New England REI Outdoor School

Intermediate Road Cycling (Outing)

If you've been riding for a while, you feel comfortable with your bike and you want to take your cycling performance to the next level, join our expert road cycling instructors as we teach you to refine your technique, work on cadence, and climb hills on some great local rides. We'll build on the skills you've learned in Introduction to Road Cycling with more practice and longer distance. Learn to ride the areas you've wanted to explore but were afraid to attempt on your own. Novara road bikes provided for those without a bike of their own at no extra cost. NO RIDER IS LEFT BEHIND, but this trip is not for beginners, as we ride at a faster pace and cover longer distance.

Recommended for those 14 and older; those under 18 must be accompanied by parent or responsible adult.

Pre-requisite: Introduction to Road or equivalent skill level is mandatory. In order to complete this outing, you must be able to comfortably:

• Mount and dismount your bicycle

• Shift on level terrain, basic knowledge of how to ascend & descend hills

• Riding on low-traffic country roads, traveling through intersections

• Anticipate corners, obstacles, and steep terrain

• Ride with one hand while signaling turns

• Maintain safe riding distance in single file line while riding in groups (2-3 bike lengths)

• Repair a punctured inner tube, change a flat

• Consistently ride at a 10-15 mph pace

NO RIDER IS LEFT BEHIND, but this trip is not for beginners as we ride at a faster pace and cover tougher terrain.

NEW TRIP! - Once you dial in your skills, consider joining REI Adventures for a weekend cycling tour of Martha’s Vineyard. Located just seven miles off the Massachusetts coast and steeped in natural beauty and historical lore, Martha's Vineyard is the perfect destination for our new weekend cycling getaway.

Martha's Vineyard Cycling

* Advance registration is required. Call or visit any New England area REI to sign up.

• Time:

  Saturdays 9:00a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

  Sundays 10:00a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

• Cost: Member: $55, Non-Member: $75

Where To Meet:

Meet at the location or REI store listed below. Directions to locations other than REI stores can be found by clicking on the link below.

Get directions to all non-store venues here.

• May 30th Framingham REI
• June 27th Boston REI
• July 25th Framingham REI

WHAT TO BRING:

• Your personal biking helmet.
• Closed-toe athletic shoes with firm soles.
• Cycling shorts or snug-fitting but comfortable shorts with minimal seams (e.g. compression shorts). If the forecast is for cool temperatures, bring along a light cycling jacket (i.e. light layer such as a breathable jacket) or windproof shell.
• Water-resistant or waterproof jacket/anorak in case of rain
• Your own road bike if you prefer! We do have Novara road bikes available for use. Please be sure you selected this free bike option at the time of sign-up and provided us with your height measurements. If you are bringing your personal bike, please bring a spare tube (our tubes may not fit your tires)
• Padded cycling gloves if you have them.
• Hydration compatible day pack, 70 - 100 oz recommended
• High energy lunch and snacks (gels and fuel bars) that you can carry on your bike with you
• Sun protection (sunscreen and wide brim hats w/ retainers) and sunglasses with retainers.
• Photo ID and Insurance Card
• Change of clothes and footwear for the ride home (leave in car)

REI OUTDOOR SCHOOL PROVIDES:

• Road bikes for those that do not have their own.
• Bike pumps, tubes, patch kits, and tools.
• Transportation between REI and trailhead, except when outing meets at venue.
• All park entry fees for riders in the REI Outdoor School van.
• Group medical supplies and area maps.