Come Get Dirty With Us

Every Saturday at 7:30am

GROUP RIDES STARTING MARCH 15, 2025

Until then, check out the Event Calendar further down the page for impromptu rides and other great events!

Every ride will start and end at the Rats Cycles shop.

The shop will be open to group riders for bathroom breaks, refueling, rehydrating, and quick repairs. 

Starbucks is next door for professional coffee.

The 4 main takeaways are:

  1. ALL RIDES WILL START AND END AT THE RATS CYCLES SHOP
  2. Group Rides are held EVERY SATURDAY from March thru November
  3. This is a GRAVEL ride covering 18 miles of mixed trails. We have 2 ride leaders so you won't get lost or left behind. We HIGHLY recommend riding a proper gravel bike for this route, but we won't turn anyone away if they are riding something else.
  4. Group leaves the shop at 7:30am

Further down you will find the routes, maps, and FAQs.

Downloadable route maps can be found below.

We hope to add a ROAD and MTB group ride this year to our lineup. If you are interested in leading one or simply want people to join your normal ride, let us know and we can add it to our event calendar.

While you no longer have to register to ride, you MUST sign the liability waiver.

Liability Waiver

You MUST review and sign the liability waiver before participating in any Rats Cycles Group Rides or Events.

Liability Waiver

Routes

  • 18 Mile Gravel

    18 miles of crushed gravel, muddy singletrack, and paved surfaces. Starting and ending at the shop.

    STRAVA 

  • 23 Mile Road

    Nice steady loop with a drop to the Occoquan and a climb back out. Almost all bike paths except for a few segments through some neighborhoods.

    STRAVA 

Alternative DIY Routes

  • 13 Mile Road

    Easy does it on this loop. Almost all of it is on bike paths except for a couple of miles through neighborhoods on quiet streets.

    STRAVA 

  • Mason Neck

    This is a very enjoyable route starting at the Museum of the US Army. Park in their lot and ride out to the water in Mason Neck Park. This is a perfect ride for roadies and casual riders alike. There is a 2 mile section on open road, but the locals are mostly used to bikers.

    STRAVA 

  • 35 Mile Gravel

    While you are never more that 6 miles from the shop, this route uses creativity and adventure to rack up the miles.

    STRAVA 

Events Calendar

Rats sponsored and managed events are marked with an RC in the title.

Other events are also listed that we feel would suit the interests of our customers.

Group Ride FAQs

I'm new to riding. Is this group ride thing for me?

Absolutely!! Riding alone is EXTREMELY BORING! Group rides are a great way to meet wonderful people, push yourself more than if you were alone, and is great fun!

Where do you meet?

All rides start and end at the shop.

When are the rides?

Every Saturday morning from March 15th - Nov 15th at 7:30am.

How do to participate?

Sign the waiver and show up! That's it!

What kind of bike do I need?

We HIGHLY recommend a gravel bike for the Saturday ride. While a hard-tail mountain bike or eMTB can work, you may find you struggle to keep pace due to the gearing. We strongly do not recommend a full-suspension MTB. You'll simply suffer due to sag, gearing, and tire resistance. That's simply our recommendations, though. You do you!

For all other road and bike trail routes, anything goes. Only you know your level of fitness and abilities, so plan accordingly.

What routes are available?

The main Saturday ride lead by Rats Cycles' employees or volunteers is a gravel ride covering 16 - 18 miles. A map and downloadable content for Strava and Ride with GPS can be found above in our Routes section.

There are other routes available, but these will be self-directed.

How do I access the liability waiver?

Click Me

Will there be ride leaders?

Yes! We will have 2 ride leaders for the main Saturday group ride. One to lead the pack and another to sweep behind the last rider and ensure no one gets lost.

Can I be a group ride leader for you?

Oh hell YES! We love our volunteer ride leaders. To become a ride leader please call or email the shop with your interest. One of the managers will reach out directly to get you set up.

Group Ride Leaders that volunteer 4 times in a year will receive the following benefits:

1. Your choice of Rats shirt.

2. Cost + 20% on all products (yes, including bikes) and special orders. You may have to pay shipping. Service is excluded.

Will you be remind me every week there is a group ride?

Last year we sent out an email at the beginning of the season and occasionally on social media. This year we'll probably post to social media weekly, but you will not receive an email more than 3x a year about the rides - start of the season, mid-season, and near the end of the season.

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