Cycling in the
  greater Oshkosh area...

Local Group Rides

Ride Descriptions

Important Note: All group rides listed are open to the public. You do not need to be a member of the club to participate. No organization supports these rides. Everyone is welcome! Everyone rides at their own risk. Please ride safely, and wear a helmet. See the table below for suggested ride start times (based upon the time of year). We also have a list of rides outside of Oshkosh in the greater fox cities. See below.


Mon. Rec.Mon. TTTues. LadiesTues.Wed.Thur. Mix UpSat.Sun.

Ride Start TimesOther Fox Cities Rides

Monday Recreational Ride

This ride starts at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church lot (Corner of West Haven & 9th Ave.). The ride is typically about 20. The pace is about 10 to 14 MPH (No-Drop-Ride). It's a relaxing non-competitive ride & ideal for new riders! It's for everyone! All you need is a helmet, a reliable bike, and a desire to ride. Everyone is welcome! Experienced riders are encouraged to come to support new riders to our sport. See suggested ride start times (based upon the time of year).

Monday Night Time Trials

See the Time Trial page for specifics.

Tuesday Ladies Trail Ride

Continuing in 2009 A casual Tuesday night Ladies ride has formed. If you're interested in a sixteen to twenty mile no-drop ride, this might be for you. In the past the rides have started at 5:30 PM (not 6 PM) at the Wiouwash trail head near Fratello's. A group of twelve to fifteen people are consistently showing. Following the ride, the group has enjoyed wine and conversation. As the start location has been somewhat flexible, please contact Carol at the Oshkosh Cyclery (231-2211) if you are interested in joining the ride.

Tuesday Ride

For 2009, the Oshkosh Cycling Club is restarting the Tuesday night ride -- but this year with a different, more structured approach. The ride starts at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Lot at 9th & Westhaven.

It is not a "no drop" ride, but it will be geared towards keeping the group together. After all, that's why it's called a "group ride." We will focus on building riding skills and fitness incorporating different focuses throughout the season -- group etiquette, riding "smart", pace-lining, etc. We'll even try to work in some interval workouts.

This is not a casual ride, but it won't be a race either.

The idea of keeping the group together allows us to vary the routes from week to week without getting people lost. We don't need maps, or known routes, we can just wing it. This ride will be a chance experience the beautiful roads in the greater Oshkosh area.

If the group gets too large to manage, we will split into multiple groups and have a group leader for each group. The group leader role is to make sure the group rides at a smooth pace, keeps weaker riders protected, monitors who is getting left behind and makes sure everyone know where they are going. Ride rules include:

  • The ride will average 18 to 22 mph. But, if done right, someone who typically rides a little slower could easily manage the pace. The pace will be dictated by who shows up and what the plan for the night is.
  • We will ride as a GROUP -- typically in a 2x2 formation that is tight. This helps form a better draft pocket for the riders behind you.
  • It is NOT a "go out and hammer to show everyone how fast you can go up the hill" ride. If you chose to attack the group, you will be on your own. You can do that at any of the other race pace group rides in the area.
  • There will not be any sprints from the stop signs and we will regroup after intersections or hills if anyone gets separated.
  • Before the ride leaves, a leader is established that suggests the route and keeps the ride in order. There can be a different leader each night as there will hopefully be some "regulars" that show each week.

If this sounds good to you then come on out and join us for a Training Ride. suggested ride start times (based upon the time of year).

Wednesday Ride

Meet at Wheel & Sprocket's back parking lot. This ride tends to break into three groups: Fast (21+ mph), Medium (17-19 mph), & no-drop. Generally, the ride uses the same route every week (the Clairville Route). If dropped, hook up with group behind you. Wheel & Sprocket is located on Washburn Rd. between 9th and 20th. See suggested ride start times (based upon the time of year).

From Wheel and Sprocket: As you know, the Wednesday night ride from Wheel & Sprocket is meant to have a friendly and encouraging atmosphere for riders of all abilities. In the interest of preserving this friendly nature, a new rule will be observed: Pace will remain under 18 mph until Highway 44 on Clairville is crossed. After this point, feel free to slowly speed up the pace. We encourage everyone to help each other to do their best and make this the best week night ride out there. Thanks much, and enjoy the ride.

