1998 Past Massachusetts Bicycle Events

Breezes and Bicycles

Friday, January 30, 12 pm - 2 pm, MIT Building 5, Room 134

Tunnels under cities with huge fans to blow bicyclists and bladers where they want to go

Assabet River Rail Trail Slide Show

Thursday, February 5 at 7:30 pm at the Maynard Town Hall

The Assabet River Rail Trail, proposed to extend from Marlborough to Acton by way of Hudson, Stow and Maynard, is sponsoring a slideshow by Craig Della Penna, author of "Great Rail Trails of the Northeast".

Free. Refreshments. All welcome.

For more information contact Robin Schulman at (978) 897-5906 or robin_schulman@stratus.com

Talk on Major Taylor in Worcester

Monday, February 23, 6:00 pm, at the Second Baptist Church, 14 Hammond St., Worcester.

Enrique Washington of Portland, Ore., will present a talk on 1899 world champion cyclist Major Taylor. Washington is working with Taylor's great-granddaughter in California and parishioners of the Second Baptist Church to create a monument to Taylor in Worcester, where he lived.

There are two articles in the February 8 Worcester Telegram:

Champion racer beat bias, won global fame

and

Major' Taylor's saga endures: Pilgrimage, movie, mass merchandise may loom in future

A biographical article on Taylor from the Worcester Telegram & Gazette is at http://www.doitsports.com/biketour/tolman/taylor.html.

And don't forget the Seven Hills Wheelmen's MAJOR TAYLOR CENTURY, Sept. 27, 1998, in Sterling, Mass. Details, including map & cue sheet, are at http://members.aol.com/shwworc/index.html.

Tales From the Trails

Thursday, February 26, 7:00 pm at Danvers High School, 60 Cabot Road

MassBike/North Shore (formerly, North Shore Bikeways Coalition), in conjunction with the Danvers Bicycle Committee, is sponsoring a family-oriented presentation on rail trails by railroad historian and author, Craig Della Penna, on February 26 at the Danvers High School. Mr. Della Penna is the author of the popular guide tThe Great Rail Trails of the Northeastv and has two other books on trails in New York and New Jersey due in the fall. He has cataloged over 85 rail trails throughout the country in a detailed, historical way. The charismatic and inspirational Della Penna has done over 100 lectures on the subject of rail trails, their history, and community affects. In January, Della Penna hosted a workshop in San Diego on rail trails and is currently taking part in a national committee exploring the concept of developing the best engineering practices for rails with trails (trails sharing the corridor with existing railroads).

The presentation, entitled "Tales from the Trails", features a before and after look at the conversion of railroad beds to popular family recreational paths. These recreational paths are popular with in-line skaters, bicyclists, and pedestrians. The presentation will lead the audience on a journey on trails in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New York and Virginia. It is open to the public and there is no admission fee.

For further information about this 45-minute presentation, contact Regina Spallone, Publicity Coordinator, MassBike/North Shore at regina.l.spallone@noaa.gov.

Tales From the Trails

Thursday, March 12, 7:30-9:00 pm at Sturbridge Town Hall

The Sturbridge Trail Committee and the Grand Trunk Trailblazers are sponsoring a free lecture and slide program on rail trails by railroad historian and author, Craig Della Penna. Mr. Della Penna is the author of the popular guide, "Great Rail Trails of the Northeast", and has two other books on trails in New York and New Jersey due in the fall. He has cataloged over 85 rail trails throughout the country in a detailed, historical way. He is also acting as the New England representative of the national Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

The presentation, entitled "Tales from the Trails", features a before and after look at the conversion of railroad beds to popular family recreational paths. These recreational paths are popular with in-line skaters, bicyclists, and pedestrians. The presentation will lead the audience on a journey on trails in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New York and Virginia. It is open to the public and there is no admission fee.

The Big Event

Saturday, April 25, 9:30 am - 4 pm, Hunt Recreation Center, 90 Stow St., Concord, Mass.

