Bike New England

Exploritas cycling tour of the Massachusetts North Shore,  for experienced cyclists

June 13-18, 2010, & September 12-17 , 2010

senior cyclistsBike 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!



Ipswich riverwalkDepending 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:

Elderhostel bike tourDay 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.

 
Coastal New England
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.

Elderhostel North Shore tourDay 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.


Elderhostel North Shore tour
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.

cycling the North ShoreDay 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.

 

 

Gordon Harris of Bike New England 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


 

 

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