Charles River Loop - longer version

If you are comfortable biking in the city in single file, including some busy city streets, and looking for a new adventure, join us for a 10-12 mph paced loop ride around the Charles River bike paths then on to Charlestown and the North End.

Please read this description in its entirety.

The ride is **approximately 22 miles in an urban environment. The route is mostly paved.Starting at the Soldiers Field Parking Lot along the Charles River, we will ride the loop clockwise along the Charles into Watertown, then cross the river and ride the path to Memorial Dr into Charlestown and then bike to the North End.After a lunch break, we continue with a loop around the the Esplanade then cross over the river and eventually ride Memorial Dr all over again before returning to Soldiers Field along the Charles River.

A good portion of the route is on dedicated bike/pedestrian paths, fully separated from traffic (in some areas with fairly frequent street crossings that will require waiting on the group before proceeding). However, there are a number of on-street marked bike paths, and in some cases on bicycle right-of-ways directly in the flow of heavy city street traffic for a few blocks. We will approach all significant street crossings safely and cross together and navigate city streets with great care.

Our lunch spot will be determined on the riding pace of the group. Pack a lunch!

All event attendees must be willing to start on time, follow leader instructions, stay with the group, come prepared and be flexible.**

IMPORTANT

• Meet at the Soldiers Field Parking Lot, 992 Soldiers Field Rd, Boston, MA 02163, in the area closest to the Paddle Boston kayak kiosk. Parking is free and there is room for 40 cars. There are adjacent lots with many spaces if this one is full, and several Porta-Potties are located near the lots.
• Arrive 30 minutes early and be ready to ride at the designated start time.
• Bring sufficient hydration and food; we will take a break for lunch.
• Be prepared to bike single file, follow traffic signals, stay with the group and stop at leader-designated points. There are many street crossings, and several segments of riding on city streets, some quite busy. For this reason, the group will be limited to a relatively small and manageable size.
• Do not attend this event if: you are sick in any way or have been exposed to COVID; you are uncomfortable biking in a city atmosphere with potential areas of crowds and obstacles.
• As our first group ride on this route, the duration of this ride may vary as we continue to fine tune the timings, but we will do our best to return to the starting point by the designated time. However, if you are strictly time constrained, please skip this ride.
• Organizers may reschedule/cancel this event due to inclement weather.

Safety Note: Bike helmets are mandatory on our rides.

IMPORTANT: Be sure your bike is in good working order! Tires should be in good shape and pumped up, gears should shift smoothly, and your brakes should be properly adjusted. If possible, pack a spare tube in case of a flat. A hand pump or CO2 inflator is also desirable, though not absolutely necessary, as many riders will already have these items.

AS A CONDITION OF ATTENDING THIS MEETUP, YOU AGREE TO: Hold harmless, and indemnify the organizers and their relations and heirs, and all members and participants of the Meetup group from any and all claims for injury, illness, death, and/or property damage including those caused by negligence, ignorance, inexperience and other reasons. You also agree to assume all mental, physical, financial, and/or other risk associated with this meetup. Kayaking, camping, hiking, bicycling, and such other activities pose inherent risks and dangers. Participation in these activities is voluntary and dependent upon your own personal judgment. As organizers, we make no claims regarding any expertise for this outing. This is not a guided tour.

Consuming alcohol before or during any of our rides is prohibited.