At this biannual bicycle and sporting goods tag sale, used bikes, parts, other sporting gear, clothing and accessories will be sold, with a share of the proceeds to benefit participating bike clubs.

Admission is free.

There will be bike rides of 12, 20 and 35 miles, starting from Concord Common at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Helmets are required, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Also, a short Effective Cycling lesson will be offered. Please sign up at the registration table, as space is limited.

Participating clubs, all from Massachusetts, are Charles River Wheelmen (Boston), Seven Hills Wheelmen (Worcester), North East Bicycle Club, American Youth Hostels and MassBike (Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition).

For more information, call Terry Leboeuf, (508) 792-0248.

Memorial Bike Ride for Alexis Gewertz

This event, scheduled for Tuesday, April 28 6:00pm, at the post office clock in Kendall Square at the end of Main Street, was cancelled at the request the deceased woman's parents. It was organized by an informal group of urban bicyclists.

If you commute by bike or ride in the city, please join us in a memorial bike ride to honor Alexis Gewertz, a 28-year-old Somerville woman who was tragically struck and killed by a truck while riding her bike to work in late March. Come ride as we remember a fallen friend

Minuteman Bikeway Alwife Connector Opening

Tuesday, May 19, 5:00 to 6:00 pm, Alewife MBTA station

The extension of the Minuteman Bikeway from Arlington into Cambridge will officially open on May 19th, including the dedication of public art produced for the project. The opening ceremony will take place between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm at the Cambridge end of the extension, on the north side of the Alewife MBTA station. The opening will include refreshments, prizes, and entertainment. The project was funded by the City of Cambridge, the Town of Arlington, and the Massachusetts Highway Department.

Boston Bike Week

Sunday, May 17 to Saturday, May 23

Bike Week is a national event to celebrate and encourage bicycling. Boston's Bikeweek includes a variety of events. There will be bike commuter breakfasts and special events all week.

Bikes Not Bombs Annual Unity Ride

Saturday, May 23, 10:30 am, Bicycle Recycling and Youth Training Center (59 Amory St. #103, Roxbury - near the Jackson Sq. T stop on the Orange LIne)

Preregistration required! To register bring $1 registration fee, your BIKE, and your HELMET to 59 Amory St. #103 on Thursday (5/21) between 2:30 and 6:30 PM, or on Friday (5/22) between 4:30 and 6:00 PM. Parental Permission is required for all participants under 18 - Pick up a permission slip when registering; bring the completed slip to the ride.

Helmets are required for all participants! Need a bike or helmet? Drop by on May 21 or 22 to rent a bike for $4. Available on first come, first serve basis.

Neponset River Trail Ride

Wednesday, June 10, 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Central Ave at Neponset River in Milton .

Doug Mink of MassBike/Boston and the Neponset River Greenway Council will lead a ride on the Neponset River Trail from Central Avenue in Milton to Tenean Beach in Dorchester. Paving of the trail is funded but awaits final approval by the Milton selectmen, and the mayor and city council of Boston, and the hiring by the MDC of a project manager. We will discuss the politics and geology of the trail as we ride through a landscape which mixes urban wilderness, eighteenth century agricultural land, nineteenth-century industrial complexes, and the detritus of twentieth- century civilization on the eve of its becoming a twenty-first-century recreational area.

Helmets are required, and fat tires highly recommended, as we will be riding on ballast (1-2-inch rocks) for a half-mile or so.

For further information, contact Doug Mink at dmink@cfa.harvard.edu.

Effective Cycling Classes

Tuesday, June 16, Wednesday, June 17, Tuesday, June 23, 5 pm to 8 pm

$60, $10 discount for students, unwaged, and members of MassBike, CRW, Nashoba Valley Pedalers, North Shore Cyclists, or Bikes not Bombs.

Click here for further information.

6th Annual Bike to the Sea Day

Sunday, June 21 8:00 am at the Square One Mall in Saugus

In honor of Father's Day there will be breakfast and registration beginning at 8 am. Fathers with their families will receive free gifts courtesy of Bike to the Sea and its sponsors. The Father's Day breakfast features bagels, muffins, fruit and coffee.

