North Shore Bicycling For Fun

So let’s ride from the north end of the Marsh trail into Newburyport across the bridge onto the Clipper City trail to Joppa Flats by way of the city center. We will stop at the park headquarters for restroom needs. From there we will go out to Plum Island by way of the road where we will take a break and lunch or snack. Be sure to bring water. We will return on the Clipper city trail passed the railway station, then back over the bridge and onto the Marsh trail to the beginning.

Bike helmets are mandatory when riding with us!

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 desireable, though not absolutely necessary, as many riders will already have them.

AS 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 our events is not allowed. Although we might consider Hodges for an ice cream at rides end.

This ride will be limited to 10 riders not including the hosts. Let’s bike a 28 miles on the Cape Ann peninsula with a variation. We will follow the coast of Gloucester and Rockport to enjoy the ocean vistas and take in many sites along the way. Our cycling journey will begin at the Gloucester Fisherman's Memorial, located across from 59 Western Ave. Not sure about porta potties but Rockport has restrooms open year round. Our ride will be 99 % on the local roads to include small hills. Once we reach Rockport we will reverse course and return along a similar route. As for parking, the high school stadium just a few blocks away from our meeting point offers ample space. Alternatively, you can park near the school entrance if the stadium is full. Throughout the ride, we'll be on the road, passing through both bustling streets and serene residential neighborhoods boasting breathtaking ocean views. Therefore, safety is paramount, and we'll need to maintain a single file formation at all times. Be prepared for hills (some unexpected) which may pose a challenge; however, we'll have plenty of opportunities to stop and admire historical landmarks during our ride.

The ride nitty gritty:

• Length: approximately 28 miles
• Elevation gain: Hills here and there - 1,276 feet
• Moving time: Approximately 3.5 hours

Meeting location:
Follow Route 128 north from Boston all the way to the first rotary and take the first exit. Proceed to 59 Western Ave or the high school parking area at Leslie O. Johnson Rd. Do not take the exit for Rt. 133 - Essex Ave. You will end up on the wrong side of the bridge if it opens and it will add 15 min. to your drive and you will be late.

Tires on trail at 10:30 AM sharp. It will be a long day. Bring money for goodies, though it would be best if you brought your lunch, as that gives us more flexibility on where to stop. There are several porta potties and real bathrooms (in Rockport) along the way, so feel free to drink all the coffee you want before you go. No guests on this ride. Please do not show up unexpected or unprepared.

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.

Safety Note: Bike helmets are mandatory on ALL 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 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.

**Consuming alcohol before or during any of our rides is prohibited.**p