Beach Cities Cycling Club, South Bay
FAQ
Rev 02-19-2026
1) What is the club's Mission Statement?
- Inclusive Ride Organization: Leading various rides tailored to different skill levels, from beginners to advanced cyclists.
- Safety Advocacy: Promoting safe and responsible cycling for both sports and daily transportation.
- Community Building: Creating a social environment for individuals with a shared interest in bicycling.
- Educational Outreach: Sharing knowledge regarding bike maintenance, safety practices, and proper equipment.
- Civic Engagement: Encouraging members to support nonprofit and civic causes related to the cycling community.
2) What type of bicycle club is Beach Cities Cycling Club, South Bay?
- We are a non-competitive social and recreational bicycling club for men and women of all ages and riding abilities who enjoy the camaraderie and safety of riding together.
2) Can I go on a test ride before joining?
- Our insurance requires you to electronically sign a liability release waiver and become a paid member to be covered by our insurance. Since we ride on the public streets, you are welcome to ride with us, but you will not be covered by our insurance.
- After joining the bike club, you have 30 days to decide if the club is a good fit. If not, you can request a full refund of your membership fee.
3) What does a club membership cost and for how long?
- A basic membership is $50 for 12 months with other options available. (Membership Options)
4) What are the benefits that come with a paid membership?
- Access to 13 different rides each week, ranging from slow and casual (L4) to fast and challenging (L1), and two levels in between (L2 & L3).
- Opportunities to socialize and build new connections, meet like-minded people, exchange advice, and enjoy group rides that foster camaraderie and lasting friendships.
- Riding in a group increases your visibility on the road, making you safer than riding alone.
- An experienced Ride Leader who will guide you along the route, assist you with basic type of mechanical issues, such as a flat tire, and make sure you get back safely to the ride starting location.
- $1,000,000 general liability and $10,000 secondary medical insurance for any type of accident that happens while on a club-sponsored and supervised ride.
- A 30-day ride calendar with links to upcoming events. (Ride Calendar)
- A Ride with GPS library with over 500 popular bike routes.
- A weekly newsletter that lists upcoming activities and events, photos of past activities, and other information of interest to our members. (Newsletter)
- Access to our private Facebook, Strava & Ride with GPS account page.
- Social get-togethers with fellow members and an end-of-the-year holiday party where spouses and significant others are welcome to attend.
- Member-only discounts on new bikes and bike accessories at local bike shops.
- Workshops on how to fix a flat tire and basic bike maintenance you can do at home.
- Opportunities to train with other club members for upcoming local 5K, 10K, marathons, and triathlons.
- 5) How fast are your club group rides?
- Rides are typically grouped by pace and distance, ensuring there’s something for everyone—from relaxed social rides to challenging training sessions. The safety of members is the top priority on a club ride! We offer four Ride Levels so you can join a group that matches your pace and comfort:
Level 4 — Easy & Casual: 14–16 MPH
Level 3 — Moderate: 16–18 MPH
Level 2 — Intermediate: 18–20 MPH
Level 1 — Fast & Challenging: 20+ MPH
6) What type of bike do I need?
- We are a “Road Bike” club. A stand road or hybrid style bike is recommended. Those with mountain bikes are welcome, but they will have a harder time keeping up on our urban rides. E-bikes are welcome, but they must be pedaled like a regular bike, and the assist is used only when needed.
7) How big is a typical riding group?
- Most of our group rides have between 10 and 15 riders of similar riding ability.
8) What time and where does the club meet?
- Usually, 8 AM or 9 AM. Please see the Ride Calendar for ride start times and start locations (Ride Calendar)
9) Are e-bikes allowed on club rides?
- The Club allows the use of pedal-assist Class 1, 2 & 3 electric bikes (e.g., E-Bikes) on Level 3 & 4 club rides. Throttle assist power (i.e., not pedaling) on Class 2 E-Bikes is not allowed. E-Bikes are expected to be operated and pedaled in the same manner as a typical manual/human-powered bike. The riding behavior of the E-Bike rider should be indistinguishable from that of a manually propelled bicycle.
10 Do you offer non-biking social events?
- It is common for members to gather after a ride at a local pub or restaurant for socializing and post-ride refreshments.
- We organize “non-biking” social events several times a year, where you’re welcome to bring your spouse or significant other.
11) Does the club offer gravel or mountain bike rides?
- We offer gravel rides on Thursday mornings. You can ride using a standard road bike with wider tires, but a gravel bike is preferred. Our insurance does not permit us to operate any ride with steep or uneven terrain that requires a mountain bike.
12 Where do most of your members live?
- Most of our members live in one of the following South Bay Cities: El Segundo, Gardena, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Lawndale, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling. Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, San Pedro, and Torrance.