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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.
Three different classes of e-bikes
Classes of e-bikes.
Three different classes of e-bikes
Classes of e-bikes (click to enlarge).
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.

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. Effective 03/2024, we now permit Class 1 & Class 3 pedal-assist bicycles (see diagram). Class 2 bikes that use throttles are not permitted. 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).
  • If you use tires with tubes, you must have a spare tube that fits your tires. It is recommended that you carry a full fix-flat kit regardless of tire type that may include items such as tire levers, tire plugs, 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 April through June 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.

Berkshires-Spring Warm-Up Ride

Location: Great Barrington, MA
Date: 24‑May‑2025
Register »
Join us for a relaxed 20-mile warmup ride on (mostly) quiet and scenic country roads in the southwest corner of the Berkshires. Starting in Great Barrington MA, we'll ride a clockwise loop passing through Sheffield and Egremont. We will sustain a relaxed riding pace of 11-13 mph, and the total elevation gain over the course of the ride will be under 800 feet (about 40 feet per mile). The terrain will be rolling, with a handful of climbs and some grades of about 5%.
This ride is suitable for experienced riders who don't mind climbing some hills. Expect to be out on the road for a couple of hours. We'll take periodic breaks and keep the group together.

Cycling 27 Miles of Farms and Quiet Roads

Location: Deerfield, MA
Date: 31‑May‑2025
Register »
Join us for a scenic 27-mile ride in the Pioneer Valley towns of Deerfield, Hatfield, and Whately. The ride starts out on flat terrain for a good warm-up and then has some nice hills for getting those legs warm (total of 600 feet of ascent). We will be riding through semi-rural farmland as we traverse Deerfield, where you will enjoy endless fields, a few cows, and lots of barns. Then it's on to Hatfield and Whately for more of the same. We head back toward South Deerfield where we return to our starting point. We will keep the group together riding at a moderate 13-14 mph average regrouping/stopping for a snack along the way.
If we don't know you, you will be contacted once you register and asked to answer a few screening questions. You will need a road bike, hybrid bike, or pedal-assist e-bike in good working order, a helmet, snack, water, and tube or tubeless tire kit to fix a flat. Once confirmed, you will be sent a detailed information sheet with the starting point along with all necessary guidance. The information sheet is sent either two or three days prior to the ride.

National Trails Day: Ashuwillticook Rail Trail Ride

Location: Lanesborough, MA
Date: 07‑Jun‑2025
Register »
Celebrate National Trails Day with a beautiful bike ride on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail (paved). A leisurely, 24-mile (up and back ride) through towns of Cheshire, Lanesboro and Adams, MA. The trail is between the Mt. Greylock and Hoosac Mountains. The Cheshire Reservoir and the Hoosic River abut much of the trail offering views of abundant wildlife. There will be an ice cream stop!
You will need a road bike, hybrid bike, or pedal-assist e-bike (no throttle) in good working order, a helmet, snack, water, and tube to fix a flat. You may be contacted once you register and asked a few screening questions if you are new to riding with us. Once confirmed, you will be sent a detailed information sheet with the starting point along with all necessary guidance. The information is sent 2-3 days before the ride.

Turners Falls - Northfield

Location: Turners Falls, MA
Date: 14‑Jun‑2025
Register »
This is a moderately challenging ride starting in downtown Turners Falls. The ride is 24 miles in length over rolling terrain. Total elevation gain on the ride will be about 1300 feet. All roads are paved. When we reach Northfield (the northernmost point on our route), we'll stop at Mim's Market and the Northfield Creamie for lunch. We'll return via beautiful rural roads before we descend back into Turners Falls.
The pace will be relaxed at 12-14 mph average, and we will keep the group together, regrouping at various points along the way.
If we don't know you, you will be contacted once you register and asked to answer a few screening questions.
You will need a road bike, hybrid bike, or pedal-assist e-bike (no throttle) in good working order, a helmet, snack, water, and tube or tubeless tire kit to fix a flat.
Once confirmed, you will be sent a detailed information sheet with the starting point along with all necessary guidance. The information sheet is sent either two or three days prior to the ride.

Activity Schedule

All activities 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 activities may be posted yet.
Executive 20s/30s A.T. Management Bicycling Communications Community Engagement Conservation Family Programs Hiking Membership Mountaineering Net Management Paddling Training and Education
Cyclists pose for a group photograph in Sunderland
Western MA cyclists at the top of Cooper Hill Road
Cyclists pose for a photograph
COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHT

Massachusetts Ranks #1 in Bicycle Friendly State Report Card

Did you know that Massachusetts ranked #1 in the country in the 2022 Bicycle Friendly State Report Card? The League of American Bicyclists gave MA a grade of "A" for infrastructure and funding, education and encouragement, and policies and programs.
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