CRW at a Glance
The Charles River Wheelmen is a group of active cyclists who get together for weekly bicycle rides and frequent social events. We are a nonprofit, totally volunteer organization. Our main objective is to provide a high quality year round recreational ride program with a friendly social atmosphere. Our ride leaders enjoy mapping out their favorite routes. These rides start from various locations all around the Boston area, including the north shore, the south shore and metro west. The CRW is a social club, not a racing club! We offer a congenial atmosphere for all levels of cyclists. With more than 1200 members, there are enough riders of varying abilities so you can ride at any pace and still enjoy friendly company. Our Extensive Ride ProgramSummer RidesEvery 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 TripsThroughout 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 WheelersThis 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 RidesFrom 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 RidesFrom 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 DipIn 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
In SummaryThe Charles River Wheelmen provide the most active recreational bicycle program in eastern Massachusetts:
CRW membership also includes:
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 |