Biking in Fairfield: Sustainable fun for the earth and community

Fairfield, Iowa, is known for its creativity, strong community spirit, and appreciation for sustainable living. Among the town’s green lifestyle choices, biking stands out as an eco-friendly, community-building way to explore the area, stay active, and help the environment.

One of the highlights of the local cycling scene is the Weekly Thursday Gravel Ride, which departs from The Ride Bike Shop at 112 N Court St, Fairfield, IA, every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. These rides welcome all cyclists and offer three route options — short, medium, and long — designed to suit different skill and comfort levels. The rides explore scenic gravel roads around Fairfield and offer a great way to meet other riders and enjoy Iowa’s beautiful countryside.

In the fall, as daylight shortens and temperatures drop, the Thursday Gravel Rides shift to Sunday Afternoon Rides, continuing until it becomes too cold to ride. These Sunday rides follow the same inclusive, group-oriented format and offer a great way to stay connected to the biking community through the cooler months.

Fairfield also offers a welcoming space specifically for women riders. The Sunday Women’s Rides begin at 4:30 p.m. on Sundays, starting from Central Square. These rides run from May through the end of August and follow a relaxed pace along the Fairfield Loop Trail, covering somewhere between 6 to 10 miles. The group stops a few times along the way to regroup, making it beginner-friendly and social. These rides are designed to encourage more women to get out on bikes, gain confidence, and make new friends in a supportive setting.

As the season winds down, the biking community closes the year with a special event: an End-of-Year Holiday Ride, usually held in December. Riders decorate their bikes with festive lights and holiday cheer, cruising around town to celebrate the season and spread joy. It’s a fun, family-friendly tradition that reflects Fairfield’s unique spirit and love of biking.

For updates and details about all rides, check out The Ride Bike Shop Facebook Page and the SE Iowa Cyclist Facebook Group. These platforms provide route announcements, seasonal ride changes, and a way to connect with fellow cyclists in the area.

Biking in Fairfield is more than a hobby — it’s part of a broader effort to live sustainably. Choosing a bike over a car reduces carbon emissions, cuts down on traffic, and limits road wear. Plus, it’s a healthy, low-impact exercise that supports physical and mental well-being. When communities bike together, they also build stronger social ties and foster a deeper connection to their surroundings.

Whether you're tackling gravel roads on Thursday evenings, enjoying a crisp fall Sunday ride, rolling through the Loop Trail with the women’s group, or spreading holiday cheer around the town in December, there’s a place for everyone in Fairfield’s biking community.

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