The thunder and lightning that rolled through Eastern Massachusetts in the days before Bike to the Sea’s biggest ride of the year seemed ominous. Would months of planning by our staff and volunteers all be undone? Would our annual event, which is always rain or shine, have to be canceled for safety reasons?
The weather was still uncertain on the Sunday morning of the event, but well over 100 people turned out at the start point at the Madeline English School in Everett well prepared and ready to go. With remarks from Malden Mayor Gary Christenson, and Malden City Counsellor (and Bike to the Sea co-founder) Steve Winslow, riders were sent off to ride the Northern Strand Trail to their choice of two destinations.
One group participated in the Family Ride, a 13 mile round trip to Marsh View Park, right on the Northern Strand Trail, in Lynn. The rest of the riders continued to the end of the trail, through downtown Lynn, and on to Nahant Beach, which was 19 miles there and back.
Police officers from the communities of Malden, Revere, Saugus and Lynn controlled traffic at intersections. The Lynn Police Department’s bike unit rode along as escorts on the on-road sections of the route.
The Lynnway was even cleared of traffic while riders completed the final leg to Nahant Beach.
In coming years, when a $12 million MassDOT road improvement project is completed in Lynn, it will be a more pleasant—and safer—place for people who walk, bike, and roll with separated bike lanes and the implementation of various traffic calming measures to slow down speeding vehicles.
After a shoreside banana and water break, over 80 adventurers posed for the traditional group photo. Then it was back to the trail to finish the ride before the rain predicted for the afternoon moved in, and to enjoy a celebratory lunch at 3 Amigos Bar and Grill in Malden Center.
“Huge kudos to the organizers of this event. It was my first one and I was impressed with how smoothly you all ran it; from the directions to the volunteers with water and bananas you guys were amazingly organized!”
Kimberly Bennett
“It was a GREAT ride! Thank you to all the organizers, marshals, and other volunteers who made it such a success!!”
John Miguel Ceballos
See an album of more photos from the day, and share your photos from the trail by sending them to photos@biketothesea.org. We hope you’ll join us next year!
Photo captures and written by B2C Board Member, Pat Bibbins. Edited by Program Manager, Agnes Recato