Cambridge Porter Sq- Salem - Independence Greenway-Salem ,(37, 55 or 66 miles)

Join us for a nice ride to Salem and beyond. Main route is 55 miles, but can be shortened to 37 or extended to 66 .
Follows the largely car-free route from Somerville to Lynn including the Northern Strand bicycle path and an extra scenic route to Salem via Marblehead and more. Bathroom/coffee stop @ aprox mile 18 at the One Mighty Mill test kitchen & bakery (68 Exchange St. Lynn, https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dw9g4EtryoDo6iLc6) on the way to Salem. Lunch at aprox mile 37 in Salem, continuing to the Independence Greenway in Peabody (part of the East Coast Greenway) up to West Middleton, and back to Salem. Then return to Boston via commuter rail (hourly at 40 minutes past the hour, arrives in North Station).
Shorter/ longer mileage options:
37 mile option: Take commuter rail in Salem without doing the Independence Greenway.
66 mile option: continue past Danvers to Topsfield (end point of RWGPS route) and then return to Salem via the same route.
Speed c 11- 12 mph (day long average), up to 15 mph when cruising on flat.

Meet: 8:45 am Start: 9:00 sharp, Cafe Zing, Porter Square, Cambridge MA.
RWGPS route of first part Porter to Salem: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52253702
RWGPS route of entire route and more
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52253702
(This route ends in Topsfield, but for the 55 mile route we turn back in Danvers). Should anyone want to do a 66 mile route, continue to the end of this route and turn back to return to Salem)

RECOMMENDED BICYCLE TYPES: Road hybrid. The route is paved but there are quite a few Hills , so tandem or very heavy bikes are not recommended.

NOTE 1: In order to take advantage of as much daylight riding as possible (especially as we get closer to September/October), the posted ride time is the START/DEPARTURE TIME of the ride time, NOT the "show up at the meeting location" time. The ride will depart at the start time regardless of who is not there at that time.
You must arrive ahead of time to prepare and make any last minute adjustments to your bike as early as you think you need (the earlier the better) to be ready to leave at the start time.
NOTE 2: You MUST have a helmet, a working rear light attached to the back of your bike (either on your bike bag (see further on), your seat post, the rear of your bike frame or the rear of your helmet), and a bike bag containing:
-at least one spare tube in case you get a flat
-a patch repair kit or CO2 cartridge(s) and inflator (or have a small bike tire pump on your bike)
-tire removal tool(s)
You should know how to either repair a flat or replace the tube.
It also is highly recommended you have at least one front light in case it gets dark
NOTE 3: You must have some type of GPS on your bike to be able to ride the route turn by turn (in case for whatever reason you get dropped or lost somehow). If you don't have a GPS, you must have some type printed cue sheet you can refer to. Riders who don't have these will not be allowed to ride the event.
NOTE 4: As a condition of attending this Meetup event, you agree to hold harmless, and indemnify the organizers and their relations and heirs, and all members and participants of the Meetup group from any and all claims for injury, illness, death, and/or property damage including those caused by negligence, ignorance, inexperience and other reasons. You also agree to assume all mental, physical, financial, and/or other risk associated with this meetup. Cycling poses inherent risks and dangers. Participation is voluntary and dependent upon your own personal judgment. As organizers, we make no claims regarding any expertise for this outing. This is not a guided tour.
NOTE 5: Rain or threat rain or other bad weather may require cancellation and possibly rescheduling this event. I will keep attendees posted as the event date gets closer.
If you need to reach me, call or text me at 617-818-7841.