2003 Ride Calendar
(Road rides listed first; mountain bike rides below.)
2003 Road Rides
April 6 The season-opening pothole & snowbank inspection tour
Mike Whalen 603-512-1122
Topsfield Plaza, Topsfield
From Route 95 N, take Exit 50 to Route 1 North. In Topsfield, turn left onto Route 97 North. At stop sign, go left (Route 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 13 Ponds and Cows
Mike Habich 978-664-0187
Ipswich River Park, North Reading
The park is in North Reading center on Central Street between Chestnut Street and Rt. 62. From Rt. 128, take exit 40, follow Haverhill Street 3 miles north, left on Chestnut Street, 1/2 mile to park. From Rt. 62, Central Street is 1/2 mile west of Haverhill Street/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 20 Easter Sunday Georgetown Park'n'Ride Show-and-Go
Georgetown Park'N'Ride
Route 95 to Exit 54w (Route 133 to Georgetown). The Park 'n Ride parking lot is on the left just before the lights at Route 97.
9:30 AM.
The Easter Sunday Show-and-Go moves to Georgetown this year. Show-and-Go format. Distance and direction determined by the participants. We have not had a Show-and-Go from Georgetown in the 21st century!
April 27 Olde North Andover Ride Revisited
Lenny Sullivan 978-689-2884
Scott Sirotta 978-255-1774
Old North Andover Common
Route 495 to Route 114. Left at lights onto Route 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 Route 95 to Route 114 take right at Route 125 (Bertucci's Pizza) then same as above.
9:30 for 20, 28, or 48 mile loops.
Short loop goes through Boxford and back, and is fairly flat. The medium loop is last years short loop that heads out to Georgetown. The long loop goes to Ipswich before rejoining the medium to Georgetown. Arrows and cue sheets. Refreshments after the ride
May 4 Tour of the Merrimacs
Eric Shaktman
Northeast Bikes, Newbury MA
From Route 95, take the Route 113 exit into Newburyport. Right turn at 2nd lights. 3rd lights take right Route 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.
May 11 Annual Mothers' Day Ride
Mike Whalen 603-512-1122
Montserrat Train Station, Beverly, MA
From Route 128 take Exit 18 (Route 22). Take Route 22 towards Beverly. .The train station will be on the right about 2.9 miles from the highway.
9:00 for 20 & 45 mile rides.
This ride is a Whalen tradition! Route travels towards Cape Ann. Mike’s other tradition, the first ride of the year, was snowed out this year.
May 18 Weeknights on Sunday
Peter McCann 781-245-8115
Greenwood Elementary School, Wakefield, MA
From Route 128 southbound take Exit 39 (North Ave), turn left at the end of the exit. From Rte 128 northbound take Exit 39 (North Ave), turn right at the end of the exit. After 1.8 miles on North Avenue turn right onto Main Street (at the Jiffy Lube). Go to the second traffic light. Turn left onto Pitman Avenue, then immediately turn left onto Greenwood Avenue. Parking lot is about 200 yards up on the left.
9:00 AM for 49 or 56 miles, 10:00 for 20, 27, or 37 miles
Variations on a theme, some of your favorite roads from Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday night rides all rolled into one. BBQ at Pete & Carol's house about .5 miles from ride start. Bring $5 or bring something- call Pete or Carol for suggestions.
May 25 Rattlesnake Rendezvous
Jim White 978-689-9847
Greater Lawrence Vocational High School
From Route 93 North, take Exit 45 (River St, 1st Exit North of I-495). At the end of the exit, left at first set of lights onto River Road. Left at third set of lights into School Parking. From Route 93 South, directions are the same except right at the end of the Route 93 exit. Route 93 North is Exit 40B off of Route 495.
9:30 AM - 62 M, 10:00 AM - 25 & 40 M
Twisty, scenic ride through Andover-Tewksbury area, moderate hills. The long loop has a great route through Concord MA.
Monday May 26 Memorial Day Show & Go
Centerville School, Beverly
Take Route 128 Exit 18, left at end of ramp to Route 22 North (toward Essex), follow approximately 1 mile, then bear right onto Hull Street at curve and first right into school parking lot.
9:00 AM
Show-and-Go format. Distance and direction determined by the participants.
June 1 Third Annual Essex County Heritage Ride
Ed Bolton 603-382-6989
Cummings Center, Beverly
From Route 128 take Exit 23 East towards Beverly. Take a left at the fork .75 miles down, following Route 62. The Cummings Center is 2 miles from Route 128 on the left.
