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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf you’ve ever joined a mountain bike group ride, you know it’s a unique mix of race prep, chaos, and just riding your bike with friends. These rides are more than just training\u2014they\u2019re a chance to push your limits, build skills, and laugh your way through the dirt (and sometimes, the pain).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After all, where else can you work on your pacing while chasing down the rider who seems to have rocket boosters hidden on their bike? Or sharpen your handling skills by dodging surprise puddles and that one root that always seems to jump out at the worst possible moment?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Group rides are where race fitness quietly sneaks up on you. One minute you’re struggling up a climb that feels way steeper than it should, the next you’re realizing you just rode harder and longer than you planned\u2014because you were having too much fun to notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThey\u2019re also where the real magic happens: creating bonds with other riders over common struggles, belly laughs, squeals and the occasional spectacular wipeout (hey, it happens to the best of us). And in those moments\u2014mud-covered, breathing hard, probably laughing at yourself\u2014you remember why you ride in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So if you’re gearing up for your next race, or just want to get stronger without being solo, don\u2019t underestimate the power of the group ride. It\u2019s training, it\u2019s community, its friends, its challenges, and it\u2019s a whole lot of fun rolled into one ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s why mountain biking group rides deserve a spot in your regular ride rotation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Motivation and Accountability
Okay, let\u2019s face it: not every ride day starts with unlimited energy and smiles. On those evenings after work when Netflix and your couch feels cozier than your saddle, knowing a group is waiting for you at the trailhead can be the push and accountability you need. It\u2019s easier to stay committed and consistent with your riding when there\u2019s a crew depending on you \u2014 and cheering you on.<\/li>\n\n\n\n - Skill Building Through Shared Knowledge
Every single rider brings something different to the table. On group rides, you\u2019ll pick up trail tips, technique pointers, and gear recommendations from others with different strengths and experience levels. Watch how someone else corners, shifts, climbs, or drops in \u2014 then give it a try yourself. Learning by observation (and a little friendly peer pressure, we love peer pressure\u2026right?) works wonders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n - Safety in Numbers
Riding with friends means help is close at hand if something goes wrong. Whether it\u2019s a mechanical issue or a fall, having other riders around can make a big difference. Plus, group rides often include at least one person who\u2019s basically a mobile bike shop with tools, tubes, and trail know-how, except when your name is Haleigh Curtis, who doesn\u2019t carry ANYTHING with her and solely depends on her bike not malfunctioning during every ride. Don\u2019t be her.<\/li>\n\n\n\n - The Social Side of Shred
Mountain biking is more than just riding \u2014 it\u2019s a community. Group rides are a great way to meet new people, share epic riding stories, have post-ride snacks, and maybe even plan future rides together. Some of the best friendships (and rivalries) are created during these rides.
Tips for Your First Group Ride
\u25cf Know the pace and difficulty. Ask in advance to make sure the ride matches your skill level.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n\u25cf Bring the essentials. Bike, pump, water, snacks, and a good attitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\u25cf Be punctual. Nobody likes waiting at the trailhead. Nobody. We will wait for you though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\u25cf Communicate. Let others know if you need to stop, rest, or bail early. No shame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\u25cf Respect the trail and each other. Leave no trace and ride in control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
One of the highlights of my week? Monday night group rides at Fort Custer Recreation Area with the Lady Parts Mountain Bike Team. Whether we\u2019re flying down the trail at a spicy pace or cruising in full party-pace, there\u2019s one thing that never changes\u2014the sound of constant chatter, laughter, and giggles echoing through the woods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s the kind of ride where performance takes a backseat to connection (but let\u2019s be honest, we still push each other). There\u2019s something special about being surrounded by a group of strong women who ride hard and cheer harder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.iceman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_1810.jpg?resize=840%2C1109&ssl=1\")
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I\u2019ll never forget one particular ride: I came into a corner way too hot and totally wiped out\u2014laid out on the trail like a splattered pancake. The rider behind me, a dental hygienist, didn\u2019t skip a beat, and shouted, \u201cAre your teeth okay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Not \u201care you okay,\u201d mind you\u2014just my teeth. Priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s the energy of the rides. It\u2019s tough love, genuine care, and non-stop fun, all rolled into a few miles of dirt, roots, and shared stories. We crash, we laugh, we get back up, and we ride on\u2014because Monday nights at Fort Custer aren\u2019t just about mountain biking. They\u2019re about community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.iceman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_0572.jpg?resize=840%2C1184&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Got a favorite group ride or story? Share it in the IG\/Facebook comments section! I want to hear some good ones!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThank you to Haleigh Curtis @curtis_haleigh for being our 2025 Iceman Trailblazer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Mountain biking is often seen as a solo adventure \u2014 just you, your bike, and the trail. But if you\u2019ve never joined a group ride, you might be missing out on some of the most fun, challenging, and rewarding experiences this amazing sport has to offer. Whether you’re a beginner trying to build skills or … Continue reading “Group Rides\u2026Lets Go!”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[205],"tags":[69,165,72,139,141],"class_list":["post-1215","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-trailblazer","tag-iceman","tag-iceman-cometh-challenge","tag-kalkaska","tag-training","tag-traverse-city"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.iceman.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1215","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.iceman.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.iceman.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.iceman.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.iceman.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1215"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/blog.iceman.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1215\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1223,"href":"https:\/\/blog.iceman.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1215\/revisions\/1223"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.iceman.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1215"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.iceman.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1215"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.iceman.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1215"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}