Cycling clubs have become a popular pastime among Charleston residents. Clubs span the gamut, from social and recreational groups who share a beer after a ride to competitive groups that enter races and push each other to improve their speed and form. Whichever you choose, camaraderie and socializing come standard – cyclists generally ride in a pack.
Whether you’re newly curious about the sport, getting back into it or an elite cyclist who just moved to town, there’s bound to be a cycling club in the Lowcountry for you.
CHARLESTON BEER RIDERS
This recreational group hosts weekly group rides for all skill levels on Tuesdays at 6 p.m., leaving from Edmund’s Oast at 1081 Morrison Drive in downtown Charleston. Riders can choose from several routes, from 12 to 25 miles, all which involve biking in part around Hampton Park. The club also arranges special weekend road and gravel rides throughout the year.
“It’s a very supportive community. If you show up and you’re willing to learn and have questions, you will always find people to give you advice,” said Chris Winn. Follow on Facebook by searching for Charleston Beer Riders.
HOLY CITY SPIN
Bicycles, adult tricycles and other rolling apparatuses light up downtown streets on Wednesdays for the Holy City Spin community ride, which meets at Sugey’s Bar at 638 King St. Rollout is at 7 p.m. for the “slowish” 10-mile ride.
RIDE BIKES
The beloved bicycle shop in West Ashley hosts a “beer ride” every Thursday, mainly geared toward intermediate riders, who meet at 6:30 p.m. at 1055 St. Andrews Blvd. for a 20-mile ride along the West Ashley Greenway to the Stono River County Park – and beer afterward at the shop. Follow on Facebook @ridebikesofcharleston.
TREK BIKES LOCAL RIDES
Trek Bikes hosts regular rides through its Mount Pleasant and Charleston stores for leader-led road routes and gravel routes. There are varying group paces and route lengths, with post-ride drinks and snacks for rides that start and end at the shops. On Saturdays, the Trek Store of Charleston, 2408 Ashley River Road, hosts a gravel ride beginning at 9 a.m., starting either at the I’on Swamp Trailhead or Witherbee Work Center. Trek Bikes of Mount Pleasant hosts a beginner-friendly “Wolfpack ride” gravel ride Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the I’on Swamp Trailhead; an intermediate road ride on Saturdays at 8 a.m., leaving from the store at 1180 Oakland Market Road; and a Sunday gravel ride at 8 a.m. at the I’on Swamp Trailhead or Witherbee Work Center. Follow @Trekbikesmtp and @trekbikeschs.
COASTAL CYCLISTS
Coastal Cyclists is the oldest bike organization in the Lowcountry, with regular weekly rides and social events. The vast majority of rides are for intermediate and advanced cyclists, though there are opportunities for beginners. The robust calendar posts routes that span the Lowcountry from James Island and Folly Beach to Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Daniel Island, North Charleston, Awendaw and even the Ravenel/Meggett area. The majority of the rides are on paved roads, with occasional gravel rides.
“The number of members varies widely from as few as three or four riders to over 50 riders,” said Phil Whirley, a 20 year member of the club. Visit CoastalCyclists.com for a full calendar.
BIG ROAD RIDES IN THE LOWCOUNTRY:
Ride the Lowcountry, Saturday, April 13, with 33, 43, 65 or 100-mile routes through Lowcountry marsh, woodlands and a national forest. The race starts at 7900 Doar Road in Awendaw, with an after-ride party and feast. ridethelowcountry.com
The LOWVELO Ride, Saturday Nov. 1. Benefits the Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina, with five cycling routes – 10, 20, 23, 50 and 80 miles – and a stationary bike option. Riders raise money as a team or as individuals. lowvelo.org.
By Jenny Peterson
