Kalamazoo has a ride for you!*  Please consult links in each year following this general intro for details on ride events and bicycle related programs in our immediate community that are open to the public.  Some require pre-registration, membership, fees, specific gear such as bike helmets, etc.  (*Plus lots of other great bike related events such as webinars.)

Want to know what’s happening in any given week but don’t see it here?  There are club or shop rides almost every day of the week–way too many to post individually–we offer a few of those below as examples.  To check out weekly and special rides sponsored by the local bike clubs, teams and organizations and shops, visit their web pages.  Events during Kalamazoo (Area) Bike Week in May are also too many to list here — click HERE for its dedicated web site.  

You can also find many additional events outside (and inside our community) on the League of Michigan Bicyclists popular Michigan Ride Calendar.  Use your favorite search tool to find the latest information about popular events you don’t find on this page (they may be outside our immediate community).  Some popular events outside our immediate community include:

January – Frosted Fat Tire – gravel/dirt closed track races
March & April – Melting Mann, Dirty Thirty and Barry-Roubaix – gravel/dirt road races (check listings for postponements)
April – Yankee Springs Time Trial – mountain biking
June – 24-hour National Challenge – on-road endurance event
June – Pedal Across Lower Michigan (PALM) – road riding
August – DALMAC Lansing to Mackinaw bicycle tour – road riding (late August)
October – Fall Fondo – gravel road event
November – Iceman Cometh Challenge.

The above are among the many triathlons, time trials, off- and on-road races and century rides held outside our immediate area but within fairly easy reach.

“Mass-start” events aren’t the only way to participate in a bicycling event, locally.  Did you know that historically, the greatest number of Randonneurs USA (RUSA) approved “permanent” randonneuring routes in Michigan started out of Portage and Kalamazoo? The Ultra-Marathon Cycling Association (UMCA) gives a “Year Rounder” and other awards for 90+ mile rides submitted via GPS logs (which can start right from your front door if you want); see UMCA‘s web site for more information.  The point is that long distance (100k+) self-supporting routes can be ridden locally for RUSA’s awards almost year-round — more or less on a date and time of your own choosing.  See RUSA for more information and the “Where to Ride” tab or go here for some local randonneuring routes.

If you know of a ride event in our community that is not listed below, please use our Contact form to let us know!  We regret that only events that can be linked to a web page and are within our local Metropolitan Planning Organization can be listed; we reserve the right to post events at our sole discretion.  For additional ideas and events, try browsing the links on our Clubs, Teams & Organizations tab and our Resources>Organization-National & Other page.

Note: Event organizers – please notify us about your current local events that meet our listing criteria, including a link to your event.  BFK is not responsible for errors or omissions on this page or the events themselves; please verify details with event organizers.  There are so many great bike-related events happening that we only directly notify others about BFK-sponsored events, so as not to overload our volunteers’ inboxes; please understand!  Links and web pages for events older than today’s date may have changed.  Links are almost certainly out of date for events in previous years.

2024

MMBA MTB Skills Clinic – July 14, 2024 – Fort Custer Rec. Area – Certified coaches will cover foundational mountain bike riding skills

Pedal Bicycle Used Bike Sale – April 14, 2024 – Kalamazoo – Buy/Sell bikes – if selling, check for rules on appraisals

Open Roads First Friday Community Rides – April 5 – Kalamazoo – start of once-monthly series running 1st Fridays, April – October

KBW Orientation & Planning Meeting – March 26, 2024 – online meeting

Earn-A-Bike Workshop with Open Roads Session 2 – March 25, 2024 – Portage

Kalamazoo Bicycle Club Rides – March 11, 2024 – Start of KBC’s weekly Monday and Wednesday ride season series; various start locations and types

Pedal U – January 30, February 2, 6, and 9 – Pedal Bicycle Romence – Four session class

KBW Orientation & Planning Meeting – January 25, 2024 – online meeting – Learn about Kalamazoo Bike Week, hosting an event, and getting involved

Pedal U – January 22, 27, 29, and February 3 – Pedal Bicycle Downtown – Four session class

Pedal U – January 9, 12, 16, and 19 – Pedal Bicycle Romence – Four session class

Pedal U – January 8, 13, 15, and 20 – Pedal Bicycle Downtown – Four session class

2023

Holiday Lights Ride – 7pm, December 15, 2023 – Ride from Upjohn Park to the Kalamazoo Mall to participate in Moonlight Madness (a holiday event Downtown Kalamazoo). Festive lighting encouraged!

