About CRW
Charles River Wheelmen (CRW) is a group of recreational cyclists who get together for weekly bicycle rides and frequent social events in the Boston area.
We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit, totally volunteer organization. Our main objective is to provide a high quality year round recreational ride program with a friendly social atmosphere. Our rides are open to the general public. If you like our rides and continue to ride with us, we ask you to please become a member. Membership dues help support the CRW Ride Program.
In addition to supporting CRW's ride programs, membership in CRW provides many benefits including a discount at affiliated bicycle shops which can easily save you more than your membership fee!
Our ride leaders enjoy mapping out their favorite routes. These rides start from various locations all around the Boston area, including the North Shore, South Shore and Metro West.
The CRW is a social club, not a racing club! We offer a congenial atmosphere for cyclists of all levels and ages. With more than 1500 members, there are enough riders of varying abilities so you can ride at any pace and still enjoy friendly company.
Our Extensive Ride Program
Summer Rides
Every Sunday from April through November, we offer rides of at least 2 distances: normally a 25-30 mile ride and a 40-60 mile ride. Lunch stops and post-ride gatherings provide time to socialize and meet new friends.
The routes are clearly marked with arrows painted on the roads so they are easy to follow. A map and/or cue sheet is also provided. Our leaders choose the best cycling roads possible-- scenic and relatively free of traffic.
CRW also offers a complete Saturday ride program. Some of these rides use cue sheets and maps, some are arrowed. These rides vary from 10 to 60 miles.
For the more adventurous, we offer single day rides of 100 miles or more. Our "Century Challenge" requires at least one 100 mile ride in each of the 12 months - winter included!
Extended Trips
Throughout the year we offer various weekend and longer trips that have become very popular with touring cyclists. What a great way to explore the small towns and back country roads of rural New England! It is not uncommon to see riders from other parts of the country who come here to ride with CRW on these trips.
Wednesday Wheelers
This is a series of rides, which start mid-morning on Wednesdays, for those who don't need to observe the traditional work week. Ride start locations and routes vary. The group stays together at an agreed upon moderate pace, being careful not to drop anyone. Each ride generally involves a bit of sightseeing plus a lunch stop near or at the end of the route.
Evening Rides
From May through September we offer evening rides ranging from 15-35 miles. These social rides usually end at a favorite ice cream shop or restaurant.
Fitness Rides
From May through September, we offer 20-30 mile evening arrowed routes for "social" pace line rides varying in speed from about 16 to over 20 mph. The routes are designed to eliminate as much traffic as possible. We also offer weekend fitness rides in addition to the regular arrowed ride schedule. The popular Saturday fitness ride runs year round.
When Temperatures Dip
In the winter months, a small, rugged group keeps riding every Sunday on friendly "frostbite" rides, otherwise known as "The Second Season". Shorter and more informally led, these "Show and Go" rides get us out and moving even if it's just from one hot chocolate shop to another.
Special Events and Traditions
- Holiday Party
- Spring and Fall Century rides including routes of 25, 50, 62 and 100 miles
- Climb To The Clouds in July. The longer routes include a climb up Mt. Wachusett
- New Year's Day ride through the streets of Boston
In Summary
The Charles River Wheelmen provide the most active recreational bicycle program in eastern Massachusetts:
- Rides every Saturday and Sunday, April through November
- Summer evening rides
- Weekday rides
- Extended weekend and longer trips
- Evening and weekend fitness rides and clinics
- Winter "Show and Go" rides
- Social events throughout the year
CRW membership also includes:
- Monthly issues of Wheel People, the club newsletter with interesting articles on club activities and a complete detailed ride schedule
- A discount at most of the area's fine bicycle shops
You'll cycle on back roads you would probably never find on your own and enjoy some nice company along the way.
To join the club, fill out a Membership Application
