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 Newburyport Livable Streets and Parker River National Wildlife Refuge for our Third Annual Moonlight Ride! This early evening bike ride is appropriate for all levels of riders. The refuge is opening just for us, so we won’t have to share the road with other vehicles. All are welcome for this traffic-free ride on the refuge road with a stop for hot cocoa along the way.
Road surface: The refuge road is flat and paved, and you can ride at a leisurely pace. Any bike is fine for this ride!
There are two ride options:
- Ride to the refuge Sub-Headquarters for a 4.6-mile round trip.
- Ride to the end of the paved road at Parking Lot #4 (Hellcat Trail) for a 7-mile round trip.
We’ll have delicious hot cocoa at the Sub-Headquarters under the stars until it runs out!
Schedule
- Arrive at Parking Lot #1 (just inside the refuge gate) between 5:00 and 6:00 pm to unload bikes, find your group, etc. At 6:00 pm the refuge gate will be closed to vehicles.
- Riverside Cycles will be at Lot #1 before the ride starts to provide minor bike adjustments.
- Riders will assemble in three groups to stagger departures and manage congestion at the start.
- First group leaves at 6:30 pm.
- Everyone will be back at Lot #1 by around 8:00 pm (There are no lights in the parking lot, so you might want to bring a flashlight to help putting bikes on your car.)
Registration
Sign up for the ride by filling out and submitting this form. We'll use your email and phone information to update you on the ride, including any weather postponement or cancellation. You will receive at least one email with important information.
Note: Registrations will close when we reach capacity or at noon on Tuesday, September 30, whichever is first. (If you have friends that are coming, please try to carpool so there is space for everyone.)
Rain date is Friday, October 10.