Le Tour de Lane – November 4, 2023 – Kalamazoo, MI – Meet at Pedal downtown for an out-and-back tour of the new Michigan ave. bike lane

Coney Classic Bike Show & Swap Meet – October 14, 2023 – Kalamazoo, MI – Meet at the oldest Coney Island in Michigan for a classic bicycle show & swap meet

All Wheels Welcome – October 8, 2023 – Kalamazoo, MI – Featuring a slow roll bike ride around the Vine Neighborhood, music, a fix-a-palooza with Open Roads mechanics, food from local restaurants, and much more!

Dark Horse Century – October 8, 2023 – Richland, MI

Fall Bike Celebration Weekend – September 15-17, 2023 – Vicksburg, MI

Fall Bike Celebration Bike Tour – September 17, 2023 – Vicksburg, MI – Shipshewana Century and more

Paw Paw Vineyard Classic Bike Tour – September 10, 2023 – Paw Paw, MI – 41st year; 23, 43 or 57 mile routes; travels past vineyards, orchards, woodlands, creeks, rivers, lakes and neighboring villages

Shemanator – August 5, 2023 – The Shermanator Triathlon is a fundraising event hosted at the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center

League of Michigan Bicyclists LCI Training – Portage – August 4-6, 2023 – Become a League Certified Instructor (learn more about becoming an LCI) – Scholarships available from BFK!

Pedal The Zoo – Kalamazoo – July 30, 2023 – Aims to bring together the biking community and Kalamazoo enthusiasts and provide a unique and interactive experience

Bicycle Friendly Driver Class – Date TBD – 1 1/2 hour interactive class, aimed at educating drivers on the best and safest ways to share the road with people on bicycles; check the link for dates

Bike With A Hero Neighborhood Rides – Summer – Kalamazoo, MI – Check the Kalamazoo Dept. of Public Safety Facebook page for specific start location and date

Kalamazoo Scenic Bicycle Tour (KalTour) – June 2023 – Schoolcraft, MI

Youth Triathlon Program – Late June – start of six session class – Richland, MI

iCanShine Bike Camp – June 19 through June 23, 2023 – The Point Community Center 2595 10th St N Kalamazoo, MI 49009 – camp specifically designed for people with disabilities to learn to ride a two wheel bike

Ride of Silence Tribute Ride / Chain Gang Memorial Ride – June 2023 – Kalamazoo, MI; check the link for updates

Dirty Donut – June 3, 2023 – Martin, MI

Tweed Ride & Bike-a-Palooza – June 3, 2023 – Kalamazoo, MI; Join Open Roads for the return of the Tweed Ride and Bike-a-Palooza. More info on Open Roads website

Mayor’s Ride – May 20, 2023 – Portage & Kalamazoo, MI; check back for updates

Kalamazoo Bike Week – May 13-20, 2023 – typically many events and locations (something every day – click on link for more – too many to list here)

Fort Custer Stampede – May 14, 2023 – Augusta, MI (mountain bike race)

KBC’s Bike Camp – May 2023 – Kalamazoo, MI – check the link for latest details

Portage Bicycle Club – Usually starts in May – Portage, MI (weekly Portage Senior Center Wednesday ride series through early October) – link is still active; check for updates

KBC Time Trials – Spring 2023 – Pavilion Twp, MI – start of bimonthly Tuesday night series – link is active – check for updates

Spring Earn-A-Bike – Usually starts in April – Kalamazoo, MI – six week bike repair and social skills program through which kids can earn a bicycle – link is was active last fall; check for updates

Chain Gang Tuesday Night Ride – April 11, 2023 – Kalamazoo, MI – start of weekly Tuesday rides during the season; join the Facebook group to keep updated!

