The Triangle Weekender

Pedal Power! Cycling Clubs to Join in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill
North Carolina's Triangle region offers cyclists opportunities to explore and connect on scenic road rides and adrenaline-pumping trails.
Tarwheels

In the Triangle region, cycling isn’t just a mode of transportation – it’s a way of life. A dense network of trails, parks and cycling clubs span Wake, Durham, Orange and Chatham counties, offering cyclists of all levels opportunities for pedal-powered adventure and camaraderie.

Exploring Wake: From Scenic Rides to Advocacy Efforts

Wake County offers cyclists a diverse array of experiences, from leisurely rides through picturesque countrysides to heart-pounding races against fellow racers and enthusiasts.

Gyros Cycling Club in Raleigh hosts rides at four difficulty levels ranging from 15 to more than 21 mph, for cyclists of any skill level. Check the Gyros calendar and get ready to push yourself on the pavement. North Carolina Bicycle Club promotes safe road cycling and participates in rides across Wake County, providing opportunities for cyclists to explore the region’s scenic beauty while connecting with like-minded individuals. Join the club and support its ongoing mission to uplift both local and regional cycling events.

Looking to take your cycling skills to the next level? Join the Crank Arm Brewing Cycling Team and learn biking skills in disciplines like XC mountain biking, downhill runs, cyclocross, BMX and more. With expert coaching and a supportive community, cyclists can push their limits as a part of a grassroots cycling team and unlock their full potential on two wheels.

Discovering Durham: Community Rides and Post-Bike Beers

Bike Durham organizes and promotes many community events all around the Triangle centered on encouraging people to walk, bike and ride transit more often. Its vision is for all members of our community to have access to safe, affordable and sustainable transportation no matter who they are or where they live.

Bike Durham, Triangle Cycling – JMS
Photo by John Michael Simpson

Join Bike Durham at The Daily Beer Bar Road Ride on Wednesdays or the pre-community meeting bike ride at Durty Bull on the fourth Monday of every month. Stick around to grab a pint and learn more about the organization’s work.

For those seeking a more leisurely Triangle cycling experience – with a refreshing reward at the end – the Pony Ride at Ponysaurus Brewing is held on the second Tuesday of every month. Glass Jug Beer Lab hosts Team on Draft Road Cycling, inviting cyclists to embark on longer rides through scenic routes before gathering for post-ride refreshments, on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Triangle-wide Thrills: Mountain Biking and Social Rides

Join more than 5,000 mountain biking and members of the Triangle Off-Road Cyclists, a group that advocates for and improves trails in the Triangle and offers clinics, trail workdays, group rides and races throughout the year. Or, sign up for mountain bike races with Roadless Races, an organization based in Chapel Hill with races all over the Triangle.

Take part in a social ride in Orange, Durham, Wake, Alamance or Chatham counties with the Carolina Tarwheels, a cycling club that’s been growing since 1982. Starting locations vary and include popular jumping-off points like Breakaway Cafe in Chapel Hill and Gold Park in Hillsborough. Scheduled rides vary in length and speed, so there’s something accessible to everyone.

Tarwheels
Photo by John Michael Simpson

From scenic road rides to adrenaline-pumping mountain biking trails, the NC Triangle offers cyclists endless opportunities to explore, connect and thrive. Whether you’re cruising through urban streets or conquering rugged trails, you can unlock a world of adventure and community on two wheels in Wake, Durham, Orange and Chatham counties.

Need more play in your day? Follow us on Instagram or explore our ultimate checklist to see what’s going on in the Triangle!

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