Your first social ride.
Never ridden with a group before? Here's how to pick a ride that fits, what to bring, and what happens once you roll out.
Free. No subscription.
Picking the right ride.
Start slower and shorter than you think you need. Riding in a group takes concentration the first few times, and a ride you finish with something left is the one you'll come back for. On Draft each ride shows its distance and pace bracket, so you can compare them with what you ride alone.
Read the host's description too. That's where you find out whether the group waits on climbs, where it stops and what surface to expect. If the host added a route, download it after joining so you know where you're going.
On the day.
Turn up ready
Be at the start a few minutes early with pumped tyres, a spare tube, a pump and enough to eat and drink. Tell the host it's your first group ride.
Ride predictably
Hold your line, don't brake suddenly, and point out potholes and parked cars to the riders behind you. Leave a bit more room to the wheel in front than the regulars do.
Say it when it's too fast
A social ride is meant to stay together. Speaking up early beats quietly drifting off the back, and nobody minds.
Can't find a beginner-friendly ride? Post one.
Set a gentle pace bracket, keep it short, and write "first-timers welcome" in the description. Chances are you're not the only one who was waiting for it.
Common questions.
- How fit do I need to be for a social ride?
- Fit enough to ride the listed distance at the listed pace on your own. In a group the same pace feels easier, because you spend part of the ride out of the wind.
- What do I need to bring?
- A bike in working order, a helmet, a spare tube and pump, a full bottle and something to eat. Load the route on your phone or head unit if the host shared one.
- What if I can't keep up?
- Say so early. On a social ride the group usually eases off or waits. With the host's route downloaded you can also finish at your own pace.
- Is Draft free?
- Yes. Draft is free to download and use, with no subscription.
- Do I need to be a member of a club?
- No. Draft isn't a club and has no membership. Anyone with the app can join a public ride or host one.
More on social rides
Stop riding alone on Saturdays.
Download Draft, set your radius, and see who’s riding near you.
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