Ladies MTB Ride – Spring 2023 – typical start of weekly series; re-check calendar for specifics

Pedal Mountain Bike Monday Ride – Spring 2023 – typical start of weekly series; re-check calendar for specifics

Open Roads Earth Day Event – April 22, 2023 – Join Open Roads at their Riverview location for a fun day filled with bike rides, trail clean ups, and food

Adult Triathlon Camp – April 20, 2023 (presumed date) – Richland & Plainwell, MI – start of weekly six-session Thursday series

Self-Guided Family Scavenger Hunts – Year Round – KRVT has posted these family-friendly activities

Public Screening – Together We Cycle – March 29, 2023 – Kalamazoo College, Dewing Hall, Room 103 – Join ModeShift Kalamazoo, WMU Climate Crisis Working Group, and Kalamazoo College for a screening of ‘Together We Cycle.’

Kalamazoo Bicycle Club Rides – March 13, 2023 – Presumed start of KBC’s Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday night ride season series; various start locations and types

2022 National Bike Summit – March 26-29, 2023 – Virtual option makes participation viable for our region

Kalamazoo 2023 Streets Informational Webinar – February 21, 2023 – Zoom webinar to discuss major 2023 Street Projects including Traffic Calming work.

Pedal University – February 18, 2023 – Kalamazoo, MI – session four of four

Pedal University – February 13, 2023 – Kalamazoo, MI – session three of four

Pedal University – February 11, 2023 – Kalamazoo, MI – session two of four

Pedal University – February 6, 2023 – Kalamazoo, MI – session one of four; call for registration

Pedal University – February 2, 2023 – Portage, MI – session four of four

Pedal University – January 31, 2023 – Portage, MI – session three of four

Pedal University – January 26, 2023 – Portage, MI – session two of four

Pedal University – January 24, 2023 – Portage, MI – session one of four; call for registration

Frosted Fat Tire Relay – January 22, 2023 – Three Rivers, MI – link is still active; check for updates

Adult Open Shop Fridays – January 13, 2023 – Kalamazoo, MI – start of weekly Friday PM drop in adult bike mechanic skills shop series – link is still active; check for updates

Youth Fix (Drop-In) Thursdays – January 12, 2023 – Kalamazoo, MI – start of weekly Thursday PM drop in youth bike mechanic skills shop series – link is still active; check for updates

2022

Gilmore Gravel Gran Prix – October 8, 2022 – Hickory Corners, MI – We think the date is “good” for 2022 – the website may differ so check back for updates

All Wheels Welcome – October 8, 2022 – Kalamazoo, MI – Featuring a slow roll bike ride at 2:30 pm around the Vine Neighborhood, music, a fix-a-palooza with Open Roads mechanics, food from local restaurants, and much more!

Fall Bike Celebration – September 16-18, 2022 – Vicksburg, MI

Fall Bike Celebration Bike Tour – September 18, 2022 – Vicksburg, MI – Shipshewana Century and more

Paw Paw Vineyard Classic Bike Tour – September 11, 2022 – Paw Paw, MI (check their site for updates)

Bike With A Hero Neighborhood Ride – August 25 – Kalamazoo, MI – Check the Kalamazoo Dept. of Public Safety Facebook page for specific start location and time

Kids Fix-it! Bike Workshop & Ride – August 6 – Portage, MI – registration closes one week prior to event

MDOT Advanced Training Wheels – August 5 Registration Deadline – Virtual on-road bicycle facility design training – August 9 & 11 – 2 session PM program – no charge

Bike With A Hero Neighborhood Ride – July 28, 10am-11am – Kalamazoo, MI

Bike With A Hero Neighborhood Ride – June 30 – Kalamazoo, MI – Check the Kalamazoo Dept. of Public Safety Facebook page for specific start location and time

Kalamazoo Scenic Bicycle Tour (KalTour) – June 26, 2022 – Schoolcraft, MI

Youth Triathlon Program – June 24, 2022 – start of six session class – Richland, MI

MDOT Advanced Training Wheels – July 22 Registration Deadline – Virtual on-road bicycle facility design training – July 26 & 28 two session PM program – no charge

Ride of Silence Tribute Ride / Chain Gang Memorial Ride – June 7, 2022 – Kalamazoo, MI

