How to Join a Cycling Club

Ready to Ride with a Bike Club?

Whether you’re new to road cycling or already logging miles, joining a bike club brings camaraderie, structured training and new routes. Germany is home to hundreds of clubs, offering a range of rides from relaxed Sunday spins to fast-paced race groups. Here’s how to find the right club, pick your first ride and arrive prepared.

Why Join a Bike Club?

• Community & Motivation: Ride with partners who push you and banish solo boredom.
• Safety: Group visibility, drafting benefits and on-ride support reduce risk.
• Structured Training: Regular rides at set speeds and terrain profiles accelerate your progress.
• Events & RTFs: Many clubs organise or participate in sportives, time trials and races.
• Elevate Your Rides: Riding in a group brings many elements that enhance your riding experience, such as drafting, chatting and help with punctures!

Finding the Right Club

Most German road-cycling clubs are affiliated with the Bund Deutscher Radfahrer (BDR). You can locate clubs via:

• BDR Club Directory: Search by postal code or federal state.
• ADFC Local Chapters: Mixed-pace and leisure rides (e.g. ADFC Berlin, ADFC Munich).
• Local Bike Shops: Noticeboards often list club meet-ups.
• Online Platforms: Most clubs maintain active Instagram accounts, as well as groups on Meetup or Facebook like “Berlin Road Riders” or “Cologne Cycling Crew.”

Where to Find Routes

• Club Socials & Website: Most clubs want to get people involved and their members informed, so publish regular and planned routes regularly.
• Strava Local: Discover popular club and community rides nearby.
• RTF Calendars on rad-net.de: Official “Radtouristikfahrten” with distance and elevation profiles.
• Komoot & Outdooractive: Pre-mapped regional tours shown with GPX download.

Choosing Your First Group Ride

• Distance & Pace: Check the average speed (e.g. 25 km/h) and total kilometres in the ride description
• Elevation: Flat, rolling or hilly—look at total ascent figures.
• Skill Level: Beginner or “touring” groups vs. fastpaced or race squads.
• Start Time & Location: Arrive at least 15 mins early!

NOTE: When riding in a group, drafting means you go faster (about +5km/h) and can go further (about 20km) than on solo-rides. However, best to go safe on your first ride and select one that you know you can achieve!

What to Bring on Your First Ride

• Bike: Check brakes, chain and tyres (including pressure) before riding.
• Safety Gear: Helmet is a must and lights might be needed for evening rides.
• Repair Kit: Mini-pump, spare tube, tyre levers and a multitool.
• Food & Drink: Two water bottles plus energy bars or gels.
• Personal Items: ID, cash and phone.
• Clothing: Weather-appropriate cycling kit and a lightweight rain jacket.

Membership Fees & Participation Costs

Annual club dues typically range from €50 - €100. Benefits often include:

• Liability and accident insurance via the BDR
• Discounts on event entries and partner shop purchases
• Access to club jerseys or reduced-price team kit

If you’re not yet a member, single-ride contributions usually run €5 to €15.

Group Etiquette & Safety

• Hand Signals: Make sure you know which the group use before setting off!
• Formation: Two-up riding in good weather; single file for oncoming traffic.
• Communication: Greet your group, announce pace changes and pull-offs.
• Rider distance: Match the wheel distance of others and don't cross wheels!

NOTE: Hand signals vary for different groups but the basics are universal. Make sure you know them and use them for others!

There are lots of videos to teach hand signals and here are a couple:

 German: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuhJhgK7WHk

 English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J--eDCGzWKg

Your Next Step

Search for a local club, RSVP to an entry-level ride, and experience the difference. Group cycling speeds up your learning curve, strengthens bonds, and turns every kilometre into an adventure. Welcome to the community—see you on the road!