Bike the Derry-Windham-Salem Rail Trail with Pickleball Afterward

Let's get out and ride while the weather forecast is looking good and the temperatures are warmer. This ride features an optional group game of pickleball on the tennis courts across from Hood Park.

NOTE: We're starting this ride a little earlier than usual. Please be ready to ride promptly at 10:00 am, so we'll have ample time to whack the ball around on the pickleball court. I have spare paddles for anyone to use while we play.

If you're new to the group, we'll be doing an easy-paced ride on this completely paved rail trail that runs from Derry down to Salem, NH. Lots of options to modify the length of the ride to suit your abilities and to stop for breaks along the way. With the trail expansion down to the Tuscan Kitchen in Salem, the complete round trip is approximately 20 miles, about a 2- to 2-1/2-hour ride at a moderate pace. If you haven't biked in a while, this is a good trail to get you moving again due to the variety of options it offers.

Ride Options:

• Hood Park to B&M Caboose at Windham Junction: 3.5 miles
• Hood Park to bridge over Route 111: 7 miles
• Hood Park to Rt 28 intersection: 7.5 miles
• Hood Park to Tuscan Market: 9.5 miles

Multiply the above distances by 2 to get the round trips. The total round trip distance for the full ride, start to finish, is approximately 20 miles. Do what you can and let's all meet up back at Hood Park!

Bathrooms/outhouses are located both at Hood Park and mid-way along the trail, near the Windham Depot. Afterwards, those of you who are interested can join us for pickleball, followed by ice cream at Moo's, 27 Crystal Ave, Derry.

Bike helmets are mandatory on our rides!
(If you don't have one, I have spares to lend.)

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 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.