UPCOMING EVENTS AND SUGGESTED ROUTES
Stay tuned for updates! Join us for virtual group rides and other online meet-ups throughout the season.
May Strava Challenge
Record 20 cycling activities this month for the chance to win BBC swag! Best Buddies Challenge Strava Club members that complete the Challenge will be automatically entered into a drawing at the end of the month. Two winners will be selected at random and will receive Best Buddies Challenge swag.
Here’s how to enter:
1. Follow @bestbuddieschallenge on Instagram and join our Strava club here.
2. Record 20 cycling activities in May.
3. Comment “Done” on our May Strava Challenge Instagram post once you’ve done 20 activities, both indoor and outdoor count!
That’s it! Two winners will be selected at random and announced at the end of the month.
Don’t forget to tag us in any social media posts and stories you create while you’re getting active and use hashtag #bestbuddieschallenge. We’ll repost our favorites!
The Fine Print: Winners must be following the Best Buddies Challenge on Instagram and Strava to be eligible win. Activity totals will be recorded at the end of each week to verify eligibility. You must be a member of the BBC Strava Club in order for activities to count towards the month’s total. Not a member? Join today!
Virtual Training Rides on Zwift
Best Buddies Challenge – TGIF Ride
Fridays @ 7:00AM EST | 4:00AM PST | 12:00PM UTC/GMT
For full event details, see zwift.com/events/tag/bestbuddies
Our Virtual Training Rides are open to anyone and everyone, regardless of cycling ability. Jump on Zwift, join one of our group rides, and let’s knock out some miles together!
Riders from Team TIBCO Silicon Valley Bank will be logging on when they can to keep us moving! They have a Midweek Motivation Ride that you can jump on each Wednesday. Those rides are at 9:05AM EST | 6:05AM PST
Join a Ride
East Coast Rides
NEW! Weekly Rides
Practice riding in a group, hone your bike handling skills, and improve your fitness. Each ride will follow a short loop course and the group will complete as many laps of each route as sunlight allows. Each lap will take the group between 10 – 15 minutes to complete and will be followed by a regroup and restart. Riders may join late or depart early. All rides are limited to 25 people and masks are required.
Tuesdays: Mystic Lakes Fitness Rides
Date: Tuesdays – May 4, 11, 18, 25
Time: Pedals Up @ 6:00 p.m.
Address: Shannon Beach, Mystic Lakes State Park – Mystic River Path, Winchester, MA 01890
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35085692
Wednesdays: Dover Sherborn Fitness Rides
Date: Wednesdays – May 5, 12, 19, 26
Time: Pedals Up @ 6:00 p.m.
Address: Ride Headquarters – 11 S. Main Street, Sherborn, MA 01770
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35856804
Thursdays: Cohasset Fitness Rides
Date: Thursdays – May 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: Pedals Up @ 6:00 p.m.
Address: Wheelwright Park – 202 N. Main Street, Cohasset, MA 02025
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35856901
NEW! Sunday Funday Tours
Minuteman Bikeway Tour
Date: Sunday, May 9, 2021
Time: Pedals Up @ 9:00 a.m.
Address: Caffe Nero Arlington – 321 Broadway, Arlington, MA 02474
Route: A GPS route will be sent out to registered participants prior to the ride.
Distance: 30 Miles
RSVP
Northern Strand Rail Trail Tour
Date: Sunday, May 16. 2021
Time: Pedals Up @ 9:00 a.m.
Address: Night Shift Brewing – 87 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149
Route: A GPS route will be sent out to registered participants prior to the ride.
Distance: 30 Miles
RSVP
Nashua River Rail Trail Tour
Date: Sunday, May 23, 2021
Time: Pedals Up @ 9:00 a.m.
Address: Union Coffee Roaster – 25 Main Street, Ayer, MA 01432
Route: A GPS route will be sent out to registered participants prior to the ride.
Distance: 35 Miles
RSVP
Assabet River Rail Trail Tour
Date: Sunday, May 30, 2021
Time: Pedals Up @ 9:00 a.m.
Address: Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting – 19 Weed Street, Marlborough, MA 01752
Route: A GPS route will be sent out to registered participants prior to the ride.
Distance: 25 Miles
RSVP
*All rides are limited to 25 people and masks are required.
Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port DIY Routes
Please follow all local and state guidelines, practice social distancing, wear a helmet, observe the rules of the road, and have fun!
Five Star DIY Route Scale
★ (Novice) – For riders new to cycling – welcome! We think you’ll like it here.
