Top of the Hill Gang upcoming events

Cape Cod Weekend 2026 (Friday, May 29, 2026)

Fri, 29 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Waitlist is open !

Join The Top of the Hill Gang for a great weekend of biking, golfing, kayaking, walking and socializing.

We have reserved 50 rooms once again at the Bayside Resort Hotel. Check in starts at 3:00PM.

The cost is $230.00 per person double occupancy or $450 single occupancy, and includes two nights lodging, a Friday night pizza party, nightly cocktail hours, and two breakfasts.

The Captain's room will be available to us Friday through Sunday. Details on bike rides, kayak, and golf will appear in the newsletter and on the calendar website, with separate registrations.

Registration for Lodging at Bayside:

Registrations are accepted on a first come first serve basis. Please don't delay and pay with your credit card by May 2 when we must release the unused rooms.
Payment must be received to be considered confirmed.
No refunds for cancellations after May 2, unless someone can be found to take your place.

Roommates:

If you need a roommate please use the Roommate and Carpool page under the calendar menu.
Each Roommate needs to register separately to be included in the count.

TOHG membership dues must be up to date.

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We start Friday at 10 am on the Shining Sea Bike Path (GPS: 1 Depot Rd - Extension Route 151, North Falmouth, MA 02556). The ride is open to all members, no registration required. This bike path is a very scenic ride from North Falmouth to Woods Hole, a flat 22 mile round trip. Feel free to bring your lunch or enjoy one of the eateries in Woods Hole. Please don't ride alone, at the parking lot wait for others to be ready and ride in groups. There is no ride leader.

NOTE FOR 2026: Park at Shining Sea Bikeway Parking North or 33 County St North Falmouth MA

REMINDER FOR ALL BIKE RIDES: WEAR A HELMET, CARRY A SPARE TUBE, AND WATER AND DO NOT RIDE ALONE.

2026 Cape Cod Weekend Activities & Pizza Party - Not Staying at Bayside (Friday, May 29, 2026)

Fri, 29 May 2026 14:01:00 GMT

SELF LODGING MEMBERS ONLY. Only register if you are NOT staying at the Bayside Resort.

(The Cape Cod Weekend lodging registration at Bayside Resort includes the Pizza Party)

Join The Top of the Hill Gang for a great weekend of biking, golfing, walking, kayaking, and socializing.

If you are making your own lodging arrangements and already have a place to stay at the Cape, you are invited to join the group for all activities and social gatherings. There is a $10 flat fee to cover the expense of the Pizza party on Friday at 5 pm but everything else is free. Please pay online with your credit card.

Please register to let us know you are coming so we can provide enough food for the party.

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We start Friday at 10 am on the Shining Sea Bike Path (GPS: 1 Depot Rd, North Falmouth, MA 02556). The ride is open to all members, no registration required. This bike path is a very scenic ride from North Falmouth to Woods Hole, a flat 22 mile round trip. Feel free to bring your lunch or enjoy one of the eateries in Woods Hole. Please don't ride alone, at the parking lot wait for others to be ready and ride in groups. There is no ride leader.

REMINDER FOR ALL BIKE RIDES: WEAR A HELMET, CARRY A SPARE TUBE, AND WATER AND DO NOT RIDE ALONE.

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Meet on Saturday at 10 am at the Bayside parking lot. Bike ride destination will be announced at the Pizza Party.

2026 Cape Cod Weekend - Saturday Kayak - Swan River (Saturday, May 30, 2026)

Sat, 30 May 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Join us for our paddling outing on the Swan River. Bring water, snacks, a hat, and your enthusiasm.

* Exact time will depend on the tides.

Kayak rental at Cape Cod Waterways.

Single kayaks for $25 for one hour $32 for two hours. Additional hour $15.

Life jackets are provided and required!

Cape Cod Rail Trail Wellfleet to Orleans (Saturday, May 30, 2026)

Sat, 30 May 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Let's bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail from Orleans to Wellfleet on Saturday. Parking behind the Chocolate Sparrow at 5 Old Colony Way in Orleans or in the parking lot ACROSS the street from The Chocolate Sparrow.

This is a beautiful ride, fully paved, suitable for all bikes. Last time we did this we passed a couple of osprey nests as well as woods and bogs. We'll stop in Wellfleet for coffee and pastries at a lovely little French cafe before returning to Orleans where we can have lunch at The Chocolate Sparrow. Length is about 20 miles round trip.

Helmets are required. Pumped-up tires, and a spare inner tube are required, Bring a water bottle.

Please be sure to cancel online if you need to or call if canceling day of.

