Sunday Group Rides in the San Fernando Valley
The San Fernando Valley gets a bad reputation from people who have never explored it on two wheels. Once you get past the stereotypes about strip malls and traffic, the Valley reveals itself as one of the best cycling playgrounds in Los Angeles. Wide residential streets, direct access to the Santa Monica Mountains, and a growing community of dedicated riders make it a prime spot for group riding — especially on Sunday mornings.
The Encino Coffee Ride
This is the Valley's most approachable group ride. Rolling out from a coffee shop on Ventura Boulevard, the Encino Coffee Ride draws a mix of road cyclists, gravel riders, and e-bikers who cruise through Encino, Tarzana, and Woodland Hills at a conversational pace. The route is typically 25 to 30 miles with a stop for coffee or pastries at the turnaround. It is no-drop, meaning nobody gets left behind, and the atmosphere is welcoming to newcomers.
The ride usually heads up Balboa Boulevard or through the residential streets south of Ventura before connecting to the bike paths near the LA River. The terrain is mostly flat with a few rolling sections, making it perfect for riders building their fitness or socializing after a long week. Show up at 8am with a filled water bottle and a smile and you will fit right in.
Mulholland Training Ride
For riders who want more intensity, the Mulholland Training Ride is the Valley's answer to the Donut Ride. Groups of fifteen to thirty riders tackle Mulholland Drive from either the Sepulveda Pass or the Encino side, attacking the climbs and regrouping at the top. The pace is brisk — expect average speeds of 20 mph or more on the flat sections and a competitive atmosphere on the climbs.
This ride is best suited for intermediate to advanced riders who are comfortable riding in a fast paceline. The climbs filter the group naturally, so you will find yourself among riders of similar ability. The descents can be fast, so confident bike handling is important. The reward is one of the best views in LA from the top of Mulholland, and the satisfaction of keeping up with a strong group.
The Chandler Bikeway Social Roll
Starting near the NoHo Arts District, this casual group ride follows the Chandler Bikeway through North Hollywood and Burbank before looping back through residential neighborhoods. The pace is mellow — think 12 to 15 mph — and the vibe is more social club than training squad. Riders of all types are welcome, from fixie riders to e-bikers to parents with kids in trail-a-bikes.
The flat terrain and off-street path make this ride ideal for new cyclists who are not yet comfortable in traffic. The ride typically covers 15 to 20 miles and finishes with a stop at a local brewery or taco spot. It is the kind of ride where you make friends, and several regulars have found training partners and riding buddies through the weekly meetup.
Griffith Park Dawn Patrol
For the early risers, the Griffith Park Dawn Patrol rolls out at 6:30am from the Crystal Springs Drive entrance. The group loops through the park on the quiet roads before traffic builds, often including a climb up to the Observatory or a lap of the full park road network. The early start means cool temperatures and empty roads — two things that are hard to find in LA once the day gets going.
The pace varies by the group that shows up, but there is usually a fast contingent and a moderate contingent that split at the first climb and regroup at the top. The park roads are smooth and well-maintained, and the scenery — with views of the Hollywood sign, downtown skyline, and surrounding mountains — never gets old.
How to Join a Valley Group Ride
Most Valley group rides are organized through Instagram, local bike shop bulletin boards, and cycling club websites. The Valley Bike Coalition maintains a calendar of rides and events. Strava clubs like SFV Cyclists and Valley Velo post ride details regularly.
Show up a few minutes early, introduce yourself, and let the ride leader know if it is your first time. Bring everything you need for the ride distance — water, food, tools, spare tube — and be prepared to follow the group's pace. Every group ride has its own culture and unwritten rules, and the fastest way to learn them is to show up and participate.
The San Fernando Valley cycling community is strong and getting stronger. Every Sunday morning, hundreds of riders prove that this part of LA is not just for cars. Join them.
Get ride-ready with bikes and gear from mybike.la — serving Valley cyclists.