Exploritas cycling tour of the Massachusetts North Shore, for experienced cyclists
June 13-18, 2010, & September 12-17 , 2010
Bike New England and Olde Ipswich
Tours host a wonderful bicycle tour of the Massachusetts North Shore
area for experienced adult cyclists through Exploritas
(formerly known as Elderhostel). Our 30 -45 mile daily rides
include alternative shorter loops and the option of a van supported
return on the two longest days. The tour is designed for active
cyclists who can average 12-14 mph for the day's ride, although we will
stop frequently to explore the North Shore's many scenic
attractions. All routes are marked, and we provide maps and cue
sheets. Faster and slower groups ride together so that no one is ever
left behind!
Depending on the size of the
group, you will be led by one or two guides, offering a choice of
distance and speed. Lodging and all meals are included. For
reservations, visit the Exploritas site. We also offer the guided
tours to commuting participants (no inn provided). For information,
call Jean Moss of Olde Ipswich Toursat (978) 356-5163 or email jean@ipswichtours.com
.
Click here to sign up at the
Exploritas site
Bike Rentals: Jamis Coda hybrid road bikes (straight handle bars with adjustable positions) are available through Gordon Harris, the tour leader, $100 for the week. Contact Gordon Harris at Bike New England for bicycle rentals.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1,
Sunday: Pineswamp. You can check in to the Ipswich Bed and Breakfast and
Kaede Bed and Breakfast after 1 am. At 4:30, we'll take a short
ride toWillowdale State Forest, returning through historic downtown
Ipswich.
Day 2, Monday: Hamilton and Jeffrey's Neck. We head out for our morning rides around 8:30 am. Today we take an easy ride out to neighboring Hamilton and Wenham, cycling by some scenic meadows and passing occasionally over the Miles River. After lunch in Ipswich, we continue with a short ride out Jeffrey's Neck Road, crossing the Great Salt Marsh and enjoying a modest climb on Great Neck, with a spectacular view of Plum Island , Cape Ann, and the Atlantic. We'll stop by the Cuvilly Arts and Earth Center, to visit it's garden and shelter for farm animals, and then the day with a short "out and back" ride to Labor in Vain Creek. Today's ride totals 32 miles.
Day 3, Tuesday: Cape Ann Today
offers one our two longest rides, taking us on wooded back roads to Manchester
by the Sea. We'll ride along the ocean as we pass through tiny
Magnolia on our way to the historic seaport of Gloucester. You'll
enjoy our ride out to the
lighthouse at Eastern Point, before we cycle for a few
miles right along the rocky shores of Atlantic Road. Returning to
Stage Fort Park, there is an option for a van return to Ipswich.
The full route continues through the woods and along the Salt Marsh in
West Gloucester, then opens up for some great speed play on
wide-shouldered Rt. 133 back to Ipswich. Today's ride is 45 miles, or
30 miles with van return from Gloucester.
Day
4, Wednesday: The Old Stone
Walls Ride (half day) For
those of us who live here, these are our favorite cycling roads,
winding through the area's many state forests. Heading out Waldingfield
Rd. we cycle near the Trustees of Reservations property Appleton Farms,
and a couple on the paved bike path at Bradley
Palmer State Park. After riding along the Ipswich River Sanctuary on beautiful
Perkins Row, we continue on to tiny Topsfield and Boxford, we begin our
return on quiet paved roads that pass through Willowdale State
Forest. Today is a "half day", offering the opportunity to take
the commuter rail into Boston or spend some time hiking in our
wonderful nature preserves. Today's ride is 32 miles.
Day 5, Thursday: The
Merrimack River, Newburyport and Plum Island. This
full day ride takes us through the Great Salt Marsh on our way to and from
Newbury. Reaching the Merrimack River, we take a bake path out to
Plum Island for a loop through the ParkerRiver Wildlife Sanctuary. After lunch in
Newburyport,
we begin our return on quiet local roads through Byfield, passing again
through the Marsh. After we reach Rowley, you'll want to stop at
White Farms for some of the best ice cream in New England. Today's ride
is a relatively flat 45 miles. Van support back to Ipswich after lunch
in Newburyport offers the option of 30 miles.
Day
6, Friday: Crane Beach: For our
last morning together, we ride out Argilla Rd. to Crane Beach, a Trustees of
Reservations property, and a walk along the shore. On our we
return, we like to stop in at Russell Orchards to sample their
home-made munchies and cider! We return by 10 am for room checkout, and
our farewells.
Reviews
from previous Elderhostel / Exploritas tours:
"This was an outstanding trip. Thank you Gordon for the wonderful
rides."
"Wonderful biking area and knowledgeable guide made this program
outstanding"
"Gordon was helpful and patient while explaining the mechanics of
shifting to me."
"Gordon did the best trip we have been on. He had everything covered."
"Gordon is so well prepared not only for the biking but on the history,
geography etc of the area."
"Gordon was always helpful to everyone, flexible well informed, good
natured and sensitive to everyone's needs."
"Very enjoyable experience: Gordon was
an excellent guide and teacher. He planned the daily rides very well.
Alternate routes and plans were thorough throughout. We appreciated the
effort he put forth. Nothing was left to chance.
Click here to sign up for this tour at the Exploritas Site
Recommended reading for cycling in New England