(copy) Newburyport Clipper City Rail Trail Bike Ride (Wednesday, June 03, 2026)

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

One of the most scenic rail trails in New England, the Clipper City Rail Trail begins along the Parker River, skirts downtown Newburyport and continues southward along a smooth paved trail with multiple sculptures and art works. There is a short on road portion. The trail is about 6 miles in length and the ride is 30-45 minutes long. This trail is suitable for all bike types.

There is free and plentiful parking at Cashman Park. Sally Snyder Way is a short, narrow street off Merrimack St.

Look for the orange Subaru CrossTrek

Helmets are required. Tail light or blinker recommended. Also, bring a spare tube and a water bottle.

Please be sure to cancel online if you need to or call if canceling day of.

NH Seacoast Greenway Bike Ride Portsmouth to Hampton (Friday, June 05, 2026)

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

We hope you can join us as we bike on New Hampshire's newest Rail Trail opened in 2024. This wooded trail is about 19 miles round trip on a stone dust surface suitable for all bikes. Currently stretching from near Pease Airport to 1 1/2 miles beyond the Hampton Airfield, it's a pretty ride along a wooded trail with plenty of shade. The latest 1 1/2 mile extension was officially opened in late May 2026.

We will stop at the Airport Cafe on the return portion for coffee and sustenance - an absolutely great and varied menu including strawberry cheesecake pancakes! When we have stopped here before we watched numerous small aircraft, including an old biplane, take off and land - quite a sight!

Parking is at the Portsmouth Skate Park, 305 Greenland Rd. (Route 33) Portsmouth which has two port-a-potties.

Total ride time should be about 2 1/2 - 3 hours and add additional time for coffee and food.

Helmets are required. Tail light or blinker recommended. Also, bring a spare tube and a water bottle.

Please be sure to cancel online if you need to or call if canceling day of.

Sugar River Rail Trail, Claremont NH (Monday, June 15, 2026)

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 14:30:00 GMT

The Sugar River Rail Trail follows a scenic former railroad corridor dating back to the 1870s and last used by the Boston & Maine Railroad up until the late 1970s. This promises to be one of our most scenic bike rides.

The trail crisscrosses the Sugar River several times, twice on covered bridges for 9.5 miles between Claremont and Newport NH. The covered bridges are two of only 8 remaining US railroad covered bridges. Wildlife is said to be abundant in the secluded woodlands and the trail includes historical buildings, clock towers, church steeples and many places to stop for coffee and food.

For those wishing to stay overnight in the area and join us for a ride on the North Central Pathway from Winchendon to Gardner the next day we will be staying at Keene Elm City Hotel, 175 Key Rd., Keene. AARP and AAA rates for room with two double beds and free breakfast are $150.38 which includes tax. Reservations can be made at (603) 352-7616

This is a gravel and ballast trail suitable for hybrids, mountain bikes, wide tire e-bikes, gravel bikes. Not suited for skinny tire road bikes. OHRV trailhead on south side of Rt 103. 398-394 Washington St, Claremont (43.365535, -72.302509). Google maps has “Sugar River Trail, ORV Trailhead” on the map for this parking lot.

Helmets are required. Tail light or blinker recommended. Also, bring a spare tube and a water bottle.

Please be sure to cancel online if you need to or call if canceling day of.

RAIN CANCELS!!!

North Central Pathway Bike Ride, Winchendon to Gardener MA (Tuesday, June 16, 2026)

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:30:00 GMT

The North Central Pathway is a flat linear paved trail from Winchendon to Gardner Approx 14 miles Paved. Suitable for all bikes. The trail passes bogs and ponds and through wooded areas and parallels Route 140 for much of its length. Meet behind Clark Memorial YMCA Summer St. Winchendon Park along fence by basketball courts. - LOOK FOR THE ORANGE SUBARU

THIS IS A 10:30AM START

Helmets are required. Tail light or blinker recommended. Also, bring a spare tube and a water bottle.

Please be sure to cancel online if you need to or call if canceling day of.

Learn to play Canasta - A Strictly Social Event (Wednesday, June 17, 2026)

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Canasta is all the rage these days. Let’s learn the game together and have some fun. Please join us if you already know the game! All levels of players are welcome! Limit 12

East Bay Bike Path (Thursday, June 18, 2026)

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Join us for 12 flat miles each way, on the East Bay Bike Path to Colt State Park. The bike path is paved and car free. Ride along the Providence River and past nature preserves.

The bridges in Barrington are completed, a must see!

Directions: Take Kettle Point Avenue and stay to the right. Take a right where it says Ambulance Entrance. Drive to the end of the road, there is a round parking lot for the bike path. Don't drive into the University Orthopedics parking lot.

Bring water and a snack for Colt State Park.

A helmet, pumped-up tires, and a spare inner tube are required.

Please be sure to cancel online if you need to or call if canceling day of.

