Conway Group Rides
Find the best Conway group rides for social spins, beginner-friendly outings, training rides, and mountain biking community events. Use this guide to discover group rides that match your pace and riding style.
Cycling is more fun with friends, and Conway's cycling community is welcoming and growing. Whether you're looking for a casual Saturday morning coffee ride, a no-drop beginner outing, or a fast training paceline to push your fitness, there's a group ride in the Conway area that fits.
This guide covers the different types of group rides available around Conway, how to choose the right one for your skill level and goals, and what to expect when you show up for your first ride. Most groups are friendly to newcomers - just reach out ahead of time, show up a few minutes early, and be honest about your experience level.
Use the search and filters above to find cycling groups by skill level and ride type. Each group listing includes meeting schedule, location, and contact info so you can get in touch before your first ride.
Best Conway Group Rides
6 groups found
Conway Cycling Club
The Conway Cycling Club is central Arkansas's premier road and recreational cycling organization. Founded to bring together cyclists of all abilities, the club hosts weekly group rides, training events, and social gatherings throughout the year. Whether you're a seasoned racer or just starting out, the Conway Cycling Club welcomes you with open arms and a pace line that matches your speed. Members enjoy discounts at local bike shops, access to club events, and a community of fellow riders who know the best routes in Faulkner County.
Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6pm, Saturday mornings at 8am
Simon Park, Downtown Conway, AR
Central Arkansas Mountain Bike Association
CAMBA is the advocacy organization for mountain biking in central Arkansas, with a strong presence in Conway. They build and maintain trails at Bell Slough and Cadron Settlement Park, advocate for mountain bike access, and host group rides and skills clinics. CAMBA is affiliated with the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and works closely with Arkansas Game and Fish and local land managers. Members get access to skills clinics, trail work days, and the satisfaction of giving back to the trails they love riding.
Weekly trail rides Wednesdays at 6pm, monthly trail work days first Saturday of each month
Bell Slough WMA Trailhead, Highway 89, Mayflower, AR
Tucker Creek Trail Riders
The Tucker Creek Trail Riders are a casual, no-drop cycling group that meets weekly for social rides along Conway's Tucker Creek Trail. Perfect for beginners, families, and cyclists who want a relaxed pace and good conversation. The group rides the full length of Tucker Creek and often extends to Lake Conway for longer outings. After the ride, members gather at a local Conway coffee shop or brewery. It's the most welcoming group in Conway for new cyclists.
Saturdays at 9am, year-round weather permitting
Tucker Creek Trailhead, Conway, AR
Conway Women's Cycling
Conway Women's Cycling is a supportive community of women riders in central Arkansas, offering group rides, skills clinics, and social events designed by women, for women. From beginner-friendly rides on Tucker Creek Trail to challenging mountain bike sessions at Bell Slough, the group empowers women to ride with confidence. They also advocate for more women's representation in cycling and partner with local shops for women-specific bike fitting events.
Sunday mornings at 8am, monthly skills clinic first Saturday
Beaverfork Lake, Conway, AR
UCA Cycling Team
The University of Central Arkansas Cycling Team represents UCA in collegiate cycling competitions across the region. Open to all enrolled UCA students, the team competes in road, mountain, and cyclocross disciplines. They host an annual collegiate race in Conway and organize group rides and training sessions for students. The team has produced several conference champions and provides a pathway for student-athletes to compete at the national level while pursuing their degrees.
Weekday training rides at 4pm, weekend races and group rides
UCA Campus, Conway, AR
Arkansas River Valley Riders
The Arkansas River Valley Riders are a gravel and adventure cycling group based in Conway, exploring the unpaved roads and scenic byways along the Arkansas River. Their routes take riders through some of the most beautiful rural landscapes in central Arkansas, with rides ranging from 20-mile social spins to 100-mile gravel epics. The group is known for their post-ride gatherings at local Conway breweries and their annual 'River Valley Gravel Grinder' event that draws riders from across the state.
Sunday mornings at 8am, longer adventure rides monthly
Toad Suck Park, Conway, AR
Best Conway Group Rides for Different Rider Types
For Beginners and Casual Riders
If you're new to cycling or just want a relaxed pace, look for groups labeled "casual" or "beginner" with "no-drop" policies - meaning the group waits for everyone. These rides typically average 10-14 mph on flat terrain and stop frequently to regroup. The Tucker Creek Trail and Beaverfork Lake area are common meeting spots for beginner-friendly rides.
