Cycling Clubs: The Heart of the Community – Velodonnas Cycling Club

For decades, the Velodonnas Cycling Club has empowered women to ride, learn, and grow in a supportive community. As Winnipeg’s first all-female cycling club, they focus on skill development, confidence-building, and mentorship. With weekly rides, clinics, and social events, the Velodonnas offer a welcoming space where women of all abilities can connect, challenge themselves, and enjoy the ride together.

Velodonnas Cycling Club Profile

• Established: 2003
• Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba.
• Primary Disciplines: Road, Mountain Bike, Cyclocross, & Gravel
• Club Focus: The Velodonnas Cycling Club is a female-focused community that offers recreational and social rides while fostering a confidence-building environment for women of all skill levels.
• New Rider Support: The Velodonnas host beginner-friendly rides, skill building clinics, and social events for new riders.
• Club Activities: Weekly rides, skill clinics, and social events for female cyclists.
• Current Members: Approximately 120 members
• Website: velodonnas.ca

Velodonnas Cycling Club: Where Women Ride Together

For decades, the Velodonnas Cycling Club has been bringing women together to ride, learn, and grow in a supportive and social environment. As Winnipeg’s first all-female cycling club, the Velodonnas are dedicated to informing, instructing, and inspiring female cyclists of all abilities. More than just a riding group, the club is a space where women gain confidence, develop skills, and build lasting connections—all while having fun.

With a vision of seeing more women take on leadership roles in the cycling community, the Velodonnas focus on mentorship and skill-building. Through weekly rides, clinics, and social events, members challenge themselves, set new goals, and find encouragement in a welcoming group that values progress over competition.

A Club for Every Rider

Whether you’re new to cycling, returning after a break, or looking to challenge yourself, Velodonnas offers a space to grow at your own pace. With about 120 members, the club creates an inclusive environment where women can ride without pressure, build their skills, and enjoy the camaraderie of a like-minded community.

Velodonnas was created to support female cyclists in our community. We invite all women, cisgender or transgender, and non-binary folks comfortable being included under the umbrella term women, to come ride with us.

“You don’t need a fancy bike or special gear,” says the club’s leadership. “If you love to ride and want to improve while being part of a supportive group, Velodonnas is the place for you.”

More Than Just a Ride

While cycling is at the heart of the club, Velodonnas is about shared experiences and personal growth. Weekly rides, skill clinics, and milestone events—like the annual Women’s 100/160 km ride—offer opportunities for members to push their limits and celebrate their progress together.

For many, the long-distance ride is a defining moment. Riders who once doubted their endurance find themselves crossing the finish line with confidence, proving what’s possible with the right support system.

Supporting & Empowering Women

Beyond the bike, Velodonnas is committed to uplifting women in sport and beyond. The club has been involved in initiatives like Girls Run the World camps, helping young girls build confidence through movement. By fostering mentorship, skill-building, and community, Velodonnas empowers women to take on new challenges—whether on two wheels or in life.

A Year-Round Community

Although summer rides are the club’s mainstay, the friendships built through Velodonnas last far beyond the cycling season. Off-season activities like winter training meetups and social gatherings keep members connected, ensuring the community thrives year-round. Whether riding together in the summer or sharing coffee and cross-training in the colder months, Velodonnas is about more than just cycling—it’s about building lasting relationships.

Join the Velodonnas

If you’re looking for a cycling club where you can grow, challenge yourself, and ride with an incredible group of women, Velodonnas is the perfect place to start. New members are always welcome, with beginner-friendly rides and mentorship to help everyone feel comfortable on the road.