2002 Ride Calendar
April 7 The Y2K2 Season Opening 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 or two.
April 14 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 21 Going North
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 miles, then bear left onto South Hampton Road. The school will be on your left.
9:00 for 55 miles, 10:00 for 30 & 20 miles
The rides go through the scenic farm country of southern New Hampshire. Both loops go through Philips Exeter Academy in Exeter with the long loop going through the University of New Hampshire in Durham. Arrows and cue sheets. Chili and chowder will be served after the ride.
April 28 Tour of the Merrimacs
Eric Shaktman
Northeast Bikes, 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. Northeast Bikes is on right.
10:00 AM for 25 & 50 miles
Scenic tour of the Merrimacs. The 25 mile ride will be mostly flat while the 50 will be varying. Snacks and drinks after the ride.
May 5 Olde North Andover Ride
Lenny Sullivan Scott Sirotta
Old 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.
This old NSC ride from the early 90's is back again since the late 90's. The long loop goes to Topsfield and Ipswich. Short loop cuts out Ipswich. Fairly flat but both loops cover the same hilly section. Additional 19 mile optional loop available 1 mile from the finish of both loops. This will head into Tewksbury and Andover before returning to the common. Maps, arrows, cue sheets. Refreshments after the ride. They should not be moving a house this year detouring the start of the route!
May 12 Annual Mothers Day Ride
Mike Whalen
Montserrat Train Station, Beverly, MA
From Rte 128 take the Brimbal Ave exit east. Go about 1 mile and take a left onto Rte 22. The train station will be on the right.
9:00 for 25 & 40 mile rides.
This ride is a Whalen tradition! Route travels towards Cape Ann, choreographed by Mr. Map himself!
May 19 Let's go coastal with a new bike
Eric Shaktman
Northeast Bikes, 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. Northeast Bikes (formerly Aries Sports) is on right.
9:00 for 65, 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. DaVinci Bicycles will be on hand rain or shine with demo bikes to ride today. There will be mechanics there to fit the bike for the demo ride. Northeast bikes will also be open today. Refreshments after the ride.
May 26 Rattlesnake Rendezvous
Jim White
Greater Lawrence Vocational High School
How to get there: 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 - 62 M, 10:00 AM - 25 & 40 M
Twisty, scenic ride through Andover-Tewksbury area, moderate hills
Monday May 27 Show & Go
Anyone who wants to lead this ride please contact Eric
Topsfield Plaza
From Rte 95 N, take Exit 50 to Route 1 North. In Topsfield, turn left onto Rte 97 North. At Topsfield Center, go left (Rte 97 continues right). Topsfield Plaza lot is a block ahead on the right...we park at the far end of the lot.
9:00 AM for distance to be determined by riders or ride leader
June 2 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
As you cycle through our historic cities and towns and natural areas, you will ride by the historic seaports and New England town commons; industrial mills and pristine beaches; renowned museums and wildlife refuges; working farms and inviting natural trails. The long routes travel along the coast with a rest stop at the Crane Estate on Castle Hill in Ipswich. Then follow along some of our beautiful scenic country roads back to the start. 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 $10 registration fee. Riders get an event bandana. 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.
June 9 Weeknights on Sunday
Peter McCann
Greenwood Elementary School, Wakefield
From Rte 128 southbound take exit 39 (North Ave), turn left at the exit. From Rte 128 northbound take exit 39 (North Ave), turn right at the exit. After 1.8 miles on North Ave turn right onto Main Street (at the Jiffy Lube). Go to second traffic light (approx. 2 miles). Turn Left onto Pitman Ave. Immediately turn left onto Greenwood Street. Parking lot is about 200 yards up on the left.
9:00 for 60 miles, 10:00 for 40 & 20 miles
Variations on a theme, some of your favorite roads from Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday night rides all rolled into one. Cold BBQ at Pete & Carol's house about .5 mile from ride start.
June 16 Show & Go
Leader: Anyone who wants to lead this ride please contact Eric
Centerville School, Beverly
Take Rte 128 N to exit 18, left at end of ramp to Rte 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
June 23 Rockingham County Ride
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. Haverhill High School is on the right. From Rte 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. Haverhill High School is on the right.
9:30 for 35 and 60 mile rides
The classic NSC ride with a new name touring scenic Rockingham County NH. Quiet roads, rolling terrain & moderately hilly - do your homework! Arrows, maps and cue sheets.
