NEW! No Surfin in Dorchester Bay: Charlestown-Mattapan Sq via Boston Waterfront

If you are comfortable biking in the city in single file, including some busy city streets (some quite industrial), and looking for a new adventure, join us for a 10-12 mph paced 32-mile out & back ride from Charlestown that connects Boston Harborwalk with local streets and parkways to the Neponset River Trail and Mattapan Sq., then return.

We'll take our 30-minute lunch/snack break at a picturesque spot along the route. Pack a lunch!

** Please read this description in its entirety **

The ride is 32 miles in an urban environment, 20% on city streets (some quite busy) and 80% parkland/greenways/waterfront. The route is 100% paved (except for a very short packed stone dust detour, and a 250-yard stretch of sidewalk/bike path is in very rough shape), but any type of bicycle should do. Starting at Paul Revere Park in Charlestown, we will cross the newly finished Bill Russell Bridge, and pass thru the North End, Rose Kennedy Greenway, Seaport district, Marine Terminal, Castle Island, South Boston & Dorchester beachfront, UMASS Boston, JFK Library, and Pope John Paul II Park, then pick up the Neponset Trail to Mattapan Square. The return route is roughly the same, with a few variations (South Boston neighborhood, Seaport Harborwalk). We'll have lunch in Pope JPII park heading out or back, depending on our timing. The route map is in the attached photos.

A good portion of the route is on dedicated bike/pedestrian paths, fully separated from traffic (in some areas with fairly frequent street crossings that will require waiting on the group before proceeding). However, there are a considerable number of on-street marked bike paths, and in some cases on bicycle right-of-ways directly in the flow of heavy city street traffic for several blocks (e.g., the South Boston industrial port area). We will approach all significant street crossings safely and cross together and navigate city streets with great care. If at any point any member of the group feels unsafe, we will all stop and walk our bicycles until reaching a comfortable location.

As always, safety of the group is important. This weekday ride avoids the usual weekend crowds, especially along the Harborwalk and Seaport, but you should expect to bike around people and obstacles on the paved trails, bike lanes and walkways. 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 Paul Revere Park in Charlestown, adjacent to the playground. An official City of Boston designated public restroom is located in the nearby Marriott Residence Inn. Reserve plenty of time to find parking, there are no free lots in the immediate area.
• Arrive at the meeting point 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.