For Road Conditions Information, visit the Road Conditions page in the main menu above.
Special Note
If, when, and how rides are scheduled & conducted is up to ride coordinators and leaders. All participants need to respect safety guidelines and suggestions that the leader/coordinator and Club provide. All participants need to be responsible for their own safety and the safety of others. Anyone uncomfortable with group riding under these circumstances should not participate in Club rides.
Relaxed/conversational pace; regroups often; no drops
B
Moderate (11-13 mph)
Social pace; regroups; no drops
C
Intermediate (13-15 mph)
Mostly moderate to brisk pace; experienced riders; regroups; no drops
D
Fast (15-18 mph)
Higher average on flats; brisk to rigorous pace; leader's option for regroup/no drop
E
Very Fast (19+ mph)
Higher average on flats; very strenuous pace; strong skills and experience; leader's option for regroup/no drop
ROUTE TERRAIN CODES
1
Flat
Mostly flat route
2
Flat/Easy Climbs
Combination of flat & easy grades/hills
3
Moderate
Rolling hills; occasional long or steep grade
4
Challenging Hills
Expect some long or steep difficult grades
5
Extremely Demanding
Many tough climbs
DISTANCE
/MILES
Miles
Forward slash (/) followed by approximate Distance in Miles
For example: A ride coded as C/5/36 is an Intermediate Pace (13-15mph) ride with Extremely Demanding terrain and a ride length of 36 miles. Note: If you are new to our rides, conservatively choose a ride with slower pace range and easier terrain to start, and then adjust as experience and common sense indicate.
Dirt and Pavement rides are multi media adventures. We seek and link together dirt roads, paved roads, rail trails and recreation paths. The goal is a scenic, fun, low or no traffic ride. This is not a mountain bike ride with technical single track. There may be some places where we might have to walk our bikes due to soft sand, rocks or washouts, but the goal is to enjoy mixed surface roads and the interesting routes that they allow us to create.
What bike to use? It is all about your tires. The tire should be efficient on pavement but stable on dirt roads. Road bikes with wider tires or mountain bikes with smoother treads will work well. Use a hybrid, gravel bike or randonneur with a tire width that allows you to enjoy exploring these roads without worrying about the road surface conditions. Cruise happily from pavement onto the dirt and visa versa.
Rides can be on smooth, hard packed dirt or stone dust but might include more challenging dirt, grass or gravel (like after maintenance/regrading or after a rainy washout). Conditions will be described in the weekly posts.
Tooling Tuesday is a fun social ride ranging in distances of 15-25 miles. The ride routes are a rotating schedule of local valley rides. This is a morning ride lasting approximately 2 hours. The ride and start times are flexible and are adjusted to best meet the weather conditions.
Riders will cycle at a relaxed conversational pace with frequent stops and opportunities to socialize. No one will be left behind. Rides will be between 15-22 miles long on mostly flat roads with some easy hills but no steep grades!
This is an opportunity for riders new to the Club to meet others, practice group and safe cycling skills, and get in shape for the season.
All are welcome to participate. Depending on the ride group, miles may be added to the ride length according to the participants’ wishes.
These rides will be offered on Wednesdays and Fridays in May and possibly early June.
Invitation to MWV Bike Club Ride and Dine 2024- How to Join!
The Mountain Washington Valley Bicycling Club is hosting its Annual Spring Social on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Ledge Brewery. The event begins at 5:00 p.m. and extends to 7:00 p.m. Pizza will be provided. All current members and those interested in learning more about the MWV Bike Club are welcome to attend. It's a great chance to connect with friends, meet fellow cyclists, talk to ride leaders, and learn about the upcoming season rides and events. Hope to see you then!
NOTE: You can sign up in person at the MWV Spring Meeting on March 27, 2024 OR you can follow the simple 3 step directions below.
It’s happening!!!
The wheels are turning! This year, Ride and Dine will be held on the following four Mondays from June to September.
Don’t forget to join the 2024 email group. We create a new list each season.
We are excited to present the following dates.
Monday, June 17, 2024
Monday, July 15, 2024
Monday, August 19, 2024
Monday, September 16, 2024
What is Ride and Dine?
Ride and Dine is a great way to enjoy an early evening ride, to welcome new members, to reconnect with friends, and to enjoy a scenic social ride followed by a great meal!
Note: Ride and Dine participants are limited to active Club Members and their guests (at the discretion of the host). Ride and Dine 2024 will consist of a series of four club rides followed by a meal. The host provides the main course, chooses the ride route, and sets the maximum number of participants. Due to cautions associated with COVID, the number of participants may vary from ride to ride depending on the host space, access to outdoor seating, and personal level of comfort. Please note: Ride and Dine is typically held at riders’ homes. As a courtesy to the hosts, and in recognition of the ongoing need to practice COVID safeguards in the interest of public health, it is expected that all participants be fully vaccinated.
Participants prearrange with the host to bring an item from the following choices:
• Appetizers
• Salads
• Sides
• Desserts
• Breads
• It’s BYOB for everyone!
How long are the rides?
Typically, a Ride and Dine route is approximately 2 hours. Ready to ride at 4:00 p.m. Ride routes, typically, but not necessarily, begin and end at the host’s home or other chosen venue.