Dirty Donut – June 4, 2022 – Martin, MI

Biker’s Blessing – June 4, 2022 – Kalamazoo, MI

Bike With A Hero Neighborhood Ride – May 26 – Kalamazoo, MI

Kal-Haven Trail Tour – May 22-23, 2022 – overnight, starting in Kalamazoo, MI

Mayor’s Ride – May 21, 2022 – Portage & Kalamazoo, MI

Kalamazoo Bike Week – May 7-14, 2022 – typically many events and locations (something every day – click on link for more – too many to list here)

Fort Custer Stampede – May 1, 2022 – Augusta, MI (mountain bike race)

KBC’s Bike Camp – May 5, 2022 – Kalamazoo, MI – start of series followed by Saturday AM sessions

Portage Bicycle Club – Usually starts in May – Portage, MI (weekly Portage Senior Center Wednesday ride series through October 9) – link is still active; check for updates

KBC Time Trials – Spring 2022 – Pavilion Twp, MI – start of bimonthly Tuesday night series – link is active – check for updates

Spring Earn-A-Bike – Usually starts in April – Kalamazoo, MI – six week bike repair and social skills program through which kids can earn a bicycle – link is was active last fall; check for updates

Chain Gang Tuesday Night Ride – Spring 2022 – Kalamazoo, MI – typical start of weekly Tuesday rides during the season

Ladies MTB Ride – Spring 2022 – typical start of weekly series; re-check calendar for specifics

Pedal Mountain Bike Monday Ride – Spring 2022 – typical start of weekly series; re-check calendar for specifics

Adult Triathlon Camp – April 21, 2022 – Richland & Plainwell, MI – start of weekly six-session Thursday series

Rural Bikeways Planning and Design – April 19, 2022 – RSVP by April 8 – Virtual option makes participation viable for our region

Self-Guided Family Scavenger Hunts – Year Round – KRVT has posted these family-friendly activities

Kalamazoo Bicycle Club Rides – March 14, 2022 – start of KBC’s Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday night ride season series; various start locations and types

2022 National Bike Summit – March 27-31, 2022 – Virtual option makes participation viable for our region

Rural Bikeways Planning and Design – March 24, 2022 – Virtual option makes participation viable for our region – RSVP by March 11

Rural Bikeways Planning and Design – March 22, 2022 – Virtual option makes participation viable for our region – RSVP by March 11 for March classes and by April 8th for April class.

Pedal University – January 31, 2022 – Kalamazoo, MI – start of four-session Class Two

Frosted Fat Tire Relay – January 23, 2022 – Three Rivers, MI – link is still active; check for updates

Pedal University – January 17, 2022 – Kalamazoo, MI – start of four-session Class One

Open Shop Saturdays – January 8, 2022 – Kalamazoo, MI – start of weekly Saturday AM drop in bike mechanic skills shop series – link is still active; check for updates

Adult Open Shop Fridays – January 7, 2022 – Kalamazoo, MI – start of weekly Friday PM drop in adult bike mechanic skills shop series – link is still active; check for updates

Youth Fix (Drop-In) Thursdays – January 6, 2022 – Kalamazoo, MI – start of weekly Thursday PM drop in youth bike mechanic skills shop series – link is still active; check for updates

2021

Things are looking much better for group rides and bike-related events this year!

Custer’s Last Stand Against Human Trafficking – October 23, 2021 – Augusta, MI (mountain bike race)

Fort Custer Stampede – October 17, 2021 / Moved to May 1, 2022 – Augusta, MI (mountain bike race)

Rolling With Rangers – September 25, 2021 – Portage MI – rides guided by park rangers

Fall Bike Celebration – September 17-19, 2021 – Vicksburg, MI / Greater Kalamazoo

Fall Bike Celebration Bike Tour – September 19, 2021 – Vicksburg, MI – now accepting registrations

Multi-Charity Bikeathon – September 18, 2021 – Vicksburg, MI – benefiting 15+ charities – now accepting registrations

Virtual Advanced Training Wheels 2021 – Sept. 14 Part I & Sept. 16 Part II, RSVP by July 26 – Bike facility design program for advocates, planners, engineers, etc.

