How to Host a Fix-It Ride: A Group Ride With a Repair Clinic

A short ride, a long coffee, and everyone goes home able to fix a flat.

Every group has one rider who fixes everyone's bike. A fix-it ride shares the load. It's an easy group ride with a hands-on repair stop in the middle, so the next time someone flats, three people know what to do instead of one.

1. Pick a short loop and a good stop

Keep the ride easy: 25–40 km, no-drop pace. The stop is the main event, so choose a café with outdoor tables, a park with benches, or a friend's garage. You want shade, a flat surface to lay bikes down, and somewhere to wash hands.

2. Name a crew chief

Ask your group's unofficial mechanic to lead the stop. They don't need to be a pro. They just need to be patient and happy to talk while someone else holds the tire lever.

3. Run three stations

Split into small groups and rotate every 15 minutes:

Station one: the flat tire

Everyone removes a wheel, takes out the tube, checks the tire for the cause, fits a new tube and inflates it with a mini pump or CO2. Bring a couple of old tubes so people can practice without using their spares.

Station two: the chain

Re-seat a dropped chain, then (with an old chain or a spare length) show how a quick link opens and closes. Talk about chain wear and when to replace it.

Station three: the pocket kit

Empty everyone's pockets on the table and compare. Who has the right size tube? Whose multi-tool has a T25? Our guide to what to carry on a road ride makes a good checklist.

4. Ride home and test it

The ride back is the proof: everyone rides home on the wheel they fixed. Keep the pace easy and stop if anything feels soft.

5. Make it a regular thing

Run it at the start of each season, or every time new riders join. Once a quarter is enough to keep the group self-sufficient, and it's a friendly way to welcome beginners who are nervous about getting stuck.

Dress code: crew shirts

Want the photo to look like a real shop crew? The Mechanic ($99.95) looks like a navy work shirt with a CORBAH CYCLE WORKS badge and a name patch, all printed on a full-zip cycling jersey. The patch reads CREW as standard, and every rider can put their own name on it for free. For a group or club order with your own logo, see Corbah Custom.

Share it

Tag @corbahcycling in your fix-it ride photos. We'd love to see your crew, your tool tables and the café that let you take over the patio.

Get yours

The Mechanic is made to order (about 5–6 weeks), sizes XS to 4XL, with free personalization. Check the size guide first: we don't take 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. Bib shorts are sold separately, and you save 10% on bibs bought with a jersey. More group ride ideas: Flannel Friday and a black-tie group ride.