Year in Review 2025: A Year in Motion Comes to an End

Simon and Fabian, 22.12.2025

An eventful year is drawing to a close, and we can look back with great pride on the successes and challenges of the Dino year.

Highlights

For the Velociraptors, 2025 was a year shaped above all by consistency, diversity, and shared experiences on the bike. Across many different formats, a rhythm emerged that made space for both new and long-standing riders.

Every Saturday we met at 10 a.m. for the Social Ride in Heidelberg. These rides became a fixed part of the weekend for many. Most of the time we were out together for two to three hours, at a pace deliberately chosen so that everyone could feel comfortable. From mid-year onward, Social Long Rides increasingly joined the schedule, with more time in the saddle and often more elevation gain, without losing their open character. In addition, there were irregular Fast Rides, especially in spring and from mid-year into autumn. Here the pace was picked up a bit, sometimes riding through pacelines or sprinting spontaneously for a town sign. During the summer months, regular After-Work Rides were added together with Ruprecht Rides. On Tuesdays it was relaxed evening road rides, and on Thursdays gravel rides. The program was complemented by FLINTA and Queer Rides, which became more established over the course of the year and offered a protected space for riding together.

Special events also shaped the year. Bike & Swim was offered several times, combining rides with a refreshing dip in the lake. Technique was the focus of several CTT Rides, such as safe descending or improving bike handling skills. A sporting highlight was the 500-kilometer ride at the beginning of June, during which 500 kilometers were covered together within 24 hours. At the end of September, 24 people from the community went together to a one-week cycling camp in Verbania, Italy. Everyone shaped their days individually, from long and ambitious stages to relaxed rides and time off the bike. In the evenings, we always cooked and ate together. Shortly afterward, Loops & Cakes took place as the biggest event of the year. There were six loops of 30 to 40 km each, and on most loops there was homemade cake at a forest hut to refuel. Riding was done in small groups and at an appropriate pace for each. The year concluded in December with Last One Smiling at the Weißen Stein, where everyone could ride as often as they liked, accompanied by freshly made waffles on site.

Beyond cycling, there were numerous off-bike socials throughout the year, meeting for a wide range of occasions, from pizza nights to mulled wine evenings. And last but not least, our Dino merch launched, above all the socks, which unexpectedly became very popular very quickly. You can still order last-minute Christmas gifts here.

New Structures and Perspectives

2025 was marked by strong growth. A growth that makes us equally proud, grateful, and at times a little speechless. In the WhatsApp community we are now nearly 700 people, and on Instagram over 900. Individual posts have reached well over 10,000 views. This shows that we radiate an open and welcoming culture. At the same time, this very growth makes organization more demanding and occasionally overwhelmed us.

On important structural questions, there were and still are sometimes major differences of opinion. Topics such as dealing with discrimination, macho behavior in WhatsApp groups or on group rides, and our identity as a community overall were discussed intensively. Meetings with more than 25 participants were not always easy, but they showed enormous engagement and genuine commitment. In the end, we emerged stronger from these discussions and were able to find sustainable compromises. As a result, a community guideline was initiated, and we are currently jointly evaluating our census. The current status can be viewed in the Documents tab and is not yet finalized.

Looking Ahead: 2026

Looking toward 2026, we are already planning another cycling camp and coming up with new events. Many existing formats will of course remain. At the same time, we want to continue addressing organizational questions. This includes, for example, how we can make participation more attractive and hear your opinions earlier. The awareness concept will also be further developed. We look forward to every new face at rides, socials, and meetings.

A Personal Christmas Wish for the Community

For 2026, my particular wish is to further advance the work of the diversity team. In an increasingly polarized society, it would be powerful if our community actively shows that inclusion, tolerance, and solidarity have a future. Social projects such as joint rides with refugees, open film nights with a bicycle cinema, or collaborations with NGOs that clearly oppose the societal shift to the right can set visible signs. Or, to quote German rapper Disarstar: Stay strong, even when everything is shaking. Help with the website and writing articles is, of course, also very welcome.

– Simon

Thanks and Closing

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who joined rides, trainings, and events this year and helped behind the scenes. Without your engagement, your time, and your support, none of this would have been possible. The organization this year was especially carried by Zak, Sebastian, Moritz, Teddy, Lydia, Daniel, Jonna, Lynn, Jannik, Cosi, Linda, Ida, Ren, Tom, Berkay, Jakob, Hanno, Clara, Fabian, and Oriana. If I forgot someone, please forgive me and get in touch 🫶🏼.

All of this brings us incredible joy.

Make yourselves comfortable, enjoy some quiet days on the sofa, and Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates.