[veloellen]

Hi. We have a free week in August and are thinking about a bike tour in Cape Cod. I've never been there and we used to tour before children so anxious to find easy riding, not spend all day on the bike and sightsee a bit too. We will take a tandem with husband and 6 year old and road bike for me. Anyone done this, have experience, have suggestions....anything? Maybe a mix of camping and cheapish motels if possible, no more than 40 miles/day (this is flexible) - about 5 days of cycling.
Thanks!

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[professorkev]

Hi! We do the family truip to cape cod all the time, it's flat and beautiful with many stops to take. Mid cape is the most popular area, but he tip has a wonderful beach area. My wife is the big Cape ocdder, but from my experience you are best to book a hotel to coordinate with the trip. They book up, are expensive no matter where you go (and you want one with a pool). I am not sure what they offer for camping. I would be scared of biking there because of all the traffic an narrow roads and small shoulders. BUT, I haven't done it, many people do and traffic may be congested but is typically friendly. Iwould suggest getting bike route maps because of the narrow shoulders (or no shoulders)

[stevesurf]

We abs. love the Cape!
Sunday school ice creme, Kreme n Cone, Chatham Bars Inn, the B&B's in Harwichport, the ride to Welfleet:

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/trails/print/ccrt.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/ccrt.htm

PM me if you'd like further details!

[professorkev]

Chatham area is nice, much to do for tourists, shops and such. Fleetwood is a quieter area I believe, not much around I think, bu pretty. Man I can't wait to be done with winter.

[tandemedge]

The Cape Cod trail is a very family friendly with numerous places to stop. We tandem it often and find it a great place to get away from the Cape Cod traffic. Our children are grown but we see families all along the trail. Nickerson State Park has camping, is almost centered on the Cape and the trail runs along side the park. Inside the park there are bike and walking trails and fresh water swimming. Coast Guard beach, although not on the main trail, is accessed easily and safely from the trail. One short ride down a lightly traveled street and cross RT 6 at a traffic light. In Welfleet, near the north end of the trail, is Marconi National Seashore a must see when at the Cape. It is listed and lives up to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
I would not recommend cycling on the main roads of the Cape with a family as the traffic can be heavy and the drivers, although on vacation, not the friendliest lot. We have, and even with years of experience touring, find the experience anything but relaxing. Stick to the trails and you will have a wonder time. We usually make it out to the Cape for one long weekend per summer and enjoy every minute. The links provided by "Stevesurf" will provide all the trail maps you will need. Make a few copies stick them in your jersey pocket and take off for the day.
Happy cycling .... enjoy!

[billbass]

I live on the cape most of the year, and I like to ride the Cape Cod Canal. Either side, or direction depending on the wind. Then drive over to North Falmouth, and do the Shining Sea bike path to Woods Hole.Woods Hole is awesome, and that ride is shorter than the canal, but really nice.Winds along the beach at Falmouth heights, thru marshland, and woods. You could spend a whole day just hanging around Woods Hole. If you're down towards Brewster, and Harwich, look up my band, The Cape Cod Slackers. We're there all summer, and have some of the best gigs on the cape. Good luck. Happy riding.
Bill
www.slackersatwork.net (http://www.slackersatwork.net)

[billbass]

I know this was an old thread, but the cape never gets old, so...
Bill

[veloellen]

Thanks Bill - still reading the responses.

[veloellen]

Well, the plans are taking shape. HAve our reservations for 3 nights at Nickerson and 2 nights in MV. We will leave Nickerson and take car and leave in the ferry lot so we're not backtracking at the end of our vacation. Sticking to Mon - Fri to stay away from weekend traffic. THANKS SO MUCH for the suggestions!

[ebawho]

You guys only like the cape because you don't have to live there.

Sure, I guess its nice for tourists, but if you decide to ride on the road, expect massive amounts of traffic. Traffic consisting of confused tourists talking on a cell phone drinking ice coffee/eating ice cream trying to figure out where they are going. Not to mention that most of the cars they will be recklessly driving around are of the 2ton SUV variety.

sorry for the negativity, but I'm so glad to be away from the cape for a while..

[billbass]

Ebawho. Where were you living on the cape?
Bill

[tandemedge]

ebawho,
I couldn't agree more with your statement. The roads on the Cape during "high season" are dangerous and should not be tried by the faint of heart or the inexperienced. We have found the "tourists" to be just what you said .. confused and occupied with other things more important than driving. This applies not only to the Cape but also the islands - Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.
In fact, it applies to most vacation areas. I lived on the coast of Southern Maine for years, just north of Kennebunkport, and found the Summer to be the most dangerous time to be on the road. It, like the Cape, is a beautiful place to ride but do it with the understanding that you are invisible to the SUV whose driver is talking on the cell, trying to find the turn to Auntie Alice's cottage, arguing with his wife and listening to the kids fight in the back seat. To him, you are not a factor nor a consideration.
Edge
PS Maine now has one of the best bike groups in the US ... check it out at www.bikemaine.org It is an impressive website with great programs and activities. I wish CT would have a group this active and creative.

[billbass]

Hey Veloellen! You can look me up at the Woodshed in Brewster on 6a. Right up the street from the Nickerson parking/ entrance. We're there every Mon, and Thurs. I'm the bass player in the C.C.Slackers.That's a perfect spot to ride in either direction. You can ride all the way to Provincetown from there.
Billbass
www.billrountree.net

[cranky old dude]

We camped at Sweetwater Forest Campground in 1995 and
found it to be very family freindly. There was a paved bike path just
outside the campground entrance with access to both salt
water and fresh water beaches. Might be worth looking up
on the internet.