The 16 mile (round trip) ride to the Lynn waterfront will begin at 9 am sharp. Families and children (8 and up) are encouraged to participate. Helmets are mandatory.

Registration is $10 per adult, $25 per family (includes 2 T-shirts for those who register one week early) and breakfast for four, each additional child $5). Late registration is $15 per adult, $30 for a family with T-shirts on a first come, first served basis.

A bicycle raffle will raise funds to support efforts by Bike to the Sea to promote multi-use paths in the Malden/Revere area. To register call Bike to the Sea at (781) 397-6893.

Volunteers are needed to do publicity, registration, food, marshaling, water stops and sag wagons. Volunteers receive free t-shirts and ride registration. To volunteer call Bike to the Sea.

Neponset River Trail Ride

Wednesday, July 8, 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Neponset River Bridge on south edge of Mattapan Square in Boston.

Doug Mink of MassBike/Boston and the Neponset River Greenway Council will lead a ride along the east bank of the Neponset River on a potential bike lane from Mattapan Square to Readville along the Truman Parkway/Highway. We will ride back on the west side of the river. Along the way, we'll check out points of interest, such as the dam at Patriot Paper Company, the confluence of Mother Brook and the Neponset, and MDC parkland linked by this route. An ice cream stop at Ron's in Cleary Square is possible.

Helmets are required. The route is on road and quite flat, and the total distance is under 10 miles.

For further information, contact Doug Mink at dmink@cfa.harvard.edu.

Mass Bike Tour '98

Sunday through Saturday, July 19-25, 1998

A tour of the state's most scenic and historic towns, from the Minuteman Bikeway to the Berkshires, organized by MassBike, the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition -- whose mission is to improve bicycling conditions statewide.

A 25-mile family ride will be held on July 19. Registration for that is $35, $30 for MassBike members, and includes breakfast and a T-shirt.

The registration deadline for the multiday ride is July 10.

Mother Brook Ride

Wednesday, August 5, 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Mill Pond Footbridge off River St. in Hyde Park.

Doug Mink of MassBike/Boston and the Neponset River Greenway Council will lead a ride along the Mother Brook from Mill Pond Dam in Readville to the Charles River and back. Along the way, we'll look at some bikepath possibilities in Dedham and West Roxbury and ride on the existing bikepath through the MDC's Stony Brook Reservation.

Helmets are required. The route is on streets and paved bikpaths, with some hills, but the total distance is under 10 miles.

For further information, contact Doug Mink at dmink@cfa.harvard.edu.

Boston By Bike...At Night

Saturday-Sunday, August 15-16, 11:30 pm to dawn.

Meet in front of Trinity Church in Copley Square, Boston, for this Tenth Annual Tour of Architectural and Historic Sites. Bring a bicycle with a light and wear something relfective. A helmet is recommended. Special tenth-year commemorative T-shirts are available for $10.00. Bring something for breakfast Sunday in Waterfront Park.

Sponsored by Back Bay Midnight Pedalers. For information, call (617)522-0259.

GEAR North and League of American Bicyclists National Rally

August 14-17, Babson College, Wellesley, Massachusetts

Check the LAB's web site for further information about this weekend event which will draw people from all over the US to bicycle in the Boston suburbs and on "An Adventurous Urban Ride -- on the "Mean Streets" of Boston!".

The Charles River Wheelmen are the local hosts.

2nd Annual Larz Anderson National Bicycle Show and Swap

Sunday, August 16, 10 AM - 4 PM, at the Museum of Transportation, 15 Newton St., Brookline, MA

The event will feature a Bicycle Concours and Swap Meet with expo-style displays. This years show will spotlight the history of bicycle manufacturing in New England, with displays of bicycles manufactured in New England, and a slide presentation by David Herlihy, cycling historian.