Charles River Kayak (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Meet at 10:00 a.m. for a 10:30 a.m. launch at the Boston: Allston/ Brighton location.

Rentals are $45 for 3 hours.

To rent a kayak, please reserve your kayak online at this paddleboston link for the Allston/ Brighton location. Driving directions also on this link.

Parking is free at Soldiers Field.

Bring water, snacks, a hat and light jacket. Life jackets are required.

We will have a picnic lunch after the paddle. There are picnic tables but, just to be safe, please bring your own chairs. Don’t forget to pack your lunch.

Alnoba Art Park Tour (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join Beverly and Marina for the 3rd art tour at Alnoba, a retreat and leadership center where art awakens the spirit and refreshes the soul.

This tour will take us to the "other side" of the property . . . the side we have not yet explored!

Join Beverly & Marina once again for this popular tour in beautiful Kensington NH followed by lunch.

Visit the Alnoba's website for more information and directions.

This is a rain or shine event! The price is $10.00/per person, paid at registration. Limited to 20 people.

We will meet in the parking lot of Alnoba at 10:00 a.m.

MARY's Spring Bike Ride and Walk and Potluck (Saturday, June 27, 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Bike Ride: 10 mile and 20-mile options

We will meet at Mary's house at 10 AM. Both rides will have some hills. Allan G has re-routed Mary's original ride to cut down on some of the bigger hills. (Ten years ago, we didn’t call them hills.)

Mary does not have a leader for the 20-mile ride. If someone would step up to do this, I’d appreciate it. I have maps and crib notes for it. Please let me know. Call or text Mary, to get together before the date to go over the ride if you would like.

We will ride through Carlisle and Chelmsford, stopping for ice cream at Kimball’s in Carlisle, or Great Brook Dairy Farm also in Carlisle, depending on which ride participants choose to ride. These back road rides are through wooded preserves with water views and abundant sightings of turtles and birds, as well as through neighborhoods with lovely homes and landscaping.

For members who prefer to walk, there will be a trek through the woods down the street from Mary's house the same day.

We will gather at Mary’s afterward for a potluck feast in the back yard. Please bring lawn chairs and whatever you want for food. Mary doesn’t orchestrate the food, but no one has gone away hungry in all these years.

Please park only on one side of the street.

Mary W

Helmets are required. Tail light or blinker recommended. Also, bring a spare tube and a water bottle.

Please be sure to cancel online if you need to or call if canceling day of.

Veteran's Park Billerica (Saturday, June 27, 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Please join Meredith for an approximately 1.5 hour 2.2 mile walk in the Veterans Park in Billerica. This walk coincides with Mary’s Bike Ride and potluck on June 27, rain date June 28.

The path is not paved and has some easy to moderate inclines and downhills. Expect rocks and roots underfoot as well as some wet areas if there has been rain. Hiking poles would be helpful for those that use them. Bug spray for ticks etc. This should conclude about the same time as the bike rides.

Meet at Mary’s house at 11:00 am.

We will gather at Mary’s afterward for a potluck feast in the back yard. Please bring lawn chairs and whatever you want for food. Mary doesn’t orchestrate the food, but no one’s gone away hungry in all these years.

Please park on one side of the street only.

Walk will be canceled if ride is canceled due to rain.

Summer Picnic 2026 (Sunday, July 19, 2026)

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Join us for our Summer Picnic at Nara park.

The Park is located on the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail and the picnic will be preceded by a walk and bike ride at 10 am on the rail trail for those interested. Gather at the parking lot.

Aside from walking and biking on the Rail Trail, Nara Park has other hiking trail around the lake, or you can go swimming or renting boats and canoes. Also if you would like to play some lawn games, please bring your favorite one with you.

Parking is free.

There will be a catered BBQ luncheon for $52. It will include ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, grilled boneless chicken, grilled veggies, baked beans, moroccan couscous, quinoa salad, garden salad, cucumber salad, corn bread, and lemonade/iced tea. Options that are vegan/ gluten free are available (please indicate when you register). BYOB (beer and wine only). If you want to bring appetizers or a dessert to share, these would be welcomed!

We will again be using the large pavilion with about 20 picnic tables sheltered from the elements.

Registration closes on Monday, July 13.

Great Herring Pond Paddle (Monday, July 27, 2026)

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

TOHG members are invited to join BASK (Bay Area Senior Kayakers) to paddle on Great Herring Pond in Plymouth, MA.

We will launch at 10:00 a.m. from the Great Herring Pond Access Site, located on the Bourne/Plymouth town line. It features a shallow gravel boat ramp suitable for kayaks and canoes.

There are no kayak rentals available, so you must bring your own boat.

