Northeast - Any good century routes starting/ending in Boston?

Hi,

I was looking to log some good endurance miles in this weekend and was wondering if anyone new of any good routes to take for a 100+- mile ride that would start and end in our at least very close to Boston.

Thanks.

I've got two routes up on Bikely (all of my routes start from Harvard Square in Cambrdige)

The Metrowest Century (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Metrowest-Century) is my training ride for brevets and other endurance events. Goes west from Cambridge to Framingham and Sutton and the Blackstone River valley, then turns north and heads through Worcester to the Wachusett Reservoir, angles over to Bolton and then goes eastward through, Acton, Stow and Concord before returning to Cambridge. Nice tour of the near western 'burbs, with some decent climbs. 106 mi w/ ~ 3600 ft. of climbing.

The Cambridge to Cape Ann (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Cambridge-to-Cape-Ann) century is a much easier ride that heads out to the North Shore and back. It's a favorite amongst my social circle, as we have friends who live in Rockport, and this ride is a nice excuse to visit them. There's also a commuter rail that runs along much of the route, so if you don't feel like doing a full century, it's easy enough to ride to Rockport, then take your bike on the train back to North Station. Everything between Salem and Rockport is gorgeous. Everything between Wakefield and Medford is less picturesque. 100 miles w/ ~2000 ft. of climbing.

I've got a southern century that I sketched out for a friend who works in Pawtucket, RI and asked for help in figuring out a route for bike commuting on Friday. I have one half of the route up on Gmap Pedometer (link (http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=336697)). We made it a century by adding a second half that goes through, like Norton, Sharon and Randolph.

Not trying to hijack, but does anyone know of any truly brutal climbs close to the city? I'm talking 15-25% grades even if they are pretty short. Any options?

Hey Idesfor1@ithaca,

you should check out Summit Ave in Brookline. It is great for hill repeats. It not too long, but is a killer.

HAHA!! this is the hill i hit weekly and it is killer! i've never seen other cyclists on it though. My best time from beacon st to the blue fire hydrant at the true crest of the hill is 2:45. This is one way i will try and mesaure my fitness as the year progresses.
I live a mile from there so it is very convenient... wanna ride sometime??

Thanks for the reply though!!

-Leo

i'm way late on this - but - Blue Hills in Milton. The paved fire road to the weather observatory - 1 mile up, about 500-600 feet.

I do repeats on this hill and it makes most other hills seem like speed bumps.

Great descent too - windy, sharp and fast.