9:00 AM for 60 miles, 10:00 for 40 miles, 11:00 for 15 miles
$12 per individual, $35 per family for this fully supported ride, with food and exhibits at the start finish, and mechanical/sag support. The long routes travel along the coast with a rest stop at the Crane Estate on Castle Hill in Ipswich. The 15-mile route travels through Beverly Farms with a stop at the Wenham Museum. At the end of the ride there will be a festival. The Mercury Brewing Beer Truck is back, and Dylan and Pete's Ice Cream will also be there this year. This ride is a joint production with the Essex National Heritage Council, Cummings Properties, and Landry's Cycles. The first 200 people who register will get a T-shirt. Registration forms are available in local shops, from the listed ride leader, and the web at www.essexheritage.org. You can also register at Landry's store in Danvers, on Endicott Street in front of the Liberty Tree Mall.
June 8 Third Annual Essex County Heritage Ride Rain Date
Ed Bolton 603-382-6989
Cummings Center, Beverly
From Route 128 take Exit 23 East towards Beverly. Take a left at the fork .75 miles down, following Route 62. The Cummings Center is 2 miles from Route 128 on the left.
9:00 AM for 60 miles, 10:00 for 40 miles, 11:00 for 15 miles
$12 per individual, $35 per family for this fully supported ride, with food and exhibits at the start finish, and mechanical/sag support. The long routes travel along the coast with a rest stop at the Crane Estate on Castle Hill in Ipswich. The 15-mile route travels through Beverly Farms with a stop at the Wenham Museum. At the end of the ride there will be a festival. The Mercury Brewing Beer Truck is back, and Dylan and Pete's Ice Cream will also be there this year. This ride is a joint production with the Essex National Heritage Council, Cummings Properties, and Landry's Cycles. This is the make up date for the June 1 cancellation due to a northeaster.
June 15 Rattlesnake Rendezvous
Jim White 978-689-9847
Greater Lawrence Vocational High School
From Route 93 North, take Exit 45 (River St, 1st Exit North of I-495). At the end of the exit, left at first set of lights onto River Road. Left at third set of lights into School Parking. From Route 93 South, directions are the same except right at the end of the Route 93 exit. Route 93 North is Exit 40B off of Route 495.
9:30 AM - 62 miles, 10:00 AM - 25 and 40 miles
Twisty, scenic ride through Andover-Tewksbury area, moderate hills. The long loop has a great route through Concord MA. All but rained-out on May 25.
June 22 Steve, Phil and Emmett's Excellent and Easy Ride
Phil Posner 978-927-8000 (office) (Phil is #25) 781-246-3735 (home) Emmett Halpin 781-246-5268 (Em is #1!)
ProCycles Wakefield.
Take Exit 39 off Route 95/128. head south pass the Lakeside Office Park toward Wakefield Center. Proceed through the Albion Street intersection to the end of North Avenue (@Main Street). (A used car dealership is on the right. JiffyLube on the left). Right turn onto Main Street. ProCycles is ¼ mile south on Main Street on right side of Street. Park on Street. Additional parking available at the Middle School 1/2 mile north of bike shop on Main Street. Cyclists will assemble in the ProCycles
parking lot.
9:30 for 30, 10:00 PM for 19 & 13 mile routes
Come join Steve, Phil and Emmett on their Excellent and Easy ride through the five towns that make up the North Suburban Regional Bicycle Transportation Plan. The towns are Wakefield, Lynnfield, North Reading, Wilmington and Reading. The long route is approximately 30 miles in length and passes through all five towns. The medium route is 19 miles and covers four of the towns (Wilmington is excluded). The short route of 13 miles passes through the towns of Wakefield and Lynnfield. ProCycles of Wakefield is co-hosting this event and will have a mechanic available for minor adjustments and repairs as well as the coolest new cycling gear for gals and guys. The event will spotlight the efforts of the Wakefield Cycling Committee to fund and pursue the goals of the North Suburban Regional Bicycle Transportation Plan.
June 29 Ride to the Sea
Donna Ventura (781-581-1243) & Tony Salerno (978-352-2524)
Perley School, Georgetown
Take Route 95 Exit 54 west, then follow Route 133 west to Georgetown center. At set of lights take right onto North Street., Perley 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 6 Show and Go
Centerville School, Beverly
Take Route 128 to Exit 18, left at end of ramp to Route 22 (north, toward Essex), follow approximately 1 mile, then right onto Hull Street at curve and 1st right into the school parking lot.
