2001 Ride Calendar
April 1 Pothole Inspection Tour
Mike Whalen
Topsfield Plaza, Topsfield
From Rte 95 N, take Exit 50 to Route 1 North. In Topsfield, turn left onto Rte 97 North. At stop sign, go left (Rte 97 continues right). Topsfield Plaza is 1/4 mile on right.
10:00 start for 40, 20 and 10 mile rides.
This ride will be covering flat to rolling terrain. Come join in Mike's annual season opening ride. POTHOLES, DIRT, CYCLOCROSS, maybe a new road, IF they pave it in time.
April 8 Ponds and Cows
Mike Habich
Ipswich River Park, North Reading
The park is in North Reading center on Central St between Chestnut St and Rt. 62. From Rt. 128, take exit 40, follow Haverhill St 3 miles north, left on Chestnut St, 1/2 mile to park. From Rt. 62, Central St is 1/2 mile west of Haverhill St/Batchelder School.
10:00 am for 40-50 miles or 25 miles
Through Harold Parker State Forest, Middleton, Boxford, North Andover by a somewhat familiar route with no new twists and the same old cows.
April 15 Easter Show & Go
Anyone who wants to lead this ride please contact Eric
Centerville School, Beverly
Take Rt. 128 N to exit 18, left at end of ramp to Rt. 22N (toward Essex), follow approximately 1 mile, then right onto Hull Street at curve and 1st right into school parking lot.
9:00 AM for distance to be determined by riders or ride leader
April 22 Going North
James Danis
Amesbury Elementary School, South Hampton Rd., Amesbury
Rte 95 to exit 58 for Rte. 110 Amesbury. Go to the 1st traffic light and take a right onto Elm Street. At the rotary take the 1st right onto Market St. (Rte. 150). Go about .5 mile, bear left onto South Hampton Road. From Rte. 495 take exit 54 for Rte 150 Amesbury. At the rotary, go 180 degrees or 2nd right onto Rte. 150. Go about .5 mile, bear left onto South Hampton Road. The school will be on your left.
9:00 for 55 miles, 10:00 for 30 miles
The rides go through the scenic farm country of southern New Hampshire. Both loops go through Philips Exeter Academy in Exeter, NH and the long loop going through the University of New Hampshire in Durham. Don't worry about the hills, they are offset by the descents. Arrows and cue sheets. Chili and chowder will be served after the ride at my house. I live directly across the street from the school parking lot.
April 29 Olde North Andover Ride
Lenny Sullivan Scott Sirotta
Olde North Andover Common
Rt.495 to Rt. 114. Left at lights onto Rt.125 (Bertucci's Pizza). At next set of lights right on to Mass. Ave. Follow to the common. Park on left side of common. From Rt. 95 to Rt.114 take right at Rt.125 (Bertucci's Pizza) then same as above.
9:30 for both 30 and 50 mile loops.
We are told this is a NSC ride from the early 90's. The long loop goes to Topsfield and Ipswich. Short loop cuts out Ipswich. Maps, arrows, cue sheets
May 6 Scenic Tour of the Merrimack Valley
Eric Shaktman
Aries Sports, Newbury
From Rte 95, take the Rte 113 exit into Newburyport. Right turn at 2nd lights. 3rd lights take right Rte 1 South 1 mile. Aries Sports is on right. Aries will be open before the ride and will serve refreshments after.
10:00 AM for 25 & 50 miles
The 25 mile ride will be mostly flat while the 50 will be varying.
May 13 Annual Mothers Day Ride
Mike Whalen
Masconomet Regional High School, Boxford
From Route 95 take exit 51 (Endicott St) east towards Topsfield. The school is 1/4 mile on right. The ride leaves from the far end parking lot from I-95.
9:00 for 12, 28 and 45 mile rides.
This ride is a Whalen tradition choreographed by Mr. Map himself!
May 20 Park'n Ride and Park
Ed Bolton
Maudslay State Park, Newburyport
From Rt. 95 take exit 57 and go east on Rt. 113. Two blocks from the highway turn left on Noble St. (just after the St. Mary's Cemetery Arch). At the end of Noble St. turn left. Go two blocks and veer left at the fork. Go 1.2 miles and turn left into the Maudslay parking lot.
9:00 am for 60 miles, 10:00 am for 30 miles.
