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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.

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.

Mostly Flat: Connecticut River Valley Weekday Ride

Location: Sunderland, MA
Date: 22‑Jul‑2026
Register »
Join us for a relaxed 20-mile bike ride on quiet rural roads in the shadow of Mt Sugarloaf. We'll roll past active farmlands and tidy private residences on relatively flat terrain with very little elevation gain per mile. Besides a one-mile stretch of road with an average grade of about 2%, the most significant challenge on this route could be a headwind!
We will keep the group together, riding at a comfortable 11-13 mph average, regrouping/stopping for a snack just before the 14-mile mark at the North Hadley Sugar Shack. This ride is suitable for any rider comfortable with being out on the road for a couple of hours.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

AMHERST 24 Ride

Location: Amherst, MA
Date: 26‑Jul‑2026
Register »
Join us for a delightful 24-mile group bicycle ride at a relaxed pace (12-14 mph average) on well-paved roads with some rolling hills. Total elevation gain over the route is approximately 850 ft.
We will convene in North Amherst. We will get on our bikes and ride north through Leverett then on to Montague. We'll loop back south on the Franklin Bikeway along the Connecticut River.
In Sunderland, we'll stop for a break at the Sunderland Convenience Store, then continue south through farmlands as we make our way back to the start point. After the ride, there will be an optional group lunch at a nearby eatery.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

Quiet Cycling in the Southern Berkshires

Location: Sheffield, MA
Date: 15‑Aug‑2026
Register »
Enjoy cycling quiet roads in the southern Berkshires. This 24-mile ride has about 1,000 feet of ascent as we make our way from Sheffield to Alford.
We will ride with a goal of keeping our overall average speed at about 11-13 mph. Optional lunch after the ride.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

Ride the Actual Farm Roads in Hatfield

Location: Hatfield, MA
Date: 23‑Aug‑2026
Register »
Ride on gravel and dirt roads (hard packed, loose dirt, a little sandy) through the farm fields of Hatfield. This ride will have a special opportunity for a nice lunch in a wonderful setting at Black Birch Vineyard after the ride.
The speed of the ride will be slower due to a more challenging riding surface. ABOUT HALF OF THIS RIDE IS ON DIRT AND GRAVEL and therefore requires gravel or mountain bikes. It can be an eBike that is gravel-capable. Tires should be at least 38mm wide and have a grippy tread.
Because this ride involves Black Birch Vineyard, which has delicious wood-fired pizza and other snacks along with various liquid refreshments, you must be confirmed to attend this event.
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.
Executive 20s/30s A.T. Management Bicycling Communications Family Programs Hiking Membership Mountaineering Net Management Paddling
Cyclists pose for a group photograph in Sunderland
Western MA cyclists at the top of Cooper Hill Road
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Two bills are making their way through the MA State House: S.2344 and H.3754. These bills will allow cities and towns to install traffic safety cameras to capture violations of red light running, speeding, and blocking the box — if they come with strong safeguards for data protection and equity.
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