What we’re about
This group is for people who would like to bike on the various rail trails in northern MA and southern NH, both paved and unpaved. When mountain biking on unpaved trails, we will definitely NOT be rock hopping or stump jumping; none of that crazy stuff. We'll stick to mostly flat rail trails and parks, maintaining a moderate pace and with several water breaks along the way. We'll be offering both weekend and mid-week rides, possibly some evening rides, too.
Most of the trails we'll do are in the range of 15 - 25 miles round trip, which translates into a riding time of approximately 2 - 3 hours, depending on the length of the ride and the breaks we take along the way. Our rides are intended as social activities, rather than physical challenges or a biking competition. Participants are encouraged to bike at their own pace, whatever that may be. We'll stop and regroup from time to time, to make sure that we don't lose anybody on the trail. See our Rail Trail Resources page for links to descriptions of the trails we ride.
You can also check out the trails we ride by visiting our Virtual Bike Ride page in the group's message boards.
Come join us on Sunday, August 24, for a day of fun and comradery to support our troops. Hosted by Soto Cycles, the ride starts and finishes at Pomps Pond, Andover MA.
Ride Details
The ride takes place on the streets of Essex County, MA. There will be four courses to match your interest and capabilities. Each course will be marked by signs.
- 10 - 11 miles -- For recreational riders. If you'd like to participate but don't want to go all out, this is the option for you.
- 25 miles -- The first 5.5 miles will be at a controlled pace. Everyone should return around 9:30 - 10:00 am.
- 41 miles -- For experienced riders. Return around 10:30 - 11:30 am.
- 71 miles -- For very experienced riders who want more distance. Return time is 11:00 am - 12:30 pm.
Mechanical assistant, snacks and sandwiches will be provided during the ride, along with beverages and a warm meal at the end of the ride.
Bike in-person or virtually, all levels welcome!
Location: Pomps Pond, 147 Abbot Street, Andover, MA
Check-in/Registration Time: 7:00 am.
Start time: All rides start at 8:00 am.
Online Registration: To participate, please visit the ride's Race Roster sign-up page.
Event Contact: Bruce Farmer, 978-852-4695, rfttregister@gmail.com
Ride for the Troops, Event Host
Soto Cycles
26 Essex Street (rear)
Andover MA
978-270-4895
info@sotocycles.com
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Londonderry Concert on the Commons-Brian Maes Band265 Mammoth Rd, Londonderry, NH
- Wednesday, July 16, 2024
- 7:00 PM 8:30 PM
- 295 Mammoth Road Londonderry, NH, 03053United States (map)
This will be the tenth year that Brian and his awesome band will perform for us, and what a treat this is going to be! Along with Brian, a fantastic singer and keyboard player, his incredibly talented wife MaryBeth sings like you wouldn’t believe. The musicians in the band are just the best - you must hear them. Here is a sample from their 2022 concert when they brought their friend Barry Goudreau (former lead guitar for Boston) - what a band! Please join us in welcoming The Brian Maes Band for an evening that is going to ROCK the Common!
Bad weather venue - TBD - Londonderry Concert on the Commons-Chicago Total AccessLondonderry High School , Londonderry, NH
- Wednesday, July 23, 2025
- 7:00 PM 8:30 PM
- 295 Mammoth Road Londonderry, NH, 03053United States (map)
Chicago Total Access is a music group made up of 10 talented musicians which all grew up listening to the music of the 60s and 70s. The group is dedicated to the music of the American rock band “Chicago”. There is no other American Rock ‘n Roll band with horns that has influenced more musicians, is loved by millions of people worldwide and has become such a deep part of Americana as the band Chicago. Since 1967, 57 years of sold out concerts, millions of record sales and legions of cheering fans worldwide Chicago is still going strong in 2024. The members of Chicago Total Access have attempted to recreate a slice of the timeless musical catalog of Chicago as well as stay true to the spirit of the original recordings. We know you will enjoy their efforts! The liner notes of Chicago’s first recording titled “The Chicago Transit Authority” still inspire this tribute band:
“The printed word can never aspire to document a truly musical experience, so if you must call them something, speak of the city where all save one were born; where all of them were schooled and bred, and where all of this incredible music went down barely noticed; call them CHICAGO.”
Bad weather venue - TBD - Eastern Rail Trail (Saco to S Portland) Bike RideHannaford , Saco, ME
The ride nitty gritty:
- Estimated Distance: 44 miles (R/T)
- Duration: approximately 5-6 hours
- Trail Surface: pavement, gravel/dirt
- Bike type: hybrid or mountain bike suggested. Road bikes could be a challenge in some spots.
RAIN CANCELS THIS EVENT
IMPORTANT: Be sure your bike is in good working order! Tires should be in good shape and pumped up, gears should shifting smoothly, and you're brakes should be properly adjusted. If possible, pack a spare tube in case of a flat. A hand pump or CO2 inflator is also desirable, though not absolutely necessary, as many riders will already have these items.
Please be ready to hit the trail at 9:30 am.
SAFETY CONCERNS: We will be riding on the road during part of this ride, weaving our way through South Portland traffic. Be absolutely sure you are comfortable with this before signing up for this bike ride!
Bike helmets are mandatory on our rides.
Trailhead Start
We will start at Hannaford parking. You will find us at the left side when facing the store. This parking is about 0.1 miles south of I-195.We will be on bike trails in Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Scarborough, along the Scarborough Marsh, the South Portland Greenbelt Walkway, and up the coast to the Bug Light House. I plan on having some leisure time at the Bug Light Park, since it’s my favorite area! Bring a lunch or snack. Let’s have a bite to eat here, so that we can re-energize for the return ride.
Download the Eastern Rail Trail Brochure
No guests on this ride. Please have your guest join the group.
AS A CONDITION OF ATTENDING THIS MEETUP, 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. Kayaking, camping, hiking, bicycling, and such other activities pose inherent risks and dangers. Participation in these activities 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.
Consuming alcohol before or during any of our rides is prohibited.