The long loopers will venture to Kingston New Hampshire, with Kingston State park at the halfway point or perhaps a trip up Rockrimmon Hill.
May 27 Show & Go
Georgetown Park and Ride
Rt. 95 exit 54 west, to Georgetown center. Park and Ride is on left just before the lights
9:00 am
Show-and-go format. Distance and direction determined by the participants.
Monday May 28 Rattlesnake Rendezvous
Jim White
Greater Lawrence Vocational High School
I-93 North, Exit 45 River St. (1st Exit North of I-495), Left at 1st set of lights onto River Rd., Left at 3rd set of lights into School Parking. I-93N is Exit 40B off I-495
9:30 am - 62 miles, 10:00 am - 25 & 40 miles
Twisty, scenic ride through Andover-Tewksbury area, moderate hills
June 3 Essex County Heritage Ride
Ed Bolton Eric Shaktman
Cummings Center, Beverly
From 128 take exit 23 East towards Beverly. Take a left at the fork .75 miles down following Rte. 62 The Cummings Center is 2 miles from Rte 128 on the left.
9:00 for 60 miles, 10:00 for 40 miles, 11:00 for 15 miles
The long routes travel along the coast with a rest stop at the Crane Estate on Castle Hill in Ipswich. The short route travels through Beverly Farms with a stop at the Wenham Museum. There will be an antique bicycle exhibit at the Wenham Museum for all to see. This ride is a joint production with the Essex National Heritage Council, Cummings Properties, and Landry's Cycles. There will be food and exhibits at the start finish, and mechanical/sag support. There is a $12 registration fee for NSC members/$15 for non-members. Preregistrants get an event T-shirt. Registration forms are available in local shops, from the listed ride leaders, and the web. You can also register at Landry's store in Danvers, on Endicott St. in front of the Liberty Tree Mall. Visit the event web site: www.landrys.com/Pages/EssexCountyRide.html
June 10 Jeff and Jack's Awesome Adventure
Jeff Turpel Jack Ferguson
Haverhill High School
From Rte. 495 north, take exit 50. At end of ramp go straight across Broadway onto Monument St., then go straight through 4-way stop, H.H.S. is on the right. From Rt. 495 south, take exit 50. At end of ramp take a left onto Broadway, then take next left onto Monument St., then go straight through 4-way stop, H.H.S. is on the right.
9:30 am for 35 and 60 mile rides
A scenic N.H. ride. Quiet roads, rolling terrain & moderately hilly - do your homework! Arrows, maps and cue sheets
June 17 Al & Rita's Cape Ann Ride
Al & Rita Sauvageau
Centerville School, Beverly
Take Rt. 128 to exit 18, left at end of ramp to Rt. 22N (toward Essex), follow approximately 1 mile, then right onto Hull Street at curve and 1st right into school parking lot.
9:00 AM for 60 mile ride 10:00 AM for 25 & 35 mile ride
Ride the roads of Cape Ann. Picnic afterward, grill provided; so bring food, drinks, snacks, salad or dessert for all to share.
June 24 Some Cheese with your Whine
Pam Houck
Amesbury Elementary School, So. Hampton Rd., Amesbury
Rte 95 to exit 58 for Rte. 110 Amesbury. Go to the 1st traffic light and take a right onto Elm Street. At the rotary take the 1st right onto Market St. (Rte. 150). Go about .5 mile, bear left onto South Hampton Road. From Rte. 495 take exit 54 for Rte 150 Amesbury. At the rotary, go 180 degrees or 2nd right onto Rte. 150. Go about .5 mile bear left onto South Hampton Road. The school will be on your left.
9:00 for 65 mile loop, 10:00 AM for 25 and 35 mile loops
The loops go through scenic back roads some beautiful farm country of southern New Hampshire. The long loop goes up to Durham, NH. The loops will have some hills, which could not be helped. There will be a BBQ at Pam's house after the ride. Bring salads or deserts (call Pam for ideas) or a $5 donation.
July 1 Ride to the Sea
Donna Ventura & Tony Salerno
Perley School, Georgetown
Rte. 95 exit 54 west, rt. 95 west to Georgetown center. At set of lights take right onto North St., Pearly school is 1/4 mile on the right.
8:00 for 75, 9:00 for 50, 10:00 for 25 mile routes
The longer routes head toward the seacoast and Gloucester. The shorter loops go into Ipswich. BBQ at Tony's after the ride. Bring salads or deserts (call Tony for ideas) or $5 donation.
