our best bike rides in Massachusetts, available by special request

This week-long inn-to-inn cycling tour offers you the opportunity to enjoy our favorite rides from our Bike New England North Shore and Berkshire trips in one cycling adventure, with 3 days on Cape Ann, and 4 days in the Berkshires. For intermediate to advanced cyclists, rides with 25 -55 mile options, pleasant inns and great group meals. Originating in Ipswich, Massachusetts, with optional van pickup and return to Logan Airport in Boston.
Price: Varies by size of requesting group
Dates: Available by group request for 2010

Day 1, Saturday: The Woods and the Necks: We'll be staying for the first three nights in historic Ipswich Massachusetts, which is home to more "first period" colonial homes than any other location in the country! The winding local roads in the North Shore area are said to have originally followed the cattle paths of our early settlers. They're still just as scenic, quiet and great rides. After morning check-in, we'llride alongEssex County's manyprotected natural areas, including Appleton Farms, Bradley Palmer State Forest, Willowdale State Forest, and the Ipswich River Sanctuary. An extra loop takes out to Jeffrey's Neck for a panoramic view of the Atlantic shoreline from Plum Island to Cape Ann. Mileage options are 25 - 55 miles.

Day 2, Sunday:  Cape Ann We'll take back roads to Manchester by the Sea and Magnolia, riding along several beautiful Atlantic Ocean coves. After reaching Gloucester, we continue along the rocky shoreline on Atlantic Avenue. Our return brings us to Essex, known for ship-building in the colonial days. Distance cyclists will also enjoy the long version to Rockport on the tip of Cape Ann, and a visit to Bearskin Neck. Dinner tonight is at the 1640 Hart House, a national historic landmark. We spend the night again at the Ipswich Bed and Breakfast. Mileage options are 28 - 62 miles.

Day 3, Monday: Plum Island Our guests have rated this ride to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and Plum Island as their favorite. After riding past the historic salt marsh hay fields, we do a loop through Plum Island's Wildlife Sanctuary . We return through Newburyport, with the option of a ride along the wide Merrimack River on our way back to Ipswich.

Day 4, Tuesday: To the Berkshires  Today we're on the road, with a 3 hour drive to the Berkshires where we'll stay at the Apple Tree Inn in Lenox, Massachusetts, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. There will be plenty of time this afternoon for a 25 mile ride through rural Tyringham, a return through Lee and back to the Apple Tree Inn taking beautiful Undermountain Road in Lenox.

Day 5, Wednesday: Vermont and the Green Mountains  We'll use the vans to head north today for a ride start in Williamstown, MA. After crossing the Vermont state line, we cycle along the Green Mountains on scenic Barber Pond Road to Bennington, Vermont. Stops include the Bennington Fish Hatchery and theold car museum. Lunch will be at All Days and Onions.  Continuing west toward New York State, we ride past the Bennington Monument.  Our return takes us through a pass in the Taconic Mountains, passing through Pownal, Vermont.

Day 6, Thursday: Stockbridge and Alford  Today westart outearly from theApple TreeInn, riding past historic mansions and gardens on our way to popular Stockbridge. We journey on through the hamlet of Alford for a scenic ride along the base of the Taconic Mountains. A wonderful descent brings us to West Stockbridge, home to numerous artisans, including pottery and glass-blowing studios, Then we'll ride over the tail of "Lenox Mountain past Berkshire Botanical Garden. An optional route through Richmond offers a nice climb over the ridge, stopping for the scenic overlook of Stockbridge Bowl. Distance: 35 miles.

Day 7, Friday: The Hancock Shaker Village. We'll start out our morning ride with a climb over the pass above Stockbridge Bowl on our ride to Hancock Shaker Village. On our return we like to stop for hot cider at Bartlett's Orchard. Showers will be available at the Appletree Inn before we load up the van for the return to Boston and departures.

Price: contact Bike New England for a quote for your group. Inns:  3 nights at the Ipswich Bed and Breakfast, and 3 nights at theApple TreeInn in Lenox, Massachusetts.

Meals:  Breakfasts, lunches on the rides, and group dinners each night are all included in this deluxe tour..

Guides:  Gordon Harris, Bike New England owner will be the lead cycling guide, and a second guide provides van support. Participants are given maps and cue sheets., and North Shore routes are arrowed. Transportation to/from Logan Airport is optional.

Bikes: For an additional $100, you can rent one of our Jamis Coda road bikes with straight (mountain bike type) handlebars for your tour, including water bottles and handlebar bags.

Email Bike New England  

Tommaso Imola with Carbon Fork Alminum Shimano Road Bike (Club Race) - $ 459.95
From: Randall Scott Cycle Company