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.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Manchester to New Boston on the Goffstown and New Boston rail trailsWest Side Ice Arena, Manchester, NH
A 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.