July 8 North Shore Coast to Coast
Arnold Nadler
Montserrat Commuter RR Station, Beverly, MA
Rt. 128, Exit 19, Brimbal Ave. After exiting, immediate left, then right onto Brimbal Ave. for about 1 mile. Right on Rt. 22 south for 0.1 mile into Montserrat RR Station parking lot.
10:00 AM for approx. 55 and 32 miles
Lots of scenery and historic architecture. Includes 3 miles on Rt. 1 (good shoulder, but some fast moving traffic). Long route gets us from the Atlantic Ocean to the Merrimack River, with lunch in Newburyport waterfront park. Short route lunch opportunity is in Topsfield. Maps, cue sheets and arrows.
July 15 Rattlesnakes Revisited
Jim White
Greater Lawrence Vocational High School
I-93 North, Exit 45 River St. (1st Exit North of I-495), Left at 1st set of Lights onto River Rd., Left at 3rd set of Lights into School Parking. I-93N is Exit 40B off of I-495
9:30 AM for 62 miles, 10:00 AM for 25 & 40 miles
Twisty, scenic ride through Andover-Tewksbury area, moderate hills
July 22 Show & Go
Leader: Anyone who wants to lead this ride please contact Eric
Centerville School, Beverly
Take Rt. 128 N to exit 18, left at end of ramp to Rt. 22N (toward Essex), follow approximately 1 mile, then right onto Hull Street at curve and 1st right into school parking lot
9:00 AM for distance to be determined by riders or ride leader
July 22 Emmaus Heels 'n Wheels Century
Northern Essex Community College, Haverhill, MA
Once again, North Shore Cyclists will be reaching out to help the less fortunate members of our local community by supporting Emmaus Inc. of Haverhill. Work is underway for our annual cycling & walking benefit event, Heels 'n Wheels for the Homeless. Cyclists can choose from three exciting routes of 20, 62 (100K) or 100 miles, all winding along the Merrimack River and through historic Rocks Village. The 100K route takes cyclists through beautiful Newburyport and Byfield, while the 100 mile loop adds Exeter Center, Hampton Beach, and the scenic Atlantic Ocean. For walkers, there will also be a 5 mile walk around Kenoza Lake. Participants will receive water bottles, refreshments, route maps, roadside assistance, free food & beverage vouchers. Also a T-shirt for those collecting $150 or more in pledges as well as special prizes and gift certificates for top pledge collectors. We request a minimum goal of $100.00 in pledges for individuals and an average of $100.00 in pledges per person for groups, families, or crews (registration fee counts towards your goal!).
In conjunction with the bike/walk event, we will have our famous cookout, plenty of soft drinks and live music. Entertainment this year will be provided by bands Averi, Smoke Poetic, Mars Black and Fat City.
Emmaus, Inc. is devoted to serving the needs of the homeless in the greater Merrimack Valley and North Shore. The Heels 'n Wheels event plays a critical role in the efforts to raise needed funds to support Emmaus programs. Last year's event raised more than $29,600. By holding steadfast to its commitment of keeping administrative overhead costs to the barest minimum, approximately 90% of all monies received went directly to the people who need it most: homeless women, men, and children. In order to make this event a success we need your help and participation. We had over a hundred participants last year and we'd love to double that this year! For more information or registration forms, call Bob Makowiecki at 978-352-2407 or visit the Emmaus website: http://www.emmausinc.org/heels.htm
July 29 TdF Stage 21 not!
Mike Whalen
Hamilton/Wenham High School
From Rte 128, take exit 20 N. Follow Rte 1A for 5 miles. The High School is on the right.
9:00 for 60 miles, 9:30 for easier 35 miles
This ride will be covering flat to hilly terrain. Come ride with Mike on a false remake of a Tour de France mountain stage. Cue sheets, arrows, post ride refreshments and medical care after the ride.
August 5 It May Be Long, But At Least It's Hilly
Mike Habich
Ipswich River Park, North Reading, MA
The park is in North Reading center on Central St between Chestnut St and Rte. 62. From Rte. 128, take exit 40; follow Haverhill St 3 miles north, left on Chestnut St, 1/2 mile to park. From Rte. 62, Central St is 1/2 mile west of Haverhill St / Batchelder School.
