Community & Culture · 5 min read · Updated July 15, 2026

How do I find a women's cycling group as a beginner?

Part of the guide

The Complete Beginner's Guide to Women's Gravel Cycling

Short answer

The best way to find a beginner-friendly women's cycling group is through a local bike shop that hosts rides, a coached women's program like More Than Miles™, or a private Facebook group where you can ask questions before you show up. Avoid drop rides for your first group experience — you want a no-drop, coached environment.

What to look for

  • No-drop policy: the group waits, always.
  • Coached rides, not just "someone leads it".
  • A clear beginner track — not just a fast group with a slower option.
  • Safety credentials: First Aid, CPR, AED, USA Cycling coaching.
  • A private community space (Facebook group, Discord) where you can ask a question before day one.

Red flags

  • "Everyone welcome" with no beginner-specific track.
  • Ride descriptions that name a pace but not a policy on being dropped.
  • No coach listed.
  • Members brag about how hard the last ride was.

These aren't bad groups — they're just not beginner groups.

How the More Than Miles™ cohort works

12 weeks, coached by two USA Cycling Level 3 Certified Coaches (Amanda Duling and Roger Williams), based at Trek Bicycle Shawnee, with a private community space and safety-certified leadership. Community before competition — a real promise, not a slogan.

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Related questions

What if there's nothing local?

The private Facebook group for More Than Miles™ is open to riders anywhere — you can learn from the community even before you find a local ride.

Is it weird to show up not knowing anyone?

No. Almost everyone in the cohort showed up their first day not knowing anyone. That's how it always starts.

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