June 30 Let's go Northwest
Jimmy White
Paula Bossone
Topsfield Plaza, Topsfield
From Rte 95 N, take exit 50 to Rte 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.
9:00 for 70 and 10:00 for 25 & 40 miles
This ride will be covering flat to rolling terrain. Come join Jimmy and Paula for a new route heading west and north. The long ride heads into New Hampshire. Cue sheets arrows and maps.
July 7 Independence Day Ride/Party
Tony Salerno
Perley School, Georgetown
From Rte 95 take exit 54 west (Rte 133) to Georgetown center. At set of lights take right onto North St., Perley school is 1/4 mile on the right.
8:00 for 75, 9:00 for 50, 10:00 for 25 mile routes
The Independence Day Ride/Party is always our biggest NSC gathering of the riding season. The longer routes head toward the seacoast and Gloucester. The shorter loops go into Ipswich. BBQ at Tony's on the pond after the ride. Bring salads or desserts (call Tony for ideas) or $5 donation, and your swimsuit.
July 14 ...to be announced
July 21 14th annual Cycle for Shelter (formerly Heels N' Wheels)
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. Both the 62 and 100 mile loops travel along the scenic New Hampshire seacoast and quiet country roads while the 100 mile loop adds the back roads of Northern Essex county (Newbury, Rowley and Georgetown).
How to register: $50.00 dollar minimum is required to participate in the Cycle for Shelter. Cyclists are encouraged to collect pledges and/or make their own personal donation. Download and complete the registration form found on the Emmaus website. Pre-register by July 9th with the $50.00 dollar minimum or bring $75.00 or more to the event and you'll receive a free t-shirt!
Starting Point: Northern Essex Community College, Sport & Fitness Center, Elliot Way, Haverhill, MA
7:00 AM for 62 miles (100K) or 100 miles, 10:00 AM for 20 miles
For more information email Bob Makowiecki at robert.makowiecki@vsea.com or visit the Emmaus website at www.emmausinc.org
Founded in 1985, Emmaus Inc. is an organization devoted to helping families and individuals rebuild their lives. We provide emergency shelter, meals, transitional housing, job training and support services to over 1200 people each year through our nine programs - Emmaus House, Mitch's Place, Gilead House, Bethel Transitional Apartments, Bethel Business Center, Jericho House, Jericho Social Club, Emerson Street Apartments, and the Housing Assistance Program.
July 28 CRW Ride: Quiet Roads North of Boston
Bill Fine and Dotty Fine
REI Reading
Route 128 (I-95) to Exit 40; go around rotary to Route 129 West (Salem St.). REI parking lot is third left. Please park away from the stores.
9:30 for 66 miles; 9:50 for 45 miles; 10:10 for 26 miles
The Charles River Wheelmen is riding in our area on this day. NSC riders who are not CRW members will have to sign the CRW waiver. The Short ride goes through Reading, Wilmington, N. Reading, Middleton, Lynnfield, and includes Harold Parker State Forest. The Medium ride adds N. Andover, Boxford, and Topsfield. The Long ride adds Groveland, W. Newbury, and Georgetown. Lunch stop in Middleton.
August 4 Let's Go Northwest
Eric Shaktman
Topsfield Plaza, Topsfield
From Rte 95 N, take exit 50 to Rte 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.
9:00 for 70 and 10:00 for 25 & 40 miles
A replay of the June 30 NSC ride, new this year by Paula Bossone and Jimmy White. This ride will be covering flat to rolling terrain with a few significant hills on the 70 (Sweet Hill in Plaistow NH, Whittier St. in Amesbury, and the 'easy' side of Baldpate). The long ride heads into New Hampshire. Cue sheets and arrows.
August 11 Jeff's Awesome Adventure
Jeff Turpel
Haverhill High School
From Rt. 495 north, take exit 50. At end of ramp go straight across Broadway onto Monument St., then go straight through 4-way stop, Haverhill High School 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, Haverhill High School is on the right.
9:30 am 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. This is a joint ride with the Charles River Wheelmen. It is in their calendar as "Have-A-Hill"
August 18 Let's Go Coastal
Scott & Dianalyn Sirota
Cushing Park, Newburyport
From Rte. 95 take exit 57 rte 113 east. Go for 2 miles and take a left onto Kent St. parking lot is 2 blocks on right. From Rte 1 go onto Merrimac St. ¼ mile west towards Amesbury. Take a left at the gas station lot 1 block on left.
