Your first ride
Hey sis! New to Black Women on Wheels? Don’t sweat it! Your ride with us is more than just hopping on a bike - it’s a whole vibe. This page is your go-to-guide for all you need to know about your first ride. Whether you’re nervous, excited, or a bit of both, we’re here to make sure you're confident and connected from the start. So we’ll spill the tea on our ride levels, what to pack (and what to leave at home), who you might meet and how to get those good vibes flowing. Let’s get this ride started!
How to book?
All our rides are available to book on Eventbrite. Just head to our page, choose your ride level, and secure your spot. Spaces fill up fast — so if something catches your eye, don’t wait too long to book!
After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with everything you need to know, including the meet-up point and ride details. You’ll also get access to our WhatsApp community — a space to connect, ask questions, and get hyped before the big day.
What to expect?
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be welcomed into a warm, supportive space where you can be yourself. We start each ride with a quick briefing, a few good laughs, and a check-in to make sure everyone’s feeling ready. No pressure, no competition — just community, joy, and movement.
We’re punctual queens, so our rides start and finish on time — we respect your schedule and want to make the most of our time together. And if the weather’s on our side, expect picnic vibes mid-ride: think snacks, sunshine, and good convo. If not, we’ll find a cosy café instead.
Can’t make the starting line? No stress — Komoot is our backup! You can track the route and catch up with us through the app if you’re running late. Meet-up details will always be in your confirmation email, so keep an eye out before your ride.
Ride Levels
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, we’ve designed ride levels to suit every member of our community. Our cycle club isn’t just about biking - it’s a celebration of strength, endurance, and sisterhood on two wheels. Explore our tailored ride levels below and find the perfect match for your pace and ambitions:
Brave Rides aka Beginner Rides (up to 10 miles): New to the cycling game, sis? No worries! Our Brave Rides are all about taking that first pedal. These are gentle routes, perfect for getting comfy on two wheels. We’ll stick to mostly flat paths, so you can focus on finding your flow and making new cycling buddies. You’ve got this!
Warmer Rides aka Intermediate Rides (10+ to 22 miles): Feeling a little more confident? Ready to turn up the heat? Our Warmer Rides are a step up with more challenging distances and speeds for those who have mastered the basics. Expect a few hills to get your heart pumping, but we’ll still keep the pace chill so you can enjoy the journey and the company. Rental bikes aren’t suitable for Warmer Rides.
Olympic Rides aka Intermediate Rides (22+ to 34 miles): Our Olympic Rides are for the true cycling warriors, the ones who never back down from a challenge. They’re intense rides designed for experienced cyclists aiming to push their limits. It’s not for the faint of heart, but the feeling of accomplishment at the finish line? Pure magic.
Willpower Rides aka Advanced Rides (35+ miles)
So, What’s the Vibe Like?
We’re punctual queens: We value your time, queen, so we’ll start on time, finish on time, and have a blast in between.
Picnic vibes (weather permitting): If the sun’s shining, we stop for a cute little picnic break. If it’s not, we’re finding a cafe. Think snacks, laughs, and good vibes.
Komoot is our backup: Life happens, girl. TFL be TFL-ing. If you miss the starting line, catch up with us on Komoot app.
Meetup point: We’ll send the meet-up deets in your confirmation email.
We love a good photo op: We’ll be snapping pics and videos for our socials. Let us know if you want to stay off-camera, no problem!
Your safety is our priority: Ride at your own pace and risk, follow the rules of the road, and most importantly, have fun!
We ride together: On each ride, we adapt our pace to that of our slowest rider so no one gets left behind. We usually have a back ride lead so no one rides alone.
Join the chat: After booking a ride, join our WhatsApp community and introduce yourself. It’s a fun space for laughter, connection and asking questions.
What to Bring?
Helmet: We know finding a helmet that fits big hair can be tough, but we value your safety so make sure you wear one.
Bike: Bring whatever bike you have. It can be your personal bike, Santandar or Lime bike, a road bike, a hybrid bike, or a mountain bike. If a ride requires a specific type of bike, we will mention it in the ride details.
Water: Girl! Cycling is thirsty work and we stay hydrated and fresh.
Suitable clothing for the weather: Wear whatever you want that makes you comfy; that can be casual wear, sportswear or cycling kit. The one rule is to dress appropriately for the weather.
Inner tubes and bike tools: Punctures do happen so bring inner tubes, tyre levels, a hand pump and a multi-tool, just in case. Someone in the crew is always happy to lend a hand if you need it.
Speakers: If you got them, bring the vibes. We love a party on bikes.
Who Can Roll With Us?
BWOW is a space for Black/Mixed Race cis and trans women of Black African and/or Caribbean descent. We’re creating a community of shared experiences, so come as you are and let’s ride!
Black Girls Rollin’
Get the inside scoop from three amazing Black women who’ve found a love of cycling with us. They share their personal journeys, the joy of finding their crew, and why our rides are more than just exercise - they’re a whole vibe. So sit back, get inspired, and see why you belong here with us.
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Iyabo
Ride participant
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Ayo
Ride participant
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Makeda
Ride participant
BWOW RIDES IN PICTURES
Own it
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Encouragement
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Confidence
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Have fun
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Empowerment
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Own it • Encouragement • Confidence • Have fun • Empowerment •