Try out some new routes from Georgetown which head northwesterly through Haverhill and into southern New Hampshire. The longer rides in particular incorporate some scenic roads not found on most North Shore rides.
A classic rail trail ride thru NH scenery. The route starts in Boscawen, NH, at the Jamie Welch Park on Depot Rd and goes to Danbury at Rt. 4. Riders can take a break for refreshments at the Danbury Country Store before heading back to the starting point. The route is flat, with a gradual climb to Danbury and may be cut short at any point simply by turning around and heading back to the beginning.
Gravel ride
Category 1
Smooth well maintained trails or dirt roads. Ideal bike: Road or gravel bike Tire size: 28-32mm See Types of Gravel Rides
A new ride using many of the delightful back roads familiar to NSC riders. The short route loops through Topsfield, Boxford and North Andover following a route similar to that of the short Saturday fitness ride. The medium route continues across Harold Parker State Forest to Andover, incorporating some of the roads used for the NSC Andover Tuesday night ride. After circling the scenic Andover Green, the ride returns via Harold Parker. The long ride adds 11 hilly miles in the northwest corner of Andover.
Some challenging hills lead to Chester NH, a historic small town with a good General Store for lunch or a snack. Expect mostly wooded roads, old farms, and out-of-the-way historic districts such as North Danville. In the fall, Chester's scarecrow festival adds great local color. The 27 and 54 mile routes depart from the Amesbury Elementary School. New for 2022 is a 40-mile remote start option in Newton, NH that’s partway into the long ride. That will allow more riders to get to Chester and the scarecrows!
An autumn ride along gravel roads and rail trails around Epping, NH. Includes one short section of trail that is
Category 2
Dirt/gravel roads, wide single-track, or dual-track trails with potholes, washboard, and occasional loose surfaces. Larger tires size and lower pressure is recommended. Ideal bike: Endurance, all-road, or gravel Tire size: 32-35mm See Types of Gravel Rides
Gravel ride
Category 1
Smooth well maintained trails or dirt roads. Ideal bike: Road or gravel bike Tire size: 28-32mm See Types of Gravel Rides
Flat to rolling loops through the North Shore. All rides pass through Boxford, Topsfield and Rowley. Medium ride adds Newbury and Newburyport. Long ride adds Plum Island including the paved bike lane on the Plum Island Causeway. Short ride lunch stop is in Topsfield. Long and medium ride lunch stop is in Newburyport at Abraham's Bagels. Abraham's is in the same block where a 17th century woman named Elizabeth Morse lived. She was convicted of witchcraft a dozen years before the Salem witch trials. Visit the plaque dedicated to her on the north side of the building. An optional stop is at Tendercrop Farm on the long and medium rides. Feel free to visit the farm store for coffee and fresh local products!
Costumes on your person and on your bike are encouraged (but not required) on this spooky and scary ride through Newburyport to return to Newburyport Brewing Company for an NSC sponsored lunch of pizza and drinks for all participating members (those who sign in and ride the ride or come in costume). No pre-registration required. This is just a fun ride and time! No scary hammer head riding allowed on Halloween. Road bikes, gravel bikes, mountain bikes, trikes or anything else you wish to ride is welcome. Helmets required (duh) and please be sure your costume and bike are "ride safe". The ride starts at Newburyport Brewing Company and meaders through Newburyport with the goal to have fun and entertain the folks in Newburyport.
This ride takes us on familiar roads, some a bit hilly, and travels north of the Merrimack River into Merrimac and Amesbury, with longer rides continuing through Newton, Kingston and South Hampton in New Hampshire.
