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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.

Tour of the Pioneer Valley Hamptons Bike Ride

Location: Easthampton, MA
Date: 27‑Jul‑2024
Register »
Enjoy a 30-mile ride at a moderate pace (12-13 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 complimentary descents. However, most of this ride is on rolling terrain on quiet roads surrounded by farms and thick woods. We will stop for a break at Outlook Farm at about mile twenty-two. Our group will be kept together.
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 an information sheet with the starting point along with all necessary additional guidance.

Great Barrington to Mill River Bike Ride

Location: Great Barrington, MA
Date: 10‑Aug‑2024
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 26 miles in length, over rolling terrain with a total elevation gain of 1400 feet. We'll cycle primarily on quiet rural roads with beautiful scenery.
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 an information sheet with the starting point along with all necessary additional guidance.

Cycling the Pioneer Valley: Williamsburg - Ashfield - Conway

Location: Williamsburg, MA
Date: 17‑Aug‑2024
Register »
Explore some of the prettiest roads in the Valley! This route passes through stunning Chapel Falls, quaint streams and expansive reservoirs. Bring plenty of water to refresh yourself as we climb more than 2,000 feet over our 31 mile ride. The shady country roads connect timeless towns such as Ashfield and Conway, offering two coffee shop stops for snacks, bathrooms and quick refreshments.
This ride is for intermediate riders and those who are training as there are hills (uphill and downhill!) throughout the route, right up until the last few miles of the ride. We will ride at an average speed of 12-14 mph.

Cycling the Connecticut River Valley: Whately to Conway

Location: Whately, MA
Date: 25‑Aug‑2024
Register »
Join us for a delightful 30-mile loop starting in Whately, exploring quiet paved roads in Whately, Conway and Deerfield. The activity level will be relaxed, with a moderate pace of 12-14 mph average. Total elevation gain over the route is approximately 1500 feet (50 feet per mile). There will be some challenging hills as we climb out of the river valley to Conway (maximum grade of 9%), where we'll stop for mid-ride refreshment at Baker's Country Store. From there it will be mostly downhill to Deerfield, then we'll cool down on flat roads as we return to our starting point. Optional food and ice cream available at the end of the ride!
We will keep the group together and regroup as needed along the way. There will be some automobile traffic on the roads, but in general the traffic will be light. Expect to be cycling for 2.5-3 hours.

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 Conservation DEI 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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