★★ (Beginner) – For riders that have been on a bike in the last few years and are comfortable pedaling for around an hour.
★★★ (Intermediate) – For riders that cycle regularly and are looking for something a bit more challenging than your everyday cruise.
★★★★ (Advanced) – For riders that cycle regularly and understand how to approach different terrains, changing grades, and other cycling challenges.
★★★★★ (Expert) – For the most seasoned of cyclists. Epic climbs and leg-shredding distances await. Don’t forget to smile!
South Shore Routes
1. Route: Craigville to Provincetown 110
Distance: 110.4 Miles
Elevation Gain: 3,297 ft
Difficulty: ★★★★★ (Expert)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33846515
Description: This route showcases the “Outer Cape” routes. Riders will start this ride where the Best Buddies Challenge typically ends: Craigville Beach. As riders proceed east the traffic will soften. And the scenery – salt marshes, dunes, beaches, lighthouses, ginger bread houses, marinas, and the cultural kaleidoscope of Provincetown – puts this ride on every New England cyclist’s bucket list. This route also showcases the popular Cape Cod Rail Trail. Be advised, although riders never go higher than 200 feet above sea level, this sandy roller coaster will add up to nearly 3,300 feet of climbing. And with exposure to wind this “flat” route will challenge the fittest of riders.
2. Route: Plymouth, Marion Loop
Distance: 54.6 Miles
Elevation Gain: 2,318 ft
Difficulty: ★★★★ (Advanced)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33957175
Description: This is a classic South Shore loop that starts and ends in Plymouth at the Independent Fermentations Brewery. Traveling through Myles Standish State Forest, Best Buddies veterans will recognize the College Pond parking area that hosts a rest stop. This is also the start line for a 7.5 mile Best Buddies Strava segment loop that is woven into this longer ride. Do the loop either on the way out or the way back to tack on a few miles. To the south this route brings riders to a scenic lands end point in Marion before looping back through pine forests and cranberry bogs. Finish with a cold one at the Indy Ferm tasting room, where you might recognize the brewer-in-chief. That’s Paul Nixon, the longtime announcer at Best Buddies who greets every rider at the finish.
3. Route: Wompatuck, Cohasset Loop
Distance: 12.2 Miles
Elevation Gain: 272 ft
Difficulty: ★ – ★★ (Novice – Beginner)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33969784
Description: This is a short spin that starts and ends in Wompatuck State Park, site of Rest Stop 1 in the traditional Best Buddies Challenge ride. The ride includes a pleasant spin through the wooded bike path that brings a rider to the classic seaside town of Cohasset. The route includes the most scenic sections of Jerusalem Road, an iconic New England seaside road. Riders will also be completing a Best Buddies Strava segment on this route. While this entire route is relatively short, adding a second loop with a touch more gusto on that segment brings the total distance to about 20 miles. Those seeking more can enjoy a cool down loop in the park or hop into the nearby pump track for some fun with the kids!
North Shore Routes
1. Route: Nahant, Marblehead Loop
Distance: 23.3 Miles
Elevation Gain: 557 ft
Difficulty: ★★ – ★★★ (Beginner – Intermediate)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33942615
Description: This circuit has been a long favorite among North Shore roadies who hop out out for an evening roll. Recent improvements in the bicycle infrastructure have now afforded beginners comfortable access to these oceanside vistas all within view of the Boston skyline. Metro residents can either take the train to Lynn or ride the new Northern Strand Rail Trail to make a full day excursion. The mansions and yacht clubs of Marblehead Neck, including the fabled Carcassone on Ocean Drive, the seals off Swampscott, and the amazing Battery 206 gun emplacements on Nahant’s East Point.
2. Route: Beverly, Rockport Loop
Distance: 44.8 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,669 ft
Difficulty: ★★★ (Intermediate)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33969648
Description: This route follows along the MBTA Commuter Rail route, allowing a rider to start or finish this scenic loop any where along the line. Beverly makes a great starting point. We suggest hitting the Atomic Cafe on Cabot Street before rolling north along the ocean. With no major climbs and a wide shoulder, this is a great excursion for an intermediate rider. After passing the fabled Gloucester Fisherman statue, the route turns north. Use due caution through two rotaries and then roll towards Rockport, keeping the ocean to your left. These views afford us a taste of iconic Maine seascapes such as Halibut Point and Pigeon Cove but keep us close to home. There are countless lunch stops to hit in Rockport before rolling back south.
