Question 1

Do I need to bring my own bike?

Accepted Answer

No, the bike is included in the price. We provide a serviced city bike before every ride, with front and rear lights. If you'd rather bring your own, that's fine — just mention it when booking.

Question 2

What level do I need to join?

Accepted Answer

No particular level. If you can balance on a bike, you can ride with us. The pace is easy, we ride as a group and wait for everyone.

Question 3

How much is a ride and how do I pay?

Accepted Answer

The price and remaining spots are shown on the booking page. Payment is online via Mobile Money (MTN, Moov, Celtiis) or credit card. Your spot is confirmed as soon as the payment is validated.

Question 4

What happens if it rains or the ride is cancelled?

Accepted Answer

If it rains or conditions are unsafe, we postpone the ride and you get a WhatsApp message with the new date. If the new date doesn't suit you, your spot is fully refunded.

Question 5

Where is the meeting point and at what time?

Accepted Answer

The meeting point is in Abomey-Calavi, 20 minutes from Cotonou. The exact location is sent by WhatsApp after your booking. Arrive 15 minutes before departure to pick up your bike: we leave at 6pm sharp.

Question 6

Can I come from Cotonou?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most of our riders come from Cotonou. Allow 20 to 30 minutes by car, taxi or zem to Calavi. Many riders organise carpooling via our dedicated WhatsApp group, shared after booking.

Question 7

Why does the ride start in Calavi and not Cotonou?

Accepted Answer

Calavi offers safer routes for evening riding: less traffic, mango-tree-lined roads, direct access to Lake Nokoué and Ganvié. It's our base, but we serve the whole Greater Cotonou area.

Question 8

How many kilometres is a ride?

Accepted Answer

Between 12 and 25 km depending on the format. The classic Calavi Night Ride is 15-18 km in 2h30, breaks included. The Romantic Ride is shorter (8-12 km). Sunset Ride and Family Ride are shorter formats (6-10 km).

Question 9

How long does a ride last?

Accepted Answer

Between 1h30 and 3h depending on the format. Plan on 2h30 on average for a classic night ride with photo stops, fresh coconut and chats.

Question 10

Can I come as a group or gift a spot?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can book several spots in a single transaction. To gift a spot, book in the recipient's name or contact us — we handle the rest (gift card, surprise, etc.).

Question 11

Is there a minimum age?

Accepted Answer

16 for night rides, accompanied by an adult. For daytime Family Rides, children from 8 years old are welcome with a parent.

Question 12

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Comfortable clothing, closed shoes, light or reflective items if possible. Avoid sandals and long dresses. A light jacket helps in the cooler season.

Question 13

Can I bring my own bike?

Accepted Answer

Yes — just mention it when booking. Check that your front/rear lights work and your brakes are in good order. Otherwise we provide a serviced city bike.

Question 14

Is the ride safe at night?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We ride as a group led by a guide, with lights on every bike and a reflective vest provided. The route is scouted in advance and avoids the most dangerous roads.

Question 15

Is a helmet provided?

Accepted Answer

Helmets are available on request when booking. We strongly recommend one, especially for new riders.

Question 16

What happens if I fall or get a flat tyre?

Accepted Answer

The guide carries a repair kit and a first-aid kit. If there's a flat or a mechanical issue, we fix it on the spot. In case of injury, we call the emergency services immediately.

Question 17

Is there a support vehicle?

Accepted Answer

For Team Building formats and groups of more than 15, yes. For classic rides, a rear guide closes the group so no rider is left isolated.

Question 18

What happens if it rains?

Accepted Answer

If it rains or conditions are unsafe, we postpone the ride and you get a WhatsApp message with the new date. If the new date doesn't suit you, your spot is fully refunded.

Question 19

Is there insurance?

Accepted Answer

Riders are covered by our public liability insurance for the duration of the ride. For extended personal coverage, check your own insurance.

Question 20

Do I need to know how to swim?

Accepted Answer

No. Our routes sometimes run along Lake Nokoué but never cross it. No water activity is included in the classic bike rides.

Question 21

How much is a ride?

Accepted Answer

The price and remaining spots are shown on the booking page. Classic rides start from a few thousand CFA, bike and fresh coconut included. Couple and Team Building formats have their own pricing.

Question 22

Which payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Mobile Money (MTN, Moov, Celtiis) and Visa/Mastercard cards via Kkiapay. Payment is secured and your spot is confirmed on validation.

Question 23

Do you offer a membership?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our monthly membership gives you access to several rides per month at a reduced price. Details on the Memberships page.

Question 24

Do you offer corporate rates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We organise Team Building bike outings for companies of 10 to 60 people, with custom routes, photos and optional catering. Contact us for a quote.

Question 25

Can I get an invoice?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on request after payment. Send your billing details (company, IFU) in reply to the confirmation.

Question 26

Which routes do you ride?

Accepted Answer

Mainly in Greater Cotonou: Lake Nokoué shore, Tankpê road, Cadjehoun, Fidjrossè, Cotonou bridges, access to Ganvié. We rotate the routes every season.

Question 27

Can I combine a ride with a Ganvié tour?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it's a very popular combo: pirogue in the morning to Ganvié from the Calavi pier, then a lakeside ride in the late afternoon. See our "Visiting Ganvié" guide.

Question 28

Do you ride in Ouidah or central Cotonou?

Accepted Answer

For special occasions, yes: discovery rides to Ouidah, historic rides in central Cotonou. Those formats are announced on the Events page.

Question 29

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Directly online at after6riders.com. Pick your format, your date, pay online | you get your confirmation and the rider WhatsApp group link right away.

Question 30

Can I cancel or change my booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, up to 48h before the ride at no charge. After that, contact us on WhatsApp: we always find a solution (postpone, transfer to a friend, credit).

Frequently asked questions

Everything before you ride