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
6
Parker River Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island and Plumfest
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA, USLet's ride through the scenic Parker River Wildlife Refuge, then over to the beach at Plum Island Point. Our ride begins at Refuge Headquarters, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, From there, we'll ride over the Plum Island Bridge to Refuge Road. Entrance is now free for cyclists! We'll meander down to parking lot #5 and the entrance to the Hellcat Boardwalk Trail, a 1.4 mile loop trail through the marsh and sand dunes. Here we can lock up our bikes and stretch our legs while we walk over to the observation tower to enjoy the view. Be sure to bring a bike lock! This will also be an opportunity for a bathroom break. After climbing the observation tower, we'll ride back to parking lot #1 for one last bathroom break (and perhaps a quick walk out to the beach).
Note: Beach access is available via the boardwalk at the far end of the parking lot. Be sure to respect any restricted areas that are marked by signs.
From the parking lot, we'll double back to Plum Island Turnpike and then proceed to the beach at Plum Island Point, taking our usual scenic route. Riding down Northern Boulevard, we'll first turn right at 55th Street and then turn left onto Reservation Terrace, which will take us along the dunes.
On our way back from the beach, we'll turn right onto 78th Street and bike along the Plum Island Basin, enjoying the pretty homes and cottages that line the basin.
Plumfest -- Plum Island's annual musical festival -- will be kicking off around noon, so we'll likely be able to check out some of the performers on our way back to the refuge parking lot. At this point in the ride, we'll be winging it a bit, stopping to hear a few tunes here and there. If you wish, you may remain on the island to explore some of the other musical acts. Please let me know if you're breaking off from the group.
About Plumfest
- Festival home page
- Interactive Map of the Island with Artists that Performing
- Downloadable PDF of Performer Schedule
When we get back to Plum Island Center, we can perhaps stop for ice cream at The Cottage Creamery .
Our round trip distance for this ride is approximately 16 miles.
Event Chat is turned on for this ride!
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 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.
18 attendees
Past events
933
