Our Favourite Group Rides in Cape Town: Ride Like a Local
Looking for the best cycling group rides in Cape Town? Whether you’re visiting from the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United States, Australia or anywhere else in the world, joining a local bunch ride is one of the best ways to experience Cape Town’s incredible cycling culture.
Cape Town has earned a reputation as one of the world’s greatest cycling destinations. Every year, thousands of cyclists travel here to ride iconic roads like Chapman’s Peak Drive, the Cape Peninsula, Constantia, Boyes Drive and the Cape Winelands. While these legendary routes are reason enough to visit, one of the things that makes cycling in Cape Town so special is its thriving cycling community.
Before sunrise, you’ll find cyclists gathering outside coffee shops, bike stores and clubhouses across the city. Some rides are fast training sessions, others are social coffee rides, but all of them share the same passion for riding some of the most beautiful roads in the world.
As local cyclists and guides at Kaap Tours, these are the group rides we’d recommend to international visitors looking to experience Cape Town like a local.
Please note the days/times of the group rides do change from time to time. Please double check through their social media before showing up.
The Ciovita Wednesday Ride has become one of Cape Town’s most recognisable midweek bunch rides.
Starting from the Ciovita store in Woodstock, riders gather before sunrise for a fast-paced ride through some of Cape Town’s favourite training roads before returning for coffee and conversation.
The ride attracts a broad mix of cyclists, from experienced racers to visiting riders wanting to experience Cape Town’s cycling culture. It’s one of those rides where you’ll often hear conversations in multiple languages, especially during the busy summer months when cyclists from Europe and North America escape their winter for South Africa’s sunshine.
If you’re travelling on your own, this is one of the easiest ways to meet local cyclists and pick up recommendations for routes, cafés and hidden gems.
If we could only recommend one ride to someone visiting Cape Town for the first time, this would probably be it.
The East City Cycles Friday Coffee Ride perfectly reflects what makes Cape Town’s cycling community so welcoming.
Every Friday morning riders meet outside East City Cycles before heading out for a relaxed spin through some of the city’s favourite roads. Unlike some of the harder training rides, the emphasis here is on community. You’ll ride with local cyclists who are always happy to answer questions, recommend routes and share advice on where to ride during your stay.
For anyone visiting Cape Town for a cycling holiday, it’s the perfect introduction to the local cycling scene.
Don’t be surprised if you arrive knowing nobody and leave with invitations to ride again over the weekend.
Cycling is about much more than average speed and power numbers.
The Community Connect × Standert Ride celebrates exactly that.
Created to bring cyclists together through a shared love of riding, these events have quickly become a highlight on Cape Town’s cycling calendar. The emphasis isn’t on who can sprint the fastest or set the highest average speed, but on building a welcoming community where everyone shares the same passion for exploring the city by bike.
You’ll find a diverse mix of riders rolling out together—from experienced racers and bikepackers to creatives, coffee lovers and visitors discovering Cape Town for the first time. The atmosphere is relaxed, inclusive and refreshingly unpretentious.
One of the things that makes these rides so memorable is the people. It’s the sort of ride where conversations start before the first pedal stroke and continue long after the bikes have been leaned against the café wall. For many international visitors, it’s one of the easiest ways to meet like-minded cyclists while experiencing a different side of Cape Town.
If your ideal ride is about discovering great roads, enjoying good company and finishing with exceptional coffee, Community Connect × Standert should be high on your list.
Cape Town’s cycling scene has embraced café culture like few other cities, and nowhere is that more evident than the OSCS × Pas Normal Studios Ride.
Starting from the OSCS Clubhouse, these rides bring together local cyclists, international visitors and riders who appreciate beautifully designed bikes, premium cycling apparel and outstanding coffee.
The atmosphere before the ride is almost as enjoyable as the ride itself. Riders gather outside with espresso in hand, chatting about routes, equipment and travel plans before rolling out together towards some of Cape Town’s most iconic roads.
Depending on the route, you may find yourself cruising along the Atlantic Seaboard, climbing through Constantia, or heading south towards the Cape Peninsula. Whatever the destination, expect spectacular scenery and plenty of opportunities to stop for a photograph.
For many visitors, this ride perfectly captures modern Cape Town cycling—a blend of world-class riding, friendly people and an appreciation for slowing down over breakfast once the kilometres are done.
