Top of the Hill Gang upcoming events

East Bay Bike Path (Friday, June 26, 2026)

Fri, 26 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.

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.)

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 the walk, register here.

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.

Neponset River Greenway Bike Ride (Monday, June 29, 2026)

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:30:00 GMT

We hope you can join us for a scenic bike ride on the beautiful Neponset River Greenway (about 17 miles round trip) . The Greenway winds through the Neponset River valley as it goes from Carson Beach to UMass/Boston to Tenean Beach to Mattapan Square. We'll enjoy views of downtown Boston, the old fashioned trolley car running from Ashmont to Mattapan, the historic Baker's Chocolate building dating to 1765, murals galore, a boardwalk suspended along the Neponset River and plenty of history. The Greenway is fully paved and is suitable for all bikes.

Directions to Pope John Paul II park ( back parking lot) which is also the parking area Waze and Google use: Look for the orange Subaru!

From 93 south

take exit 11B (Granite Ave/Ashmont)

Go over drawbridge and make a right turn at light onto Hilltop Street

Go 0.4 miles up and over hill. Take right at stop sign to Hallet st.

Go under overpass to parking lot.

Use 138 Hallet St. Dorchester as your GPS address.

If you're parked near the kids playground you are in the wrong place

From 93 north.

directions are exactly the same except the exit is just marked 11

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.

Minuteman Bikeway Bedford to Cambridge Bike Ride (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

We were rained out last week. Hoping you can join us for our rescheduled bike ride on the paved Minuteman Bikeway bike trail, approximately 20 miles round trip. The trail runs from Bedford through downtown Lexington, Arlington and Cambridge ending near the Alewife T station. We can stop for coffee on the retun leg.

Meet at parking lot behind Bikeway Source, 111 South Rd., Bedford

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.

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 bike ride at 10 am and
a walk at 11 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.

Charles River Kayak (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)

Tue, 21 Jul 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.

Play Canasta - A Strictly Social Event (Thursday, July 23, 2026)

Thu, 23 Jul 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 people.

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.

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (Thursday, August 20, 2026)

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Join Lisa Davis to tour the beautiful live animal exhibit trail that winds through the woods past a coyote, foxes, bobcats, mountain lions, otters, bears, and a variety of raptors. Squam Lakes docent and TOHG member Lisa Davis will lead the tour explaining what makes these native animals so special and how they fit into the NH ecosystem. The ¾ mile path is handicapped accessible, but good walking shoes are advised. Two motorized scooters may be available by reservation at no charge. Insect repellent is also a good idea.

After the tour you may choose lunch with a lake view at Walter's Basin or picnic at the Nature Center. Some members might choose to climb 403 feet up Mount Fayal for a view of Squam Lake.The 1.4 mile loop Mount Fayal trail is on the Squam Lakes property but your trail admission would include it. Trail admission is $16.

While in The Lakes Region you might want to try kayaking at nearby Squam Lakes Association or hike on one of the many wonderful trails in the area. Perhaps you'd rather go for a swim.

Please register by August 16.

Burlington VT Bike Trip (Sunday, August 30, 2026)

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Once again we're pleased to return to Burlington VT for our annual biking trip.

There's lots to see and do in Burlington even if you're not biking. These include the Champlain Valley Fair, Shelburne Museum, Shelburne Farm, Church St. Marketplace, AO Glass Studio, Dakin Farm, and more!

We'll be staying again at The Best Western Windjammer Inn, 1076 Williston Rd., South Burlington VT Tel. (802) 863-1125. They are again offering TOHG a special rate of just $149.00 per room plus 9% VT state tax, 1% City of South Burlington tax and $2.50 Destination Marketing Fee, per room per night (taxes and fees subject to change). The room rate includes 2 double beds, complimentary daily full breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, complimentary warm cookies and complimentary coffee & lattes in the lobby. Bikes may be stored in your room.

We have blocked rooms starting with August 30th but please register for however many nights you wish to stay. Reservations can be made by calling the hotel directly at (802)863-1125 (be sure to mention TOHG to receive special rate) or online at

https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.46013.html?groupId=T39QJ3Y3

To Register: First call the Best Western at (802) 863-1125 to make your room reservations for August 30th, 31st, and September 1st, and identify yourself with TOHG.

Please register with TOHG after you made your hotel reservation, to let the leader know you are coming.

If you are sharing a room and each paying separately then you would need to call the hotel directly at (802) 863-1125 and be sure to tell them you are part of the Top of the Hill Gang to get the group rate. Each person must register separately on tohg.org.

Planned bike rides include Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail St. Albans to Sheldon on Monday or the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, Island Line Rail Trail Burlington to South Hero Island on Tuesday and Stowe Recreation Path on Wednesday. All rides weather dependent! Hybrid, E Bikes and mountain bikes recommended as some of the trails are gravel or stone dust.

We are also planning on a 4:00pm Monday evening excursion again on The Spirit of Ethan Allen as we cruise Lake Champlain (please call 802-862-8300 and mention TOHG to reserve. Tickets $40.19 per person, taxes and fuel surcharge included.

We will meet as a group at 3:30pm at the ticket booth, 1 College St., Burlington.

There is a paid parking lot near the ticket booth. Pease Lot . I am told the fee is $3.00 per hour. You may be able to use ParkMobile app for a discounted rate.

Our cruise will be followed by a pizza buffet dinner (pizza, baked pasta, chicken parm, salad) at Zachary's Pizza just a few doors down the street from our hotel at 7:00pm Monday Cost is $25.00 in cash total each. Please reserve with Alan Ulrich at massprocess@msn.com directly.

Tuesday we'll meet at Oakledge Park in Burlington by 10:00am This is a pay parking lot for our bike ride. Bike rentals, including E Bikes are available trailside at Local Motion Bike Shop at Mile 2 on the trail. Anyone renting bikes can meet the rest of the group at Mile 2. After our ride you may wish to take in the Champlain Valley Fair in nearby Essex Junction! There are also many other fun attractions nearby including an open glass blowing studio, farm to visit and the Shelburne Museum.

After check out on Wednesday as we head home we'll stop to ride the Stowe Recreation Path which is about 10.6 miles round trip. A stop at Ben & Jerry's Factory afterwards is a must!

To get to the southern trailhead in Stowe from I-89, take Exit 10 onto SR 100. Follow SR 100 N toward Stowe 10 miles, where the entrance to the Stowe Recreation Path parking lot will be in Lintilhac Park on the left next to Stowe Community Church. There is parking for the trail behind the Stowe Communty Church. This path is fully paved and suitable for all bikes.

PLEASE PRINT AND SAVE TO REFER TO LATER

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.

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.