Upcoming Rides
- Wednesday, October 21, 2026
- 5:15PC/121010.410.40Come to the Dark Side!Daniel McInerneyNow, you will experience the full power of the Dark Side! https://youtube.com/shorts/zkMAe_tB-eM?si=Bl0dNlggRRMJlQbYes, I am reusing a clip I used last year, and, yes. we are going to roll once again, on the second to last Wednesday in October. We will leave at 5:15 PM to ensure a safe return while dusk lingers. For those who cannot make 5:15, a ride from Black CLoud straight out toward Beaver should enable you to catch on. The sun will set at 5:55 PM. We will be using the Keene bike paths and rails trails for a good portion of the ride, and you will want dayglow, bright clothing and brighter lights, front and back. Back to be seen, front to see and be seen. The last few milesis on the rail trail, and that front light will be really helpful. The brighter the better.On this 12.4 mile ride we'll make our way on the Cheshire Rail Trail to Eastern Ave., swing north to Beaver, and head to cross Washington and up Elm. We exit Elm earlier than normal to cross Court and get on the bike path toward Wheelock Park, ride to the Park, then out Park Ave. and Summit to head for the Rail Trail, and ride back through the trees.You won't need sunglasses. You will need lights, preferably a blinking one in back and a bright one in front. Remember, safety always!!Next week, The Halloween Ride, get your costumes ready.
- Friday, October 23, 2026
- 10AC2322.922.90Bike to Lunch. One more time for my favorite loop.Michael Frank
Posting this early so those of you who aren't fortunate enough to be retired, unemployed, or otherwise have a day off can come up with an excuse for a mental health day away from work. The forecast for Friday calls for sun and cool temperatures. Perfect riding conditions if you dress appropriately. (Hint: think layers.). We'll roll out at 10:00AM to allow the sun to get a bit higher in the sky and the frost is off the pumpkins.
My favorite loop starts at the Westmoreland Common, climbs Glebe Rd, stays away from the noise of Rt 9 on Sugar Maple Rd to the Gorge, then joins the wide shoulder of Rt 9 for less than a mile to Rt 9A. We drop into Spofford village and ride along the south shore to Maple Rd. Grab your granny (gear) as we cross Rt 9 to climb up to Old Chesterfield Rd and onto town center. Head south on Rt 63 to Stage Rd for a screaming downhill reward. Hit the brakes before crossing Rt 9 again and taking a quick jog to Poor Rd. Say good bye to traffic as we cruise into West Chesterfield and join River Rd. (Those wanting to test their climbing prowess before next month's Gobble UP could add an optional loop aroung Streeter Hill Rd from either side.) We'll enjoy the views of the River and the farms as we make our way back to Westmoreland. After a couple challenging humps, we'll turn right onto Partridge Brook Rd and follow its namesake to Rt 63 and then back to the Town Common. Then its lunch and conversation at the Barn & Thistle.
The standard safety briefing - Visibility with bright colors and flashing (preferred) lights front and rear. With the sun low to the horizon shadows are long and glare can be blinding so anything that makes you stand out is a good thing. Predictability, consistency, and accountability make for safer rides for you and your fellow cyclsts. Ride your line, don't overlap wheels, and ride within your capabilities while stretching your boundaries to improve your abilities. Call your passes and point out obstacles, including hazardous, approaching motorists. (There's always a "Car Back!" on Rt 9 so no need to yell for each one. But scream loud if a car is coming up behind us in the wide shoulder that we'll be occupying."). Remember, if the cyclist ahead of you calls an intersection "Clear" its still your responsibility to make sure it truly is - unless that cyclist has taken it upon himself to post as a road guard and is actually stopping traffic (not advised). Obey the traffic laws of our fair state (and work tirelessly with your elected representatives to improve those laws for cyclists!). Be prepared to resolve any mechanical issues you may have. (We'll never leave a rider stranded.) As always, safety is key. Fun is paramount.
- Wednesday, October 28, 2026
- 5:15Pmixed98.98.90The Final Wednesday Ride of the Season, with a Halloween Theme!d the final Week-Night Ride of 2025)Daniel McInerney
This is it, the last week for a Wednesday evening ride. After this week, the sun will set too early for us to ride in the evening. This is a mixed level ride for everyone! Costumes are encouraged but not required. It's all about getting in some fun. So, come join us and, hopefully, have some fun.
It is early for posting a Wednesday Evening Ride, but it is going up early so people can get ready.
We have done this the past couple years, and it has been a blast. Last year, we had Captain Stubing, a beaver, a skeleton, a speed bump?, and a few other costumes.
This is a ride on three nights before Halloween. As mentioned, costumes are welcome encouraged, but please make sure that you can ride safely in whatever you are wearing. If you do not have a costume, please come anyway. We would rather have you there than not.
We start at the Black Cloud, and we will end there and, hopefully, enjoy some refreshment and fellowship post ride. The route is about as flat as can be. And, it will be subject to revision. As far as a ride, it's more a parade than anything else we do.
The plan is to be on a party pace and be seen. We will be saving our legs for The Gobble UP!
If you can, wear bright colors and have lights on your bike, or on you, or better both, and multiple lights if you can. Be SEEN to be safe. We will not be on many busy roads, and we will try to bunch up when we might encounter traffic.
Please check your bikes, make sure all is in order, bring your cell phone, just in case. If something goes wrong, we need may need to be able to communicate and pick someone up with a motor vehicle.
As usual, we note safety, safety, safety be predictable and be seen.
Hope we see you there!