If you’re staying in Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek or Noordhoek, the rides organised by South Side Cycles are well worth joining.
The Deep South offers a completely different riding experience to the city centre. Roads are generally quieter, the scenery feels more relaxed and the pace of life slows down.
These rides often explore beautiful stretches of coastline along False Bay before heading inland towards Constantia or over the rolling roads of the southern peninsula.
What really stands out is the sense of community. Riders are welcoming, there’s always someone willing to offer route advice, and the post-ride coffee is just as important as the kilometres covered.
If you’re planning to stay in the southern suburbs during your cycling holiday, this is one of the best ways to experience the local scene.
While Cape Town receives most of the attention, many locals will tell you that some of the finest road cycling in South Africa is found just 45 minutes away in Stellenbosch.
Surrounded by vineyards, mountain passes and quiet country roads, Stellenbosch has become a training ground for everyone from weekend enthusiasts to professional cyclists.
The Flandria Group Ride is one of the area’s best-known rides and offers visitors the chance to experience this incredible cycling region alongside passionate local riders.
Expect smooth roads, beautiful scenery and plenty of climbing as the group winds its way through wine farms and mountain valleys. Depending on the route, you may tackle famous climbs before rolling back into town for a well-earned breakfast and coffee.
If your cycling holiday includes a few days in the Cape Winelands, timing your visit to coincide with this ride is highly recommended. Not only will you enjoy some of South Africa’s best road cycling, but you’ll also experience the warm hospitality that has made Stellenbosch a favourite destination for cyclists from around the world.
Cape Town’s cycling community is incredibly welcoming, but a little preparation will help you get the most from your experience.
Not every bunch ride is raced at full speed. Some are social coffee rides, while others are genuine training sessions with experienced cyclists. If you’re unsure, contact the organiser beforehand or ask someone at your local bike shop what to expect.
Getting there 10 to 15 minutes before the advertised start gives you time to introduce yourself, meet the ride leaders and settle in before the group rolls out.
Mention that you’re visiting from overseas—Cape Town cyclists are usually more than happy to offer route suggestions, café recommendations and advice for the rest of your stay.
Good bunch etiquette is the same almost anywhere in the world.
Hold a straight line, avoid sudden braking, point out potholes and communicate clearly with the riders around you. If you’re new to group riding, don’t be afraid to sit towards the back of the bunch until you feel comfortable.
Always take:
Cape Town’s rides often cover long distances, and while there are plenty of great cafés, it’s always best to be prepared.
Cape Town’s weather can change quickly. A calm morning can turn into a strong south-easterly by lunchtime, and summer temperatures can climb rapidly.
Carry a lightweight wind jacket, sunscreen and enough fluids, especially if you’re planning a longer ride around the Peninsula or through the Winelands.
Joining a local group ride is one of the best ways to experience Cape Town, but sometimes the most memorable rides are the ones that aren’t advertised.
At Kaap Tours, we specialise in guided cycling experiences designed specifically for international visitors. Whether you’re looking for a spectacular day ride around the Cape Peninsula, a relaxed ride through the Constantia vineyards, or a multi-day cycling adventure across the Western Cape, we’ll tailor every ride to your experience, fitness and goals.
Our guides know where to find the quiet roads, the best coffee stops, the hidden viewpoints and the routes that most visitors never discover on their own. We also help with bike hire, logistics and route planning, making your cycling holiday as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Many of our guests begin their trip with a guided ride before joining one of Cape Town’s local bunch rides later in the week. It’s the perfect way to build confidence, learn the roads and get insider knowledge from riders who call Cape Town home.
There’s something special about rolling out before sunrise with a group of cyclists, watching Table Mountain glow in the morning light and finishing the ride over coffee while swapping stories with people from around the world.
That’s what makes Cape Town’s cycling scene so memorable.
Whether you’re here to conquer Chapman’s Peak, explore the Cape Winelands or simply enjoy a week of riding in the sunshine, joining a local group ride is one of the best ways to experience the city beyond the guidebooks.
And if you’d like to discover the very best of Cape Town with a local guide, we’d love to welcome you on a Kaap Tours cycling adventure. From unforgettable day rides to fully supported multi-day tours, we’ll help you experience why Cape Town is considered one of the world’s greatest cycling destinations.