Also from Wheel and Sprocket, on the first Wednesday night of the Month, following the ride Wheel and Sprocket will be serving burgers and salad.

Thursday - New Road Rider "Mix Up" Night

This Group Ride is Specifically Dedicated to the Support and Development of New Road Riders and Continuing in 2009. This ride starts at Oshkosh Cyclery. Anyone who has thought about road riding in a group should feel welcome at the Thursday night new road rider night. We know that a large group a spandex-clad cyclist can be intimidating to new riders. A little bit of knowledge will help you gain the confidence you need. Come on Thursday nights to learn how to ride safely and efficiently in a group. This is a no-drop ride with the slower group going around 10 mph and the faster group going up to 15 mph.

This is a ride for new riders to learn to become safe and effective riders enter our sport, but also so that our sport can safely and successfully move forward, survive, and grow.

Experienced Road riders interested in passing on their knowledge, experience, and skills to new road riders are asked to join the ride. The focus of the ride will be on teaching new road riders how to safely and effectively ride and train in a group road bike ride. As these new riders develop in the sport they will be able to teach other new riders what they have learned. This process will help to maintain the long-term vitality of our sport. Road Riders who are interested in teaching new riders please contact Brian Kienert or just show up on Thursdays through the summer. See suggested ride start times (based upon the time of year).

Monthly Thursday Ice Cream Ride

This ride is a once a month (every 3rd Thursday) ride specifically for families and will focus on safety and fun. The ride will leave from the back parking lot at Wheel and Sprocket at 6 PM, go to the A&W (for a free small ice cream cone) and return. The total ride length is about one mile.

Monthly Saturday Mountain Bike Ride

This is a fully-supported ride picking a different location each month. Every second Saturday of the month from 10 AM to 2 PM, Wheel and Sprocket will be providing tech support along with a simple lunch of sandwiches. The goal of this ride is to have fun in a non-competitive mountain biking environment. Contact Wheel and Sprocket for location details. See calendar monthly locations.

Saturday Morning Ride

Updated July 13, 2009. 9:00 AM - Oakwood School (Oakwood and Omro). 8:00 AM - Church Lot (Westhaven & 9th). A moderate paced ride (16 to 18 MPH on road bike) geared towards endurance. Distance - about 40 miles in Spring, then gets a bit longer each week. The route is based on the wind. People that don't have time to ride long are encouraged to join in for as long as they can.

Sunday Morning Ride

Updated July 13, 2009. 8:00 AM 9:00 AM - Oakwood School (Oakwood rd. & Old Omro Rd). The route tends to be based on the wind. The distance tends to about 40 miles. It's a laid back conversational paced ride (about 16ish MPH on a road bike). Sometimes riders stop for breakfast on the way back.

Suggested Ride Start Times

Below are suggested ride times based upon the time of the year and the amount of sunset. The schedule is only a suggestion but is intended to give people a 2 hour window and to keep you safe. The latest sunset days of the year in Oshkosh are from June 22 - June 29 when sunset comes at 8:41 PM.

Table updated 9/3/2009

Dates - Evening Rides Suggested Start
April 1st to April 20th 5:30 PM
April 21st to September 6th, 2009 6:00 PM
After September 6th, 2009 5:30 PM

Other Local Rides

Beyond the rides in Oshkosh, here's a list of rides in the greater Fox Cities area. They are organized by the day of the week. Note: See the Fox Cities Tri Club forum for the Group Ride Clearinghouse post.

Oshkosh Cycling Club does not sponsor any group bike rides or events and is not responsible for any harm, injury or damage to person(s) or property that may occur during any such group bike rides or events. Anyone taking part in such group bike rides or events thereby waive, release and dismiss all claims from damages and personal injury which may incur before, during or after the above named group bike rides or events, against any and all Oshkosh Cycling Club officers and members.

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Page last updated on 2010-03-11.