Andover MA to Portsmouth NH with two great coffee stops (Day 1 of 2-day trip)

Saturday July 26th 2025

Join us for beautiful ride from Andover MBTA to Portsmouth New Hampshire with two wonderful coffee stops at beautiful Amesbury and famous Me & Ollie's in downtown Exeter NH
Average speed 12-13 mph, ride as a group.
Stops at 15.8, 28.2 (Amesbury Bakehouse) and 40 miles (Me & Ollie's Bakery in Exeter)
Start at Andover commuter rail station @ 8:00 am (connects to commuter rail arriving from North Station @ 7:51 am)
End in Portsmouth, option to return via Portsmouth-South Station bus (takes bicycles on a space available basis). Part 1 of two-day micro-adventure connecting with Day 2 Portsmouth NH- Ipswich MA. Please contact organizer for overnight lodging information in Portsmouth if interested in this option.
Route:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51806093
RECOMMENDED BICYCLE TYPES: Road or 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.