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Bicycling Committee

We are experienced cyclists who enjoy social, recreational rides in the range of 15-50 miles at speeds averaging between 10-14 mph, with rest stops and optional post-ride socials. We keep the group moving, but we're not racers. All of our trip leaders are volunteers, trained by the AMC in group management, and by the Bicycling Committee leaders to have the skills necessary to plan and run safe, enjoyable group bicycling trips. Ride Calendar 2023 to come!

Group Ride Policies

  • All AMC rides require advance registration. We pre-screen all riders to ensure comfort and safety.
  • You must have a bicycle in good working order. Road, touring, or hybrid bikes are acceptable. Mountain bikes are not permitted.
  • You must wear a properly-fitting bicycle helmet at all times while riding. You must carry an adequate supply of water with you (one or two water bottles is typical).
  • At a minimum you must have a spare tube that fits your tires. It is strongly recommended that you carry a full fix-flat kit that includes tire levers, a patch kit, and a portable air pump or CO2 inflator.
  • For rides of an hour or longer, we encourage you to bring a light snack with you. There may or may not be opportunities along the route to purchase drinks and snacks.
  • You do not have to be a member of the AMC to participate in our trips. (Though we do encourage membership! Join here!)

Introduction to Recreational Riding Series

In May through July of each riding season, we lead a series of bicycling activities specifically for people who are new to recreational outdoor group cycling. Each activity begins with a short training session. The session covers basic on-road rider safety, proper helmet fit, efficient pedaling and gear shifting techniques, and simple bike maintenance skills. After the training, we lead the group on a relatively short ride. Rides are under 15 miles in length and follow scenic rural roads which are mostly flat. The riding pace is relaxed (9-11 mph average), there are regular rest breaks, and the AMC-trained bike trip leaders always keep the group together.
All of our group ride policies (see above) apply on intro rides. This ride series is suitable for adults who are comfortable with being continuously active in the outdoors for 90 minutes. After the ride, participants have an opportunity to ask the leaders any questions they might have. The goal for the training is to build rider confidence, ensure riders can maintain their bicycles in good working order, and prepare them for more challenging rides later in the season.

Upcoming Activities

Click or tap on the Register links to learn more and/or register for activities.

Hidden Sunderland Ride – Spring Warm-Up

Location: Sunderland, MA
Date: 08‑Apr‑2023
Register »
See the rural aspects of Sunderland and enjoy some very quiet roads. There will be a couple of challenging, but short climbs. We ride counter-clockwise in this loop through Montague Center, Turners Falls and Old Deerfield. The ride will be at a pleasant pace as we begin to work our way into the 2023 cycling season.
We will keep the group together riding at a moderate 11-13 mph average, regrouping/stopping for a snack along the way. You will need a road bike in good working order, a helmet, snack, water, and tube to fix a flat.
This is an early season spring season ride for experienced cyclists only. This is not an introductory ride as those are listed elsewhere in the calendar.

Sunderland to Montague & Back Ride

Location: Sunderland, MA
Date: 15‑Apr‑2023
Register »
Ride north from Sunderland and enjoy rolling hills as we make our way through Deerfield, Turners Falls and Millers Falls with a nice rail trail crossing of the Connecticut River before turning back to Sunderland. This 25-mile ride provides quiet rural roads, interesting scenery, and village centers.
We will keep the group together riding at a moderate 11-13 mph average, regrouping/stopping for a snack along the way. You will need a road bike in good working order, a helmet, snack, water, and tube to fix a flat.

Sunderland – Intro. To Recreational Road Riding

Location: Sunderland, MA
Date: 29‑Apr‑2023
Register »
This is specifically intended for people who are new to outdoor recreational group road cycling. This trip will be 13.5 miles in length and mostly flat. The activity difficulty level as defined by AMC will be RELAXED. The pace will be comfortable (10-11 mph average), and we will keep the group together. Registration opens 05-Apr-2023.
Before riding, we will present a group safety talk followed by basic instruction including a bike operation and helmet fit check and a review of efficient pedaling and gear shifting techniques. This training will help build your confidence, ensure you can maintain your bicycle in good working order, and prepare you for more challenging rides later in the season.

Adventure Schedule

All adventures are subject to cancellation due to poor weather conditions. Check activities on outdoors.org for up-to-the-minute additions not yet shown here. Not all adventures may be posted yet.
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