For Intermediate Fitness Riders
Riders with some experience who want a workout without racing should look for "social" or "intermediate" group rides. These typically run 15-18 mph with occasional surges but still regroup at key intersections. Many meet at local parks or bike shops on weekend mornings.
For Advanced and Racing Cyclists
Experienced riders chasing fitness or racing should look for "training" or "racing" groups. These rides can average 20+ mph with paceline rotations and minimal stops. Be honest about your fitness before joining - getting dropped is part of the process, but showing up underprepared can be dangerous.
For Families and Kids
Family-friendly rides focus on fun and safety over speed. They use paved greenways and parks, keep distances short (2-5 miles), and often include stops for snacks or play. These are a great way to introduce kids to group riding in a low-pressure environment.
Types of Group Rides in Conway
Beginner-Friendly Group Rides in Conway
Beginner-friendly group rides in Conway are designed to be welcoming and low-pressure. They're perfect for riders who are new to cycling, returning after a break, or just prefer a relaxed pace with good company.
What to expect:
- No-drop policy - The group waits for everyone and no one gets left behind.
- Conversational pace - Typically 10-14 mph on flat ground, with frequent regrouping.
- Shorter distances - Rides usually run 8-15 miles and last 45-90 minutes.
- Flat, safe routes - Common on Tucker Creek Trail, around Beaverfork Lake, and through quiet neighborhoods.
- Friendly atmosphere - Experienced riders are happy to share tips and help newcomers.
Show up 10-15 minutes early to introduce yourself to the ride leader and let them know it's your first time. Bring water, a helmet, and a basic repair kit. Don't worry about your bike or your gear - showing up is what matters.
Social Bike Rides in Conway
Social group rides blend fitness with community. They're the most popular type of group ride in Conway because they offer a good workout without the pressure of a training pace. Many social rides include a coffee or breakfast stop at the turnaround point.
What to expect:
- Moderate pace - Usually 14-18 mph with occasional surges, but the group regroups at key points.
- Longer distances - Typically 15-30 miles, lasting 1.5-2.5 hours.
- Scenic routes - Often head out toward Lake Conway, the Arkansas River, or rolling rural roads north of town.
- Coffee or food stops - Many social rides include a café stop, making them as much about socializing as cycling.
- Mixed experience levels - A range of riders attend, so you'll usually find someone riding your pace.
Social rides are a great next step once you're comfortable on beginner rides. Be prepared for some faster sections and practice riding close to others - but don't be afraid to sit at the back and take it easy if you need to.
Training and Fast Group Rides in Conway
Training and fast group rides in Conway are for experienced cyclists who want to push their fitness, practice paceline riding, or prepare for racing. These rides are demanding and assume you know group riding etiquette and can hold a wheel.
What to expect:
- Fast pace - Typically 18-24+ mph with rotating pacelines and sustained efforts.
- Longer distances - Often 30-50 miles, sometimes with intervals or hill repeats built in.
- Minimal stopping - Regroups are brief and only at major intersections or the turnaround.
- Drop policy - Many training rides are "drop rides" - if you can't hold the pace, you may get dropped and need to find your way home.
- Rural road routes - Often use the rolling farm roads north and west of Conway for low traffic and consistent pacing.
Before joining a training ride, be honest about your fitness. If you're unsure, try a social ride first and see how the pace feels. Carry extra food and water - these rides are long and demanding. Know how to ride in a paceline safely, including rotating through and pulling off smoothly.
How to Choose the Right Conway Group Ride
Be Honest About Your Fitness
The most common mistake new group riders make is joining a ride that's too fast. It's better to be the strongest rider in a slower group than to get dropped from a faster one. If you're unsure, start with a beginner or casual ride and work your way up as your fitness improves.
Match the Ride Type to Your Goals
Want a workout? Look for training or intermediate social rides. Want company and conversation? Choose casual or social rides. Riding with kids? Find family-friendly rides on paved greenways. The ride type label tells you what to expect.
Check the Schedule and Location
Most Conway group rides meet on weekend mornings or weekday evenings. Make sure the meeting time and location work for you before committing. Common meeting spots include downtown Conway, local parks, and bike shops. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to sign in and meet the ride leader.
Read the Group Description
Group listings include details about pace, distance, drop policy, and ride style. Pay attention to the skill level and ride type labels - they're there to help you find the right fit. If a group says "no-drop," it means they'll wait for you. If it doesn't say that, assume it's a drop ride.
