What we’re about
OutRiders is a metro DC cycling group for the Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer community and their allies. Rides are primarily in DC, Virginia and Maryland, and they range from 10-20 miles for after work weekday rides to 25-65 miles on weekends, with a variety of rides for various interests and levels of cyclists. OutRiders also organizes LGBTQ+ groups to participate in local and regional cycling events, such as centuries.
OutRiders annual membership is $8, which covers operating expenses such as the monthly Meetup hosting fee. New members receive a 3 month complimentary membership to try out the organization. After that we hope you choose to stick around and continue to cycle with us.
OutRiders Safety and COVID-19 Policy:
All ride leaders and participants on any scheduled OutRiders event must be fully vaccinated and boosted. Furthermore participants understand that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity and agree to accept all responsibilities and to not hold the OutRiders organization, trip leaders, or other members accountable for any injury or illness they might acquire during an event. An RSVP and YES response to the policy adherence question is the participant's digital signature acknowledging that the participant has read, understood and agree with the OutRiders Safety and COVID-19 Policy.
Participation is Easy:
Simply click on the "Join Us" link to let us know of your desire to join OutRiders. You will receive a welcome email, and then you are free to peruse our ride calendar and begin to choose rides that fit your interests and ride level, click the RSVP link, confirm your adherence to OutRiders Safety and COVID-19 Policy, and show up for the ride. If you have ideas for new rides, we welcome ride suggestions as well as additional volunteers to organize and lead rides.
Some Previous Rides:
Cycling Through Virginia Horse Country - This scenic and popular cycling route is only an hour's drive from DC, yet passes through quaint Virginia horse country villages and bucolic countryside. The 37-mile route is mostly rolling hills with a couple of longer climbs.
DC Evening Bike Ride - A summer-long series of casual after-work bike rides that use bike trails, bike lanes and bike-friendly streets in and around DC. Rides ranges in length from 13 to 20 miles with an optional post-ride social dinner at a local restaurant.
Indian Head 100 - Here's an opportunity to do a local century (100 mile ride) in nearby Maryland with a group of LBGTQ cyclists. Join a group of OutRiders for this century hosted by the Oxon Hill Bike Club. The event is well organized with great food, and it's a nice route, and not a far away. What's not to love!
W&OD Trail, Arlington to Herndon - The Washington & Old Dominion Rail-to-Trail is an ideal Sunday morning bike ride. The paved and mostly flat trail provides distance with less hills. The route from Arlington to Herndon and back is 40 miles roundtrip.
50 States Ride - Join OutRiders for WABA's annual 50 States (or 13 Colonies) Ride. This is one of the area's more legendary bike rides that takes riders on all of D.C.'s 50 state-named streets and avenues and is around 64 miles.
In the News:
- Washington Blade, June 7, 2013, New Cycling Club Debuts
- Washington Blade, July 26, 2018, OutRiders Unite Local LGBT Cycling Enthusiasts