8:00 am for 65-70 miles, 9:00 am for 40 miles, 10:00 am for 25 miles
Head north toward the Merrimack in search of frost heaves. Long route has some nice vistas and good downhills. Short routes have fewer scenic heights. Picnic after the ride at Mike and Betsy's, 1/2 mile from ride start. Bring swimsuit, lawn chair, food or $5--call for ideas.
August 19 (rained out August 12) Let's Go Coastal
Scott & Dianalyn Sirota
Maudslay State Park, Newburyport
From Rt. 95 take exit 57 and go east on Rt. 113. Two blocks from the highway turn left on Noble St. (just after the St. Mary's Cemetery Arch). At the end of Noble St. turn left. Go two blocks and veer left at the fork. Go 1.2 miles and turn left into the Maudslay parking lot.
9:00 for 65 miles, 10:00 for 35 miles
Beautiful ocean views, and Portsmouth NH. Mostly flat with a few small hills. All rides feature NH coastline and rural inland. Long ride goes to Fort McLary, Maine. There will be a BBQ at Scott's house after the ride. Contact Scott for what food to bring or bring a $5 donation.
August 28 and 29 North Shore Cyclists Blazing Saddles Century
Ride along beautiful rivers, lakes, and bridges, and see New England churches, town halls, and farms. The scenic routes will travel through the North Shore of Massachusetts and into southern New Hampshire including Amesbury, Georgetown, Merrimac, Newbury, West Newbury, historic Newburyport (site of our 50-mile stop) and many more beautiful towns and sights. The 100-mile loop swings through Ipswich, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Beverly. The terrain includes rolling hills, long flats, and rural roads. The nearby ocean furnishes cool breezes, trees along the route provide plenty of shade, and the sun lends warmth on those open flats.
There are three loops: the 100-mile ride starts at 8:00 AM, the 62-mile loop at 9:00 AM, and the 25-mile ride at 10:00 AM. Registration starts at 7:00 AM.
If you register before August 22, the cost is $12 for NSC members and $14 for non-members. Ride day registration is $15 for everyone. The fee covers cue sheets, maps, arrowed route, sag wagon, 50 mile stop with food and refreshments, after-ride refreshments, and water bottles (first 300 registrants). Massage therapists will be available after the ride for a nominal fee. T-shirts are available to early registrants for $10 each (sizes S, M, L, XL). Only the first 500 entries will be accepted so sign up early!
All rides start at Georgetown High School. From I-95, take exit 54B (Rte. 133 west) toward Georgetown center. After about 2 miles, turn right onto Winter Street...the parking lot is directly in front of the high school.
September 2 Flattest Metric in the West
Jimmy White
Great Brook Farm, Carlisle
From Rte. 495: Take Rte. 495 S to Exit 35A Rte. 3 S, follow Rte. 3 S to Exit 28, Treble Cove Road (see Exit 28)
From Rte. 128 (I-95): Take Rte. 128 S to Rte. 3 N, follow Rte. 3 N to Exit 28 - Treble Cove Road.
From Rte. 3 Exit 28: Turn R off Exit 28 (Carlisle) & follow Treble Cove Road for 1.1 mile, crossing Rte. 4 at 1.0 M, and turn R on West St. Follow West St for 2.3 Miles (becomes North St @ Rangeway X) to Great Brook Farm, unpaved parking lot on right. If lot is full, go to the lot on Lowell St. right turn 1/3 mile up.
9:00 for 62 miles, 10:00 for 35 miles
Return of a ride started by Mike Wheeler with a new start at the Great Brook Farm in Carlisle. The rides ramble thru the Concord, Groton, & Dunstable areas. Bring your climbing legs for this one! A light picnic will be served and there are 56 flavors at the farm's famous ice cream parlor.
Monday, September 3 Show & Go
Anyone who wants to lead this ride please contact Eric
Centerville School, Beverly
Take Rt. 128 N to exit 18, left at end of ramp to Rt. 22N (toward Essex), follow approximately 1 mile, then right onto Hull Street at curve and 1st right into school parking lot.