Great Herring Pond covers approximately 376 to 424 acres. It is a long, narrow lake with over 5 miles of shoreline.

Life jackets are required.

2027 Bonus Italian Alps Ski Trip (Saturday, February 20, 2027)

Sat, 20 Feb 2027 05:00:00 GMT

Join us to Ski in the heart of the Dolomite Mountains, Northern Italy. This trip is "Land Only" offering a great price point for a High Season European winter sports experience.

This trip conflicts with the annual Sunday River trip, and is scheduled very close to the Western trip, planned for Winter Park, CO. Due to timing of reservation deadlines, we are publishing this trip earlier than the full ski calendar, which will be announced in early August, as usual. Please take this into consideration when making your 2027 ski plans.

This trip is suitable for both Skiers and Non-Skiers alike.

This area is on the World Cup Circuit and includes the famous 33 Run. Cross Country and Snowshoeing is also available.

Once registered you will be contacted directly by Ski Italy and More with reservation, trip deposit Information, etc. Registration must be confirmed with Trip Deposit by July 15, 2026.

What's Included:

Round trip ground transportation 2/20/27 from and 2/27/27 to Marco Polo Intl. Airport, Venice, Italy. 3.5 Hrs. each way.

Accomodations: 7 Nights, 3*** Superior Hotel, Albergo DIMARO, Val di Sole, Italy, Tourist Tax Included.

Each day, rich breakfast buffet and dinner with choice of 3 four course menus and salad buffet including 1 traditional dinner, 1 late afternoon mulled wine tasting at Hotel.

Use of Hotel "Wellness Center" : heated indoor pool with spa area, indoor sauna, outdoor sauna, outdoor spa tub, indoor steam room (Bagno Turco) and low temp relax sauna (Vitarium). There is an extra charge for body massages, beauty treatments, etc.

Discounts on Ski Rentals, and Ski Schools (Recommended, Bring your boots, rent your skis. Prices are reasonable with quality equipment.)
Ski/Board Depository with heated boot racks. Ski boots cannot be worn in Hotel common areas.

Daily Ski Buses from hotel to Main Lift Station with afternoon returns. (8 Min.)

Trentino Guest Card, Provides Free use of local public bus transportation, and trains to the Provincial Capitol, (Trento). Visit the Castle of the Buonconsiglio, the weekly Open Market, the Beer Hall, the Cathedral of Trent, numerous Restaurants, and the Grom Ice Cream Shop in Trento all within walking distance of the Train Station.

Cross Country and snow shoeing available in area. (Guests must make own arrangements.)

Walking tour of the Village, Sundial Walk,
Lunch in Private Home Kitchen (Limited Number), Extra Charge.

2 Guided Group Downhill Ski Days.

6 Day Unlimited "Superskirama" Regional Ski Pass with On Piste Accident Insurance and access to Glacier Skiing at Passo Tonale, included.

U.S. Standard EPIC SKI PASS accepted for up to 7 consecutive days of skiing. Holder must present pass at main lift station on first day of skiing for conversion. Epic Pass holder must purchase On Piste Accident Insurance.

Skill Level Required: Intermediate and above.
Piste (Run) designations: Blue (intermediate), Red (advanced), Black all levels (expert), No Green Runs (beginner).

Alcoholic Beverages not included: Personal alcohol may not be consumed in public areas of the Hotel. The Hotel has 2 nice bars. Second Floor in the evening, first floor during the day. Beer, wine, liquor, bottled water, etc. may be added to room tab. Amenities including a Supermarket (Supermercato) and Italian Ice Cream Shop (Gelateria) located within walking distance of Hotel.

Pricing: LAND ONLY, prices are per person. Air Fare and Travel Insurance not included.

Double Occupancy
12 Comfort Rooms, 24 persons
Queen or twin beds, 14 Sq. Meters = 150 Sq. Feet
Skiers w/Ski Pass $2,200
Non-Skiers $1,760.

Single Occupancy
4 Single Rooms, 4 persons
Twin bed, 9 Sq. Meters = 97 Sq. Feet
Skiers w/Ski Pass $2,325
Non-Skiers $1,885.

Any additional rooms will be via waitlist. Space is limited.

Price Guarantee: Prices are guaranteed unless there is an upward change of 5 or more points in the Currency Exchange Rate by Jan. 2, 2027. Trip pricing calculated on a Currency Exchange Rate of 1.00 EUR = 1.16 USD.

50% Deposit Required, Booking Deadline July 15, 2026,
Balance due by October 15, 2026. Checks only, no credit cards. Travel Insurance is strongly recommended, but is optional with a signed Insurance waiver.

Reservation Forms, Terms and Conditions, info and tips, details, questions, etc. provided by Ski Italy and More.