Local Rides

 

There are many local rides in the Jackson Metro area that riders of all fitness and skill levels can participate in.  The best place for a beginning or active cyclist to find rides is through the Facebook community.  Numerous local groups provide a tremendous array of listings and ride opportunities with a chance to correspond about place, time, pace and availability.  The chief Facebook groups are:

•           Madison/Ridgeland Cycling

•           Germantown Cycling

•           Clinton Cycling

•           Rankin County Riders

•           Jackson Metro Cyclists
•           Soul City Cycling Mississippi

•           Vicksburg Bike Recs

Detailed below is an overview of the local rides that take place during the week.  To find the ride that’s right for you, we’ve tried to provide you with some general information on each ride. 

If you are new to cycling or are unsure of your fitness or skill level, we recommend choosing a lower level ride.

A – Select Riders.  24+ MPH average.  Fast energetic riding with excellent bike handling skills.  Excellent pace line skills are required.  Riders participating in these fast-paced rides are expected to be self-sufficient and able to navigate on their own if dropped.

B – Very Fast Riders.  21+ MPH average.  Fast energetic riding with above average bike handling skills.  Excellent pace line skills are required.  Riders participating in these rides are expected to be self-sufficient and able to navigate on their own if dropped.

C – Fast Riders.  18+ MPH average.  Brisk riding with good bike handling skills.  Pace line skills are required.  Riders participating in these rides are expected to be self-sufficient and able to navigate on their own if dropped.

D – Intermediate Riders.  15+ MPH average.  Moderate riding with basic bike handling skills.  Some pace line skills required.  Typical rides are either “No Drop” or “Regroup”.

E – Beginner Riders.  12+ MPH average.  For riders just starting out.  Typical rides are either “No Drop” or “Regroup”.

Monday

Soul City Cycling (SCC) Encouragement Ride – A (Select) to E (Beginner)

The Monday Encouragement Ride begins in late March and is held every Monday night at 6:00 P.M. This is an out and back route, so feel free to ride at a pace that is safe and comfortable for you. This local ride is well attended and is a good fun ride.  The route is approximately 20 miles in length with an elevation gain of 457 feet. Make sure to bring a chair to hang out afterwards!

Here is the link to the route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37765078

Contact Arree Williams at 601.942.9532 for more information or check the Soul City Cycling Facebook Group.

 

Tuesday

JMC Club Ride – A (Select) to E (Beginner)

Starting after the time change in March, this local ride leaves at 6pm from the Canton Multi-Purpose Building.  This route is 22 miles in length. Since this route is an out and back and low traffic, this is a great place to learn how to ride in a group and build confidence. Feel free to ride at a pace that is safe and comfortable for you.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31512755

 

This local ride is well attended and is a good fun ride and if you have time bring a chair and hang out after the ride. Make sure to check the JMC, Madison/Ridgeland Cycling Facebook pages for ride details.

Thursday

 

JMC Sponsored - A (Select) to D (Intermediate)

Thursday evening typicially have various route choices. Their generally is a group that leaves from the parking lot behind Soulshine Pizza in Ridgeland or a group that leaves from the office building across from Fleet Feet on Hwy 51. Make sure to check the JMC, Madison/Ridgeland Cycling Facebook pages for ride details.

Bicycle Revolution Encouragement Ride – E (Beginner)

Bicycle Revolution hosts their Encouragement Ride. This beginner ride is a 17 mile no drop ride and will have a sweeper.  The ride leaves the shop at 6:00pm. Contact Bicycle Revolution at 769.300.4721 or their website for more information.

Saturday - Start Location Varies – B (Very Fast) to D (Intermediate)

The Saturday ride has multiple routes that are typically 30 and 50 miles.  The shorter route is a modified “no rider left behind” ride where riders regroup.  The average pace is 15-21 mph with stops predetermined.  To keep things fresh, we vary the routes week to week, so keep an eye open for the posts on the JMC, Madison/Ridgeland Cycling Facebook pages for ride details.

Sunday - Start Location Varies – Recovery Pace

 

The Sunday ride is a designated recovery ride that is typically 28 miles. The ride usually begins at 2:00pm and the route can vary week to week, so keep an eye open for the posts on the JMC, Madison/Ridgeland Cycling Facebook pages for ride details.