9:00 for distance to be determined by riders or ride leader
September 9 Going North Two
James Danis
Amesbury Elementary School, So. Hampton Rd., Amesbury
Rte. 95 to exit 58 for Rte. 110 Amesbury. Go to the 1st traffic light and take a right onto Elm Street. At the rotary take the 1st right onto Market St. (Rte. 150). Go about .5 mile, bear left onto South Hampton Road. From Rte. 495 take exit 54 for Rte 150 Amesbury. At the rotary, go 180 degrees or 2nd right onto Rte. 150. Go about .5 mile, bear left onto South Hampton Road. The school will be on your left.
9:00 for 55 miles, 10:00 for 35 & 25 miles
The rides go through the scenic farm country of southern New Hampshire. All loops go through Philips Exeter Academy in Exeter, NH and the long loop going through the University of New Hampshire in Durham. Arrows and cue sheets. Food and refreshments after the ride. Bring lawn chairs.
September 16 Scenic tour of the Merrimacs
Eric Shaktman
Northeast (Aries) Sports, Newbury
How to get there: From Rte. 95, take the Rte. 113 exit into Newburyport. Right turn at 2nd lights. 3rd lights take right Rte. 1 S 1 mile. Northeast Sports is on right.
10:00 for 25 & 50 miles
Arrows and cue sheets. Refreshments after the ride. The 25 mile ride will be mostly flat while the 50 will be varying.
September 23 Some More Cheese with your Whine
Pam Houck
Amesbury Elementary School, So. Hampton Rd., Amesbury
Rte. 95 to exit 58 for Rte. 100 Amesbury. Go to the 1st traffic light and take a right onto Elm Street. At the rotary take the 1st right onto Market St. (Rte. 150). Go about .5 mile, bear left onto South Hampton Road. From Rte. 495 take exit 54 for Rte. 150 Amesbury. At the rotary, go 180 degrees or 2nd right onto Rte. 150. Go about .5 mile bear left onto South Hampton Road. The school will be on your left.
9:00 for 65 and 55 miles, 10:00 for 25 and 35 miles
The loops go through scenic back roads some beautiful farm country of southern New Hampshire. The long loop goes up to Durham, NH. The loops will have some hills, which could not be helped. Arrows and cue sheet. After ride snacks at Cider Hill Farm.
September 30 Steve and Emmett's Excellent and Easy Ride
Steve Zaya and Emmett Halpin
Ipswich River Park, North Reading
The park is in North Reading Center on Central St. between Chestnut St and Rte. 62. From Rte. 128, take exit 40, go around the rotary to Haverhill St. (Nat'l Guard Camp on the right). Follow Haverhill St. about 3 miles, turn left on Chestnut, 1/2 mile to right on Central St. and the park. From Rte. 62, Central St. is 1/2 mile west of North Reading Center at the Haverhill St. crossing. Take a left onto Central and to the park.
9:30 37 and 22 miles
We want to show you some roads rarely traveled by the club. The ride will take you through North Reading, Reading, Wakefield, Saugus, Lynnfield and N. Andover. Elements of the NSC Tuesday and Thursday evening rides are incorporated in this ride. Need I say, "Bring your appetite!" Of course, "Dot on the Spot" will be there to make your sandwiches.
October 7 Apple Harvest Ride
Ed Bolton
Crossroads Plaza, Salisbury MA
From Rte. 95 take exit 58 and go east on Rte. 110. Crossroads Plaza is on the right after the lights, across the street from the Chrysler dealer and diagonal from the boat dealer.
9:00 for 53 miles, 10:00 for 34 miles.
Ride to Applecrest Farm Orchards in Hampton Falls, NH for the Applecrest Harvest Festival. What could be a better motivator than a rest stop with apple pie and ice cream, apple cider, cider donuts and more. The short loop is an easy rolling 30 miles, the long loop is a rolling to hilly 60 miles. Arrows and cue sheets.
October 14
Jeff Turpel Jack Ferguson
Haverhill High School
From Rte. 495 north, take exit 50. At end of ramp go straight across Broadway onto Monument St., then go straight through 4-way stop, H.H.S. is on the right.
From Rt. 495 south, take exit 50. At end of ramp take a left onto Broadway, then take next left onto Monument St., then go straight through 4-way stop, H.H.S. is on the right.
9:30 for 35 and 60 mile rides
A scenic New Hampshire ride. Quiet roads, rolling terrain & moderately hilly - do your homework! Arrows, maps and cue sheets
October 21 The Hunt for Roads Unridden
Frank Roberts Phoebe Johnson
Hamilton/Wenham High School
From Rte 128, take exit 20 N. Follow Rte 1A north for 5 miles. The High School is on the right.
