Planes, Trains, Ships, Automobiles, and More

Join Neil B. and co-leader Alan V. for "pier-to-pier 'networking'" of Boston's waterfront by bike. Starting from South Station we'll bike out to the Black Falcon Terminal, where we'll check out the ships docked for a call on Boston. With Logan Airport just across the harbor, we'll do some plane spotting from here as well. “Captain” Alan, a long time flight attendant and sometime pilot, will guide our spotting. From there we'll bike across to the other side of South Boston and around the ICA, en route back to downtown. We'll continue along the new bike path around the North End, and cross over the bridge to the Charlestown Navy Yard. Heading inland again, we'll bike across the North Point Park pedestrian/bicycle bridge, around the park, then along the Charles to the Longfellow Bridge.

Once across the Longfellow, we can consider some eating options. You may bring a sandwich/meal on this ride, and there are also a few options to purchase food along the way. If the weather is good, we can cross the brand new footbridge to the Esplanade where the Esplanade Bistro might be open (their voicemail says they are open until 10 pm). And, at this point, we can enjoy our picnic suppers on the Charles River.

For those who would like to join in the last segment of the ride, we will go back across Storrow Drive and ride up Cambridge street to the Wyndham Hotel. There, we can lock our bikes in the neighborhood garage, and stroll over to take in the “Tea Dance” at Pi Alley Bar.

Total ride distance: about 15 mi.

Note: This is an easy ride, well within the capabilities of most anyone with even minimal riding experience. However, it is also an urban ride, largely along city streets. We've chosen the safest route we could, but there WILL be automobile and truck traffic. If that concerns you, this is not a good ride for you.

If you plan to join us for the après ride festivities then bike from there, we strongly recommend front and rear lights. Helmets required. Bring water and snacks, and we'll be on the lookout for any to-go options along the way (there are quite a few). And, because this is New England, bring layered clothing for varying weather conditions.

Also note that this trip is being co-listed with Chiltern Mountain Club, and may include women.