TNR meanders the Mystic

TNR will close the 2025 evening series this week by traveling the Mystic to Charlestown.

But before getting into the ride details, I'd like to thank the nearly 30 different riders who have come out to join one of my rides this summer. It has been one of the best and most enjoyable Summers in the past 10 years that I've been doing this. I'm particularly thankful for those of you who come week after week or almost week after week: it's wonderful to see you, it's wonderful to ride with you, it's wonderful to socialize with you after the ride!

For our final TNR, we'll put out of Alewife and head through Medford and Somerville, winding our way into Charlestown on a mix of road and bike path. I haven't quite settled on the route, but am leaning towards riding out of Alewife on the brook path that is unpaved. I'm also considering a path that punches thought the Encore casino, where we'd have to walk. Details to follow. Needless to say, this will not be a speedy ride. But it will be as flat as the Mystic.

We start near the Alewife Craft Food Hall/Alewife Garage (across the street and to the left as you look out from the garage near the intersection). We'll keep a pace of about 14 mph on the average.

This is intended to be a no-drop ride, but you should be in good riding condition with a road bike. We will wait before we turn and at intersections so that everyone can ride at a comfortable pace.

The departure time will be 5:30 SHARP so that we can return right around sunset. You really need bike lights for this one. Make sure that your bike is in good working order before you leave home. Helmets required. You are responsible for your own safety.

Registration closes at midnight on Wednesday. If there are fewer than 4 riders, I will cancel. If you sign-up, show up. The ride is capped at 20 this week since it's largely off road

I will offer a brief safety talk before we depart promptly at 5:30. If rain is in the forecast, I will cancel the ride by 4 pm.

If anyone is traveling by car, there is paid parking in the Alewife Garage and some free parking in the lot at the Summer Shack kitty corner from the start. You may also find a spot at Thompson Field in Arlington along the Minuteman path.