Boston: Emerald Necklace/Arboretum Lilacs 🌸/Public Garden Tulips 🌷/27 miles

Boston: Emerald Necklace/Arboretum Lilacs 🌸/Public Garden Tulips 🌷/Charles River 27-Mile Loop 🚴‍♂️

NOTE: Account for morning rush hour traffic!

RidewithGPS route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48872307
if you have Premium RwGPS, turn-by-turn directions are supported

Hey NSBFF friends! 😄 Ready for a sweet 27-mile loop through Boston’s best spots? Join me and the urban cycling legend, Hugh, for a laid-back 10-12 mph ride that’s perfect if you’re cool with single-file cruising through some busy city streets and up for a fun adventure. 🌳 Hugh debuted this route in 2024 and it's hot "cycling" ticket. I'm just happy to tag along. We’ll hit the Charles River bike paths, the lush Emerald Necklace parks, the Southwest Corridor, sneaky South End paths, and the bustling Back Bay.

Starting at the Soldiers Field Parking Lot by the Charles River, we’ll pedal counter-clockwise (check the map in the photos). 🗺️ The route takes us along the Charles toward Kenmore Square, Lansdown St, through the Fenway to Jamaica Pond, and into the Arnold Arboretum. Since it’s Lilac Day on May 10th, we’ll pause for a 10-minute walk to admire the gorgeous lilacs. 🌸 Then, we’ll hop back on our bikes and climb 1 mile (180 feet) to Peter’s Hill for a 30-minute lunch break with a stellar Boston skyline view—pack your lunch! 🥪🏙️

After lunch, we’ll circle Franklin Park’s historic golf course, then head back to downtown via the Southwest Corridor through Roxbury, the South End, and Back Bay. Before wrapping up, we’ll stop for 10 minutes at the Public Garden to check out the vibrant tulips in bloom. 🌷 Finally, we’ll roll by Boston Common and return to Soldiers Field along the Charles. 🚲

The route is 100% paved (except for two tiny packed dirt sections), so any bike will work great. 🛠️ About 85% is on parklands, greenways, or waterfront paths, with 15% on city streets—some busy, like near BU, Fenway Park, and Back Bay. We’ll mostly ride on dedicated bike/pedestrian paths, separated from traffic, but expect frequent street crossings where we’ll regroup. 🚦 On busier streets, we’ll use marked bike lanes or share the road for a few blocks, always with care. If anyone feels uneasy, we’ll stop and walk our bikes to a safer spot—no worries! 😊

Safety’s key, so we’ll stick together, follow leader instructions, and dodge trail obstacles like pedestrians. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 This weekday ride skips the weekend crowds along the Charles and Jamaicaway, but there’ll still be plenty of folks around. Come prepared, start on time, and bring your lunch for a fun day of pedaling, lilacs, tulips, friendship and good vibes! 🎉

All event attendees must be willing to start on time, follow leader instructions, stay with the group, come prepared and be flexible.
IMPORTANT

• Meet at the Parking Lot next to Artesani Playground, 1175A Soldiers Field Rd, Boston, MA 02135, in the corner closest to the playground and port-a-potties. Parking is free and there is plenty of room for many cars.
• Arrive 30 minutes early and be ready to ride at the designated start time. Account for morning rush hour traffic!
• Bring sufficient hydration and food; we will take a break for lunch.
• Be prepared to bike single file, follow traffic signals, stay with the group and stop at leader-designated points. There are many street crossings, and several segments of riding on city streets, some quite busy.
• Do not attend this event if: you are not feeling well; you are uncomfortable biking in a city atmosphere with potential areas of crowds and obstacles.
• The duration of this ride may vary as we continue to fine tune the timings, but we will do our best to return to the starting point by the designated time. However, if you are strictly time constrained, consider skipping this ride.
• Organizers may reschedule/cancel this event due to inclement weather.

Safety Note: Bike helmets are mandatory on our rides.

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.