As the days grow longer and the temperatures slowly rise, the cycling season is finally kicking off. For many of us, this marks the annual ritual of preparing to get fit, ready for summer rides, and reconnecting with our cycling communities. Personally, I’ve always cherished this time of year—it’s not just about improving fitness but also about embracing the social aspect of cycling, which has turned out to be far more significant than I initially imagined.

The Social Side of Cycling

When I first started road cycling, I thought it would be a solitary pursuit. However, I quickly discovered the joy of group rides and the sense of belonging that comes with being part of a cycling community. Riding together motivates you in ways solo rides can’t; there’s camaraderie, shared effort, and even friendly competition. Here in Hamburg, I’m fortunate to have access to various cycling groups and events that cater to all levels. Communities like Gruppetto Hamburg are a great example—they bring people together for rides that are both challenging and fun¹. If you’re new to group rides, joining platforms like Meetup or Grouprides.cc can help you find local rides and connect with like-minded cyclists²³.

Training for the Season

To prepare for summer group rides and events, structured training is key. This year, I’ve taken a hybrid approach: combining outdoor rides with indoor training on my smart trainer. Early spring in Hamburg can be cold and wet, so escaping to Mallorca for a week was a great way to kickstart my training in warmer weather—a tip I highly recommend for anyone looking to avoid harsh conditions⁴.

For indoor sessions, I’ve been experimenting with AI-powered training apps. Last year, Zwift was my go-to platform, but its price increase prompted me to explore alternatives. TrainerRoad has been an interesting option—it builds personalized training plans based on your schedule and goals⁵. While its focus is purely on data-driven workouts without gamification features like virtual avatars or races, it’s effective for building fitness. However, I’ve found Zone 2 endurance rides a bit monotonous—perfect for catching up on documentaries or YouTube videos during sessions⁶.

Next month, I plan to try AI Endurance. It promises similar functionality to TrainerRoad but at a lower cost and without requiring its app for workouts. You can export training plans directly to devices like Wahoo computers or apps⁷⁸. This flexibility is appealing for cyclists who prefer simplicity over immersive virtual environments.

Looking Ahead

As I continue my training journey this season, I’m excited about upcoming group rides and events. Whether it’s casual coffee rides or pushing limits in summer races, cycling remains a source of joy and connection. If you’re new to road cycling or hesitant about joining group rides, my advice is simple: start small and don’t worry about fitness levels—communities are welcoming and supportive.

I’ll be sharing more tips on how to get involved in group rides around Hamburg and reviewing additional AI-powered tools as I test them. Stay tuned for updates as we gear up for an unforgettable summer on two wheels!