You are allowed to join us as a guest for your first ride only. After that, we require you to purchase our very affordable membership. All of your money goes to help keep OUTspokin’ operating and performing philanthropy. The club is run entirely by volunteers. Please note: membership in our meetup.com group is not considered membership in OUTspokin’.

No. OUTspokin’s membership is diverse and we offer rides for all fitness levels. If you are just beginning cycling, we recommend joining us on a shorter green ride first. Check the calendar and routes for more information on what rides match your riding ability. Or, if you prefer to meet some of us without our helmets on first, come join us during one of our social events.

Yes. While we recommend starting with a green ride, if you are confident in your riding ability you may join us for any ride that you feel is a good match. If you have any questions about the level of a ride, please contact us.

We ride in many different places in the Denver metro area, as well as in the Boulder area and in the Front Range mountains. New routes and locations are added every year.

Yes! We welcome all straight allies to our club. The more, the merrier! 

No. Many of our members started out riding whatever bike they had, with platform pedals, and in regular clothes. That said, most of us ride road bikes equipped with clipless pedals because they are lightweight and reduce fatigue on longer rides. Padded spandex shorts, though understandably not everyone’s preferred fashion style, become a necessity on longer rides, as well. Whatever equipment you use, please make sure it is safe, reliable, and reasonably comfortable for the distance you plan to ride. You MUST wear a helmet though.

A rider’s safety is always important. If temperatures are forecast to be 40 degrees or colder the ride will be cancelled. The ride will also be cancelled if the pavement is wet due to rain or slick due to freezing temperatures. If in doubt, check the ride on the OUTspokin’ calendar or Meetup page before departing for your ride, or contact the assigned ride leaders listed for the ride. You can also contact us.

No. Our posted rides are for fun and fitness. We sign up as a team for philanthropy rides, as well as other non-competitive rides in the region. 

No. Charity rides are optional. That said, “philanthropy by bicycle” is part of our club mission, and many of our members choose to join in the fundraising efforts for great causes such as diabetes (Tour de Cure), multiple sclerosis (Bike MS), and the Children’s Hospital (Courage Classic). These events provide a great way for riders to set a goal to work towards during the season, and are fun events for group members to ride together. Other philanthropic activities we have participated in include volunteering at aid stations and food drives.

Although we might ride at different speeds, we regroup frequently on green rides. In general, we regroup less frequently on blue rides. On black rides, you are usually expected to keep up or know the way well enough to ride without others. That said, if you’re having problems, we always try to help out our club mates. Remember, pick a ride that matches your current ability!

Riders are responsible for their own safety and well-being. Please do not rely on other people’s supplies. Be prepared and bring a safe bike, helmet (required!), plenty of water, cycling-friendly food, spare tube, tire levers, pump/CO2 cartridge, and cell phone. For more information, check the rider responsibilities. 

While every rider is fully responsible for their own safety on the road, cyclists often make courtesy warnings to each other during rides. Riders often call “car back!” when they hear a car coming from behind. They will also point to obstacles on the road as they pass them (rocks, sand, sticks, potholes, glass, etc.). If you hear or see such a warning, heed it and pass it on to the next rider in front or behind you. 

No sign up is required. Just show up! Make sure you get there at least 15 minutes before the ride starts so that you can sign the waiver and be ready to ride at the posted time.

We offer social events throughout the season. Our season kick-off party, occasional post-ride BBQs, ice cream outings, and other get-togethers are great ways to meet your fellow riders and actually learn to recognize them without helmets and sunglasses to disguise them! In the summer, we ride our decorated bikes gayly down Colfax Avenue during the Pride Parade! More information can be found on the calendar as well as in our e-mail newsletter.