Are you new to Huntsville? Have you been in the area a while and wondered what opportunities were available to get outside? Our friends at Run256 and Fleet Feet compiled a local guide of social media, clubs, runs, rides, and locations of swim venues and local shops to help you get involved. Many thanks to Run256 and Fleet Feet for this comprehensive list. Now get outside!
Facebook Pages
Huntsville Area Mountain Bike Riders
Local Spots
Bike Shops
Running Shops
POOL LOCATIONS
Weekly Group Runs/Rides
Note: NRLB rides indicate a No Rider Left Behind ride. An NRLB bike ride places emphasis on group cohesion and support, ensuring that no participant is left behind during the ride.
MONDAY
Fleet Feet Summer Fun Runs
Each week during the summer, Fleet Feet hosts a fun run from either their Huntsville or Madison location.
JetPlex
Jetplex is a group road ride departing at 5:30 p.m. from 351 Electronics Blvd. near the airport. Group speeds range from 24+ mph for 32 miles in Group 1, to a 14-15mph 15-20 mile-group 5 (group 5 is a NRLB ride). Look at the Facebook page Cycle Club for weekly details and weather call. Groups ride in a peloton style (drafting pack line), and slower groups will focus on helping riders new to peloton-style riding learn the techniques behind drafting in a group. Note that faster groups like 1-3 will expect you to have a good understanding of group riding skills and confidence to ride in a group.
TUESDAY
Tuesday Night Brick by Team Rocket Tri Club
TNB is TRTC’s weekly brick ride on Redstone Arsenal. A brick ride is a ride immediately followed by a run. Meet at the Gate 9 Visitor Center on Rideout Road, rolling out at 5:30 p.m. Groups range from 21+ mph for 28 miles in Group 1, down to a NRLB Group 5 in the 14-16 mph range. You must have a CAC, Redstone Arsenal Rec Pass, or Government issued ID to get onto the arsenal for this ride. After you finish your ride, lace up your running shoes and join other triathletes for a run ranging from 1/2 mile to 4-5 miles around the Redstone Gateway area. After you finish, grab a drink from the TRTC cooler and chat with your fellow athletes!
NOTE: Although you are welcome to come join us for a ride without being a TRTC member, our insurance requires that you be a member of TRTC if you’d like to join us for more TNB rides in the future. See our membership page for information on how to join.
WEDNESDAY
Pub Run
Pub Run is one of the largest group runs in the Huntsville area. This run starts around 5:30 p.m. Each week, a different brewery is selected as the run location. Printed routes are available for both 3- and 5-mile routes, and due to the group’s size, there is a strong likelihood that there will be someone there running your pace. This group ranges from walkers and Couch to 5K participants, up to moderate runners and sub-elite marathoners busting out ~6 min/mi pace in blazing heat. Some common locations include Fractal Brewing Project, Greenbus, Stovehouse, Sam and Greg’s Pizza, and Das Stahl Brewhouse. After you finish your run, join other runners for a post-race drink! This run is open to all ages, and consuming alcohol is not required. Check out We Run Downtown Huntsville for more info.
Sunset Cruise
Brought to you by Sunset Bicycles, this ride is beginner focused and is a great way to get into cycling. This is a NRLB cruise that averages 14 mph with two distances (18 or 25 miles) for novices and beginners. Many of the participants help, encourage and offer cycling advice. Helmets, lights, and hydration are required. And while we love to see all sorts of bikes on this ride, bikes with smooth treads are recommended. The Sunset Cruise begins and ends at Sunset Bicycles.
Rocket Republic Social Ride
This social ride departs at 5:30 p.m. from Rocket Republic in downtown Huntsville. Groups may form, but this ride is focused on being an easy social ride. However, this is NOT a NRLB ride. Riders are responsible for knowing the route and navigation.
THURSDAY
House of Pain
House of Pain is Huntsville’s hilliest weekly group ride. Meet at the Publix on Mountain Gap Road in South Huntsville for a 5:30 p.m. rollout and get ready for climbing. The route changes weekly to keep it exciting but is typically 20 miles with around 2000-2500 feet of climbing. Riders regroup at the top of each climb. This is a NRLB ride.
FRIDAY
Will Run for Breakfast (AKA the Will 2 Run)
Brought to you by Will and Will, this group goes to a different breakfast location each Friday. Ever have trouble deciding if you want to do a 3- or a 5-mile run? Why not both? The 3-mile run starts at 5:30 a.m., and comes back to the start point at around 6 a.m. to pick up the 5-milers for their route. Afterward, chow down on some delicious breakfast and chat about your most recent injury or how many toenails you’re missing. Check out Run256 for more info.
SATURDAY
Panera Pounders
The Panera Pounders is a weekend-long run group that runs around Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park. The run starts at 5:30 a.m. (this group will leave you behind if you’re late, so make sure you’re on time). Routes are posted on Facebook the day before and can be followed using RunGo or uploaded to your watch. Although the posted route is typically 10-12 miles, the roads around Research Park make adapting the route very simple to match your distance. Paces range from walkers for shorter distances, up to ~8 min/mi-ish pace for the front group.
SUNDAY
Rise and Shine Breakfast Run
Brought to you by the same organizer from Pub Run, Rise and Shine meets at The Bakingtist in downtown Huntsville each Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. for a relaxing way to start your Sunday. Printed routes are available for 3- and 5 mile groups. Paces range from walkers to ~8ish min/mile.
Notes:
* Many other group rides and runs are posted throughout the week on the Facebook pages listed above.
* All rides require helmets and lights in accordance with state law and safe riding principles.
* Afternoon runs not during Daylight Savings Time require lights and reflective gear.
* All activities are subject to weather cancellation or changed times. Please let us know if you see an activity here with incorrect information so we can update it!
* All runs other than TRTC’s TNB are hosted by third parties. These are provided as information only and are subject to change, cancel, or terminate at any time, and do not constitute endorsement or guarantee of safety or accuracy.
