Road Biking

Shifting Gears provides a inclusive and informative environment for new riders to feel comfortable riding bikes on the roads of Whatcom County. We are here to adventure together, work through challenges, and celebrate each and every one of us for taking a chance to set out on an adventure together.

When

Join us once a month throughout the summer as we explore the roads of Whatcom County! On Saturday or Sunday, we’ll leave Bellingham early (around 9am) and be back in the evening (around 5pm).

Our rides are rain or shine, but we will cancel them if the conditions are unsafe.

Who

Our road rides are open to all women! We will offer a variety of rides that adhere to all abilities and comfort levels. Each ride will include 12 participants, a Road Ride Leader and Support. These are no-drop rides, so there will always be someone there to provide you with directions, mechanical help, fuel, emotional support, and more!

Where

Each month will vary in skill level, with each month getting progressively longer or adding more elevation. Depending on the month, the rides are generally between 20-40 miles with elevation change. We spend all day at a casual pace, taking breaks when needed, stopping to explore the sights, and having fun on our bikes.

Cost

Shifting Gears provides a tiered registration system to ensure accessibility for everyone, regardless of financial status. We encourage you to choose the registration tier that best fits your budget. Your fees help cover essential logistics, experienced trip leaders, permit fees, and transportation costs.

FAQs

Participants must bring a gravel or road bike, helmet, bottle of water, snacks/lunch, and clothing they feel comfortable biking in. You’ll receive an extensive list upon registration.
Our beginner road rides offer the ideal introduction to road cycling for those seeking leisurely adventures or starting their journey in the sport. Traverse gentle terrain on well-maintained roads, filled with breaks for snacks/water and questions. Before setting off, we dedicate extra time to cover road cycling fundamentals, ensuring everyone feels confident and prepared. Regardless of your experience level, our rides foster a warm and supportive atmosphere where riders can learn, grow, and forge lasting connections with fellow cyclists.
Join our intermediate group rides, spanning 30-40 miles with elevation changes of 500-900 feet, all at a steady pace. These rides offer a balanced mix of rolling hills and moderate climbs, set against scenic routes with well-paved roads and occasional traffic. Perfect for riders comfortable with longer rides, our intermediate rides typically last all day, allowing plenty of time for breaks to refuel, take in the sights, and enjoy the journey.
Our advanced group rides welcome seasoned cyclists and those eager for a challenge, offering diverse terrain and a moderate pace. With routes spanning 30-45 miles and elevation changes from 1000 to 2000 feet, expect rewarding climbs and fun descents. We prioritize inclusivity and self-care, ensuring plenty of breaks for snacks, hydration, and soaking in the sights. Whether you're a seasoned rider or venturing into more challenging terrain, join us for one of our more advanced road rides!
Pre-registration is required to ensure that we stay within our group capacity. Registration for each ride opens one month in advance and can be found below.
Full Refund Deadline: Participants are eligible for a full refund if they cancel their registration up to one week before the program start date.
Partial Refund Option: After the full refund deadline, participants may cancel their registration up to 48 hours before the program begins and receive a partial refund. The partial refund will cover a portion of the registration fee, determined by our administration.
No Refunds Close to Start Date: No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 48 hours of the program start date. This policy helps us ensure adequate preparation and resources for the program.
If you need to cancel your registration or have questions about our cancellation policy, please don't hesitate to contact us. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.