Aldergrove resident Shalabh Goyal bought a bike in October 2025 after being inspired by his father in India, who still regularly cycles at the age of 65. Having not ridden in roughly 15 years, Goyal decided to start with a short ride. “I started with like 5 km,” Goyal said. “Then 10, 15 and then it started kind of getting boring to go on a one-hour ride without anyone with me.” That lonesome wouldn’t last too long as after another cyclist posted online looking for
a riding partner, the two began cycling together. Their route distances gradually increased to 30 kilometres to 50 kilometres, and friends soon joined after seeing photos and posts online. Now, the group has six regular riders who meet every Saturday morning in Aldergrove, usually around 6 a.m. However, Goyal said they are flexible on timing. They usually start near 32 Avenue and 272 Street in Aldergrove. The beginner-friendly group continues its search for new members. “We are not doing it for a competition,” Goyal said.
“We are just kind of going out for fun and then getting some cardio in as well.” The rides often take the group through Glen Valley, Fort Langley, and along 0 Avenue, where they stop to take in views of the U.S. border. Goyal described how their rides to Fort Langley has also become a regular coffee stop during the group’s standard 50-kilometre route. While four of the members are from Abbotsford, they mainly ride through Aldergrove and Langley. Goyal said the group focuses on
staying together and helping beginners feel comfortable. “We always go together,” he said. “We keep talking about each other’s week and normal discussions.” Shorter distances are encouraged for new riders. “We would not go for a 50k ride in the first go,” Goyal said. “We’ll take the new member on a 10k ride, 25k and slowly kind of ramp up to 50k.” Safety is also a priority. Riders use front and rear flashing lights, call out approaching vehicles, and make sure no one gets left
behind at intersections or turns. “At every corner we make sure that the last person reaches that corner before we make a turn,” Goyal said. Goyal said the group hopes that more local riders will join, especially those who are new to cycling or getting back into it. “Anyone who is living in Aldergrove or who wants to start from Aldergrove is more than welcome to join us.” Potential riders interested in the group can contact Goyal on Facebook.
Aldergrove, cycling group, Shalabh Goyal, Abbotsford, Fort Langley, Glen Valley, beginner-friendly, 32 Avenue 272 Street
Love this, 6am Saturday rides sound nice.
So is this like a race thing or more chill? The article says not competition but then 50 km?? That’s still kinda intense. Also “views of the U.S. border” like y’all can just see it from there or what.
Wait I thought cyclists weren’t supposed to ride 2 at a time or whatever? But they’re meeting every Saturday and calling out cars so I guess it’s safe. I don’t know why they need Facebook to contact people though, seems like a lot.
My cousin lives in Langley and says this is where everyone goes to “test” their bikes or whatever, so idk if it’s really casual. Also 32 Avenue and 272 Street… that’s like always busy right? I’m glad they do the ramp up thing for beginners because 50k out the gate would be brutal. But if they’re stopping for coffee at Fort Langley then aren’t they basically just doing a social walk with extra steps? Anyway good for them.