What we’re about
Welcome. The Granite State Wheelers has been New Hampshire's most active adult recreational bicycling club since 1971. Volunteer-run, we offer our members organized weekday, weekend, and multi-day rides for road and off-road enthusiasts of all experience levels at many venues throughout the state. As of September 2024, GSW has organized and sponsored 50 years of the widely-known New Hampshire Seacoast Century ride.
Group rides encourage improving riding skills and safety, and creates new cycling friendships. Group rides can be a great way to spend time with friends and other cyclists, even if it is just chatting about cycling. Cycling with others is a smart way to combine your social life with fresh air and exercise.
Joining this GSW MeetUp group does not constitute GSW club membership. You do not have to be a GSW club member to participate in GSW organized rides. GSW memberships support club activities, including providing cyclists with this MeetUp event scheduling service. Membership perks include mileage tracking on GSW rides, access to the Ride With GPS club account with its library of ride routes, and discounts at many local bike shops on parts and services.
Become a GSW member! Sign-up at www.GSWheelers.org.
GSW Ride Guidelines:
- The use of Sign-in Sheets is mandatory for every GSW ride. Each rider, GSW member or not, must print and sign their own name on the GSW Sign-in Sheet before the ride begins. Ride Sign-in Sheets serve as an insurance liability release as well as input to the mileage tracking system.
- Approved bicycling helmets are required on all GSW rides.
- All GSW rides are conducted in compliance with the rules of the road and with common courtesy displayed between bicyclists and motorists. GSW supports the “shared roadway” concept and attempts to set a good example to the public and other bicyclists.
- All levels of riding ability are invited to GSW rides. Ride event descriptions and ride organizers will give you guidance as to participants expected cycling abilities.
- You don't need to know how to change a flat tire, but all riders are advised to carry a spare tube for their own bike!
- Changes to posted rides due to weather or cancellation can be posted any time to inform those riders planning to attend.
- Rides are held departing from specified locations in public places with ample parking.
- Ride organizers and leaders are provided with the complete GSW Ride, Mileage, and Leader Guidelines which is also available to all GSW members on the members only page of www.GSWheelers.org.
We hope you enjoy your rides with the Granite State Wheelers!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Trek Across Maine Training RidesTransportation Center/Train Station, Dover, NH
Training rides for the Trek Across Maine. These rides will prepare riders for the Trek Across Maine, a charity ride sponsored by the American Lung Association. We will start the first week with a 20-mile ride and continue to add about 5 miles in distance and mix in a few hills each week gradually working up to June 7th, the Saturday before the Trek, when we will do a 60-mile hilly ride designed to simulate one day of the Trek. The rides are intended to be educational and fun. We will tailor each ride to the needs of the group. No one gets dropped. If the weather is questionable, call to confirm that the ride is taking place. Newcomers are welcome as are non-Trekkers. The start location is the Transportation Center/Train Station at 33 Chestnut Street, Dover, NH. The Ride Leader will poll the participants the first week about the possibility of changing the start location for some of the rides. The weekly ride postings will be updated accordingly. John Straight is the primary Ride Leader (Mobile Number 603-781-7359), with GSW President Michael Claus as backup.
Dover/Eliot/Lil's Cafe - back through Portsmouth/Newington · Ride with GPS - Monday Ride - Contoocook and HennikerContoocook Gazebo CONTOOCOOK RIVERWAY PARK, Hopkinton, NH
A 19 mile Contoocook to Henniker out and back. We'll make a brief rest and snack stop in Henniker. Upon returning to Contoocook we can adjourn to the Every Day Café for coffee or lunch.
Climbing the West Hopkinton Dam is a short grunt, but otherwise the route is fairly easy. We cross route 202 / 9 twice where caution is necessary. Do not rely upon others to make your crossing decisions for you; use your own best judgement.
Planned route: Contoocook - Henniker loop.
Organizer may modify the route as needed. Rain cancels.Monday Ride Group Guidelines
- Expect a 11-12 mph average ride pace and 12-14+ mph level ground rolling speed ... plus or minus with hills and wind. Speeds will typically pick up a bit as the season progresses.
- While the ride is considered "no drop," riders are expected to make a reasonable effort to maintain the published pace to avoid significantly disrupting the group flow.
Program Note
- Monday rides will generally start from Contoocook every other week.
- Alternate weeks may start from various seacoast area locations, Belmont, Antrim, and others.
- Start times will generally shift to 9 AM as the season progresses.
- Monday rides will be on hiatus four Mondays during June and two during September.
- Others are welcomed to lead a Monday ride of their choosing for which listing and mapping support will be gladly provided.
Safety First!!
- Consideration. Consistency. Communication.
- Please Click Here for Ten Tips for Safe Group Riding
- S & W Monday Night RidesS&W Sports (lot across the street), Concord, NH
Expect an accomadating to brisk 30 + mile rides.
(no drop... While the ride is considered "no drop," riders are expected to make a reasonable effort to maintain the published pace to avoid significantly disrupting the group flow.)Ride Leaders:
17 + mph - Melissa (brisk)
Alternates: Dan C15+ Tony V (moderate)
Alternate: Bruce D13+ Bernie F (accommodating)
Rain cancels.
Looking for other ride leaders for different pace groups to go out. If interested, PM me or contact the GSW ride coordinator.
Arrive early to prepare (helmets, lights, nutrition, etc.) for rollout time.
See www.GSWheelers.org for club info
