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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.

Ride the Actual Farm Roads in Hatfield

Location: Hatfield, MA
Date: 04‑Oct‑2026
Register »
Ride on gravel and dirt roads (hard packed, loose dirt, a little sandy) through the farm fields of Hatfield. ABOUT HALF OF THIS 15-mile RIDE IS ON DIRT AND GRAVEL. 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. This ride 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.
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 bike as described above, 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.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

Cycling the Berkshires: Great Barrington to Southfield

Location: Great Barrington, MA
Date: 07‑Oct‑2026
Register »
Join us for a beautiful but challenging 28-mile ride that begins just south of downtown Great Barrington. We will cycle on quiet but hilly roads through Sheffield and Southfield, including a section riding along the border between MA and CT. Besides the rural scenery, a highlight of our ride will be a stop at the Southfield Store, where we will take a break for a snack or lunch. (The cafe is locally known for excellent food and coffee.)
The planned route will involve approximately 1800 feet of total elevation gain (about 64 feet per mile), and there are several areas with steep sections having grades over 8%. As a result, 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 usually plan 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 a physically demanding ride, so only riders who consider themselves to be at peace with climbing hills should register for this activity.
We will reach the Southfield Store after about 18 miles of cycling. We will likely take a break for lunch here. After this break there will be more climbing ahead! We will end with a lovely descent back into Great Barrington and our starting point.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

Cycling from Bernardston MA to Guilford VT

Location: Bernardston, MA
Date: 11‑Oct‑2026
Register »
Join us for a delightful 38-mile road ride from Bernardston to Guilford VT and back. We will be travelling on beautiful rural roads with low traffic. The route is almost entirely on paved roads, but we will travel on a 1.5-mile dirt road through Fort Dummer State Park to reach our mid-ride lunch break at the Guilford Country Store. The dirt section is hard packed and should be fine for regular road bikes with regular tires and wheels (i.e., no gravel biking equipment needed). In total we will climb approximately 1900 feet over the course of the ride with some steep grades over 9%.
This ride is suitable for experienced cyclists who are comfortable on long rides with many climbs. We will sustain a moderate average riding pace of 12-14mph. Expect to be on this activity for up to five hours, which includes 3-4 hours of actual bike riding. We will keep the group together, take periodic breaks, and have lunch together halfway through the ride.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

Harlem Valley Rail Trail Harvest Venture!

Location: Copake Falls, NY
Date: 18‑Oct‑2026
Register »
Join us for a beautiful autumn bike ride on the paved Harlem Valley Rail Trail! A leisurely, 26-mile (out and back ride) through towns of Copake Falls and Millerton to explore the northern half of the full trail. The trail goes through a mix of open fields, forest, and wetlands!
At the midpoint of the ride, we will break for lunch in downtown Millerton. Feel free to bring a lunch or investigate some of the local options with the group!
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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