — don't be shy about saying it's your first ride.
Know Group Riding Etiquette
Group rides have unwritten rules: hold your line, don't brake suddenly, call out hazards ("car back," "pothole"), and pass on the left. If you're unsure, ride near the back and watch how experienced riders communicate. Memphis groups are patient with newcomers and happy to teach.
Other Memphis.Bike Resources
Best Bike Trails in Memphis
Discover the top cycling trails with our curated guide to the best bike trails in Memphis — from scenic greenways to off-road singletrack at Shelby Farms.
Best Bike Shops in Memphis
Find trusted local shops for rentals, repairs, and gear. Browse our guide to the best bike shops in Memphis to get the support you need before or after your ride.
AI-Powered Route Planner
Plan your perfect Memphis ride with our AI-powered Memphis route planner — get personalized route recommendations based on your distance, terrain, and preferred riding style.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I join a cycling group in Memphis?
Most Memphis cycling groups welcome first-time visitors on their rides — just show up at the meeting location and introduce yourself. The Memphis Hightailers, Memphis Velo, and Memphis Urban Cyclists all allow you to try a ride before joining. Membership details and dues vary by group; check each group's website or contact them directly for specifics.
What should I bring to a group ride in Memphis?
Bring a helmet (required by most groups), a fully charged phone, water, a spare tube, mini-pump, and basic tools. For longer rides, bring snacks. In Memphis summer, bring extra water and sun protection. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to introduce yourself to the ride leader and get briefed on the route.
Are there group rides for beginners in Memphis?
Yes! Memphis Velo specializes in beginner-friendly rides from Overton Park in Midtown. The Memphis Family Bike Riders organize kid-friendly, slow-paced rides. The Memphis Hightailers offer gentle 12mph social rides that are perfect for riders new to group cycling. All three groups are welcoming, patient, and supportive of newcomers.