Step One
The Ride and Dine program is run by Ellin Booras and Cathy Konicki. Please let them know via email (Cathy.Konicki@gmail.com, ellinbooras@gmail.com) no later than May 1, 2024 if you would like to be included on the list, Cathy will place you in an email group for the 2024 Ride and Dine list. Once you are on the list, you will be notified about each of the Ride and Dine events
Step Two
Ellin and Cathy will gather information from the hosts regarding menu, ride route, location for start and finish, and the maximum number of participants
Step Three
Once you are signed up to the Ride and Dine email list, follow the directions on each emailed notice you receive for each Ride and Dine event you wish to attend. Be sure to indicate if you would like to bring a guest.
Note:
Ride and Dine is very popular, and the rides fill up quickly so watch for those emails from Cathy and Ellin!
The Wednesday Wheeler rides are currently on hold. Email Gail at wedwheelers@mwvbicyclingclub.org if you'd like to see these rides happen or have suggestions.
These Wednesday AM rides are designed to introduce people to the skills and pleasures of group riding and will be tailored to the skills and interests of the participants. Rides will be centered in the Fryeburg, ME area and will be approximately 2 hours in length. Mileage will start out at 10-15 and increase as the group gains experience and desire for longer routes.
Come and meet friendly people and discover the fun and enjoyment of riding in a group. Hope to meet many new riders as well as those who have experienced this fun way of cycling.
This is a high-effort ride averaging speeds of 17-20 mph over about 2 hours. Weather conditions, number of riders, and individual ability are contributing factors in route selection. The group is generally 5-8 riders, which follows a singular route with a no-drop provision for safety. Routes vary weekly and are determined at the start or via e-mail prior to the ride.
Typical ride times- (check the Events Calendar to be sure): Varies with Season- Early season start time: 1:00 PM; After Mid-May or so: 3:00 PM start time; Late season start time 9:30 AM
Place: Route 16 Scenic Vista parking lot in Intervale, NH (Start location can vary)
Thursday Bike (formerly Marianne's Thursday Ride):
Thursday Bike is Back!!! After many years and countless rides, Marianne Borowski is passing the keys of the Thursday Bike institution over to Helle Frost, Rachel Anderson, Vince Pelote and Bob Houlihan. Each week, on the SAME Thursday of each month, the Ride Leader will post and organize a ride of their chosen style.
The FIRST Thursday of each month, Rachel will lead a gravel or road ride in the Tamworth, NH area.
The SECOND Thursday, Bob will lead a Classic Thursday road ride.
The THIRD Thursday, Helle will lead a gravel ride in the Conway, NH area.
The FOURTH Thursday, Vince will lead a road/bike path ride in the Portland, ME/Seacoast area with a social option to follow.
If there is a FIFTH Thursday, we will surprise you.
One or more Scenic Saturday Rides are scheduled for most Saturday mornings with start points and routes that vary each week. Multiple rides on the same day may or may not start at the same time or place. The rides generally range in pace and from Flat to Demanding terrain, all dependant upon the inspiration of the ride leaders for the particular day. Typically, when multiple rides are scheduled on the same day, one will be a higher effort choice and one will be more tame.
Spin on Sundays rides will be scheduled every Sunday. Rides are 30 +/- miles, generally at a 13-15 mile pace (but will be at the pace of the group of riders that attend – we may split into groups to accomplish this). Rides will start at 10:00 or 9:30) and take place in the greater Mt Washington Valley. Occasionally, we will take on a more aggressive 40 mile loop. Once per month, we will do a split ride, where a half distance option will be available.
Out of the Valley rides are offered throughout the bicycle riding season to provide opportunities to enjoy a variety of routes away from the Mount Washington Valley. Generally, the route will be between 50 and 100 miles at either a moderate or intermediate pace. Occasionally, a route with two days of riding and overnight lodging will be planned.
Ride4U is a set of four (4) planned rides, each at different levels of distance, pace, and skillset, all starting at one location. They are typically designed to cover the range of rides the club offers- all at one ride event. They will usually take place within or near the Mt. Washington Valley area and occur periodically throughout the riding season. Participants arrive at the start and decide which Ride is 4 You.
Club rides are open to all members and guests who are interested in bicycling. Riders under 18 must provide parental consent. All rides will have ride leaders and some rides will have designated ride sweeps. However, club practice is to not leave anyone behind on any ride, so it is incumbent on each rider to select rides best suited to their ability.
When the weather is not conducive to enjoyable cycling, rides are considered cancelled without notice. If the ride leader decides to cancel in advance of the day of the ride, a notice will usually be posted on the CLUB EVENTS CALENDAR.
Ride Suitability...
To help riders pick rides best suited to their abilities and likes, characteristics for each club ride will be described on the CLUB EVENTS CALENDAR for the specific route of the day:
Courtesy Recommendations...
Rides will start on schedule so riders should be ready to go at the posted start time. Please bring your bike to the ride start point in good working order and with tires properly inflated. Always carry a spare tube, tire levers, a patch kit, a pump or air cartridge, water, snacks and emergency contact information.
Ride Coordinators & Leaders...
Ride Coordinators & Leaders must be club members. It is their responsibility to know the planned route and to ensure that ride details are posted on the CLUB EVENTS CALENDAR before the scheduled ride date. Ride leaders must also ensure that all riders in their group have signed a Release & Waiver Form (including guests), so it is incumbent on them to have forms available as may be needed. Click here for additional Ride Coordinator & Leader responsibilities.
Liability Release...
Anyone is welcome to participate in regularly scheduled club rides. For the protection of the club and the ride leaders, all riders (Club members and non-members) must submit a completed Release & Waiver Form prior to starting any ride. Anyone who routinely participates in any Club rides (more than two times) is required to become a member of the Club.
