Photo by On The Rivet
General
How can I register?
Details on how to register can be found on the Join page.
Before joining, take a moment to review our Program, FAQ’s, and Membership Requirements to ensure the OWCC is the right fit for you!
Where are you located?
We are based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Most of our members live within and around the Ottawa-Gatineau area.
Where do your rides start and finish?
Our volunteer ride leaders host rides from pretty much every corner of the National Capital Region. You’ll see our red kit out on weekly Gatineau Park rides, out on River Rd. towards Merrickville, on the Quyon Ferry, and sitting on the patio at Beachconer’s.
In other words if there is road – gravel or paved – we’re riding it!
Who can join the OWCC?
Anyone over the age of 18 who is a woman, or identifies as a woman, can join the Ottawa Women’s Cycling Club.
We welcome all women or people who identify as women to join.
Are your rides no-drop?
Yes, all of our rides are no-drop.
What paces can I expect?
We offer a variety of paces for riders of every level.
Paces start at an average speed of around 20 km/hr and up. Most of our rides average around 22 to 24 km/hr.
If you don’t see a pace that suits you, let us know! We can always try to organize a second pace group or pair you with another rider who rides at a similar pace.
Can I join if I’m a part of another cycling club?
Yes! Many of our members are involved in other clubs such as Ottawa Bicycle Club, 9 to 5, Gravel Grlz, and Common Empire.
New & Potential Members
Skills | Equipment | Membership
Skills
Can I join if I’ve never been on a group ride?
Yes! But before you join, make sure you are already comfortable riding a drop bar bike and are able to do the following:
- Balance, stop, start, and turn smoothly and without falling over
- Ride in a straight line
- Remove one hand off of the handlebars while riding in a straight line
- Signal while riding
- Eat and drink while riding
- Replace an inner tube
If it’s your first season riding with a group, we suggest taking a Bike Handling & Group Riding Clinic before you join regular group rides. This is to ensure all riders are able to move safely and confidently within a group ride setting.
You can also take a quick self-assessment to see which one of our Programs is right for you.
I don’t know how to ride a bike; can you teach me?
Unfortunately we do not offer lessons for people who have never learned to ride a bike before; but the City of Ottawa offers lessons to adults looking to learn. Once you’re confident and able to handle a bike, we’ll be here when you’ve mastered the skills listed here.
I don’t know my average speed. How can I estimate it?
To estimate your average speed, pick a relatively flat route and ride for about an hour. You can use a GPS device like a smart watch, Wahoo, Garmin; or apps like Cadence, Strava, and Komoot to automatically show your average speed for the ride. You can also calculate your speed manually over a known distance.
Your average speed on a solo ride is generally a good predictor. Assume when riding with a group, your average speed will be about 2 to 5 km/hr faster than on a solo ride thanks to drafting.
Equipment
Can I use any type of bike/a flat bar bike to join a group ride?
No, you cannot use any type of bike to join a group ride.
At the moment, all of our group rides require you to have a bike with drop bars a.k.a. “curly bars” for safety. These handlebars are typically found on road, cyclocross, and gravel bikes.
Flat bar bikes (hybrids, mountain bikes, cargo bikes, fat bikes) run the risk of getting hooked into drop bars, and are not allowed on any OWCC rides at the moment.
If you’re having trouble identifying what type of bike you have, contact us for help.
Where can I buy a drop bar bike?
If you’re looking to purchase a drop-bar bike, there are many bike shops in Ottawa and Gatineau that can help:
Ottawa
Bushtukah
The Cyclery
Fresh Air Experience
Full Cycle
Joe Mamma
Rebec and Kroes
Tall Tree Cycles
Quick Cranks
re-Cycles | Used bikes
Recyclore | Used bikes
RentABike | Rentals & used bike sales
Gatineau
Velozophie
Primeau Velo
Polovelo
Rack à bécick | Used bikes
Can I become a OWCC member/register before I own a drop bar bike?
Yes! You can join the OWCC before you own a drop bar bike. You will have enough time in between registration and riding to find one. However you will not be allowed to participate in clinics and/or group rides without a drop bar bike for safety reasons.
Why do I need to use a drop bar bike on rides?
Flat bar bikes (hybrids, mountain bikes, cargo bikes, fat bikes) run the risk of getting hooked into drop bars when riding close together.
How do I know if my bike has flat bars or drop bars?
If you’re having trouble identifying what type of bike you have, contact us or talk to someone at a local bike shop for help.
Do I need to use clipless pedals to join a ride?
No, you don’t need to use clipless pedals to join. However they will help you ride more efficiently over long distances and hills.
If you’re thinking of making the switch to clipless pedals, one of the local bike shops listed above can help you out.
What should I bring on a group ride?
What you should bring depends on how long you expect to ride for, weather conditions, and your personal preferences. Use the list below as a starting point:
Nutrition
Each rider is responsible for carrying sufficient food and fluids for his/her needs. Some rides include planned stops where food or water can be purchased – these will be advertised in advance – but everyone should be prepared with nutrition options in case of unexpected store/restaurant closures.
A good rule of thumb is to have 60 to 90g of carbohydrates, and 500 ml to 1 L of water per hour or planned riding time.
Clothing
Ensure that you are adequately prepared for changes in the weather during a ride. Dressing in layers is a good strategy for handling cool weather at the start of a ride on days when it is expected to warm up. Carrying a nylon jacket is wise on days with a chance of rain. Here’s a useful guide to get you started.