Paw Paw Vineyard Classic Bike Tour – September 12, 2021 – Paw Paw, MI – now accepting reservations

Bicycle Friendly Driver Class – September 10, 2021 – 1 1/2 hour interactive class, aimed at educating drivers on the best and safest ways to share the road with people on bicycles

‘Round the Town Community Ride – KBC with New Community Church – September 9, 2021 – Lawton, MI

Bicycle Friendly Driver Class – August 17, 2021 – 1 1/2 hour interactive class, aimed at educating drivers on the best and safest ways to share the road with people on bicycles

Portage MI Mostly Virtual 2021 LCI Seminar – August 13-15, 2021 – scholarships available from BFK & KBC, too – Class in Portage for one day on-road portion – rest is online.

Virtual Advanced Training Wheels 2021 – Aug. 3 Part I & Aug. 5 Part II, RSVP by July 26 – Bike facility design program for advocates, planners, engineers, etc.

2021 Athletic Mentors Sprint Triathlon Race – August 1, 2021 – Hickory Corners – part of training camp beginning June 24

Ride Round the Town with the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club – August 12, 2021 – Portage MI

Gear Grinderz – August 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2020 – Kalamazoo, MI – teaching mountain bike skills to young people at the Maple Hill Trail

Smart Cycling 101 – July 24, 2021 – one day adult bicycling skills class; a great way to get acquainted or reacquainted with bike laws and how to handle a bicycle on the roads; a prerequisite for getting League Cycling Instructor certification; registration closes July 22

Bicycle Friendly Driver Class – July 21 at 8:30am – 1 1/2 hour interactive class, aimed at educating drivers on the best and safest ways to share the road with people on bicycles

‘Round the Town Community Ride – KBC with The Chain Gang – July 15, 2021 – Richland, MI

Kalamazoo Scenic Bicycle Tour (KalTour) – June 27, 2021 – Schoolcraft, MI

Time to Tri Triathlon Camp – June 24, 2021 – start of six Tuesday night series

Smart Cycling 101 – June 12, 2021 – one day adult bicycling skills class; a great way to get acquainted or reacquainted with bike laws and how to handle a bicycle on the roads; a prerequisite for getting League Cycling Instructor certification; registration closes June 7

Bicycle Friendly Driver Class – June 8th at 12:00pm – 1 1/2 hour interactive class, aimed at educating drivers on the best and safest ways to share the road with people on bicycles.

Dirty Donut – June 6, 2021 – Martin – fat tire race

Kal-Haven Trail Tour – May 22-23, 2021 – overnight, starting in Kalamazoo, MI

Bike-Opoly – May 22, 2021 – Portage MI – interactive trail riding game

Gilmore Gravel Gran Prix – May 22, 2021 – Hickory Corners, MI

Kalamazoo Bike Week – May 8-15, 2021 – many events and locations (something every day – click on link for more – too many to list here)

Smart Cycling 101 – May 8, 2021 – one day skills class; a pre-requisite for getting League Cycling Instructor certification

TriKats Training Rides – May 2, 2021 – start of Sunday series through August except race days

KBC’s Bike Camp – Usually begins in May – this year probably later – Portage, MI – link is still active; check for updates

Bicycle Club – Usually starts in May – Portage, MI (weekly Portage Senior Center Wednesday ride series through October 9) – link is still active; check for updates

Rolling With Rangers – April 24, 2021 – Portage MI – ride

KBC Time Trials – April 18 2021 – Pavilion Twp, MI – start of bimonthly Tuesday night series – link is active – check for updates 

Fort Custer Ride – April 15, 2021 – Augusta, MI – a Southwest Michigan Mountain Biking Association ride open to the public

Spring Earn-A-Bike – Usually starts in April – Kalamazoo, MI – start of six week bike repair and social skills program through which kids can earn a bicycle – link is still active; check for updates

Adult Open Shop Fridays – April 9, 2021 – Kalamazoo, MI (Start of weekly Friday PM drop in adult bike mechanic skills shop series) – link is still active; check for updates

Youth Fix (Drop-In) Thursdays – April 8, 2021 – Kalamazoo, MI (Start of weekly Thursday PM drop in youth bike mechanic skills shop series)

Chain Gang Tuesday Night Ride – April 6, 2021 – Kalamazoo, MI (Start of weekly Tuesday rides during the season)