9:00 for 50 miles, 10:00 for 35 miles
New roads in our own back yard? How? you may ask. You'll have to attend to find out, but here are some clues and suggestions. 1) Prepare for dirt. There are two stretches of dirt road, each under a half mile. 2) Be ready to stop and start. You'll be able to work up a sweat and get in some good climbs, but the average speed will likely disappoint at day's end. 3) Keep an open mind. The reward for deviating from the normal Sunday ride is new sights, sounds, and even smells. Arrows and cue sheets. Cookout to follow at Phoebe's in Beverly Farms.
October 28 Cowpies and Leafpiles
Mike Habich
Ipswich River Park, North Reading
The park is in North Reading center on Central St between Chestnut St and Rt. 62. From Rt. 128, take exit 40, follow Haverhill St 3 miles north, left on Chestnut St, 1/2 mile to park. From Rt. 62, Central St is 1/2 mile west of Haverhill St/Batchelder School.
10:00 for 40-50 miles or 25 miles
Through Harold Parker State Forest, Middleton, Boxford, North Andover by a somewhat familiar route with no new twists and the same old cows. Cookies and cider (hot cocoa and soup if it's one of those days) at Mike and Betsy's after the ride.
Mountain Biking
Ride Coordinators: Lenny Sullivan
Francesca Lewis
Sunday November 4 Lynn Woods, Lynn, MA
Rick Zagdangross
Chuck Hale
10:00 am
NEW START LOCATION. From Rt 1 take Rt. 129 east towards Lynn. At rotary continue on 129 east pass Atlantic Care Medical Center. Look for sign on right that says Lynn Woods Reservation. At sign take right onto Great Woods Road. Follow straight through stone pillars into parking lot.
Rick will lead the advanced riders; pads recommended. Chuck will lead intermediate riders. Ride fire roads, single track and visit the stone and steel towers (nice views of Boston and points north of Lynn), can stop by the wolf pits. Pasta meal at Chuck's house after the ride.
Sunday November 11 Great Brook Farm Carlisle, MA
Lenny Sullivan
Jim Sullivan
10:00am
Rt. 3N to Exit 29 (Rt. 129). East (left) 1 mile and take right onto Rangeway Rd. Straight across Nashua Rd. at stop sign. Take a right onto North Rd. Parking lot will be on your right.
From Rt. 495, take Rt. 3S in Lowell. Exit 29 is the first exit off Rt. 3. Right onto 129, then as above.
Great Brook Farm has miles of trails through the woods, corn fields and single track for all skill levels. Lenny will lead intermediate ride and Jim the advanced ride.
Sunday November 18 Lowell-Tyngsboro-Dracut State Park Lowell, MA
Mark & Amanda Davis
10:00am
NEW START LOCATION. Rt. 3 or Rt. 495 to the Lowell Connector exit. Follow Connector to Thorndike St. exit. Stay right and go under connector. Take left at lights on to Fletcher St. Take left at end of Fletcher on to Pawtucket St. Take right at next set of lights and cross Merrimack River. Straight through lights on to Mammoth Rd. Straight at 4-way stop sign. Left at fork in road on to Nashua Road, then first left on to Totman Road. Park at gate at end of Totman Road.
Varied terrain through woodlands and wetlands, not much climbing. Single track and double track which is moderately technical. Deliberately engineered stupidity for advanced riders available.
Sunday November 25 Georgetown/Rowley State Forest Georgetown, MA
Bruce Feindel
Dan Streeter
10:00am
Come and work off that turkey and stuffing (so you can make room for turkey and stuffing sandwiches).
From Interstate 95 take Exit 54B and follow Route 133 west for 1.9 miles. At the lights in the center of Georgetown, bear left (south) on Route 97 and continue 1.6 miles to Pingree Farm Road. Turn left and follow the road to the parking lot at the end. Be careful not to block the trailhead gates or neighbors' driveways when parking. PARKING IS LIMITED. If you can double-up and share a ride it will make things a lot easier for everyone. You can also park at Boxford Meetingplace just south on Rt 97.