The Bicycle Concours will feature a display of bicycles from all periods - - antique, balloon tire, pre-war racer, vintage lightweight racing/touring, crate, custom, high-tech and more. The associated swap meet will provide all cycling enthusiasts with a great venue to buy/sell/trade bicycles, bicycle parts, and literature.

Cosponsord by Bicycle Classics, Inc .

Admission: $5.00 for Adults; Children (6-16), Students and Seniors (65+) $3.00; Children under 6 free.

For more information, call the Museum at 617-522-6547 x 208.

Bike to the Sea Exploratory Ride

Saturday, August22, 8:30 am Malden High School on Route 60 and Holden St. (about 5 blocks east of the Malden T Station).

Sponsored by Bike to the Sea, this ride will explore new paths just constructed along the Mystic and Malden rivers.

For more information, contact Steve WInslow, SteveNine@aol.com.

Effective Cycling Classes

Saturday, July 11, and Saturday, July 18, 9 am to 3 pm.

Tuesday, August 11, Wednesday, August 12, Tuesday, August 18, 5 pm to 8 pm

Saturday-Sunday, September 12-13, 9 am to 3 pm

$60, $10 discount for students, unwaged, and members of MassBike, CRW, Nashoba Valley Pedalers, North Shore Cyclists, or Bikes not Bombs.

Click here for further information.

Dedication of the MassBike Memorial for John Wald

Saturday, September 26, 1998, 1:00 p.m., rain or shine

Minuteman Bikeway Extension Park, East Arlington, Massachusetts.

The MassBike memorial for John Wald is located in a small rest-area park on the new Minuteman Bikeway Extension in East Arlington (near the Alewife MBTA Station in North Cambridge). Construction for the new bikeway extension was completed in June 1998, including a wooden bridge over the Alewife Brook. The new rest area features flowering plants and trees, a rustic stone bench, steps down to the brook (including a mooring ring to tie up a canoe), and the John Wald Memorial. John Wald was an active member of the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition (MassBike), serving as the editor of the "Mass Cyclist" newsletter for several years before his untimely death in 1996. The memorial was funded by generous donations made to MassBike in John's memory.

MassBike members and the general public are invited to attend the dedication ceremony.

Rockport - Beverly - Rockport Bike Ride

Sunday October 11th, Dane Street Beach, Beverly

MassBike/North Shore is working to re-popularize the 1970's vintage MA Bike Rte. 1 which ran from Cape Ann to Cape Cod. The southern section of this bike route is the well-known 'Claire Saltonstall' bike route, which includes the Cape Cod Rail Trail. The northern section of this route was originally mapped out by the AYH, but the project never got off the ground and was largely forgotten by the late 70's or early 80's. MassBike/North Shore seeks better maintenance and cycling enhancements for this route, in particular the popular scenic routes 127 and 127A. The Beverly portion of Rte. 127 is part of the Beverly Bikeways project.

This year, we highlight the Cape-to-Cape route's connection of these two beautiful Massachussetts coastal regions by having a ride on the North Shore's portion of the Cape-to-Cape route (the complete Cape-to-Cape ride is about 140 miles).

Come join us on this self-supported moderately-paced (12-16 m.p.h.) ride. Start anywhere along the route but get synchronized with the arrival/departure times in the chart, below. All riders should plan to meet at Lynch Park for refreshments and ride together to the Stage Fort Park Visitor Center.

Ride both legs for 46 miles or use your "Bikes on the T" pass to take the T one leg and do 23 miles. Trains depart Beverly Depot at 10:48, 12:48, & 2:48; departures from are at Rockport 10:00, 12:00, & 2:00). Bicycle helmets are strongly recommended. Weather date is October 18th.

BIKE-Arlington Tour

Sunday, October 11, 10:00 am Spy Pond parking lot (off Pond Street, near the Arlington Boys and Girls Club)

The Arlington Bicycle Advisory Committee (ABAC) is hosting this easy-paced and family-friendly bicycle tour of Arlington neighborhoods and special places.

