A Boxford ride will be held every Thursday evening and will alternate between the “Boxford 1 Forest” and the “Boxford 2 Baldpate” routes. Both routes are non-arrowed and are 20 miles through scenic tree-lined back roads of Boxford, North Andover, and Groveland. We typically break into two groups: one is a fast-paced group 18+ mph and one is a moderate-paced group around 15 mph.
Join us as we wend our way through North Reading and Harold Parker State Forest. The longer route crosses RT 114 before returning back to Middleton and North Reading. Average speeds vary between 14 MPH and 18 MPH. We regroup as needed. Restroom facilities are located nearby at Cumberland Farms and Dunkin.
Please join us for a post ride debriefing at Dunkin. Plan to arrive early for the pre-ride safety talk.
"Ponds & Forests from Smolak" is a Classic NSC Ride, formerly called "Hill & Dale from Ballardvale"…it was drawn to Haverhill, then renamed, "Ponds & Forests from Bradford" by Gordon Harris. After years of dormancy in the NSC library, Joe & I routed off 2 hills and resumed it in 2020, Wednesdays. Ray had the fabulous idea to make "Ponds & Forests from Smolak" as a Rotating ride. I then shifted the Bradford start to Smolak.
The Saturday Fitness is a club tradition and a favorite of both new and long-time club members. Most of the ride takes place on quiet scenic roads passing farms, ponds, woodlands and historic homes. Multiple distance options are provided with the two longer rides reaching the Newburyport area. The ride attracts a wide range of riders, making it a great option for first-time riders.
The Saturday Fitness is a club tradition and a favorite of both new and long-time club members. Most of the ride takes place on quiet scenic roads passing farms, ponds, woodlands and historic homes. Multiple distance options are provided with the two longer rides reaching the Newburyport area. The ride attracts a wide range of riders, making it a great option for first-time riders.
Parking Lot (142 Lowell St, Wakefield, MA)
(Google map)
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.
The usual route is 18 miles with 1000 ft of elevation. You can easily skip some hills, by choosing the 14 mile ride. [There is a split around mile 8] [marked on pavement] 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. Usually there is a faster paced group 17-20 MPH. Often a slower group of riders 15-17 MPH goes also but that is not guaranteed as it depends on who shows up. For this reason, please download the route and be ready to navigate.
