Clubs in Eastern Mass.

[CycleChic06]

I know there are a bunch of riders that regularly post here from Eastern MA. I live in the Boston area and am trying to find a club to ride with. Currently I'm riding 30-40 mile rides (but I'm itching to do longer rides) and am at a moderate pace, avg 14-15 mph. Can you suggest any clubs in the area that would be good for me to ride with? Nothing too hardcore, I'm looking for a chill, yet challenging ride!

Thanks!
Emily

[hirakukibou]

Emily,
There is a club out of Quad Cycles in Arlington Heights. They have rides to Concord/Carlsile on Saturday and Sunday mornings at 9:30. Lots of folks ride at about your speed. The ride ranges from 40-60 miles depending on the route and where you decide to go back. There are several rest stops that you can go back from if you want to making the ride shorter. There is also the Charles River Wheelmen who have club rides although I haven't gone on any of their rides. The Quad group is friendly which has been important to me as I am just beginning. I live in Somerville and often ride your way, if you ever wanted to do a ride during the week let me know!

-Pata

[Crankin]

Most of the intermediate level rides I lead for AMC are at the 14-15 av. pace. Sometimes a little less or more. There are weekly Thursday night rides leaving from a variety of places in the western suburbs at this pace. Go to Outdoors.org, click on the Boston chapter, then go to bicycling.

Some of the club rides are very competitive, even at a 15 mph average. Check out different ones, until you find a group that you like.

[CycleChic06]

I have done the Carlisle/Concord loop a couple of times. I live about a block from the minuteman bikepath in East Arlington, which was great when I was begining, I would take that out to Bedford then Carlisle and Concord. I will look into the QuadCycles ride and also the AMC rides. I've definitely noticed on some clubs websites that they are very competitive, that's why I thought someone here could suggest a more relaxed group. Thanks to both of you for your help.

And Pata, I'd be happy to ride with you, weekdays are hard for me, since I don't get home from work till 6 or 6:30, I can usually only do short rides. But I'd still be interested, my email is emray1@gmail.com if you want to set up a ride.

Emily

[PAP103]

Hi Emily,

I ride with North Shore Cyclists. http://www.nscyc.org/ They have a bunch of rides during the week and on Sundays. This is my first year with them and I'm sort of a beginner so I ride with the slower group. They're a great bunch of people. Just show up at a ride and introduce yourself and let them know you're new.

There is also Charles River Wheelmen http://www.crw.org/ They have a ton of rides too. I belong to the club but have yet to ride with them. It seems to rain every time I plan to!

Good luck,
Patty