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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.

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 which includes road, touring, hybrid, or gravel bikes. We permit e-Bikes that can only be propelled by pedaling. Bikes with throttles that can propel the bike without pedaling are specifically prohibited. Mountain bikes are only allowed on rail trail rides or on rides that include gravel surfaces and are defined as a gravel ride in the ride description. Mountain bikes are also allowed on rides that specifically include single or double-track riding typically on wooded trails.
  • 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.

Great Barrington to Mill River Bike Ride

Location: Great Barrington, MA
Date: 14‑Jun‑2026
Register »
If you've never experienced the Berkshires on a bicycle, it's about time you did! This delightful ramble takes place in the southwest corner of the Berkshires, starting in the bustling town of Great Barrington. This ride is 27 miles in length, over rolling terrain with a total elevation gain of 1450 feet. We'll cycle primarily on quiet rural roads with beautiful scenery.
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.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

Turners Falls - Northfield Bike Ride

Location: Montague, MA
Date: 20‑Jun‑2026
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 northern most 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.
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.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

Cycling the Berkshires: Tyringham Valley

Location: Lee, MA
Date: 21‑Jun‑2026
Register »
Join us for a challenging 33-mile cycling tour on quiet country roads in the southwest corner of the Berkshires. The scenery is spectacular and well worth the sweat. From our starting point in Lee, MA, we'll ride through the breathtakingly beautiful Tyringham valley. When we reach the end of the valley, we'll be glad we're warmed up as we tackle a demanding one-mile climb (7% average grade - steep!) up to the plateau.
We'll head west through Monterey and cross into Great Barrington, turning north to cycle through the scenic Monument Valley to Stockbridge. A few short but stiff climbs still await us as we finish the last few miles of our route and return to our start point in Lee.
In total we will climb approximately 2,100 feet over the course of the ride. This ride is suitable for experienced riders who are comfortable on long rides with many climbs. We will sustain a moderate average riding pace of 12-14 mph.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

Weeknight Easy and Fun Ride

Location: Amherst, MA
Date: 23‑Jun‑2026
Register »
Join us for an early evening bike in the Amherst/Hadley/Sunderland Area on Wednesday, May 6! We'll meet at 5:30 PM for a relaxed 1.5-hour bike. We'll take a 15-mile tour through the farmlands of Hadley, Amherst, and Sunderland. Expect easy terrain, great company, and a chance to unwind outdoors.
We will keep the group together and ride at a moderate 12mph average, regrouping/stopping for hydration along the way.
After the ride, we welcome you to join us for a social dinner somewhere in the area (location TBD)—totally optional but a great way to keep the conversation going.
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.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

Weekday Easy 19-Mile Bike Ride

Location: Hatfield, Deerfield, and Whately, MA
Date: 25‑Jun‑2026
Register »
Enjoy an easy, pleasant, and mostly flat bike ride through Hatfield, Deerfield, and Whately, with views of farms, farms, and farms.
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.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

Tour of the Pioneer Valley Hamptons Bike Ride

Location: Easthampton, MA
Date: 12‑Jul‑2026
Register »
Enjoy a 28-mile ride at a moderate pace (11-13 mph average) across all four of the Pioneer Valley Hamptons. Soon after we get started, you'll experience some enjoyable long and steady climbs with complementary descents. However, most of this ride is on rolling terrain with quiet roads surrounded by farms and thick woods. We will stop for a break at Outlook Farm at about mile twenty. Our group will be kept together.
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.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

Berkshires Cycling: Stockbridge-Alford Ramble

Location: Stockbridge, MA
Date: 19‑Jul‑2026
Register »
Join us for a challenging 32-mile ride that begins in the center of Stockbridge, MA. We will cycle on quiet but hilly roads through Stockbridge, Housatonic, Great Barrington, Alford, West Stockbridge, and Lenox. These are among the most picturesque towns in the Berkshires.
The planned route will involve approximately 2000 feet of total elevation gain (about 62 feet per mile), and there are several sections with grades over 5%.
This ride is intended for strong and experienced riders who are comfortable with long rides involving many substantial climbs. We will sustain an average riding pace of 12-14 mph. We expect to be out on route for about 4 hours accounting for periodic regroups, bio breaks, etc.
According to the AMC's Activity Difficulty Ratings, it is a moderate bicycle ride. That being said, while beautiful, it is also one of the most physically demanding rides that we lead in the Berkshires. Only riders who consider themselves to be at peace with climbing hills should join this activity.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

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.
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Cyclists pose for a group photograph in Sunderland
Western MA cyclists at the top of Cooper Hill Road
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