When Carlijn joined a new cycling club as one of its first members, she wasn't chasing race results. She just wanted to improve her skills and confidence so she could get out on her bike more often. She didn’t realise she would find a community and a new obsession.
It's a common story. Most people assume a cycling club means lycra, high speeds and a bunch they can't keep up with. For Carlijn, and thousands of riders like her, it turned out to be exactly the opposite: a place to make friends, build skills, and fall in love with a sport she didn't expect to.
“The support of my club was the foundation of my love for cycling,” she says. “The racing is a bonus – it's there for people who want to try it, but it isn't necessary if you just want to enjoy riding a bike.”
Across the country, more than 450 clubs run programs just like this – from social weekly rides, to skills improvement sessions, to a dose of healthy competition with racing opportunities – built for riders of all levels.
So many riders tell us they want to ride more consistently, but they have no idea these opportunities are out there.
A simpler way to find your fit
To help more Australians access the clubs and riding opportunities that get them on their bike more often, AusCycling has simplified membership options.
Memberships are now available in three options: Ride, Club and Race.
- Ride: for people who ride for fitness, fun, or the occasional gran fondo. No racing required.
- Club: new for 2026. For riders who want to race at a local level, or just want the community of a club without the competition. This is the option that riders told us was missing.
- Race: for riders whose year is built around the calendar. State and national events, every discipline, with a UCI licence included.
One membership, every discipline – BMX, CX, gravel, MTB, road, track and more.
Covered, without having to think about it
Every AusCycling membership includes 24/7 personal accident and public liability cover – whether you’re training, commuting or just cruising – because around 40% of claims come outside of events.
And if you choose to race, you’re still covered with AusCycling Club and Race memberships – unlike most policies, which exclude racing and timed events.
It's often the benefit people know least about, and the one they're most relieved to have when they need it.
Try it before you commit
If you're not sure where you fit, start with a free 30-day trial. No cost, no obligation to continue. It’s a chance for new members to find a club, join a ride, and see what you've been missing.