Explore the Granite State by bike on the 'Tour de New Hampshire'

Apr. 30—May is National Bike Month, and the Bike Walk Alliance of New Hampshire, in collaboration with the Granite State Wheelers and the New Hampshire Rail Trail Coalition, is hosting a series of guided bicycle tours along the rail trails of the Granite State.

Each weekend throughout May a different rail trail will be highlighted, allowing participants to explore various locations and historical sites from Andover to Manchester, the White Mountains to Keene.

Whether a seasoned cyclist or new to biking, these weekend tours are designed to ignite a sense of adventure in participants and showcase the natural beauty of New Hampshire's trail system.

"Our guided tours are perfect for those new to cycling, uncertain about rail trails, or just want to get out with a fun group of cyclists," organizers said in a statement. "These rides will provide a safe and supportive environment to learn about cycling, trail etiquette, and the rich history of these scenic routes."

This year's planned guided tours are as follows:

—Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. start time — Northern Rail Trail. Presented by the Friends of the Northern Rail Trail.

The first ride will be a short section of New Hampshire's longest rail trail. Participants will depart from the historic Potter Place Train Depot in Andover and head north on the Northern Rail Trail to the Danbury General Store, where the group will have time for snacks and souvenirs.

Your guide for this trip will be Lindy Heim, a local historian and co-president of the Friends of the Northern Rail Trail.

Ride info: The ride is approximately 22 miles (round trip) on mostly compact gravel. A hybrid, gravel, Class 1 e-bike, or mountain bike is recommended. Due to washouts, there may be sections that require walking bikes.

—Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m. start time — The Rail Trails of the Queen City: Manchester. Presented by Bike-Walk Alliance of New Hampshire

New Hampshire's largest city is also home to more rail trails than any other community in the state. The ride will explore parts of the Goffstown Rail Trail, the Piscataquog Rail Trail, the Riverwalk, the Heritage Trail, and the newly extended South Manchester Rail Trail.

The ride will start and end in Manchester's Historic Millyard, providing access to many bars and restaurants for post-ride activities.

Guides for this ride will be local citizens Don Waldron and Tammy Zamoyski. Waldron is a board member of Bike-Walk Alliance and chairman of the Manchester Conservation Commission. Zamoyski is a cycling advocate having attended cycling seminars around the world, and is a local planner for the Southern NH Planning Commission.

Ride info: The ride is about 20 miles and mostly on paved surfaces. Helmets are required, and lights are recommended.

—Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m. — The Rail Trails of the White Mountains: Presidential Rail Trail and the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail. Presented by the NH Rail Trail Coalition.

Experience the beauty of the northern White Mountains with Marianne Borowski, the founder of the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail as she guides riders through the White Mountain National Forest with visits to scenic Pondicherry National Refuge and photo ops of Mount Washington.

Parking: Presidential Rail Trail, Whitefield Trail Head. The trail surface is primarily compact gravel.

—Sunday, May 26, 11 a.m. — The Rail Trails of the Elm City: Keene.

Presented by Pathways for Keene and the Monadnock Cycling Club.

The tour will depart downtown and visit the Cheshire Trail and the Ashuelot Trail, over urban and wooded trails while exploring bridges along the way. Local cycling experts will guide the ride.

Ride description: The ride will be on a mix of paved and gravel trails, mostly flat or gentle slopes. The total length is about 15 miles.

—Friday, May 31, 4 p.m.— The Trails of Bethlehem. Presented by the Bethlehem Trails Association.

For additional information and to register for these rides, visit the Tour de New Hampshire information page on the Bike-Walk Alliance of New Hampshire website at www.bwanh.org.