Contact the Group First
Most groups welcome newcomers, but it's polite to reach out before showing up. Use the contact email or website on the group listing to introduce yourself and confirm the ride is happening. Ride leaders are usually happy to answer questions about pace, route, and what to bring.
What to Know Before Joining a Group Ride in Conway
Always Wear a Helmet
Every organized group ride in Conway requires a helmet. No exceptions. Make sure yours fits properly and is buckled before you roll out - it's the single most important piece of safety gear you own.
Bring Water and Fuel
Arkansas heat and humidity will drain you faster than you expect. Carry at least one large water bottle for rides under 90 minutes, two for longer efforts. Bring a snack or energy food for rides over an hour - bonking on a group ride is miserable and slows everyone down.
Know Basic Group Riding Etiquette
- Ride predictably - No sudden braking or swerving. Hold your line and communicate hazards.
- Call out and point - Shout "car back," "car up," "hole," or "gravel" and point to hazards for riders behind you.
- Don't overlap wheels - Keep your front wheel behind the rider in front of you, not beside them.
- Pace yourself - Don't surge to the front early and burn out. Let stronger riders do the work.
- Regroup politely - If you get dropped, wait at the next intersection or let the leader know.
Carry Basic Repair Gear
Bring a spare tube, tire levers, and a pump or CO2 inflator. Know how to change a flat - the group may help, but you shouldn't rely on others for basic repairs. A multi-tool is also handy for on-the-fly adjustments.
Be Ready for Arkansas Weather
Check the forecast before you leave. Summer rides mean heat, humidity, and the chance of pop-up thunderstorms - start early and carry extra water. Spring and fall are ideal. Winter rides are pleasant but dress in layers that you can shed as you warm up.
Introduce Yourself
Show up a few minutes early, find the ride leader, and let them know it's your first time. They'll point out experienced riders to follow and give you a heads-up about the route and pace. Conway's cycling community is friendly - don't be shy.
Other Conway.Bike Resources
Best Bike Trails in Conway
Discover the top mountain bike trails with our curated guide to the best bike trails in Conway — from scenic singletrack to family-friendly valley rides.
Best Bike Shops in Conway
Find trusted local shops for rentals, repairs, and gear. Browse our guide to the best bike shops in Conway to get the support you need before or after your ride.
AI-Powered Route Planner
Plan your perfect scenic ride with our AI-powered Conway route planner — get personalized route recommendations based on your distance, elevation, and preferred riding style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an experienced cyclist to join a Conway group ride?
No. Conway has group rides for every skill level, from beginner-friendly no-drop rides to fast training pacelines. Look for groups labeled 'beginner' or 'casual' with a 'no-drop' policy if you're new. These rides go at a conversational pace (10-14 mph), regroup frequently, and welcome newcomers. Just show up early, introduce yourself to the ride leader, and be honest about your experience.
What should I bring to my first group ride?
Always bring a helmet (required), a water bottle or two, and a basic repair kit with a spare tube, tire levers, and a pump or CO2 inflator. For rides over an hour, bring a snack or energy food. Wear comfortable cycling clothing and padded shorts if you have them. Show up 10-15 minutes early to sign in and meet the ride leader.
What does 'no-drop' mean on a group ride?
A 'no-drop' ride means the group waits for everyone and no one gets left behind. The ride leader will regroup at intersections and the back of the group is monitored. This is the best type of ride for beginners and anyone unsure of their fitness. If a group doesn't say 'no-drop,' assume it's a drop ride - if you can't hold the pace, you may need to find your way home.
How fast are Conway group rides?
It depends on the ride type. Beginner and casual rides typically average 10-14 mph on flat terrain. Social rides run 14-18 mph with occasional surges. Training and racing rides can average 20+ mph with paceline rotations. Always check the group description for the expected pace before joining, and start with a slower ride if you're unsure.
Where do Conway group rides typically meet?
Common meeting spots include downtown Conway, local parks like Cadron Settlement Park and Beaverfork Lake, the Tucker Creek Trail trailheads, and local bike shops. Weekend morning rides are most popular, with some weekday evening rides during the summer. Check the group listing for the specific meeting location and schedule.
How do I start my own cycling group in Conway?
If you don't find a group that fits your style, you can start your own. Use the Groups page to create a new cycling group with your preferred ride type, skill level, meeting schedule, and location. Once created, other riders can find and join your group. Promote it through local bike shops and social media to grow your membership.