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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.

Intro to Recreational Road Cycling

Location: Hatfield, MA
Date: 04‑May‑2024
Register »
This is a new type of activity intended for people who are new to outdoor recreational group cycling. This trip will be 14 miles in length and mostly flat. The activity difficulty level as defined by AMC will be RELAXED. The pace will be comfortable (9-11 mph average), and we will keep the group together.
Before riding, we will present a group safety talk followed by basic instruction including a bike operation and helmet fit check, and a review of efficient pedaling and gear shifting techniques. This training will help build your confidence, ensure you can maintain your bicycle in good working order, and prepare you for more challenging rides later in the season.
You will need a road bike, hybrid bike, or pedal-assist ebike in good working order, a helmet, snack, water, and tube to fix a flat.

Intro to Recreational Road Cycling

Location: Whately, MA
Date: 11‑May‑2024
Register »
This activity is intended for people who are new to outdoor recreational group cycling. This trip will be 15 miles in length and mostly flat. The activity difficulty level as defined by AMC will be Relaxed. The pace will be comfortable (9-11 mph average), and we will keep the group together.
Before riding, we will present a group safety talk followed by basic instruction including a bike operation and helmet fit check, and a review of efficient pedaling and gear shifting techniques. This training will help build your confidence, ensure you can maintain your bicycle in good working order, and prepare you for more challenging rides later in the season.

Twenty Five Miles of Farms and Quiet Roads Warm-Up for Experienced Cyclists

Location: Hatfield, MA
Date: 18‑May‑2024
Register »
Join us for a scenic 25-mile ride in the Pioneer Valley towns of Hatfield, Whately, and Deerfield. The ride starts out on flat terrain in South Deerfield for a good warm-up and then has some nice hills for getting those legs in climbing shape (total of 600 feet of ascent). We make our way through Hatfield and Whately and eventually return to South Deerfield.
We will keep the group together riding at a moderate 12-14 mph average regrouping/stopping for a snack along the way.
You will need a road bike, hybrid bike, or pedal-assist ebike in good working order, a helmet, snack, water, and tube to fix a flat.

Berkshires - Spring Warm Up Ride

Location: Great Barrington, MA
Date: 25‑May‑2024
Register »
Join us for a relaxed 20-mile warmup ride on (mostly) quiet and scenic country roads in the southwest corner of the Berkshires. Starting in Great Barrington MA, we'll ride a clockwise loop passing through Sheffield and Egremont. We will sustain a relaxed riding pace of 11-13 mph, and the total elevation gain over the course of the ride will be under 800 feet (about 40 feet per mile). The terrain will be rolling, with a handful of climbs and some grades of about 5%.
This ride is suitable for experienced riders who don't mind climbing some hills. Expect to be out on the road for a couple of hours. We'll take periodic breaks and keep the group together.

Berkshires - Great Barrington to Connecticut

Location: Great Barrington, MA
Date: 26‑May‑2024
Register »
Back by popular demand, one more Berkshire ride! This challenging 33-mile ride starts in the bustling town of Great Barrington. We will cycle on quiet but hilly roads through Sheffield, Ashley Falls, CT, and S. Egremont with 1,700 feet of total elevation gain. Beautiful views of the Berkshire hills (and some cows). We will sustain an average riding pace of 12-14 mph.

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 Outings Hiking Membership Mountaineering Net Management Paddling Training and Education
Western MA cyclists in the Hamptons
Cyclists pose for a group photograph
Vista with hot air balloon
COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHT

Bike With Us!

We're offering a series of rides in April and May for those who are new to recreational road cycling starting in Hatfield, Sunderland and Whately. These towns are perfect for first rides as you cruise on mostly flat roads through beautiful farmlands and forests.
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