Bos/treal 2024

Saturday, May 25 – Saturday, June 1
Boston → Montreal

Registration is officially open!

Thinking about riding Bos/treal this year? Read about this year's ride and sign up near the bottom of the page!

bostreal-logo

Bos/treal (Boss-tree-all) is a weeklong bike tour and fundraiser. The ride supports the Boston Cyclists Union's (BCU) vision of better biking in Boston by fostering a group of empowered activists through an annual, transformative bike ride from Boston to Montreal, Quebec. The ride is an incredible 400 miles over five days (ranging from 55 - 100 miles/day) and requires training before.

Bostreal-15

Bos/treal is a challenge and gateway to biking longer distances, a ride that nurtures personal growth, and a leadership pipeline for bike advocacy. Bos/treal fuels community engagement, and our mission to advance cycling joy and safety. Most importantly: It’s an amazing bike adventure!

All genders welcome. The Boston Cyclists Union strives to create a positive and supportive environment where all people feel welcomed, seen, celebrated, and treated equitably. For more info on the BCU's shared values and norms, click here.

On Bos/treal, you'll get to:

  • See some of the most beautiful parts of New England
  • Sleep in serene forests
  • Swim in cool mountain lakes
  • Meet people who love bikes as much as you do
  • Make friendships that last long after the ride is over
  • Get more comfortable and confident on a bike
  • Develop leadership and teamwork skills
  • Get more involved in bike advocacy and the BCU’s work

If you want to ride Bos/treal, you can do it!

This is a fully supported trip.

We’ll carry your stuff between campsites, provide all meals and mid-ride snacks, and have a "sweep" van trailing the group to offer help or a ride. Snack/water/meal stops are spaced no more than 15-20 miles apart, so you can refuel and recharge before heading out again.

We'll help you get ready to ride.

Need a hand tuning up your bike, learning to fix a flat, getting gear, or finding a friendly group to ride with? We’ve got you covered. Our staff and volunteers can also help you borrow or find new bike and camping gear, and offer tips and guidance for effective fundraising.

Key Ride Info

Fundraising Goals

Riders are required to hit a fundraising minimum, which includes a $100 registration deposit.
Don't worry: We'll help you reach your goal!

  • New Bos/treal riders: $1,900
  • Return Bos/treal riders: $1,900 + $200/yr 

Dates

  • Depart from Boston: Saturday, May 25 
  • Arrive in Montreal:  Wednesday, May 29
  • Return (via chartered bus): Saturday, June 1

Fundraising is all-inclusive of trip costs. In addition to supporting the BCU’s work, what you raise covers:

  • Lodging — 4 nights in campgrounds (all have restrooms and showers) and 3 nights in a hostel
  • Food  — All meals and mid-ride snacks (and water, of course)
  • Rider support — SAG vehicles to carry all your stuff and help you out on the road
  • Mechanic help — Fix-a-flat lessons before the ride; mechanic help mid-ride
  • Return travel — Charter bus from Montreal back to Boston
  • Training — Group rides led by experienced volunteers to help you prepare for Bos/treal

COVID protocols

For the safety of all participants, and to protect people in the communities through which this ride passes, all participants must be fully vaccinated. We will also require a negative COVID test shortly before departure; we'll provide rapid tests.

With the situation around COVID continuously changing, we will update our protocols accordingly as we near the trip. The health and safety of everyone involved is paramount.

SIGN UP TO RIDE

As a first step, please complete the form below. Please note: Completing this form secures your place in the rider queue/wait list, but does not guarantee a spot on the ride. We use a equity focused lottery system to fill the 40 available spots for the ride, with priority going to new riders and gender oppressed people. We'll follow up one by one with individuals to complete registration and pay the $100 deposit. (It's not uncommon for spots to open up closer to Bos/treal's departure date.)) To keep the Bos/treal community growing, we have decided to cap the number of return riders at 12 people.

Questions? Want to hear from past riders?

Check out a recording from this year's info session:

FAQ

Questions / Contact

For any additional questions about Bos/treal, please contact Mandy.