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
18
Bike the Salem-Windham-Derry Rail Trail
The Tuscan Market, 63 Main Street, Salem, nh, USThis is a relatively easy trail and a longtime group favorite. The complete round trip is approximately 20 miles, about a 2- to 2-1/2-hour ride at a moderate pace of 10 - 12 mph. If you haven't biked in a while, this is a good trail to get you moving again. 'Don't fall in love with your couch!' is our official group motto.
Bring a lunch or snack to have at Hood Park in Derry.
NOTE: As a courtesy, be prepared to walk your bike when we get to Sabatino's Italian Restaurant in Derry, as they may have outside diners seated close to the trail. Alternatively, just turn right into Sabatino's parking lot and ride behind the restaurant.
Ride Options:
Tuscan Market to B&M Caboose at Windham Junction: 6 miles
Tuscan Market to Hood Park : 9.5 milesMultiply the above distances by 2 to get the round trips. Do what you can and have fun!
Bathrooms/outhouses: Mid-way along the trail, near the Windham Depot; and at the end of the trail, at Hood Park.
PARKING: Park in the rear of the old Tuscan Market, which is located behind the main parking lot for the Tuscan Kitchen restaurant, 63 Main Street, Salem NH. DO NOT park in any spots reserved for diners (look for the signs).
Safety Note: Bike helmets are mandatory on our rides.
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.
Learn about the trail: Check out the history of the trail at the Windham Rail Trail Alliance website. See the old photos of the depot!
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 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 any of our events is prohibited.
17 attendees
Bike the Upper Charles Rail Trail
Fino Field, Sumner St, Milford, MA, USIt's been a year since we've done this trail. An easy-to-get-to location, just off Route 495. The Upper Charles Trail, approximately 26 miles long, runs through the towns of Milford, Ashland, Sherborn, Holliston, Framingham, and Hopkinton. The trail includes both paved and crushed stone dust sections. Both hybrid and road bikes will be OK for this trail, as the stone dust is very well packed.
We'll start our ride on this 'V-shaped' trail (http://www.milfordtrail.org) at Fino Field in Milford and head north past Milford Pond and Louisa State Park toward Hopkinton. There'll be great opportunities to view wildlife in the adjacent forests and bogs along this 6.5 mile portion of the trail.
After riding the northern section of the trail to the end, we'll double back to the park and then head northeast toward Holliston. The trail changes here to a stone dust surface until it ends at the Sherborn town line. Along the way, we'll encounter the historical Phipps Tunnel, constructed to allow steam trains to travel under the street. Another highlight of this section is the Bogastow Brook Viaduct, a beautiful stone bridge with eight arches (we'll be riding on top of it). Finally, as we near the end of the trail, we'll pass through the Dopping Brook Conservation Area.
The ride nitty gritty:
Distance: approximately 26 miles
Trail Surface: pavement and crushed stone
Bike type: Suitable for any bike
Lunch: Bring a sandwich or snack to eat at the end of the trail in Holliston.
Bathrooms: Port-a-Potties should be available at Fino Field.
Trail Map: Download a map in PDF format.
Ice Cream: The Boston Honey Company is located right on the trail. They have ice cream and a nice seating area outside their door.DIRECTIONS:
To reach parking at Fino Field in Milford from I-495, take Exit 20 for MA 85 toward Milford/Hopkinton. Head south on MA 85 S/Cedar St. In 0.4 mile, turn right onto Dilla St. In 0.9 mile, turn left onto Sumner St. Fino Field will come up in 0.7 mile on the left. Parking is available off Granite Street.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 desireable, though not absolutely necessary, as many riders will already have these items.
Safety Note: Bike helmets are mandatory on all 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 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 any of our events is prohibited.
15 attendees
Past events
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