Bike for the Woods!

Come join the fun!

Sunday, August 9, 2026 the Stow Conservation Trust will run its annual Bike for the Woods charity bike ride event!

There are rides for all ages and ability levels and all are scenic and arrowed! Rides range from 5 (particularly good for families with small children) and 14 miles to 25 and 37 miles, which are a little hillier and more appropriate for experienced, adult riders. 

Want a challenge? There’s a fun, hilly “metric century” of 64 miles! All routes have GPS files available through our website, bikeforthewoods.org, that you can download to your phone or bike computer, and all except the southern half of the 64 mile route is “arrowed”.

All rides pass by conservation land in Stow and surrounding towns and avoid busy streets. The longer routes (25 and up) pass through Stow, Harvard, Littleton, and Acton, and the 64 mile route adds mileage in Hudson, Bolton and Marlborough. Refreshments are provided at a water stop that you will pass at mile 13 and again (on the 37 and 64) at mile 24.

Register now at bikeforthewoods.org!

Advance registration is $25 per adult/$15 per child 12 and under ($55 maximum for a family), day of event registration is $30 per adult/$20 per child ($60 maximum for a family). All proceeds benefit the Stow Conservation Trust and help protect land in Stow! 

So enjoy a great bike ride, bring the whole family, and benefit a great cause!

Save Sunday, August 30th to gather with fellow CRW members for our 60th Anniversary rides and party at the Metrowest YMCA Outdoor Center in Hopkinton, MA. This full-day, rain or shine event offers something for every type of rider, and celebrates that at 60 years young, CRW isn’t over the hill but picking up speed!

Registration closes August 15. 

Register HERE! 

Celebration includes:

Ride

In the morning, club members can choose from 3 ride length options, and choose self-paced or leader-led speed groups.  Start times will be staggered for all distances.  

All 3 routes are designed with a comfortable 45 ft of climbing per mile, so it’s easy to enjoy swapping stories about past exploits and collaborating on future plans:
    • A 21 mile loop southeast to Millis (954 ft vertical)
    • A 38 mile trek that continues to Norfolk & Walpole (1,734 ft vertical)
    • A 63 mile metric century to the northeast corner of Rhode Island (2,869 ft vertical)

Please note that on all 3 routes riders are responsible for their own navigation, safety, refreshments, and mechanical support.

Eat and drink

After returning to Hopkinton, riders can relax and refuel in a tented pavilion with a delicious catered lunch featuring:
    • traditional, vegan, and gluten free selections
    • family-friendly beverages
    • and, of course, desserts! 
    • pickle juice is not on the menu…

Activities

In the afternoon the fun continues with 3 special activities:

• Share your CRW photos, videos, club jerseys, and other memorabilia with everyone at the “So Many Memories” tables
• Show off your favorite, trusty two-wheeled steed from the 1960s, 70s, or 80s at the “Classic Bikes Corral” (no carbon-fiber please).  Prizes may be awarded in the following categories:

        ◦ Most Fashionable Paint
        ◦ Unique Water Bottle setups
        ◦ Memorable Friction Shifter systems

• Find FREE bargains and clean out your basement, shed or garage at the 5th Annual Swap Meet.  Bikes, parts, accessories, clothing, tools, and racks are all welcomed!  Any items that are unclaimed at the end of the day will be donated to The Bike Connector in Lowell, a nonprofit that gets bikes to people who need them.

More information

• Tickets $15 each. 
• This is a members only event. 
• Registration closes August 15. 
• Event volunteers and former CRW presidents attend for free!! 
• Due to venue regulations, attendance is capped at 200 people. 
• More information and registration HERE.

Bike the 2026 Blazing Saddles Century on Saturday, August 15

The signature event of the North Shore Cyclists, Blazing Saddles offers five ride options from 36 to 100 miles as well as a gravel route. Register by 8/1 to receive a commemorative T-shirt and beat the price increase on 8/12! 

The current $80 registration fee ($75 NSC members) includes well-stocked rest stops, SAG support, mechanics, a post-ride lunch, and complimentary ride photos. Details athttps://www.nscyc.org/blazing-saddles-century-2026-0.

The following information is shared on an informational basis for CRW members. CRW is not affiliated with these events, except where noted. 

Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC)

• Date: August 1–2, 2026
• Location: Multiple locations across Massachusetts

The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) is a Massachusetts-based bike-a-thon that raises more money for charity, benefiting the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Every mile ridden helps fund groundbreaking cancer research and patient care.

The Kinetic Ride

• Date: August 9, 2026
• Time: 8:00 AM
• Location: 282 Merrimack St, Lawrence, MA

Hosted by Kinetic Smiles Inc., The Kinetic Ride is an annual cycling event focused on community participation and inclusive access to movement. Riders can choose from 10-, 25-, or 50-mile routes, all starting and finishing at the same location with ride support and rest stops along the way.