Straddling an interstate highway, this 1100-acre state forest offers a surprisingly secluded mountain biking experience. The 15 miles of single- and double-track trails include options for every cyclist, from rough footpaths to smooth woods roads, while rolling terrain and an array of wetlands provide an ever changing backdrop. This state forest gets less use than other riding locations so the trails are typically abandoned.
Sunday December 2 Harold Parker State Forest
Dave Smith
Bob Moccaldi
10:00am
NEW START LOCATION. Rt. 93 to exit 41 Rt.125 North. Take right at 3rd set of lights (State Police Barracks on right), bear left into HPSF, and park in dirt lot 300 yards down on left.
Variety of fire roads, single track and pavement for all levels surrounding many roads that are part of our road riding season.
Sunday December 9 Dogtown, Gloucester, MA
Dan Streeter
Derrick Click
10:00am
Meeting place is O'Malley School, Cherry St. - Take Route 128 north towards Gloucester. Before you get into the city limits of Gloucester you will pass over a large bridge spanning a salt water river. Shortly after you pass over this bridge, Route 128 will enter a large traffic circle (Grant Circle). Follow this circle 270 degrees around and exit off on Route 127 (towards Annisquam). Turn immediately right on Poplar Street then left onto Cherry Street. The O'Malley school is approximately a half mile down, on the left. There are two lots - park in the one nearest Cherry Street. 2 minute ride to trails.
Weather permitting! - call if it looks questionable. Try this one if you enjoy an intermediate mix of fast bermed double wide, twisty singletrack, and some technical rock gardens. The entire interior of Cape Ann is uninhabited, laced with trails, and has some unique scenery. Trip will go all the way to some interesting quarries in Rockport where you will get a glimpse of the Atlantic and visit the famous inscribed boulders ("Get a Job," "Tranquility," et al.). Not suitable for beginners but we will try to run an intermediate and advanced group. Plan on about 2.5-3 hour ride.
Sunday December 16 Boxford State Forest (Bald Hill)
Bob Moccaldi
10:00am
From Route 114 in North Andover take Sharpners Pond Road all the way to end. Entrance and parking located here.
Bald Hill has a mix of fire roads and single track trails. Good riding for all abilities.
Sunday December 23 Fork Rock, Exeter, NH
Dave Smith
Mark & Amanda Davis
10:00am
Take Route 95 North into NH to Exit 2 (Hampton Tolls 50 cents) and get onto Rt. 101 west. Take exit 10 off Rt.101 onto Rt. 85 South. Go ½ mile and turn right into dirt parking lot immediately before RR overpass.
Popular NH mountain bike park with new trails to explore in a town that many of the summer road rides pass through.
Sunday December 30 Willowdale State Forest, Topsfield & Ipswich, MA
Paula Bossone
Jim White
10:00am
From Route 95 Take Exit 53A - Route 97 South for 1.6 miles to Topsfield Town Beach entrance (on Left). From Route 1 Take Exit Route 97 North for 2.3 miles to Topsfield Town Beach entrance (on Right). There is no sign at the entrance so look for cars with MTB's.
Nestled between Bradley Palmer State Park and Georgetown-Rowley State Forest is the lesser-known Willowdale State Forest. Divided by Route 1, the 2,400 acre forest features roughly 40 miles of marked trails which are mostly double track and novice rideable. The well marked Bay Circuit trail will take adventurous riders across the 3 state forests. There will be snacks after the ride.
Sunday February 3 Georgetown/Rowley State Forest Georgetown, MA
Show and Go
10:00 am
From Interstate 95 take Exit 54B and follow Route 133 west for 1.9 miles. At the lights in the center of Georgetown, bear left (south) on Route 97 and continue 1.6 miles to Pingree Farm Road. Turn left and follow the road to the parking lot at the end. Be careful not to block the trailhead gates when parking. PARKING IS LIMITED. If you can double-up and share a ride it will make things a lot easier for everyone. You can also park at Boxford Meetingplace just south on Rt 97.
Straddling an interstate highway, this 1100-acre state forest offers a surprisingly secluded mountain biking experience. The 15-miles of single- and double-track trails include options for every cyclist, from rough footpaths to smooth woods roads, while rolling terrain and an array of wetlands provide an ever changing backdrop. This state forest gets less use than other riding locations so the trails are typically abandoned.
Sunday February 10 Harold Parker State Forest
Show and Go
10:00 am
Rt. 93 to exit 41 Rt.125 North. Take right at 3rd set of lights (State Police Barracks on right) bear left into HPSF and park in dirt lot 300 yards down on left.