9:00 for 65 & 35 miles.
What to expect: 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 24 and 25 North Shore Cyclists 2002 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, West Newbury, Newbury, [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 1 Ride-Swim Biathlon
Pam Houck
Lake Gardner, Amesbury, MA
From Route 95 North or South, take exit 58B for Route 110 Amesbury. At the first light take a right on Elm St.. At center of town, the lamp post rotary, go straight up the hill, which is High St. About .5 mile, on the right is Lake Gardner, pull into the parking lot. The sign for Lake Gardner is hard to see because of the gray fence. If you go over a bridge, you have gone too far.
From Route 495, take exit 54 for Route 150 Amesbury. Right off the ramp. Go through 2 lights, you come to center of town. Take the 3rd right going around the lamp post rotary which is High St. About .5 mile, on the right is Lake Gardner, pull into the parking lot. The sign for Lake Gardner is hard to see because of the gray fence. If you go over a bridge, you have gone too far.
9 AM for 65 miles; 10 AM for 24 or 40 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 improved. After the ride go for a swim in Lake Gardner. Cue sheets, arrows, post ride refreshments.
September 2 Labor Day Show & Go
Anyone who wants to lead this ride please contact Eric
Topsfield Plaza, Topsfield
From Rte 95 N, take Exit 50 to Route 1 North. In Topsfield, turn left onto Rte 97 North. At Topsfield Center, go left (Rte 97 continues right). Topsfield Plaza lot is a block ahead on the right...we park at the far end of the lot.
9:00 AM for distance to be determined by riders or ride leader
September 8 Going North Two
James Danis
Amesbury Elementary School, South Hampton Rd., Amesbury, MA
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 What to expect: The rides go through the scenic farm country of southern New Hampshire. All loops go through Philips Exeter Academy in Exeter, N.H. 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 15 Sarah's New Ride
Sarah Weaver
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 for 54 miles; 10:00 for 35 miles
Serene back roads, farmstands, and lakes of the northern burbs. Enjoy lunch at Ingaldsby Farm and commune with the goats and piggies. We'll explore some less-traveled routes along with scenic favorites. Short ride tours North Reading, North Andover, Boxford, Middleton. Long ride adds Groveland, West Newbury. Lunch note for long riders: There are not many food options before Ingaldsby Farm at 34 miles, so bring enough snacks to keep you going.
September 22 Steve, Phil and Emmett's Excellent and Easy Ride
Steve Zaya and Emmett Halpin
Crystal Warehouse, 134 Rear Water St. (Route 129), Wakefield, MA
Exit 41 off Rte. 95/128. Straight to Water St. (Route 129), left onto Water Street, over the RR tracks, 2nd driveway into the Robie Industrial Park.
9:30 for 30 miles, 10:00 for 19 & 13 miles.
Come join Steve, Phil and Emmett on their ride through the five towns that make up the North Suburban Regional Bicycle Transportation Plan. The towns are Wakefield, Lynnfield, N. Reading, Wilmington and Reading. The long route is approximately 30 miles and passes through all five towns. The medium route is 19 miles and covers four of the towns (Wilmington excluded). The short route of 13 miles passes through Wakefield and Lynnfield.
September 29 "Flattest" Metric in the West
Jimmy White
Due to ongoing park renovations and a major equestrian event using the Hart Barn lot, the ride start had to be re-located from Great Brook Farm so that adequate parking will be available. The new location, the Carlisle Middle School, is 2 miles away and is also on the original route so the only change is that the 15 mile loop option only adds 10 miles, so the longest ride is now 65 miles.The directions to the Carlisle Middle School are as follows:
From 95/128, South of 4/225 - Take 128 N to Exit 31B to Routes 4/225 West. Stay Route 225 for 7.1 miles. Go 270 DEGREES around the rotary , going up School St. which is a hill. Just 0.1 mile up there is a Church on the right and the school entrance on the left, no sign but that's Church St. Turn left on Church St. and the first driveway on the right is the school parking lot.