9:00 AM for distance to be determined by riders or ride leader
July 13 Let's Go Northwest
Jimmy White 978-689-9847
Paula Bossone 978-887-0688
Topsfield Plaza, Topsfield
From Route 95, take Exit 50 to Route 1 North. In Topsfield, turn left onto Route 97 North. At Topsfield Center, go left (Route 97 continues right). Topsfield Plaza lot is a block ahead on the right. Park at the far end of the lot.
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 scenic route heading west and north. The long ride heads into New Hampshire. Cue sheets arrows and maps.
July 20 The NSC supports the Cycle for Shelter
Bob Makowiecki robert.makowiecki@vsea.com
Northern Essex Community College Sport & Fitness Center, Haverhill, MA.
From Route 495 take Exit 52 (Route 110 West, toward Haverhill). Follow the signs to Northern Essex Community College.
7:00 AM start for 62 or 100 miles, 10:00 AM start for 20 miles.
See the article in the newsletter. $50 minimum contribution to Emmaus House for participants.
July 27 It May Be Long, But At Least It's Hilly
Mike Habich 978-664-0187
Ipswich River Park, North Reading, MA
The park is in North Reading center on Central Street between Chestnut Street and Route 62. From Route 128, take Exit 40, follow Haverhill Street 3 miles North, then left on Chestnut Street, follow 1/2 mile to the park. From Route 62, Central Street is 1/2 mile west of Haverhill Street and the Batchelder School (Tuesday Night ride start).
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, and food or $5--call for ideas.
August 3 Sarah's Not-So-New Ride
Sarah Weaver 978-664-1370
Ipswich River Park, North Reading
The park is in North Reading center on Central Street between Chestnut Street and Route 62. From Route 128, take Exit 40, go around the rotary to Haverhill Street (National Guard Camp on the right). Follow Haverhill Street about 3 miles, then left on Chestnut Street. Park is about 1/2 mile down Chestnut. From Route 62, take Central Street, about 1/2 mile west of Haverhill Street and the Batchelder School (Tuesday Night ride start).
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.
August 10 Some Cheese With Your Whine
Pam Houck 978-388-2986
Ann Pernice 978-373-6647
Lake Gardner Beach, High Street, Amesbury, MA
Take Route 95 Exit 58 for Route 110 west toward Amesbury. Go to the 1st traffic light and take a right onto Elm Street at the Mobil station. At center of town is the lamp post rotary, go straight up the hill (second right off the rotary), which is High Street. Go about .3 mile, on the right, is the access to Lake Gardner Beach. Park closer to the road (away from the beach). From Route 495 take Exit 54 for Route 150 in Amesbury. Take the 3rd right going around the lamp post rotary, which
is High Street. The sign for the Lake Gardner Beach is hard to see because of the fence. If you go over a bridge, you have gone to far.
9:00 for 65 mile loop, 10:00 AM for 25 and 35 mile loops
This year the ride will start and end at beautiful Lake Gardner. The loops travel scenic back roads some through 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 avoided. There will be sandwiches after the ride at the lake. Bring salads or deserts (call Pam for ideas) or a $5 donation. Bring your beach chair and bathing suit to go for a dip in the lake. Feel free to bring your canoe or kayak. Sorry, only nonalcoholic beverages and no floats are permitted.
August 17 Let's Go Coastal
Scott & Dianalyn Sirota 978-255-1774
Cushing Park, Newburyport From Route 95, take Exit 57 for Route 113 East. Go for 2 miles and take a left onto Kent Street. Parking lot is 2 blocks on right. From Route 1 go onto Merrimac Street (at the Newburyport end of the bridge over the Merrimack). Go ¼ mile west towards Amesbury. Take a left at the gas station lot 1 block on left.
9:00 for 65 & 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.
Saturday, August 23 North Shore Cyclists 2003 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 $15 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 Interstate Route 95, take Exit 54B (Route 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.
August 24 Century Volunteer Ride
Ed Bolton, 603-382-6989
Georgetown Park and Ride
Route 95 Exit 54 West, to Georgetown center. Park and Ride is on the left just before the lights also.
8:00 for 100 miles, 9:00 for 62 miles, 10:00 for 30 miles
Arrowed but unsupported century ride for those who volunteered their time and also wish to ride.
August 31 Rockingham County Ride
Lenny Sullivan 978-689-2884
Jeff Turpel (978) 356-6241
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 62 mile rides
The classic NSC ride touring scenic Rockingham County NH. Quiet roads, rolling terrain & moderately hilly - do your homework! Arrows, maps and cue sheets.
September 7 Show & Go
Georgetown Park'N'Ride, Georgetown MA.
Route 95 to Exit 54w (Route 133 to Georgetown). The Park 'n Ride parking lot is on the left just before the lights at Route 97.
