MassBike teamed up with AARP Massachusetts to host a weekend group ride from the Blackstone River Valley Heritage Center in Worcester. The ride was the final installment of our 3-part Worcester AARP bicycling series, where e-bike program participants and youth were also invited to participate in an intergenerational experience.

We gathered at the Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitors Center, a state park that highlights the history of the industrial revolution that began in the area and Worcester’s role in cycling history going back to the late 1800s. Along with e-bikes and standard road and mountain bikes, participants got the chance to check out a “penny-farthing” bicycle!

Over 30 riders joined to enjoy the Blackstone River Bikeway and some adjacent low-stress roadways. The participants were a mix of older adults, Worcester e-bike program participants, and Worcester Earn-a-Bike. We were also joined by Antron Watson, Age-Friendly Director of AARP Massachusetts, and Devon Kurtz from the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. 

This was the first group ride for many of the e-bike program participants and acted as a networking opportunity for the e-bike riders. “It was a nice ride at a great location, with good energy,” said Alex Salcedo, MassBike’s E-Bike Grant Manager, “and a lot of biking tips were shared among the e-riders.” 

Thanks to AARP Massachusetts, the Blackstone River Valley Heritage Center, and Worcester Earn-a-Bike for the support of this group ride. We’ll be continuing to host group rides and bicycling workshops in Worcester as part of our AARP Intergenerational Program this fall, you can learn more information at www.massbike.org/events.