The usual route is 18 miles with 1000 ft of elevation. You can easily skip some hills, by choosing the 14 mile ride. This route has a nice flow, and the surface is pretty clean. If wet surfaces are expected, it’ll cancel, as there are some sections of downhill.
Ease into summer with this early June ride that starts slow and easy along the Newburyport rail trail and then gets going along shaded tree-line roads bordered with blooming flowers and bushes throughout Newbury, Georgetown, Boxford, and Topsfield. Our ride will come to an end as we ride by farmlands in Ipswich and the salt marshes in Rowley.
There are no bathroom facilities at the start of the ride. There are porta potties at Cashman Park on Merrimac St at the end of Broad--a few blocks from the start. And there are more at the entrance to Willowdale State Forest on Linebrook Rd.--at mile 32.5.
Choose your lunch preference: either settling in (with or without a beer) at Michael's Harborside or grabbing a sandwich at Port City Sandwich for a relaxing picnic along the Merrimack.
Starting at Smolak Farm in North Andover, the routes pass through beautiful quiet forests and along ponds on the back roads of Bradford, Groveland, Boxford, and North Andover. Terrain is gently rolling with a couple of “refreshing” climbs, particularly Uptack Rd.
Riders can choose 1 of 3 routes- 24, 32, or 41 miles, that we offer on Wednesday AMs, starting May 10, at 10AM. (9AM in the heat of July, returning to 10AM in September). The group averages a 12-14 mph pace and is no-drop. Each route’s 1/2 way point is the Boxford police station, and those who wish can take a 4 mile escape route from the BPD returning directly to Smolak
Lunch is at the Smolak Farm Stand following the ride where a variety of fresh muffins, sandwiches, and coffee are available. Riders typically eat and socialize at the outdoor tables. These ride options provide training for the longer rides in the fall, such as the NSC Century, Cycle for Shelter, Seacoast Century and others.
A Boxford ride will be held every Thursday evening and will alternative between the “Boxford 1 Forest” and the “Boxford 2 Baldpate” routes. The “Boxford 1 Forest” route is non-arrowed and is 20 miles through the beautiful back roads of Boxford and North Andover. There are some moderate hills with an overall elevation gain of 694 feet.
Jump in on NSC's classic Thursday Wakefield Ride at an intermediate pace. Beginning at the head of Lake Quannapowitt, we roll up through Lynnfield Center, past Pillings Pond. Then down Lowell/Chestnut St, into North Reading Center, and loop around back to Lynnfield for a terminal velocity descent. Finally a loop around Quannapowitt for a glorious finish and the weekend can begin.
This intermediate pace group is a no drop ride and is suitable for all abilities. The pace is typically 14-16 mph but can vary.
Jump in on NSC's classic Thursday Wakefield Ride at the classic Thursday Wakefield Fast Pace. Beginning at the head of Lake Quannapowitt, we roll up through Lynnfield Center, past Pillings Pond. Then down Lowell/Chestnut St, into North Reading Center, and loop around back to Lynnfield for a terminal velocity descent. Finally a zippy chase around Quannapowitt for a glorious finish and the weekend can begin.
This popular weekly ride meanders through Middleton, Boxford, Georgetown, Byfield, Newbury and Topsfield. Great mix of long flat straights and a few hills.
The route file has been updated to follow the route most folks have been taking on Lakeshore Road to Center Street.
During the season, the Saturday Fitness Ride is being led by the "Saturday Fitness Ride Leader Team".
Please speak to the leader on any Saturday or email Rides@NSCYC.org to help out and join the team.
An easy going ride of 20 miles, mostly in Boxford, that minimizes climbing. Leaves from same place as Saturday Fitness Ride. Leaders will rotate throughout the riding season.
Welcome to the new and improved Monday Morning Recovery Ride 2.0. This route gets us off some busier roads and after a few early hills caps it off with four miles of nicely paved roads through Harold Parker State Forest. After this a couple of miles through a nice North Reading neighborhood and then the final sprint down Haverhill St. This is a no rider left behind ride. All abilities are welcome. 10 AM Mondays at REI Reading.
All riders welcome. This is a ride on the quiet roads through Topsfield and Boxford. The loops are 18 and 20 miles with more climbing on the longer route.
A Boxford ride will be held every Thursday evening and will alternative between the “Boxford 1 Forest” and the “Boxford 2 Baldpate” routes. The “Boxford 2 Baldpate” route is non-arrowed and is 20 miles through the scenic back roads of Boxford and Groveland. We will ride by five different ponds. There are some moderate hills with an overall elevation gain of 807 feet.
