Group Riding

Although most bicycles are equipped to carry a single rider, cycling is unquestionably a social sport.

Of course, many Boston riders primarily hop on their bikes to commute from one place to another as part of their daily routine. But many cyclists who engage in the activity as a means of exercise and recreation find there are many benefits to group rides.

Our Boston bicycle accident lawyers at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers and BikeAttorney.com know that while riding or training alone can give a rider motivation, focus and independence, joining a cycling group for regular rides has many upsides as well.

Some Boston cycling group rides are very casual – just a pack of friends, acquaintances or online meetups, getting together on the occasional Saturday or whenever they can fit in an extra ride. Other groups adhere to rigid schedules and demand a certain degree of skill and performance from participants – something to challenge those involved.

There are dozens of cycling clubs throughout Massachusetts and in the Boston region in particular. Each group may have varying purposes and be intended for different skill levels. Finding the one right for you might take a little time and research, but finding the right fit will make it with it.

Riding in a group has many benefits for both novice and skilled riders.

For all cycling enthusiasts, four of the greatest benefits are:

• Safety. Riding in a group means you are more visible to motorists, which means you will be less likely to be struck by a vehicle. In the unfortunate event you are still struck, you will have plenty of reliable witnesses.
• Better handling. Riding with others teaches you many skills on a bicycle that you simply can’t learn on your own. You will be forced to learn how to handle your bike more predictably and how to safely turn a corner. This skill is imperative when you are riding with others are mere inches from you. Also learning to safely keep a pace line, accelerate and descend are all valuable in learning to navigate traffic.
• Social interaction. Part of the reason people get into cycling in the first place is to meet people. But even if that isn’t your sole goal, it can be an added bonus. It’s an excellent way to meet new people as well as get advice and learn more about the sport.

For those who are more advanced in their cycling skills and looking for more of a challenge or to train for a race, cycling in a group can help in a number of ways, in addition to those listed above. Those include:

• Race simulation. When you ride with other cyclists with similar skill sets or goals (or perhaps even those who are slightly more advanced than you), you can work to challenge each other in an environment that is similar to racing. Groups can establish an official “finish line,” gain practice on handling the bike under pressure and provide each other with feedback on how to improve.
• Proper pacing. Good cycling groups can help to push and encourage motivation to reach key goals. They can also help to hold them back so that they don’t over-train.

One of the great things about living and riding in Boston is our thriving bicycling community. There are numerous groups of varying skill levels and goals.

Whether you’re looking for new adventures or a serious challenge or just a few friends to ride with, check out the following resources.

Road-biking clubs

• Appalachian Mountain Club/Boston Bicycling Committee – Social events and numerous bicycle rides.
• Appalachian Mountain Club/Worcester Chapter Biking Committee – Social events and bike rides.
• Appaplachian/Southeastern Mass. Chapter Bike Calendar – Local bicycle rides.
• Bike Rides for Ordinary People – Group rides on an occasional basis in the MetroBoston region.
• Blue Hills Cycling Club – A Milton, Mass. local cycling club.
• Boston Triathlon Team – A local triathlon team.
• Charles River Wheelmen – Frequent social events and weekly rides in the MetroBoston region.
• Landry's Triathlon Club – Local triathlon club.
• MassBike – Regular events updated frequently.
• Minuteman Road Club – A local racing club.
• Nashoba Valley Pedalers – Frequent rides for recreational purposes west and northwest of Boston.
• New England Randonneurs – Endurance rides, non-competitive.
• North Shore Cyclists – Recreational bicycle club.
• Seven Hills Wheelmen – Recreational bicycle club, for non-competitive bike rides for all abilities.
• Worcester County Women's Cycling – Women’s bicycling club County with ride variety of riding capabilities, from beginner and recreational to competitive racers and triathletes.

Mountain Biking Clubs

• New England Mountain Bike Association – Trail rides.
• Blackstone Valley NEMBA – Trail rides.
• Greater Boston NEMBA – Mountain biking in greater Boston.
• Southeast Massachusetts NEMBA – Mountain biking in Southeast Massachusetts.
• Eastern Fat Tire Association (EFTA) – Mountain biking throughout New England.
• NEMBA Mtn-Bike Adventure Series – Trail riding.

If you have questions about your rights as a cyclist or what to do following a bicycle accident, call us today to learn more.

Contact the Boston Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers and BikeAttorney.com at 617-777-7777.