This does look interesting but it has one problem - it runs completely around The Cow Tunnel which appears to be under rt225 half a mile west of Carlisle Center. Not that The Cow Tunnel (or even just a cow tunnel) is significant in the cosmic sense but it does provide a subject for conversation and historical conjecture. (Why did the cow cross the road? She didn't. She went through the tunnel. How may cows does it take to change a light bulb? None. They go through the tunnel to get back to the barn before dark.)

A slightly different problem with this ride is that it starts up in Chelmsford. If you're coming from Melrose and will be pressed for time that is further away than it need be. Of course we don't need to do it exactly. Rather, it provides a basis for judging candidate roads.

biikinggrrrl, you'll have to chime in on a starting place that can hold a few cars without bothering anyone. I'm wondering about that ice cream stand on rt225 east of Carlisle Center, where I've seen a farmers' market occasionally. I don't recall the name but it is easy to find. Another option is the boat landing on the north (westbound) side of rt225 on the east bank of the Concord River.

Or we could start in Concord (giving sbp a place to meet up, perhaps by bike). We could park along the boat landing (on Lowell Rd by the Old Calf pasture). The road there gets a lot of parked cars during warmer weather and few now. Or we could start at the North Bridge (Minute Man Historical Park). The lot on Monument St isn't very big but a few cars wouldn't be noticed. There is a bigger lot at the park headquarters on the connector road between Liberty St and Monument St. There are restrooms there and at the Monument Rd lot. Plus it is easier to get to from rt128 because you don't have to drive through Bedford.

Yes? No? Thoughts?