Bike for the Woods

• Date: August 9, 2026
• Time: 9:00 AM
• Location: 403 Great Road, Stow, MA

Hosted by the Stow Conservation Trust, Bike for the Woods is a family-friendly charity ride supporting local land conservation efforts. Choose from 5-, 14-, 37-, or 65-mile routes, all clearly marked with GPS files available for navigation. 

Second Summer Cycle

• Date: September 13, 2026
• Location: Smugglers Beach, South Yarmouth, MA
• Time: Staggered starts beginning at 7:00 AM

Second Summer Cycle is a nonprofit charity cycling event benefiting 19 Cape Cod nonprofit organizations. Riders of all levels can choose from 15-, 34-, 60-, or 100-mile routes through eight historic Cape Cod towns. 

View all Rides Here.

Come out and support CRW by volunteering at the Climb to the Clouds century, taking place this year on Sunday, August 16. Multiple roles are available, either before the event, or day-of. 

Where can I get more information on volunteer roles?

• The CTTC volunteer signup sheet provides brief descriptions of roles plus start and stop times. 
• The linked Volunteer Guide provides more detail on CTTC water stop volunteer opportunities.

Please let me know if you have questions about these or other roles. Information on CRW's 2026 century series is available on the CRW website: Charles River Wheelers - Centuries

I'd like to volunteer, what are the next steps?

Access the signup sheet, https://volunteersignup.org/QJX3M (or copy and paste it into your web browser) and follow the instructions on the page.

We're currently looking for volunteers to help with:

• Water stops
• After-party
• Event breakdown

Attend a virtual volunteer/ride leader meeting approximately one week prior to the event (about 1 hour). Date and time are TBD.

Join us at the end-of-season party in the fall! (Date and time are TBD.)

CRW Member Benefit: Volunteer for a 2026 Century, ride a 2026 century free of charge! 

• Commit to a CTTC volunteer position by signing up.

• Contact Mark Nardone (mark.nardone@crw.org) for a volunteer registration code BEFORE registering for either CTTC or the 2026 Cranberry Century (scheduled for October).

• This benefit is not transferable to other riders.

We're getting ready for a great CTTC!

The 38th annual ride Boston By Bike....At Night ride is happening on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Tour the Architectural and Historic Sites of Boston at night. Meet the group at 11:15 PM in front of Trinity Church in Copley Square. The ride is Midnight 'til dawn.

Sponsored by the Back Bay Midnight Pedalers. 

Alexander A. Green, Associate Professor, Boston University is working to improve early detection of Lyme disease following a tick bite.

They are currently seeking volunteers for a clinical study in the Boston area who have recently experienced a tick bite or developed a Lyme disease rash. Dr. Green reached out to CRW since our members are active outdoors.

Qualified participants will receive a $50 gift card and must be at least 18 to participate. 

See more information in the Study Flyer.

Disclaimer:
CRW shares research opportunities as a service to members and does not endorse or recommend participation in any study. Members should review the information provided and make their own decisions regarding participation.

The following information is shared on an informational basis for CRW members. CRW is not affiliated with this event.

Landry's Bicycles is hosting a Community Block Party.

Event details:
Event date: July 18, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Hood Park, Charlestown, MA
Cost: Free

The event includes neighborhood guide rides from surrounding communities, food trucks, ice cream, and local community organizations.

Click here for more details and to register

The following information is shared on an informational basis for CRW members. CRW is not affiliated with these events, except where noted.

New England Parkinson’s Ride

Date: September 12, 2026
Location: The Ball Park, Old Orchard Beach, ME
Times: Different start times available

The New England Parkinson’s Ride is an annual fundraising event supporting Parkinson’s disease research and patient care programs. Participants can choose from multiple cycling distances or a 5K walk, making it accessible to riders and supporters of all ability levels.

View Ride Here.

Ride & Stride for Food

Date: September 27, 2026

Ride & Stride for Food is a fundraising event benefiting Three Squares New England's efforts to address food insecurity across the region. Participants can choose from 25-mile, 50-mile, or 62-mile cycling routes, as well as a 5K walk option, making it a great event for riders and walkers alike.

View Ride Here.

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026

Location: Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, MA 

Time: 7:00 AM

Cost: $50 Registration / $350 Mandatory Fundraising

Coast riders pedal with purpose, raising vital funds for patients and families affected by neurofibromatosis (NF) and its allied disorders. Choose from one of three scenic routes through the north shore of Massachusetts, then end your ride at the seaside with lunch and a beer garden. 

Here is the registration link Coast to the Cure 2026