Ladies MTB Ride – April 7, 2021 – start of weekly series; re-check calendar for specifics

Pedal Mountain Bike Monday Ride – April 5, 2021 – start of weekly series; re-check calendar for specifics

Kalamazoo Bicycle Club Rides – In a normal year, starts in March; Postponed until ? – start of ride season series; different ride each weekday; various start locations and types – link is still active; check for updates

Pedal University – January 31, 2022 – start of second 4 session series – Kalamazoo, MI

Frosted Fat Tire Relay – January 23, 2022 – Three Rivers, MI 

Pedal University – January 17, 2022 – start of first 4 session series – Kalamazoo, MI

2020

Black Friday Gravel Ride – November 9, 2020 – Texas Township, MI

Be Bright! Free Bike Lights on Bike to School Day – October 7, 2020 – Portage, MI

Custer’s Last Stand (Against Human Trafficking) – October 3, 2020 – Augusta, MI

Smart Cycling: Traffic Skills 101 Course – October 3 – Portage, MI

Fall Bike Celebration – September 18-20, 2020 – Vicksburg, MI / Greater Kalamazoo

Fall Bike Celebration Bike Tour is on September 20

Bikes & Bluegrass Outdoor Benefit Concert – September 19, 2020 – Hickory Corners, MI

Paw Paw Vineyard Classic Bike Tour – September 13, 2020 – Paw Paw, MI

Bikes & Beers – August 23, 2020 – Kalamazoo, MI

Tune It Up! Ride – August 22, 2020 – Portage, MI

Gear Grinderz – August 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2020 – Kalamazoo, MI – teaching mountain bike skills to young people at the Maple Hill Trail

Tour For Teens – July 11, 2020 – Richland, MI

KBC Time Trials – July 7, 2020 – Pavilion Township, MI – Tuesday night series (now in Pavilion Twp)

Kalamazoo Scenic Bicycle Tour (KalTour) – June 28, 2020 – Schoolcraft, MI

Tune In and Ride With Open Roads – June 20, 2020 – Portage, MI

Bike-opoly – June 14, 2020 – Portage, MI

KBC Time Trials – June 2, 2020 – Vicksburg, MI – Tuesday night series

Kal-Haven Trail Tour – May 30-31, 2020 – overnight, starting in Kalamazoo, MI

Bike Safety in Greater Kalamazoo: How Data Reveals the Real Issues – May 14, 2020 – Virtual (presentation re. data & State actions)

Local Bicycling Developments – 2020 & Beyond – May 13, 2020 – Virtual (presentations re. bike friendly improvements)

Kalamazoo Bike Week – May 9-16, 2020 – many events and locations (something every day – way too many to list here!)

Bike-a-Palooza – May 9, 2020 – Kalamazoo, MI

KBC’s Bike Camp – May 7, 2020 – orientation meeting – kicks off series of the next four Saturdays – Portage, MI

Fort Custer Stampede – May 3, 2020 – Augusta, MI (mountain bike race)

Bicycle Club – May 1, 2019 – Portage, MI (weekly Portage Senior Center Wednesday ride series through October 9)

Time to Tri Triathlon Camp – April 16, 2020 – start of eight Tuesday night series

Spring Earn-A-Bike – April 22, 2020 – Kalamazoo, MI – start of six week bike repair and social skills program through which kids can earn a bicycle

Chain Gang Bicycle Club – March 22, 2019 – first of rides in 2021; regular Tuesday night rides will start later; Kalamazoo Twp, MI

Kalamazoo Bicycle Club – March 9, 2019 – start of ride season series; different ride each weekday; various start locations and types

Frosted Fat Tire Relay – January 12, 2020 – Three Rivers, MI

Adult Open Shop Fridays – January 10, 2020 – Kalamazoo, MI (Start of weekly Friday PM drop in adult bike mechanic skills shop series)

Youth Fix (Drop-In) Thursdays – January 9, 2020 – Kalamazoo, MI (Start of weekly Thursday PM drop in youth bike mechanic skills shop series)

Hair of the Dog Ride – January 1, 2020 – Kalamazoo, MI

For archived events, please go to our Past Events page.