Get active in the Birmingham cycling community this spring—trails, group rides + more
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The beautiful Birmingham spring weather is here to stay, and if you’ve been thinking about bringing your bike back from retirement, here’s your sign.
Keep scrolling for where to ride, groups to join and more across The Magic City.
Where to ride your bike in Birmingham
1. Trussville City Park
Single- and double-track trails bring you through the city of Trussville, and even a section along the gorgeous Cahaba River.
- Best for: More advanced riders will love the technical trails full of hills + sharp turns.
- Location: Trussville, AL 35173
2. Shades Creek Greenway
Shades Valley Greenway is one of my favorite spots to get outside around Bham. This 5.1-mile paved trail takes you across Lakeshore Drive in Homewood. Sections of it are shaded with trees, and it’s open year-round!
- Best for: Those looking to commune with nature + enjoy the peaceful sounds of Shades Creek
- Location: Homewood, AL 35209
3. Tannehill Ironworks State Park
Tannehill Ironworks State Park has 16+ miles that run along historic paths and paved roads, making it a perfect trail to explore Roupes Creek in McCalla.
The park’s campground provides both RV and tent camping options, for those of you seeking an overnight camping experience.
- Best for: Bikers who want to stay a little longer.
- Location: 12632 Confederate Pkwy, McCalla, AL 35111
- Admission fee: $5 adults 12+ | $4 Seniors 62+ | $3 children 6-11
4. Oak Mountain State Park
A prime Birmingham park, complete with 29 miles of gravel and paved trails and gorgeous views. You can’t beat the classics!
- Best for: The distance bikers.
- Location: 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124
- Admission fee: $5
5. Turkey Creek Nature Preserve
Turkey Creek Nature Preserve boasts 3.5 miles of moderate-to-high-grade multi-purpose trails.
Fun fact: Turkey Creek is best known as the home to three endangered species of fish: the Rush Darter, the Vermillion Darter and the Watercress Darter. In fact, it’s the only place in the world where the Vermillion Darter is found.
Ride through native plants, waterfalls and more sights.
- Best for: Mountain bikers will enjoy the 3.5 miles of moderate trails that intertwine the creek
- Location: 3906 Turkey Creek Rd, Pinson, AL 35126
Check out more hot spots in Birmingham perfect for a bike ride!
Birmingham biking groups to join
1. Birmingham Bicycle Club
Birmingham Bicycle Club “brings the Birmingham cycling community together,” with rides accumulating up to 250 people! You can join the fun as a member or visitor.
Membership is open to families for $45 a year or $35 for solo riders. Plus, with the membership, you get 10% off at select local bike shops, plus many other benefits.
2. Cahaba Cycles
Whether you’re into triathlons, mountain biking, road rides or casual group rides, Cahaba Cycles can get you plugged in.
3. Redemptive Cycles
Redemptive Cycles may look like your standard bike shop, but they also have programs like “Earn-a-Bike” and “Sliding-Scale Repair” for free mechanics classes and workstations.
Fun fact: Redemptive Cycles is making a big move! Check out their new location soon.
Join and check it out for yourself:
- Mechanic’s Special Membership $20: access to mechanic stand, wash bay + free admission to all mechanics classes
- Social Ride Membership $50: access to mechanic stand, wash bay, free admission to all mechanics classes + free admission to all Redemptive Cycles events
- Domestique Membership $100: access to mechanic stand, wash bay, free admission to all mechanics classes, free admission to all Redemptive Cycles events + 10% shop discount
Plus, every Thursday night Remptive Cycles hosts “Trample”—a community 8-10 mile-ride in Birmingham.
4. Le Tour de Ham
Le Tour de Ham is a community cycling group made “for the sheer fun of it.” Keep up with their social media and join the next ride.
5. Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers (BUMP)
For the more experienced riders, Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedals (BUMP) brings you on scenic trails across Bham’s mountainous areas.
Become a member of BUMP and explore Oak Mountain State Park, Cahaba River Park and more.
Local bike shops to know
1. Cahaba Cycles
- Location: 1724 27th Ct. S. Homewood, AL 35209
- Hours: Monday- Friday 10AM-6PM | Saturday 10AM-5PM | Sunday closed
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
- Rent a bike
2. Bob’s Bikes
- Location: 2852 18th St. S. Homewood, AL 35209
- Hours: Monday- Friday 10AM-6PM | Saturday 10AM-5PM | Sunday closed
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. Redemptive Cycles
- Location: 906 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10AM-5PM | Sunday-Monday closed
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
- Earn-A-Bike
4. Bike Link of Hoover
- Location: 2766 John Hawkins Pkwy. #107 Hoover, AL 35244
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 10AM-6PM | Sunday closed
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
- Rent a bike
Where’s your favorite place to ride your bike in Birmingham? Let us know on Facebook + Instagram!
