About us
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 20 - 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. This group is all about fun and friendship!
Upcoming events
9
Bike the Reformatory Rail Trail to Minuteman National Park (+ Bonus Trail)
Reformatory Rail Trail Parking Lot, 29 Railroad Ave (approximately), Bedford, MA, USIt looks like Thursday is going to be sunny and mild, so come join me on one of my favorite rides. Built by the Boston & Maine Railroad in 1873 and abandoned in 1962, the Reformatory Rail Trail starts in Bedford, MA, not far from the Bedford Depot and the Minuteman Bikeway. The trail makes its way through several wildlife conservation areas as it heads toward Concord. Locals dubbed it the "reformatory trail" when the railbed was extended in 1879 to pass the old Concord Reformatory, later known as MCI Concord (now closed). This 4-mile, unimproved dirt trail passes through lovely woods and fields and alongside the popular Great Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, in Concord.
Our ride starts just down the road from the Bedford Depot, at the trail head's dirt parking lot on Railroad Avenue. If parking is tight at the trail head, you can always park at the depot or behind the Bikeway Source bike shop and then make your way a short distance down Railroad Avenue to the Reformatory Trail. The trail head will be on your left. See the parking options map in the photos section.
After we ride to the trail's end point, we'll take a quick detour down Monument Street and over to Minuteman National Park. Bikes are allowed everywhere in the park, but be mindful of the walkers on the trails. We'll ride up to the visitor's center for a brief history lesson from a park ranger before coming back down for lunch by the Concord River.
Note: Be sure to walk your bike over the historic Old North Bridge.
There are restrooms near the park entrance.
Historical Note: The Old North Bridge was the location for the "shot heard around the world" and the start of the American Revolution in 1775
Read about the Reformatory Rail Trail
Reformatory Branch Trail Guide (a brief history)
BONUS TRAIL: When we get back to the parking area, we can also check out the Narrow Gauge Rail Trail, which is a short distance down the road. This will add an extra 4-5 miles to our trip. See the map in the photos section.
Read about the Narrow Gauge Rail Trail
Ride nitty gritty:
- Reformatory Rail Trail: unpaved, packed dirt, sandy in a few spots
- Narrow Gauge Rail Trail: mostly paved
- Bike type: mountain or hybrid
- Restrooms: at Minuteman National Park
- Distance: approximately 10 miles, depending on what we do at Minuteman National Park. Add another 4-5 miles for the Narrow Gauge Rail Trail. Total distance for full trip will be about 15 miles.
- Safety: Bike helmets are mandatory on our rides. If you don't have a helmet or forget to bring yours, I have spares to lend.
- Lunch: Bring lunch or a snack to eat at Minuteman National Park.
- Money: The park's visitor center has a small gift and book shop. Bring some $$$ if you think you might want to purchase something.
- Post-ride Ice Cream: After our ride, we can head over to Bedford Farms Ice Cream -- 20 North Road, Bedford, MA -- for some frozen treats. Phone: (781) 275-6501.
Maps
The guest option is ON for this ride, so feel free to bring a friend.
IMPORTANT: Be sure your bike is in good working order! Tires should be in good shape and pumped up, gears should shift smoothly, and your 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.
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.
11 attendees
Manchester to New Boston on the Goffstown and New Boston rail trails
West Side Ice Arena, 1 Electric St, Manchester, NH, USA sunny warm day is scheduled the same day as this ride. Dont be put off by others discription of this ride. Come see for yourself. The Goffstown Rail Trail is a packed gravel surface. We'll be including a new section to this ride which will take us to New Boston on a newly improved trail. This ride is 26 miles not I ncluding the manchester portion which would be 29 miles in total. For those who are so inclined we can ride the Manchester section upon our return which will add an additional 4 miles with great views north and south on the Merrimack River.
From the parking lot at the West Side Ice Arena onto the Goffstown Rail Trail, pedaling over a footbridge, and then along side the Piscataquog River and Glen Lake. After we reach the end of the trail, we'll bike a short distance on the road into downtown Goffstown, where we'll take a break for water at a lovely little area by the river before continuing to the New Boston section. We will break for lunch at the gazebo in New Boston center after which we will make our way back to the ice arena.
The New Boston Rail Trail
Read all about the New Boston Rail Trail on their website.
The ride nitty gritty:
Trail surface: mixed; some packed dirt and crushed gravel
Bike type: mountain, hybrid or gravel.
Meet-up spot: West Side Ice Arena parking lot
Safety Note: Bike helmets are mandatory on our rides.
Lunch: Bring a lunch or snack to eat in New Boston at the park.
West Side Ice Arena
1 Electric Street
Manchester, NH 03102
Driving directions:
To reach parking at West Side Ice Arena from I-293 S, take Exit 6 for Amoskeag St. toward Goffstown Road. Turn left onto Eddy Road, and go 0.4 mile. Turn right onto Bremer St. and go 1.1 miles. Turn left onto Electric St. and cross over the trail, going 0.2 mile to the arena straight ahead.
From I-293 N, take Exit 6, and turn left onto Amoskeag St. Immediately after crossing under I-293, turn left onto Eddy Road, and follow the directions above.
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 not allowed.
15 attendees
Past events
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