Community Group Rides
Come & join Northstar's periodic Group Rides, with events that cater to road cyclists and mountain bikers of all skill levels.
Sign the Ride Waiver
We love the Western New York biking community, and offer organized group rides across various disciplines and skill levels. Get to know others who love biking, meet the shop owners and ambassadors, and just have a fun time doing what you love in the beautiful outdoors! Plus we usually offer free snacks and coffee after our rides, and encourage you to meet your fellow riders!
We strongly recommend you read through the Frequently Asked Questions below before joining a Northstar Bikes group ride, especially if it is your first time biking in a group setting. If you have more questions or need anything before getting started with our rides, come and visit our store today!
Group Overviews
Below are brief descriptions of each group ride we offer. The posted speeds listed below are the typical speed that the lead rider will try to maintain. The actual moving average (pace) for the entire ride are typically lower to account for traffic stops, weather, terrain, etc.
The faster rides are 'DROP' rides which mean that if you cannot keep up the pace, the group will continue on and you will be expected to return to the starting point on your own. The moderate and slower rides are 'NO DROP' rides and the group with either wait for you to catch up or accompany you back to the starting point.
Road A
This group is reserved for our fastest road cyclists who want to push themselves in a group setting. It is for the competitive cyclist in a training environment looking for the challenge to ride at the upper end of their abilities within a group that will push the pace; however, our group rides are not races. The cyclists ride in a tight single line paceline.
Expect the longest routes with the fastest speeds, averaging 20+ mph moving speed with bursts approaching 25 mph or more. These routes may start at 30 miles and progress up to 50, 60, or more miles based on those interested.
We advise bikers to be confident riding in higher-speed pace lines and be comfortable reading biker hand signals to ensure your safety and the safety of those you ride with. Group A rides are drop rides, and we encourage all participants to have their means to navigate, should they split off from the larger group.
Road B
The Road "B" group is for those who are confident riding in groups and holding steady pace, but who don't feel the need to push breakneck speeds. It is for the cyclist who enjoys riding at a fast pace and likes a challenge but is not interested in the race-like training conditions of the 'A' group.
The routes will be variable, with a mix of shorty hilly routes - or what hills exist in Western New York - and longer flat rides. The B group usually starts with 20 mile rides and progresses to 40 miles by the end of the year. These
This group usually has the widest variance in rider skill level and experience, but we encourage individuals to be comfortable with group rides, hand signals, and the proposed distances before joining, to ensure a safe and fun time by everyone.
Road C
The Road "C" group is for those who prefer a more casual, relaxed road cycling experience. It is perfect for those who are just getting started in the road cycling world and learning how to ride in a group setting.
The routes will be the shortest that we offer, between 12 to 25 miles long on easier and more protected routes. We will have dedicated group ride leaders who will assist you to learn and grow as you ride with us, ensuring a fun and safe environment.
This group is "No Drop", meaning we will bike at the pace of the slowest individual and potentially take as many water breaks as needed. We expect a wide variance of skill levels, but good times and probably good post-ride snacks like Ice Cream or drinks together!
Downhill Mountain
Just because Mountain Biking is a solo activity, doesn't mean you have to do it alone! We regularly send the Northstar Bikes trailer and a group of riders to local trails, such as Holimont in Ellicotville. Spend the day with new friends and peers who love downhill just as much as you do!
Our group is also very active in the events and competition world of downhill racing, so you might even get a chance to learn and grow from some of the area's most talented riders.
If you are looking to try Downhill Mountain biking for the first time, but don't know where to start, check out our bike demos and promotions to get started today!