Recumbent Trike Community, Events & Group Rides
Recumbent trike riding is more fun with other people. A growing community of riders organizes group rides, rallies, online forums, and local meetups across the US. This guide connects you with the major recumbent communities, annual events, and online groups where you can find riding partners, get advice, and share routes.
Online Communities
| Community | Platform | Focus | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| BentRider Online | Forum (bentridersonline.com) | All recumbent vehicles — reviews, tech, routes | 30,000+ members |
| Recumbent Trikes (Facebook) | Facebook Group | Trike-specific — photos, questions, ride reports | 15,000+ members |
| r/recumbent (Reddit) | Discussion, photos, buying advice | 10,000+ subscribers | |
| BROL (BentRider Online Forums) | Forum | Technical deep-dives, modification projects | 20+ years of archives |
Annual Events and Rallies
| Event | Location | When | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midwest Recumbent Rally | Midwest US (rotating) | June | Group rides, vendors, demo area, social events |
| Great Southern Recumbent Rally | Southern US | October | Multi-day rides, camping, recumbent expo |
| Cycle-Con | Varies | September | All human-powered vehicles including recumbent trikes |
| Local bike shop demo days | Nationwide | Spring–Summer | Test ride trikes from multiple brands — check local shops |
Finding Local Riding Partners
- Local bike clubs — Many cycling clubs have recumbent-friendly rides. Ask your local bike shop for club recommendations.
- Meetup.com — Search for “recumbent” or “trike” groups in your area.
- Strava — Join recumbent segments and connect with local riders who ride the same routes.
- LBR Rider Network — LaidBackRider connects buyers in the same region for group rides and route sharing. Join at checkout or on your account page.
Starting Your Own Group Ride
- Pick a flat, scenic route (10–15 miles for beginners)
- Set a regular day and time (Saturday mornings work best)
- Post in local cycling groups and recumbent forums
- Set a meeting point with parking
- Ride at the speed of the slowest rider
- Stop for coffee or lunch at the midpoint — social rides build community
The recumbent trike community is one of the friendliest in cycling. Riders wave at each other on the trail, stop to answer questions from curious passersby, and genuinely enjoy helping newcomers get started. Your first group ride will feel like joining a family of people who all discovered the same secret: cycling can be comfortable, fun, and social.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are recumbent trike riders welcome on group bike rides?
Generally yes, but check with the ride organizer first. Some competitive group rides may not accommodate trikes due to speed differences and width on narrow paths. Social and recreational rides are almost always welcoming. Many cycling clubs have specific recumbent-friendly rides or “no-drop” rides where every rider is welcome.
Where can I test ride before buying?
Local bike shops that carry recumbent trikes offer test rides. Annual rallies and demo days are the best way to try multiple models. LaidBackRider also offers a 30-day ride guarantee — if the trike doesn’t fit you, return it within 30 days for a full refund.