From 95/128 North of RT 3 - Take 128 S to Rte. 3 N, take EXIT 28 from RT 3 - Treble Cove Road. Turn right off Exit 28 (to Carlisle) & follow Treble Cove Road for 3.2 miles (becomes East St. in Carlisle) to Rt 4/225 and bear right taking you to the Carlisle Center rotary. Go 270 degrees around the rotary, going up School St. which is a hill. Just 0.1 mile up there is a Church on the right and the school parking lot entrance on the left, no sign but that's Church St. Turn left on Church St and the first driveway on the right is the school parking lot.
From Rte. 495: Take Rte. 495 S to Exit 35A - Rte. 3 South. Follow Rte. 3 S to EXIT 28 - Treble Cove Rd. Turn right off Exit 28 (to Carlisle) & follow Treble Cove Road for 3.2 miles (becomes East St. in Carlisle) to Rt 4/225 and bear right taking you to the Carlisle Center rotary. Go 270 degrees around the rotary, going up School St. which is a hill. Just 0.1 mile up Church St intersects with a Church on the right and the school entrance is on the left but no sign. Turn left on Church St. and the first driveway on the right is the school parking lot.
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.
October 6 Hey! Hey! You! You! Get off of my roads!
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.
10:00 for 45 miles
New roads again! We've found some real gems in unexpected places. There are no dead ends, only two-tenths of a mile of dirt, lots of much needed new pavement on a familiar road, and we promise not to use light blue paint for the arrows this year.
October 13 North Shore Almost Coast to Coast
Arnold Nadler
Montserrat Commuter Railroad Station
Rte 128 to Exit 18 for Rte 22, follow sign for Beverly at the end of the ramp. Follow Rte 22 1.1 mile to RR Station parking lot on the right.
10:00 AM for 35 or 55 miles
Flat to rolling terrain, with a few of the usual North Shore hills, on generally quiet roads. Long route goes as far as Newburyport. Shorter routes get as far as Rowley and Georgetown. All routes go by the house of one of our most famous members. Hint: It's at the top of a hill. Arrows, cue sheets and maps.
October 20 Apple Harvest Ride
Ed Bolton
Crossroads Plaza, Salisbury
From Rte. 95 take exit 58 and go east on Rte. 110. At the first set of lights take a right. The plaza is on your left.
9:00 for 60 miles, 10:00 for 30 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 27 Cape Ann Ride
Mike Whalen
Manchester MBTA Station
From Rte 128 take exit 15. At the end of the ramp, follow the sign for Manchester onto School St. Stay on School St. to end then turn left on Rte 127. After 0.2 mile where Rte 127 turns left, go straight Beach St. After tracks turn left into MBTA parking lot. Park at end of lot.
9:00 for 25 & 50 miles
Rolling hills with every one going around Cape Ann. Bring that camera.
November 3 North Shore Almost Coast to Coast (rained out October 13)
Arnold Nadler
Montserrat Commuter Railroad Station
Rte 128 to Exit 18 for Rte 22, follow sign for Beverly at the end of the ramp. Follow Rte 22 1.1 mile to RR Station parking lot on the right.
10:00 AM for 35 or 55 miles
Flat to rolling terrain, with a few of the usual North Shore hills, on generally quiet roads. Long route goes as far as Newburyport. Shorter routes get as far as Rowley and Georgetown. All routes go by the house of one of our most famous members. Hint: It's at the top of a hill. Arrows, cue sheets and maps.
Mountain Biking
Ride Coordinators: Lenny Sullivan
Francesca Lewis
Rain cancels all mountain bike rides. Save the trails for a dry day. If in doubt, contact the ride leader.
Sunday November 3 Harold Parker State Forest
Lenny Sullivan and Dave Smith
Harold Parker State Forest Andover/N Andover/N Reading MA
Route 93 exit 41 (for Route 125 North). Take a right at the 3rd set of lights (State Police Barracks are on the right). Bear left into HPSF on Harold Parker road and park in the dirt lot 300 yards down on left.
10:00am
The NSC banquet was last night so lets ease back with this off road season opening ride. Plenty of fire roads, single track and some pavement for all levels surrounding many roads that are part of our road riding season. Lenny will lead intermediate riders and Dave will lead advanced riders.
Sunday November 10 Dogtown, Gloucester, MA
Dan Streeter
Meeting place is O'Maley School on 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 saltwater river. Shortly after you pass over this bridge, Route 128 will enter a large traffic circle (Grant Circle). Follow the 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'Maley School is approximately a half-mile down, on the left. Park to the left of the school as you enter. It's a 2-minute ride to the trails.
