Flannel Friday: How to Host an Autumn Group Ride
Pick a loop, pick a café and tell everyone to wear flannel. A simple plan for an autumn club ride people will talk about.
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Pick a loop, pick a café, and tell everyone to wear flannel.
Autumn is the best time of year to ride: cool air, quiet roads and trees doing the decorating for you. A Flannel Friday ride gives the club a reason to show up together and a photo worth posting afterwards. Here's how to run one.
1. Pick an easy, scenic loop
Keep it social: 30–60 km at a no-drop pace, so the group stays together for the photos. Quiet back roads or a gentle gravel loop through the trees fit the theme best. Avoid anything technical; the point is the ride, not the race.
2. Set the dress code
"Wear flannel" is the whole invitation. Checked jerseys, a plaid cap, a flannel shirt over a base layer for the café, even red and black socks. Nobody needs to buy anything to join in.
If you want the full look, The Lumberjack ($99.95) is a red and black buffalo check jersey with a printed shirt placket, chest pockets and rolled cuffs. Bib shorts are sold separately; plain black works best.
3. Plan the stop
A café halfway round, ideally one with a fire or an outdoor table under the trees. Let them know a group is coming. Hot cider, coffee and something with cinnamon all fit the day.
4. Add one silly bit
Themed rides are better with one small joke. Hand out a "Lumberjack of the Day" award for the best flannel, the muddiest legs or the strongest pull into a headwind. Bring a toy axe for the photo.
5. Take the photo
Line up with the leaves behind you and the bikes in front. Take a wide shot, then one from behind so the backs of the jerseys show. Share it and tag @corbahcycling with #FlannelFriday; we'll repost our favourites.
6. Dress for the weather, not just the theme
Autumn mornings start cold and warm up fast. Bring arm warmers and a vest you can stuff in a pocket. Our guide to what to wear at every temperature has the details.
Kit up the club
Every Corbah jersey is made to order and delivered in about 5–6 weeks, so order well before the ride. Personalization is free: add the club name, a ride name or a logo. Check the size guide first. We don't do returns or exchanges, but if the size is wrong you keep the jersey and can order another size within 15 days of delivery for about 20–60% off.
Want a different theme next time? See funny cycling jerseys that make the whole group ride smile.
