Everyone on every group ride was once the nervous new rider. Here's the honest guide to your first one — and how to make sure it's a ride you'll want to repeat.
Pick the right ride
Your first group ride should be labelled easy or casual pace. On CycleBuddy you can see the pace, distance and ride type before joining, so you'll never accidentally roll out with racers.
What to bring
Water, a spare tube, a pump, and a charged phone. Check the ride's chat — organisers often pin notes like "bring lights" or "café stop at km 30". That pinned info card is always at the top of the chat.
Group ride etiquette in 30 seconds
Hold your line, don't overlap wheels, point out holes, and say if you're struggling — groups wait, that's the point. Nobody expects perfection; they expect communication.
Your first ride is one tap away
Open CycleBuddy, filter for easy pace, and join a ride near you. The group chat means you can introduce yourself before you even clip in.