3. Route: North Shore 3-State Century
Distance: 106.3 Miles
Elevation Gain: 3,421 ft
Difficulty: ★★★★★ (Expert)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34093763
Description: This three-state route is a glorious exploration of the Merrimack River valley, the Great Bay and reedy shores of the New Hampshire seacoast. This ride starts by rolling right off the MBTA Commuter Rail platform into downtown Newburyport via the Clipper City Rail Trail. From there the route brings us inland along the river before rolling north through the mills of Newmarket and the collegiate villages Dover and Durham. Then the route explores tidal marshes and causeways before crossing briefly into Maine and towards the Atlantic where it turns southward. While the route is dotted with cafes, creameries, general stores and clam shacks, save room for a lunch in Portsmouth or press back towards to Newburyport to make the train home.
Metro West Routes
1. Route: Lexington, Wachusett Loop
Distance: 96.9 Miles
Elevation Gain: 5,330 ft
Difficulty: ★★★★★ (Expert)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33942257
Description: This is more of graduation ceremony than a training ride. The profile can appear modest but note the numbers on the left hand side of that graph. At just under 100 miles, this mile-high ride requires one to summit Wachusett Mountain, which lords over the Central Massachusetts highlands. The climbs to the base of the mountain road prove more challenging than the mountain itself. Along the way, however, are classic town centers, orchards, cemeteries and countless historic markers. The redemption, however, is in the return. One gets to descend the mountain like a falcon and take Mountain Road to Princeton Center, from where one can see the Boston skyline on a clear day. This joyful view is not just awesome; it’s inviting. For the rider gets to pedal almost entirely downhill back to Lexington. And the prevailing northwest winds aid a cyclist that much more. Finish this ride and one has stamped a passport for entry into the ranks of a seasoned New England cyclist.
2. Route: Harvard, West Boylston Loop
Distance: 35.9 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,737 ft
Difficulty: ★★★ – ★★★★ (Intermediate – Advanced)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33942089
Description: This route starts and finishes at the Harvard General Store, long a favorite stop for cyclists willing to make the 500 foot climb out of the Boston Basin. But this route takes a rider through the orchards and vineyards of the Central Massachusetts highlands and around the Wachusett Reservoir. After circling back towards the north, riders can follow a path along the western shore of the reservoir, through a railroad cut, over the spillway and down to the base of the Wachusett Dam, which has gathered the waters of the Nashua River for Metro Boston consumption since 1905. Thereafter the route grinds north and back to Harvard for this challenging loop.
3. Route: Concord, Carlisle Loop
Distance: 13.5 Miles
Elevation Gain: 523 ft
Difficulty: ★★ (Beginner)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33942128
Description: There may not be a more heavily ridden set of roads in all of New England. These loops were established more than a century ago but became fabled training hills for the likes of John Allis. The meeting spot at Haute Coffee, hidden in an alley of Concord Center, provides an almost clandestine membership to the elite ranks who plan weekday training trysts. From there it is up and over Strawberry Hill and then to stiffer challenge of Cross Street. But the delight of short loop is the Bingham Street descent, with its sweeping left turn that befuddles all but the best riders. Return to Concord along Lowell Road but consider a second lap over Strawberry to set your time on the Best Buddies Strava segment. Or set off for other wonderful explorations to the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Walden Pond or the Old North Bridge.
West Coast Rides
Wednesday Weekly Ride
Wednesdays @ 6:30 AM sharp!
Equator Coffee | Fort Mason
2 Marina Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94123
Coffee Pace | All levels
Preview the route: 21.7 miles 1,900 ft. elevation
Please note: A properly functioning road bicycle and helmet are required for this ride. We highly recommend clipless pedals and shoes. Ride times are subject to change.
Questions? Email us at HCcoach@bestsbuddies.org.
East Bay Fun Ride
Fridays @ 3:00 PM
R&A Cycles
2099 Mt Diablo Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Talking pace | All levels
Route: 22.8 miles, 827 ft. elevation
Join us for a casual no-drop ride on Fridays starting and finishing at R&A Cycles in Walnut Creek. Stick around for a socially distant beer after!
Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle DIY Routes
Please follow all local and state guidelines, practice social distancing, wear a helmet, observe the rules of the road, and have fun! There’s a lot of great information below, so read on and get ready to celebrate Best Buddies and your commitment to inclusion!
Five Star DIY Route Scale
★ (Novice) – For riders new to cycling – welcome! We think you’ll like it here.
★★ (Beginner) – For riders that have been on a bike in the last few years and are comfortable pedaling for around an hour.
