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
4
Bike the Historic Battle Road Trail & Minuteman National Park
Meriam House, 34 Old Bedford Road, Concord, ma, USHere's your chance to join us for a history-filled day, as we ride along the trail used by the British when they retreated from their battle with colonists on April 19, 1775, the start of the American Revolution. This unpaved 5-mile trail begins at Meriam's Corner, in Concord, and winds its way through the eastern section of Minuteman National Park to Lexington. We'll be passing through farming fields, wetlands and forests, with the trail surface varying from packed dirt and crushed stone dust to boardwalks over a few marshy areas. Note that there will be a few small hills but nothing too difficult. A hybrid or mountain bike is necessary for this ride (I did it easily with a hybrid).
This will be a relaxed, meandering sort of sightseeing ride ON THE WAY OUT, as we pass the historic sites along the trail. There will be brief stops to view the various historical markers that we'll encounter, including the site where Paul Revere was captured by the retreating British soldiers. Feel free to take lots of pictures!
After a quick water/snack break at Fiske Hill, which marks the end of the trail, in Lexington, we'll double back to Meriam's Corner. From there, we'll take an easy shortcut through a cemetery and connect to the Reformatory Rail Trail. We'll then bike to the western section of Minuteman National Park to view the Old North Bridge, the site of the famous "shot heard around the world." After we bike around the park and up to the visitor's center, we'll stop for lunch on the benches near the bridge. When lunch is done, we'll head back onto the Reformatory Trail, then take the shortcut back to our starting point at Meriam's Corner. The total distance for this trip is approximately 17 miles over trails of hard-packed dirt.
NOTE: Rest rooms are located at Meriam's Corner (our starting point), at the visitor's center near the Hartwell House, and at the Old North Bridge.
IMPORTANT PARKING NOTE: The parking area is located AROUND THE CORNER from Meriam House, on Lexington Road. Put the address for Meriam House, 34 Old Bedford Road, Concord MA, into your GPS; then just drive around the corner. See Google map in the Photos section.
Minuteman National Park Interactive Map
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 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.
14 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.
20 attendees- Check out the Eastern Rail Trail Interactive Map.
Past events
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