9:30 AM
Show-and-Go format. Distance and direction determined by the participants.
September 14 North Shore Almost Coast to Coast
Arnold Nadler 978-745-9591
Montserrat RR Station, Beverly MA.
From Route 128 take Exit 18 (Route 22). Follow Route 22 south about 1 mile. RR station is on the right.
10:00 AM for 28, 36, 45 or 59 miles.
Longest loop goes up to Newburyport, medium to Rowley. All pass through Topsfield returning. Enjoy flat to rolling terrain on generally quiet roads. Great coastal views in Newburyport. Arrows, cue sheets and maps.
September 21 Newburyport
Newburyport Park’N’Ride.
Route 95 to Exit 57 (Route 113 to Newburyport). The Park 'n Ride parking lot is on the left immediately adjacent to the highway. A bus terminal shares the lot.
9:30 AM
Show-and-Go format. Distance and direction determined by the participants.
September 28 Steve, Phil and Emmett's Excellent and Easy Ride
Steve Zaya 781-245-3019 and Emmett Halpin 781-246-5268
Wakefield/Lynnfield Elks
From Route 128, take Exit 41. From Route128 south, go left at the bottom of the ramp then right onto Baystate Road. From Route 128 North, go right at the bottom of the ramp then left onto Baystate Rd. The Elks is a quarter mile to the right. Park behind the club.
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 in length 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 the towns of Wakefield and Lynnfield.
October 5 Olde Newbury Turnpike Ride
Ed Bolton 603-382-6989 , Spencer-Pierce Little Farm 978-432-2634
Spencer-Peirce Little Farm, Newbury Exit 57 off Route 95 (for Route 113 East in Newburyport). Continue on Route 113 East as it joins with then becomes Route 1A South, for 3.9 miles to Newbury. SPL farm is on the left, with a long driveway, just after the road to Plum Island and the Newbury Green (50 mile stop on the Blazing Saddles Century).
10:00 AM for approx. 30 mile ride. The farm will be open 10:00-3:00
$12 for SPNEA and North Shore Cyclist members, $15 non-members. Bike along the Olde Newbury Turnpike (1A) from the Spencer-Peirce Little Farm in Newbury to Cogswell's Grant in Essex. Enjoy beautiful views and historic homes along the way. Stop for refreshments and a tour of Cogswell's Grant and return to the Spencer-Peirce Little Farm for refreshments, house tours, prizes, and a massage. Spencer-Peirce Little Farm and Cogswell's Grant are maintained by the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities.
Mountain Biking
Ride Coordinator: Lenny Sullivan (978) 689-2884 lpsullivan@comcast.net
Rain cancels all mountain bike rides. Save the trails for a dry day. If in doubt, contact the ride leader.
Sunday November 2 Harold Parker State Forest
Lenny Sullivan (978) 689-2884 lpsullivan@comcast.net
Dave Smith (978) 887-6511 bikedave@juno.com
10:00am
Harold Parker State Forest
Route 93 to Exit 41 (Route 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.
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 9 Bradley Palmer State Forest
Derrick Click (781) 632-0834 DClick@zoll.com
10:00am Wet conditions or rain will cancel
Route 95 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.
Bradley Palmer is mostly fire roads with some really easy and fast sections of singletrack bisecting the main trails. It is generally a place even the most inexperienced or experienced rider would have a fun time.
Sunday November 16 Boxford State Forest
Bob Moccaldi (978) 474-4093
10:00 am
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 November 23 Bradley Palmer State Park & Willowdale State Forest
Paula Bossone (978) 887-0688 paulajbossone@comcast.net
Jim White (978) 689-9847
10:00 am Wet conditions or rain will cancel.
Bradley Palmer State Park
95 north to exit 50 Rt 1 north. Follow Rt 1 to third stop light (Ipswich Road). Take a right and follow Ipswich to Asbury Rd. Take a right cross the bridge and take your first left into Bradley Palmer. Take the first right and the parking lot is on your left.
This will be kind of a repeat of the November 9th ride. We will meet at Bradley Palmer lot and may ride parts of Bradley Palmer and Willowdale which is nearby. Mostly fire roads with some really easy and fast sections of singletrack bisecting the main trails. It is a place where even the most inexperienced or experienced rider would have a fun time.
Sunday November 30 Harold Parker State Forest
Jim White (978) 689-9847
10:30 am
Harold Parker State Forest
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.
Jim will lead a novice\intermediate ride with mostly fire roads to help burn off some turkey. Advanced riders welcome to lead a more technical group.