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- UV Slow Spokes - Wilmot Flat to Highland Lake Loop.Wilmot Ball Field, Wilmot, NH
Join the UV Slow Spokes for a 23 mile ride through Wilmot and Andover to Highland Lake. The planned route includes 13 miles of the Northern Rail Trail.
Bring water, and snacks. We will hesitate at corners to make sure we haven't lost anyone; and we will stop for a longer rest at Chaffee Park/Highland Lake at about mile 13.
Porta potty is located at Potter Place at about mile 6 on the way out and mile 19 on the way back.
Meet in Wilmot Flat at the Town Ball Field located between Rt. 11 and Pine Hill Road.
The ride Departs at 10:00AM after group introductions.
This is a no drop ride at a 10-11 mph average ride pace. While the ride is considered "no drop," riders new to this group are expected to know their average pace in New Hampshire terrain to better enjoy themselves on the ride.
Safety First!!
- Consideration. Consistency. Communication.
- Please Click Here for Ten Tips for Safe Group Riding.
Ride w/GPS route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36519032
- S&W Wednesday Night RidesS&W Sports (lot across the street), Concord, NH
Expect an accommodating (no drop) to moderate/brisk 28 + 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:
16+ mph - Lynn Durand (moderate/brisk)11-12+ mph - Bernie F (accommodating newcomers and distance)
If you have an interest in leading a different speed for this ride, please PM me or contact the GSW ride coordinator.
Newcomers do not think you are the only ones attending. Regulars hardly respond to meetup.
Rain cancels.
See www.GSWheelers.org for club info.
- N89ers - Hillsboro - East WashingtonBeard Road, Hillsboro, NH
Join the N89ers for a 28 mile ride (2.5 miles of dirt), considered moderate plus, with one long hill. Back roads, wonderful old houses, some farms, one long hill with two steep pitches. See New Hampshire as it used to be.
Be prepared to enjoy your picnic lunch at Beard Brook after the ride. You may wish to brave the cooler water of Beard Brook for a swim.
This is a no drop ride at a 10-12 mph average ride pace and 12-14 mph level ground rolling speed. 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. We will stop frequently for water breaks.
Ride departs at 9:30 AM.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From Henniker take US 202 to Hillsboro. At the traffic light at West Main Street go RIGHT for 0.25 miles. Just before the bridge go RIGHT on Beard Road for 0.7 miles to the town swimming hole on your left. Park there.
SAFETY FIRST!
- This is a no-drop ride. Average pace will be 10-12 mph. 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.
- Bring a snack, water and of course your helmet, lights, and Road ID.
- Rain cancels.
- Please click here for 10 Tips for Safe Group Riding.
- Please click here to download bike safety poster.
Cue Sheet:
| Leg | Dir | Type | Notes | Total |
| --- | --- | ---- | ----- | ----- |
| | ← | Left | Beard Road swimming hole. Park here and start ride turn left onto Beard Road | 0.0 |
| 7.1 | ← | Left | Turn left following sign to Washington. | 7.1 |
| 4.9 | → | Right | Turn right onto South Main Street | 12.0 |
| 0.2 | → | Right | Turn right onto Mill Street | 12.2 |
| 0.2 | ↑ | Straight | Continue onto Mill Street | 12.4 |
| 0.1 | ← | Left | Turn left onto Half Moon Pond Road | 12.5 |
| 0.6 | ← | Left | Turn left onto Half Moon Pond Road | 13.2 |
| 0.0 | → | Right | Turn right onto North Main Street | 13.2 |
| 0.1 | ↑ | U Turn | Make a U-turn onto North Main Street | 13.3 |
| 1.0 | ← | Left | Turn left onto East Washington Road | 14.3 |
| 6.6 | → | Right | Turn right onto Cooledge Road | 20.9 |
| 3.3 | ← | Slight Left | Turn slight left onto 2nd New Hampshire Turnpike | 24.2 |
| 2.2 | ← | Left | Turn left onto Sawmill Road | 26.4 |
| 1.1 | ← | Left | Turn left onto Beard Road to parking. Enjoy your picnic lunch and a swim! | 27.5 |Ride w/GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48890166
