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
3
Bike the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail
Crosspoint Towers (Bruce Freeman Rail trail), 900 Chelmsford Street, Lowell, MA, USCome join us for an an easy 28 to 30-mile round trip ride on this great intermediate-level trail, one of the nicest you'll find in all of New England. We'll start at the Crosspoint office building, located at the intersection of Routes 3 and 110 in Lowell, MA, and then make our way out to the trail end in West Concord. Lunch will be on the patio at the Bakery on our RETURN trip.
This will be a MODERATELY paced ride at 10 to 12 mph with several brief water and bathroom breaks along the way. We'll all regroup at these break points, so nobody will be left behind on this ride.
Break/Regroup Points: Heart pond in Chelmsford (about 4.5 miles in), Nara Park (about 10 miles in) and, finally, at the trail end in West Concord (about 15 miles in). We will stop for lunch at the bakery on our way back.
The entire trail is paved, so any bike will do for this ride.
NOTE: Don't miss the turn for Nara Park! Watch for the granite trail sign. You can see the pond from the trail.
A helmet is mandatory when biking with this group. If you don't have one or have forgotten to bring yours, I have spare ones to borrow.
Port-a-Potties along the way:
- Heart Pond in Chelmsford
- Chelmsford Square across from Brickhouse Pizza
- Nara Park in Acton
Read about the trail on the Friend's Website
DON'T GET LOST: The parking lot at Crosspoint is huge, so it's easy to overshoot and get lost. The trail entrance is over at the right side of the parking lot. After you enter the Crosspoint driveway, take a right turn immediately and look for other bikers.
AS 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 other similar 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 our events is prohibited.
20 attendees
Ride Saco to South Portland
Hannaford, 532 main Street ,, Saco, ME, USCome ride with us on the recently opened 1.6-mile section of trail, in Scarborough, as we meander up to Bug Light completely OFF ROAD, on safe and scenic trails. The new stretch of trail is absolutely beautiful and now provides a safe, seamless journey from Saco to South Portland. As we've done in the past, we'll start our ride at Hanford's, in Saco, ME. As a courtesy, try to park in the back left side of the parking lot or as far away from the front of the store as possible. Be ready to ride at 9:30!
The ride nitty gritty:
***Estimated Distance: **approximately 34 miles round trip
** *Ride Duration: **approximately 5-6 hours, including our break times
*** Lunch: **Bring a lunch or snack to eat at Bug Light Park. We'll take a long break here to relax and enjoy the scenery before starting the return leg of our ride.
** *Trail Surface: **pavement, gravel/dirt
*** Bike type: **hybrid or mountain bike suggested. Road bikes could be a challenge in some spots.
*View the new section of trail.- Check out the Eastern Rail Trail Interactive Map.
Learn about the* Eastern Rail Trail Alliance**.
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 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 some of your fellow riders will likely have these items.
Bike helmets are mandatory on our rides!
**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 other such physical activities pose inherent risks and dangers. Participation in these activities is voluntary and dependent upon your own personal judgment.
Consuming alcohol before or during any of our rides is prohibited.
23 attendees- Check out the Eastern Rail Trail Interactive Map.
Past events
941
