Cycling Team Toeristiek chooses fun, structure and clarity with Cyql

Cycling Team Toeristiek vzw is not your typical cycling club. This cycling community was born during the COVID-19 era, when only small group rides were allowed. What started as a WhatsApp group to organize rides quickly evolved into a close-knit group of passionate cyclists looking for something extra alongside their regular club activities.

An addition to existing clubs

“We’re not a traditional club with official members,” says Bert Pattyn. “Many of our cyclists are already affiliated with other clubs. Cycling Team Toeristiek is a complement to their cycling fun. We go for sporty rides with room for coffee stops, photos, and above all: some ‘toeristiek’ along the way.”

#CTT focuses on enjoyment and experience, both on the road and on gravel. With nearly 200 members, the community has grown rapidly in a short time. “We try to schedule our rides when nearby clubs don’t have official rides, so we really add value. Thanks to good planning, we’re able to organize group rides where everyone feels welcome.”

Discovering Cyql

The club discovered Cyql online, but the real connection was made during a visit to Velofollies 2024 in Kortrijk. “That’s when we saw the platform in action. Since then, we’ve been using it to plan our rides.”

What stood out to them immediately? “The clarity. The app offers a clear overview of upcoming rides, with all details and GPX files. This makes it easy for everyone to know where, when and how to join—without it getting buried in a chaotic WhatsApp group.”

 

Suggestions and wishes

Still, they remain constructively critical and enjoy contributing to further development. “The bottom menu bar in the app could use a stronger visual presence—maybe by using our club colors. And we’d love to have direct access to the GPX library there instead of the current ‘marketplace’ tab. That would make it even more user-friendly.”

Why other clubs should choose Cyql

“Cyql makes it easy to publish rides with all details, without them getting lost in a busy WhatsApp group,” says Bert. “It’s software for cycling clubs that want to take group ride organization seriously.”

Take your cycling club to the next level with Cyql!

Simplify ride planning, increase member engagement, and streamline club management—all in one easy-to-use platform. From recurring ride schedules to member management and speed group organization, Cyql gives your club the tools to run efficiently.

Your gravel ride, part of something bigger – Cyql & REBOUND 2025

On May 31, 2025, it’s time again: REBOUND. Thousands of cyclists across the globe will head out on their bikes that day, all for the same purpose: an unforgettable gravel adventure — each in their own way, yet together. No ribbons, no timing chips. Just you, your bike, and the freedom to define your own ride. Rebound is an initiative by Shimano and Live Slow Ride Fast. Inspired by the world-renowned Unbound Gravel, it has grown into a global phenomenon where adventure, community, and fun take center stage. Whether you’re a seasoned gravel rider or just in the mood for a refreshing ride on unknown paths – REBOUND is for everyone.
 

Cyql makes your ride visible

As a Cyql user, you know cycling is about more than just kilometers — it’s about riding together. That’s why we at Cyql are proud to partner with REBOUND. We’re helping to strengthen the community and make the event visible in our app. Every public ride in Cyql with #Rebound in the title or description will get a special spot on the Discover map. Instantly see who’s joining — from solo rides to club outings. And the other way around: your ride might inspire someone else to get out and ride too.
 

Here’s how to join:

  • Ride your own REBOUND ride on May 31, 2025 — gravel, tarmac, or a mix, it’s all good.
  • Add #Rebound in the title or description of your public ride in Cyql.
  • Automatically appear on the Discover map and become part of the shared adventure.
 

United, apart

Rebound is about freedom, but it never feels lonely. That’s the magic: the sense that you’re riding with thousands of others, even if you’re not physically together. Through Cyql, we make that connection tangible — with a map full of stories, adventures, and inspiring routes. So, what are you waiting for? May 31 is coming. Pump up your tires, plan your route, gather your cycling buddies, and make your ride discoverable with #Rebound in Cyql.

Together we ride REBOUND, United in Gravel.

Hickory Velo Club from North Carolina digitizes club communication with Cyql

Hickory Velo Club from North Carolina doesn’t view digitalisation as a goal in itself, but rather as a way to improve club life. With Cyql, they found a solution that not only simplifies the organisation of group rides, but also integrates essential features such as the liability waiver.

Cycling, technology, and engagement

Russ is not only an active cyclist in Hickory Velo Club, but also manages the club’s website. “I build and maintain websites as a hobby and enjoy using technology to improve processes,” he explains. Together with fellow club member Dave, he helps organise this 120-member club, founded in 2004 in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. The focus is on road cycling, although there are also members who enjoy cyclocross and mountain biking.

Switching to Cyql

The search for a modern solution came from dissatisfaction with their previous app. “There was hardly any development, and it felt like a dead end,” says Russ. While searching on Google, he came across Cyql. “The description immediately appealed to us. After starting the trial period, we knew: this is exactly what we need.”

More than just planning rides

What immediately stood out was the completeness of the app. Russ: “We can create rides, appoint ride leaders, manage routes, post news updates, and members can respond. But the best part is that the liability waiver is integrated in the app. That’s crucial for a club in the United States. Everyone must sign the waiver, and thanks to Cyql, we can now manage that easily and centrally. That makes it possible for us to use Cyql seriously as the club’s central platform.”

Dave adds: “Cyql is an elegant and well-thought-out solution. Everything we need is there—without the hassle.”

Quick adoption within the club

The introduction of Cyql within Hickory Velo Club went remarkably smoothly. “Within two weeks, more than half of our members had already installed and started using the app,” says Russ. “We expect that soon nearly all of our communication will go through Cyql. That means we can finally leave time-consuming email newsletters behind.”

What could be improved?

Although satisfaction is high, Russ and Dave still see opportunities for further development. “We’re still using a separate tool for contribution management and memberships. If Cyql could integrate that too—including payments and automatic renewals—then we’d really have everything in one system.”

Why other clubs should use Cyql too

Russ is clear: “Cyql offers a well-designed and complete solution for organising group rides, activities, and communication within your club. Everything is centralised, well-structured, and mobile-accessible.” Dave agrees: “If you’re looking for a platform that truly understands what cycling clubs need, with a team that listens and constantly improves, then look no further. Cyql is the answer.”