10:00am
Try this one if you enjoy an intermediate mix of fast bermed doublewide, twisty singletrack, and some rocky sections. The entire interior of Cape Ann is uninhabited, laced with trails, and has some unique scenery. The full trip will go all the way to some interesting quarries in Rockport where you will get a glimpse of the Atlantic and will also 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. Steady or heavy rain cancels. Light rain we ride.
Sunday November 17 Lynn Woods, Lynn, MA
Rick Zagdangross Chuck Hale
From Route 1 take Route 129 east towards Lynn. At the rotary continue on Route 129 east pass Atlantic Care Medical Center. Look for a sign on the right that says Lynn Woods Reservation. At the sign take the right onto Great Woods Road. Follow straight through stone pillars into parking lot.
10:00am
Rick will lead the advanced riders and 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 24 Bradley Palmer State Forest Ipswich, MA
Derrick Click
Route 95 north to exit 50 Route 1 north. Follow Route 1 to third stop light (Ipswich Road). Take a right and follow Ipswich Road to Asbury Road. Take a right, cross the bridge, and take your first left into the park. Take the first right and the parking lot is on your left.
10:00am
Bradley Palmer is mostly fire roads with some really easy and fast sections of singletrack bisecting the main trails. It is generally a place where even the most inexperienced or experienced rider would have a fun time.
At the same time as the Bradley Palmer ride, the truly insane will go to Lynn Woods for an Advanced ride led by Rick Zagdangross, "I have a wicked ride planned in Lynn Woods with some very technical new trails. Too good to pass up for the hard core", says Rick. This will be a great ride IF you are an experienced MTB'er who has eaten your share of rocks, and has no fear of taking a second helping.
Rick Zagdangross
From Route 1 take Route 129 east towards Lynn. At the rotary continue on Route 129 east pass Atlantic Care Medical Center. Look for a sign on the right that says Lynn Woods Reservation. At the sign take the right onto Great Woods Road. Follow straight through stone pillars into parking lot.
Sunday December 1 Two rides!
Fork Rock, Exeter, NH
Mark & Amanda Davis
Take Route 95 North into NH to exit 2 (just before the Hampton Tolls. Toll at the exit is 50 cents) and get onto Route 101 west. Take exit 10 off Route 101 onto Route 85 South. Go ½ mile and turn right into the dirt parking lot immediately before RR overpass.
10:00 am
Popular NH mountain bike park with new trails to explore in a town that many of the summer road rides pass through. We found some amazingly sweet singletrack that is buttery smooth, as well as some technical forest trails. The place draws a heavy roadie/XC mountain bike crowd. For intermediate and advanced riders.
Great Brook Farm Carlisle, MA
A late scheduled alternate NSC ride for all levels of riders but less technical than Fork Rock
(Several members expressed interest in a ride closer to Boston for the holiday weekend)
Lenny Sullivan
10:00 am
Rt. 3N to Exit 29 (Rt. 129) East (left) 1 mile and take right onto Rangeway Rd. stop Straight across Nashua Rd. at stop sign. Take a right on to 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 December 8 Boxford State Forest
Bob Moccaldi
From Route. 114 in North Andover take Sharpners Pond Road all the way to end. Entrance and parking are located here.
10:00 am
Bald Hill has a mix of fire roads and singletrack trails. Good riding for all abilities.
Sunday December 15 Willowdale State Forest, Topsfield & Ipswich, MA
Paula Bossone Jim White
From Route 95 take exit 53A - Route 97 south for 1.6 miles to the Topsfield Town Beach entrance (on left). There is no sign at the entrance so look for cars with Mountain Bikes on the roof.
10:00 am
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 December 22 Harold Parker State Forest
Show and Go (Contact Mountain Bike Coordinators if you are interested in leading)
Route 93 exit 41 (for Route 125 North). Take a right at the 3rd set of lights (State Police Barracks are on the right). Bear left into HPSF and park in the dirt lot 300 yards down on left.
10:00 am
Variety of fire roads, single track and pavement for all levels surrounding many roads that are part of our road riding season.
Sunday December 29 Georgetown/Rowley State Forest, Georgetown, MA
Show and Go (Contact Mountain Bike Coordinators if you are interested in leading)
From Route 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 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 Route 97.
10:00 am
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.