Cycling Clubs: The Heart of the Community – Red River Cycling Club
February, 2025
Cycling Clubs: The Heart of Our Community
Cycling clubs are the cornerstone of Manitoba’s cycling community, offering a space for riders to connect, learn, and grow—whether it’s exploring new trails, competing in races, or enjoying the camaraderie of group rides. These clubs foster a sense of belonging, support skill development, and play a vital role in strengthening the sport at all levels. The Manitoba Cycling Association is proud to spotlight the incredible work our clubs do to create vibrant, inclusive cycling communities across the province.
Red River Cycling Club Profile
- Established: Founded in 2002 as the Alter Ego Cycling Club, renamed Red River Cycling Club in 2024.
- Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Primary Disciplines: Road, Kids of Mud
- Club Focus: The RRCC focuses on fun, recreational cycling, and competitive opportunities for all levels.
- Member Benefits: Members enjoy access to weekly rides, events, and a supportive, fun cycling community.
- New Rider Support: The RRCC provides open houses and mentorship to help new riders build confidence and skills.
- Weekly Rides & Events: The RRCC hosts two weekly road rides for adults and two weekly Kids of Mud sessions (during the 8-10 week program), along with annual events like the Ahead by a Century ride.
- Current Members: 139 members currently make up this vibrant club.
- Website: https://redrivercyclingclub.com/
Club Spotlight: Red River Cycling Club
For more than two decades, the Red River Cycling Club (RRCC) has been a cornerstone of Manitoba’s road cycling community. Founded in 2002 as the Alter Ego Cycling Club and rebranded in 2024, the RRCC is known for its fun, recreational, and competitive approach to cycling. Whether you’re an experienced rider or new to group riding, the club offers a welcoming and structured environment to build skills, ride safely, and connect with fellow cyclists.
Group Rides & Paceline Training
At the heart of the RRCC are its weekly group road rides, where members practice riding in a paceline—a technique that allows cyclists to work together efficiently, reducing wind resistance and conserving energy. Riding in a paceline makes long rides more manageable and social, and the RRCC prides itself on helping road cyclists transition into group riding in a safe and structured setting.
To support newer riders, the RRCC hosts two open houses each year, where participants learn about paceline riding in a workshop before heading out for a casual, no-drop group ride. Experienced members mentor new riders, offering guidance on technique, safety, and road etiquette. Cyclists can join at any time, and the club ensures that everyone—whether a beginner or a seasoned rider—feels comfortable on the road.
Kids of Mud & Youth Development
Beyond road cycling, the RRCC is dedicated to youth development through its Kids of Mud program—a grassroots mountain bike program. With two weekly sessions, young riders develop bike handling skills, gain confidence on different terrain, and even get a taste of racing. The program fosters a love for cycling at an early age and serves as a stepping stone for young riders who may wish to continue in the sport.
Signature Events & Community Engagement
The RRCC is more than just a cycling club—it’s a community. The club organizes annual group rides that bring members together for shared experiences on the road:
- Ahead by a Century Ride – A club favorite that, in 2024, saw 44 cyclists take part in a memorable day on the road.
- Terry Fox Foundation Ride of Hope – Co-hosted with Green Route Cycling Club in 2024, this event raised funds and awareness for cancer research.
- Pride Ride – Introduced in 2024, this ride celebrates inclusivity and coincides with the Winnipeg Pride Parade.
Whether it’s supporting a cause or just enjoying a day in the saddle, these events highlight the club’s camaraderie, passion for cycling, and commitment to community involvement.
More Than Just Riding
For the RRCC members, a ride doesn’t end when the wheels stop spinning—post-ride coffee meetups are a club tradition, where cyclists swap stories, reflect on the ride, and build friendships. The club welcomes people from all walks of life, creating an atmosphere that’s fun, unpretentious, and open to all who love road cycling.
Join the Red River Cycling Club!
If you’re looking to improve your riding skills, experience the benefits of group cycling, or just enjoy great company on the road, the Red River Cycling Club is the place for you. To learn more, visit redrivercyclingclub.com and join in on the next ride!