Variety of fire roads, single track and pavement for all levels surrounding many roads that are part of our road riding season.
Sunday February 17 Boxford State Forest
Show and Go
10:00 am
From Rt. 114 in N. Andover take Sharpners Pond Road all the way to end. Entrance and parking located here.
Bald Hill has a mix of fire roads and single track trails. Good riding for all abilities.
Sunday February 24 Willowdale State Forest, Topsfield & Ipswich, MA
Show and Go
10:00 am
From I-95 Take Exit 53A - Rt 97 South for 1.6 miles to Topsfield Town Beach entrance (on Left). From Rt. 1 Take Exit RT 97 North for 2.3 miles to Topsfield Town Beach Entrance (on Right). There is no sign at the entrance so look for cars with MTB's.
Nestled between Bradley Palmer State Park and Georgetown-Rowley State Forest is the lesser-known Willowdale State Forest. Divided by Rt 1, the 2,400 acre forest features roughly 40 miles of marked trails which are mostly double track and novice rideable. The well marked Bay Circuit trail will take adventurous riders across the 3 state forests. There will be snacks after the ride.
Sunday March 3 Georgetown/Rowley State Forest Georgetown, MA
Show and Go
10:00 am
From Interstate 95 take Exit 54B and follow Route 133 west for 1.9 miles. At the lights in the center of Georgetown, bear left (south) on Route 97 and continue 1.6 miles to Pingree Farm Road. Turn left and follow the road to the parking lot at the end. Be careful not to block the trailhead gates when parking. PARKING IS LIMITED. If you can double-up and share a ride it will make things a lot easier for everyone. You can also park at Boxford Meetingplace just south on Rt 97.
Straddling an interstate highway, this 1100-acre state forest offers a surprisingly secluded mountain biking experience. The 15-miles of single- and double-track trails include options for every cyclist, from rough footpaths to smooth woods roads, while rolling terrain and an array of wetlands provide an ever changing backdrop. This state forest gets less use than other riding locations so the trails are typically abandoned.
Sunday March 10 Harold Parker State Forest
Show and Go
10:00 am
Rt. 93 to exit 41 Rt.125 North. Take right at 3rd set of lights (State Police Barracks on right) bear left into HPSF and park in dirt lot 300 yards down on left.
Variety of fire roads, single track and pavement for all levels surrounding many roads that are part of our road riding season.
Sunday March 17 Boxford State Forest
Show and Go
10:00 am
From Rt. 114 in N. Andover take Sharpners Pond Road all the way to end. Entrance and parking located here.
Bald Hill has a mix of fire roads and single track trails. Good riding for all abilities.
Sunday March 24 Willowdale State Forest, Topsfield & Ipswich, MA
Show and Go
10:00 am
From I-95 Take Exit 53A - Rt 97 South for 1.6 miles to Topsfield Town Beach entrance (on Left). From Rt. 1 Take Exit RT 97 North for 2.3 miles to Topsfield Town Beach Entrance (on Right). There is no sign at the entrance so look for cars with MTB's.
Nestled between Bradley Palmer State Park and Georgetown-Rowley State Forest is the lesser-known Willowdale State Forest. Divided by Rt 1, the 2,400 acre forest features roughly 40 miles of marked trails which are mostly double track and novice rideable. The well marked Bay Circuit trail will take adventurous riders across the 3 state forests.
Sunday March 31 Georgetown/Rowley State Forest Georgetown, MA
Show and Go
10:00 am
From Interstate 95 take Exit 54B and follow Route 133 west for 1.9 miles. At the lights in the center of Georgetown, bear left (south) on Route 97 and continue 1.6 miles to Pingree Farm Road. Turn left and follow the road to the parking lot at the end. Be careful not to block the trailhead gates when parking. PARKING IS LIMITED. If you can double-up and share a ride it will make things a lot easier for everyone. You can also park at Boxford Meetingplace just south on Rt 97.
Straddling an interstate highway, this 1100-acre state forest offers a surprisingly secluded mountain biking experience. The 15-miles of single- and double-track trails include options for every cyclist, from rough footpaths to smooth woods roads, while rolling terrain and an array of wetlands provide an ever changing backdrop. This state forest gets less use than other riding locations so the trails are typically abandoned.