What we’re about
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 15 - 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. See our Rail Trail Resources page for links to descriptions of the trails we ride.
You can also check out the trails we ride by visiting our Virtual Bike Ride page in the group's message boards.
Come join us on Sunday, August 24, for a day of fun and comradery to support our troops. Hosted by Soto Cycles, the ride starts and finishes at Pomps Pond, Andover MA.
Ride Details
The ride takes place on the streets of Essex County, MA. There will be four courses to match your interest and capabilities. Each course will be marked by signs.
- 10 - 11 miles -- For recreational riders. If you'd like to participate but don't want to go all out, this is the option for you.
- 25 miles -- The first 5.5 miles will be at a controlled pace. Everyone should return around 9:30 - 10:00 am.
- 41 miles -- For experienced riders. Return around 10:30 - 11:30 am.
- 71 miles -- For very experienced riders who want more distance. Return time is 11:00 am - 12:30 pm.
Mechanical assistant, snacks and sandwiches will be provided during the ride, along with beverages and a warm meal at the end of the ride.
Bike in-person or virtually, all levels welcome!
Location: Pomps Pond, 147 Abbot Street, Andover, MA
Check-in/Registration Time: 7:00 am.
Start time: All rides start at 8:00 am.
Online Registration: To participate, please visit the ride's Race Roster sign-up page.
Event Contact: Bruce Farmer, 978-852-4695, rfttregister@gmail.com
Ride for the Troops, Event Host
Soto Cycles
26 Essex Street (rear)
Andover MA
978-270-4895
info@sotocycles.com
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Ride the Seacoast Greenway, New Hampshire's newest trail!Seacoast Greenway Trail, North Hampton, NH
This section of the Seacoast Greenway, which opened in the fall of 2024, is part of the much larger East Coast Greenway, a 3,000-mile pedestrian/bicycle route that stretches along the coast from Maine to Florida. The NH segment of the ECG -- about 50% complete at this point -- currently runs southward from the Portsmouth Skate Park on Route 33 to just beyond the North Hampton airfield, a distance of 8 miles. Plans are on the drawing board to extend the trail further south, to Hampton and Seabrook, where it will connect up to the Old Marsh Trail.
Our ride starts in North Hampton from the old DPW parking lot next to Cap World. From there, we'll ride north toward the Portsmouth skate park, located on Greenland Road (Route 33). When we reach the park, we'll take a short water/snack break before doubling back to our starting point. There is a Port-a-Potty at the skatepark.
Lunch at the Airfield Cafe
For those interested, we can get together after the ride at the Airfield Cafe, a delightful place for breakfast or lunch that's open from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. We can bike right to the restaurant, so bring money with you. Alternatively, you can drive over to the restaurant, though parking may be tight, as this is a popular spot.The nitty gritty for this ride:
- Trail surface: crushed stone dust
- Suitable bikes: hybrid, gravel or mountain bike
- Total distance: 16 miles round trip
- Bathrooms: Port-a-Potty at the skate park
- Water/snack break: We'll take a short break at the skate park.
- Parking: Park at the old DPW lot next to Cap World on Route 1.
- Address for GPS: 1 Lafayette Road, North Hampton NH.
- Post-Ride Lunch: The Airfield Cafe, 9A Lafayette Road, North Hampton NH. The restaurant is just a few minutes away. We can bike right over to the restaurant and lock up our bikes outside.
Driving Directions: Head north on Route 1 just a few hundred feet to Airport Road. Turn right and follow the road to the end.
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.
We're starting early, 10:00 am, to avoid the mid-day heat!
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.
- Londonderry Concert on the Commons-Martin & Kelly265 Mammoth Rd, Londonderry, NH
- Wednesday, August , 202
- 7:00 PM 8:30 PM
- 265 Mammoth Road Londonderry, NH, 03053United States (map)
This dynamic duo is rapidly ascending as a must-see act, bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary country. With a resume boasting support slots for legends like Willie Nelson and Alison Krauss, Jilly and Ryan are poised for a major breakthrough.
Every year they bring an undeniable energy to their performance on our bandstand.Bad weather venue - TBD
