The Bikers Are Coming, The Bikers Are Coming!

As Massachusetts celebrates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, (REV250), the biking community is gearing up with enthusiastic support. Biking groups from across the Commonwealth are organizing rides integrated with REV250 events in April and May.

Upcoming rides include the Revere’s Resistance Ride, taking place on April 18th, the 250th anniversary of the night of the famous ride of Paul Revere. This is an informal ride with no registration, fees or support. Riders are invited to gather at Christopher Columbus Park at 6:30 p.m. before heading to the Old North Church for departure at 7 p.m. and on to Charlestown, where they will be able to see when the symbolic lanterns are lighted in its spire. This route will end at the Old North Bridge.

On Saturday, May 17, there will be several rides for REV250. First, a group of bicyclists will re-enact the rides of Paul Revere, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott to spread the warning that “the Regulars are coming out!” This Minute-Biker Response Ride invites bikers from across the state to join one of the three routes which will culminate at the Concord Museum. This, too, is an informal event with no registration or fees. Local groups from cities and towns are organizing their routes to Concord.

“It’s amazing to see the enthusiasm from the biking community to reenact historical events from the revolution.” Said Tim Wilson, chief organizer of the Minute-Biker Response Ride. “This is also a great opportunity for residents to explore the vast network of safe, interconnected bike paths in Massachusetts.”

BikeNewton will be assembling a contingent of “MinuteBikers” to join the fun. Riders will leave from Star Market on Austin St. in Newtonville at 10:00am.

The Beverly Bike Committee and the North Shore Bicycle Collaborative are gathering North Shore riders to make the trek from Beverly to Concord. If interested, contact Jonathan Salt.

Bike to the Sea will lead a round-trip route to Concord starting in Revere that for the most part uses bike trails, including the Northern Strand, Mystic River Path and Minuteman Bikeway. Here is the route. For information, contact Pat Bibbins or Agnes Recato.

There are many locations where cyclists can join the Minute Biker Response Ride as the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway can be accessed from many major shared-use paths including the Mass Central Rail Trail, the Northern Strand Community Trail, the Alewife Brook Greenway, the Somerville Community Path, the Fresh Pond Bikeway and more.

Riders from western Mass will celebrate the Belchertown Minute Men who responded to the call to arms by marching to Cambridge. This ride -- the Burgy to Belchertown and Back, also on May 17th -- will start in downtown Williamsburg in front of Tangle Chocolate at 9:30 a.m. The route takes you through Haydenville to the Mass Central Rail Trail to Belchertown. A 38-mile ride roundtrip. Riders are welcome to join anywhere along the ride. This in an informal ride so no registration, fees or support is expected. For more info, contact Tom Adams.

Also on May 17, there is a Paul Revere fundraising ride hosted by the Concord Museum. Cyclists can choose a 21.3- or 32.4-mile loop passing many Revolutionary landmarks like the North Bridge, the Lexington Green, the Paul Revere Capture Site and more. Register here. This ride kicks off at 10 a.m. and there will be a post-ride party with food vendors, beer and music starting at 11:30 a.m. at the Concord Museum. All are welcome.

Contact Tim Wilson if you want to find a group in your community or put together your own revolutionary ride.