Repair Kit
Always carry a pump and/or CO2, a spare tube, and a basic multitool for making repairs during a ride.
Each rider should be aware of the planned route for the ride. The routes are available for download from Cyql prior to your ride.
What should I wear on a group ride?
Depending on the time of year, where you’re riding, and your personal preferences, what you should wear varies widely.
Ideally aim to dress according to weather conditions. Here’s a useful guide to get you started.
Certain non-cycling specific clothing items such as gloves, base layers, mid layers, and rain gear can always be re-used for riding.
Membership
Which program(s) are right for me?
If you’re new to group riding or are looking to refresh your skills; we strongly suggest joining the Bike Handling & Group Riding Clinic. This clinic is designed to teach riders how to move safely and confidently within a group ride setting.
If you’re familiar with group riding, but want to brush up on some skills and/or practice in a controlled setting, we suggest taking the Refresher Group Riding Clinic
If you’re a returning member or have plenty of group riding experience; we suggest joining with a Base Membership.
If you’re unsure, take our Group Riding Self-Assessment or contact us.
What’s an Ontario Cycling (OC) membership, and why do I need one?
As a not-for-profit incorporated club affiliated with the Ontario Cycling (OC), all OWCC members are required to have an OC or an FQSC UCI license if you live in Quebec. Please read the OC documentation on membership types and decide which is best for you prior to joining.
This provides you with insurance coverage in the event of an accident while cycling in Canada, and allows you to participate in OC sanctioned events, including charity rides and Gran Fondos.
I already have an OC membership. Do I need to buy another one?
No. If you already have an OCA membership through another club, you don’t need to buy a second one. However you will still need to pay the OWCC membership fee in order to join rides.
Participation in club rides and events is limited to women who have purchased an OCA or FQSC membership/license and paid the club membership fee.
Can I buy an OC membership if I live in Quebec?
Yes! Quebec residents will either need to purchase an FQSC UCI license or an OC membership in order to join the OWCC.
Participation in club rides and events is limited to women who have purchased an OCA or FQSC membership/license and paid the club membership fee.
Which OC Membership is right for me?
All OWCC members are required to hold a membership with OC or a FQSC UCI license.
Most members only require a Community membership with OC. If you are plan to race within Ontario, you may require a Challenge or Compete membership. Details can be found online here.
Current Members
Which program(s) can I join as a returning rider?
You can join any program that you’d like! Your Base Membership gives you access to all regular group rides, and you have the option to sign up for any number of clinics you’d like.
Just make sure to select the program(s) you’ll be participating in when you register!
Where can I find rides?
All rides this season can be found in the Cyql app. We will send out a link at the beginning of the season so you can see all of our rides.
I’m not seeing any rides I want to do. How can I get one in my area?
As a volunteer-run club, we are limited with where and when we can offer rides.
We encourage all members to create their own rides if they’re not seeing what they want. If you have completed Ride Leader Training, you can plan your own ride, even if it’s a one time event.
Just add the details into Cyql and go!
Can I become a ride leader?
Yes! If you want to lead rides, you’ll have to complete Ride Leader (RL) Training.
Once you’ve completed ride leader training, you can add your planned rides into Cyql.
I’m running late/need to miss a ride! How do I let my ride leader know?
Oh no! Let your ride leader know in Cyql as soon as possible so they can plan accordingly.
I want my ride to start sooner/later/in a different location. How can I get my ride leader change it?
Send a message to your ride leader via Cyql and ask if they’re willing to accommodate this change. Changes like these are made at the discretion of the ride leader.
Kit
How much does the kit cost?
You can use this table as a reference to give you an idea of how much the branded kit will cost.
These are prices from the 2025 season. Pricing for the 2026 season is to be determined, but expected to be similar.
| Item | Regular Price (CAD) | Lowest Bulk Purchase Price in 2025 Season (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Short Sleeve Jersey | $185 | $148 |
| Classic Long Sleeve Jersey | $200 | $160 |
| Bib Shorts | $257 | $206 |
| Wind Vest | $231 | $185 |
Lowest Bulk Purchase Price – Pricing reflects cost after bulk order. This number could be higher or lower based on the number of orders placed.
What sizes does the kit come in?
Size ranges from 2XS to 5XL, and tend to run small. We recommend measuring yourself or consulting Jakroo’s size chart or use their free size recommendation service prior to ordering.
Who makes your kit?
Our kit is sold by, manufactured, and shipped by Jakroo.
It designed by Andrea Emery. Thank you Andrea for creating such a stunning and head-turning kit!
Do I need to buy the kit to go on rides?
No, owning the kit is not mandatory to be a part of the club. You can ride in whatever kit makes you feel best.
Can I buy the kit if I’m not an OWCC member?
No. OWCC kit is only available to club members.
At the beginning of the season, we will send out details on how to buy the kit to all registered members. Additionally the link to the OWCC Jakroo store is available in Cyql.
Other
How do I cancel my registration and get a refund?
Refunds will only be considered during the registration period, which is up until April 30th 2025.
Processing fees will not be refunded. Fees charged by OCA need to be handled directly by the OCA.
I’m not seeing an answer to my question here – where can I get more help?
If you’re not seeing an answer to a question you have here, contact us!
Questions? Feedback?
Ottawa Women's Cycling Club 