★★★ (Intermediate) – For riders that cycle regularly and are looking for something a bit more challenging than your everyday cruise.
★★★★ (Advanced) – For riders that cycle regularly and understand how to approach different terrains, changing grades, and other cycling challenges.
★★★★★ (Expert) – For the most seasoned of cyclists. Epic climbs and leg-shredding distances await. Don’t forget to smile!
SAN FRANCISCO
Route: San Francisco Loop
Distance: 21 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,876 ft
Difficulty: *-** (Novice – Beginner)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31834184
This route is the classic San Francisco loop that everyone should do when they come to visit. It starts and finishes at the Rapha Café in the Marina and features all the pivotal views of the city. Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge should never get old!
Route: Alpine Dam -> Tam
Distance: 65.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 7,112 ft
Difficulty: *** (Advanced)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34224158
Another classic route, but slightly more advanced, the Alpine Dam to Tam ride is one you can’t miss. Roll through the quaint streets of Marin County on your way to Alpine then hit the Seven Sisters as you climb up to Tam. With some staggering views of the ocean and one of the most fun descents in the Bay Area, this ride is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Route: Paradise to Hawk
Distance: 45.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,894 ft
Difficulty: **-*** (Beginner – Advanced)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34214711
This relatively “flat” loop is an essential training tool. While going around Paradise Drive you’ll have to keep the pressure on the pedals, but you’ll feel great doing it as you can usually keep good speed going through. Take a few friends and trade off in the wind to ensure a PR on your way. Finish off with a backside Hawk Hill climb and a view of the city.
Route: Marin Loop
Distance: 87.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 5,758ft
Difficulty: **** (Advanced)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34214759
This is a big kid ride. Be sure to pack lots of snacks and prepare for some long stretches along the coast. The beginning of the ride gives a little bit of respite as your cruise through the small Marin towns, but the climbs are tough and the wind is brutal. Worth every pedal stroke.
Route: Diablo Summit Loop
Distance: 43.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,556 ft
Difficulty: **-*** (Beginner – Advanced)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34224110
The Mt. Diablo hillside has some of the most sought-after views in the Bay. Get to the top and you’ll know why. Take your time on the way up as some parts can be steep, then enjoy the descent with big sweeping faces that are easy to navigate.
Route: East Bay Loop
Distance: 30.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,851 ft
Difficulty: ** (Beginner)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31834171
This loop starts and finishes at CaliCraft brewery, which is a must visit brewery in the East Bay. Bring a few friends and the ride along the ridge road will be a speedy one. Be sure to make a pitstop at Grizzly Peak for a group photo!
Route: The Popsicle Ride
Distance: 72.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,427 ft
Difficulty: ***-****(Advanced – Expert)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34214790
Aptly named, this ride features a rest stop suggestion at the Sunol Corner Little Market Popsicle Stand. Be sure to get a delicious treat on the way out and back. If you’re out there riding, you deserve it! Take in the beautiful views of Sunol Regional Wilderness and the Calaveras Watershed.
Route: Calistoga Leg Burner
Distance: 51.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,087 ft
Difficulty: *** (Advanced)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31834202
This route starts and finishes at one of our favorite bed and breakfasts, the Cottage Grove Inn. With one big climb and some rolling hills, this ride will be a leg burner no doubt. Make a weekend of it and book a room with some wine tasting after your ride!
CENTRAL
Route: SLOw Out and Back
Distance: 27.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,357 ft
Difficulty: *-** (Novice – Beginner)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32050656
Just as this ride suggests, it should be taken slow in both directions! Enjoy the views of San Luis Obispo as you get some quality miles in that should be easy and fun. Swing by the Firestone Brewery when you’re done and get yourself a well-deserved cold one.
Route: Fresno Refresher
Distance: 37.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,333 ft
Difficulty: ** (Beginner)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32058791
A Team Central Valley Favorite, this out and back starts and finished at The Bike Shop in Fresno. The ride takes you up to Millerton Lake while giving you views of the San Joaquin River. Get an early start to beat the heat and if you’re feeling a little hot you can always jump in the lake for a refresher!
Route: Pasadena PedalFest
Distance: 41.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,481 ft
Difficulty: ** (Beginner)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32011323
This ride starts off rolling then turns into a twelve-mile climb. Pave yourself up so you’ve got the extra matches to burn on the way down. This loop is all about fun in the last third with a steady downhill all the way to Velo Pasadena. Be sure to stop in at the infamous Bike Museum and catch a glimpse cycling’s past winners and champions.