“The mission of Soul City Cycling is to promote good health through cycling while fostering diversity, unity, and camaraderie among cyclists within our communities.”
The Jackson Metro Area features several great places to ride and has many standing rides sponsored by various cycling groups.
If you are new to cycling or are unsure of your fitness/skill level, use the recommended categories below to determine which rides to attend.
***Ride categories vary based on terrain and weather conditions.***
Local Rides in Jackson Metro Area
There are many local rides in the Jackson Metro area that riders of all fitness and skill levels can participate in. The best place for a beginning or active cyclist to find rides is through the Facebook community. Numerous local groups provide a tremendous array of listings and ride opportunities with a chance to correspond about place, time, pace and availability. The chief Facebook groups are:
• Madison/Ridgeland Cycling
• Germantown Cycling
• Soul City Cycling Mississippi
• Jackson Metro Cyclists
• Rankin County Riders
• Clinton Cycling
• Vicksburg Bike Recs
PLEASE NOTE: Start times vary with the seasons and the weather, so check the Soul City Cycling, JMC, Madison/Ridgeland Cycling, and Germantown Cycling Facebook pages for weekly updates
WEEKLY RIDES
MONDAY
SCC Monday Encouragement Ride (Weekly)
March 25 @ 5:45 pm
Sunny Orchard Drive
Madison, MS 39110
The encouragement ride is designed to bring all levels of cyclists together to experience the joy of cycling as a community. Soul City Cycling will have support for all riders who need it, and no one will be left behind! Whether fast or slow, road, hybrid or gravel bike, everyone is welcome! Come join the fun, and learn about cycling & Major Taylor in the process!
Ride level – All skill levels
TUESDAY
JMC Club Ride – A (Select) to E (Beginner)
Starting after the time change in March, this local ride leaves at 6pm from the Canton Multi-Purpose Building. This is an out and back route, so feel free to ride at a pace that is safe and comfortable for you. This route doesn't have a lot of traffic, so it's a great place to learn how to ride in a group.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31512755
Make sure to bring a chair and hang out after the ride.
This local ride is well attended and is a good fun ride. The route is approximately 22 miles in length with an elevation gain of 660 feet.
Check the JMC, Madison/Ridgeland, & Germantown Cycling Facebook pages for weekly updates.
Thursday
Soulshine Ride – A (Racer) to C (Avid)
Starting in late March, this local ride leaves at 6pm from behind the Soulshine Pizza Factory in Ridgeland. This 19 mile route has an elevation gain of 798 feet and has several sharp challenging hills. It should be noted that this route travels on Hwy 463 for approximately ¼ of a mile. This ride typically breaks up into multiple groups. While the slower groups may regroup, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the route beforehand. Here is a link to the route.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44590897
Bicycle Revolution Encouragement Ride – E (Beginner)
Starting, March 17th, Bicycle Revolution will host their Encouragement Ride. This beginner ride is a 17 mile no drop ride and will have a sweeper. The ride leaves the shop at 6:00pm.
Contact Bicycle Revolution at 769.300.4721 for more information.
Saturday
Start Location Varies – B (Very Fast) to D (Intermediate)
The Saturday ride typically has two routes that are typically 30 and 45 miles. The shorter route is a modified “no rider left behind” ride where riders regroup. The average pace is 15-21 mph with stops predetermined. To keep things fresh, we vary the routes week to week, so keep an eye open for the posts on the JMC, Soul City Cycling, Madison/Ridgeland Cycling, and Germantown Cycling Facebook pages for ride details.
Make sure to bring a chair and hang out after the ride.
Sunday
JMC Hwy43 Trailhead Ride – B (Very Fast) to E (Beginner)
The Sunday ride typically is 28 miles. “No rider left behind” ride where riders regroup. The average pace is 15-21 mph with a stop at Rattliff Fery Store. Keep an eye open for the posts on the JMC, Soul City Cycling, Madison/Ridgeland Cycling, and Germantown Cycling Facebook pages for ride details.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41150902