The 8-mile community bike tour will feature stops at Spy Pond, the John Wald/MassBike Memorial at the Minuteman Bikeway Extension in East Arlington, the Spy Pond Bike Path, Menotomy Rocks Park, the Arlington Center civic block, and the Arlington Heights business district. The tour pace will be slow and easy, with lots of stops along the way. But there will be one medium-sized hill (hard to avoid in Arlington) along the way, which some participants might want to walk up.

The event is FREE of charge, and families are welcome to participate. Helmets are required for all participants. Bring a well-maintained bicycle, water, snacks, and some community spirit. All participants will ride at their own risk and will be required to sign a liability waiver (parents or guardians must sign for children under 16).

Steady rain will cancel the event.

MassBike Annual Conference

Saturday, October 17, in Worcester

Contact Conrad Willeman, conradlw@aol.com for more information.

Tour de Somerville

Saturday October 17, 10:00 am, Seven Hills Park in Davis Square, behind the Somerville Theater and the T.

Bicyclists of all ages are invited to the sixth annual Tour de Somerville, a sixteen mile recreational ride around the City. We'll explore pathways and side streets to discover some of Somerville's best kept secrets. Historic buildings, riverfront parks, community gardens, and diverse neighborhoods are just a few of the highlights of this fun event celebrating bikeable Somerville.

We will return to the starting point about three hours later.

Redbones Barbecue will provide refreshments at the halfway point along the route.

Helmets are strongly encouraged.

For more information, contact the Somerville Bicycle Committee at 617-628-8850, or at palmerg@csps.com.

Second Annual "Tour de Fram" Bicycle Ride

Sunday October 18, 12 Noon, Framingham Centre Common

This is a casual recreational bicycle ride that highlights some of the historical sites in Framingham during peak foliage season. There are options for 15 or 25 mile rides which are fully arrowed. Registration includes a bike tune-up, map, food and refreshments, raffle drawing, a post event celebration, and admission to the Framingham Historical Society Museum.

Pre-registration: Adults - $12 Children - $8

Day-of registration: Adults - $15 Children - $10

For registration forms call the Framingham Historical Society (508) 872-3780 or Landry's Bicycles (508) 875-5158.

Helmets are mandatory for all riders. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a guardian a on bicycle for the duration of the tour.

Sponsored by the Framingham Historical Society, Landry's Bicycles, and the Framingham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

Effective Cycling Classes

Saturday-Sunday, October 24-25, 9 am to 2:30 pm

$60, $10 discount for students, unwaged, and members of MassBike, CRW, Nashoba Valley Pedalers, North Shore Cyclists, or Bikes not Bombs.

Click here for further information.

Boston Critical Mass Rides

Saturday, October 31 at noon at Copley Square in Boston

Meet for a ride to demonstrate bicyclists' solidarity. At about 6:00, the group decides where it is going and rides off, occupying a lane of the road and behaving as responsible road users.

The intent is to demonstrate to onlookers (and perhaps prove to ourselves) that a bicycle is a practical, safe, and fun mode of transportation in the city!

Craig Della Penna to Speak in Natick

Tuesday, December 8th, 7:00 p.m., Morse Institute Library , 14 East Central St., Natick

Craig Della Penna, the New England representative for the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, and author of such books as Great Rail-Trails of the Northeast, will give a presentation on Rail-Trail Development in New England.

The talk is sponsored by the Cochituate State Park Advisory Committee, Framingham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and the Natick Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

Admission is free.

For more information contact: George Eckert ggeckert@worldnet.att.net Natick, MA, USA

East Boston Greenway Groundbreaking

Saturday, December 12, 1998 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, South Bremen St. at Marginal St.

Join Mayor Menino and the East Boston Greenway Council at the groundbreaking for the East Boston Greenway, the first segment of which will run from Logan Airport to the Piers Park area on the waterfront, following an abandoned railroad right of way. There will be a holiday tree lighting at 5:00 pm, and refreshments will be served.