Northeast - Western New England Ride List

I'm compiling a list of rides happening within a two hour drive from Amherst, MA, and posting it on my blog. I have two separate posts -- one for early-to-mid-season rides, and, most recently, a list (http://velophoria.blogspot.com/2009/08/end-of-season-rides-western-new-england.html) of rides from Aug. through end of season.

I had to cull the info from many, many different sources, so I thought posting it all together on my blog might be useful. Still, I'm positive the list is incomplete. I invite everyone to visit the blog and use the comments section to suggest a ride you know of. Please read the opening paragraphs for criteria for submission.

You can find a link to the first (early-to-mid-season) list within the current post (the link above).

Enjoy!

I have nothing to add for rides, but that's an awesome idea. I'd like to do the same in my area of Mass, but haven't found the time lately.

I'm actually working on a detailed map of the Blackstone Bikeway, because every published map I've seen is lacking. I plan on offering it to the Blackstone project after I'm done, because their site sorely needs updating.

My long term goal would be to create a comprehensive riding map of Massachusetts that's complete and accurate with MUPs listed as well as roads. Rubels isn't all that great in my opinion, just better than nothing. In Rhode Island, the RIDOT bike map is FREE to print out and it's just as good, if not better than Rubels. I would collect the map information in the same fashion you're currently using for your blog, since I probably won't ride every nook and cranny of Mass in the near future.

Great idea to share ride lists! I was already planning to ride the COVAC and the Ashford Metric+, but I hadn't seen the Livestrong event down in Hartford before I read your list.

Here's a couple to add:

The Great River Ride, Oct. 11 in Westfield, MA. According to the event website, you have the option to ride as a recreational rider, or as a timed event. http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=7341

This one is too late for this year (it was last weekend), but I thought it was worth mentioning in case people are already thinking about next year's schedule. Last weekend I rode in the 18th Annual Steeple Chase down in Willamantic, CT. Great event with well stocked rest stops and a challenging course. I did the 64 mile route, but they also have a full century and a couple of shorter options. http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1719767&assetId=555E1A33-D392-4CB3-B115-08C5028D6640

Great thoughts, folks. DX, I would gladly link to such a map if you create it -- quite a project! I myself have enjoyed Rubels, faults and all, but I hear their distribution is spotty these days. In any case, would always be glad for an option! Open-source mapping... clever.

Steve, appreciate the contributions. I'll try to amend the post soon with the Oct. one, and keep the Aug. one for next year. Next year I'm considering publishing a calendar on the blog around April or so, with all the dates for rides throughout the season, and links, as well.

BTW, Steve, where are you in Western MA?

BTW, Steve, where are you in Western MA?


I'm near the Wilbraham/Palmer line, just off of Rt. 20. And you?

For your calendar for next year, there's also the K-Ride the first weekend of June up in Amherst: http://www.kride.org/Default.asp

I post a cycling events calendar on the web that covers some of the area you are interested in ....

http://lifestylebydesign.org/eventscalendar.html

spindog, that's a great calendar, and has at least a few I've not seen before -- quite helpful, thank you.


Steve, I'd say I'm no more than a 25 minute drive from you, near Belchertown center. Funny, huh?! How're the routes down there south of the Pike?

spindog, that's a great calendar, and has at least a few I've not seen before -- quite helpful, thank you.


Steve, I'd say I'm no more than a 25 minute drive from you, near Belchertown center. Funny, huh?! How're the routes down there south of the Pike?

Cool...I ride up your way on a regular basis. From my place, it's easy to pick up Washington St. or Liberty St. in Three Rivers (both parallel Rt. 181, but with less traffic), and head up to 202. Lots of great farm roads in Palmer/Ludlow/Granby/Belchertown. We should try to hook up for a ride sometime.

Another of my regular rides is to take Rt. 20 out to Rt. 32 in Palmer, and follow that down to Stafford Springs, CT. Then I'll take Rt. 190 to Rt. 83, and follow that back into MA through Hamden and back up to Rt. 20. That's a nice route. I usually do that one early on a Sunday morning, with minimal traffic. One nice thing about that loop is that at about the half way point I pass the West Stafford school on 190, which has a porta-potty by their athletic fields. ;)

Yes, I've done Washington St., not a bad way to get North/South in this area. How long's that Stafford Springs loop, and how much climbing?

Most of my long rides go up East St. through Amherst, and from there through Leverett, Shutesbury and sometimes Wendell. Nice long hills!

Yes, I've done Washington St., not a bad way to get North/South in this area. How long's that Stafford Springs loop, and how much climbing?

Most of my long rides go up East St. through Amherst, and from there through Leverett, Shutesbury and sometimes Wendell. Nice long hills!

The Stafford Springs loop is about 42 miles. Nice rolling hills typical of our area, with one big climb on Rt. 190.

Another for your list: Mt. Wachusett Metric, Sunday October 18th. Linky (http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1791891&assetId=53B6DDFF-E83E-4C85-872E-0240C22709F7)

How many riders are allowed to sign up for that?

Any info on the gradients for the climbs on that? Haven't been out that way so I am unfamiliar with the area/course. Thanks for any info.

How many riders are allowed to sign up for that?

Any info on the gradients for the climbs on that? Haven't been out that way so I am unfamiliar with the area/course. Thanks for any info.

Not sure...I haven't participated in that ride before, and the organizer's website doesn't have a ton of detail. The Mt. Wachusett ski area lists the summit as being 2006 feet, but not knowing the route coming up to and then climbing the mountain, I don't know how that translates to the amount of climbing on the ride.

I've got that one on my "maybe" list....there are other events I plan to participate in for the two Sundays in October before that, so by then I may either not feel like another organized ride, or have house/yard chores to catch up on. But the starting point is less than an hour from my house, so it's tempting.

I post a cycling events calendar on the web that covers some of the area you are interested in ....

http://lifestylebydesign.org/eventscalendar.html


Spindog, I have your site bookmarked !!
Best single location of New England rides I seen in awhile.
At least as comprehensive as the old CRANE website.
Just need a spot for ride reviews... :p

Thanks again !

J. :thumb:

Hey Joe,

I have actually just confirmed some new ride dates for the ones that I could not find info for ... just need to make the time to get onto my site, reorganize it and update new links, ride dates and new start locations Work keeps interfering with my working out (Damn them!! :) and it is hard to find time for quality rides, my career, keeping the house together and updating my ride calendar. I will get my priorities in order and hopefuly by Labor Day get this calendar complete (enough ... I leave out the humungous $$$$ fundraisers and short only rides due to minimal interest from my crazy self). If there is enugh interest in people looking for shorter family and recreation events .. I will surely add those in next season as well.

Stay tuned for next years ride summaries ... collections of reviews from riders about the good, the bad and the ugly along with recommended area accomodations and any known discounts. I will also list which rides and routes are doable unsupported with the approximate mileage to places to refuel and relieve oneself on Saturdays and Sundays as the list can signifiacally change depending on what day it is.

Enjoy!

Cheryl