Need route suggestions - Boston to Western PA
 

I currently live near Boston, but I was born and raised in Western PA. I am considering riding all or part of the way as part of our annual summer vacation. Any recommendations on possible routes?

Take the commuter train to Worcester and use back roads to Rt. 20 West to Springfield. In Springfield you could camp out in my yard and them I can put you onto back roads and rail trails to NYC. My e-mail address should be in my profile, if not let me know

Ed

By the way, get the CT state bike map and Rubels bike maps for MA

Ed

Where were you born in WPA?

Here's a map of state designated bike routes across PA. http://thirdwave-websites.com/bike/trailmap.gif

Here's the link that describes them:
http://www.dot.state.pa.us/BIKE/WEB/tour_routes.htm

Just noticed that you are a Brown's fan. From WPA and a Brown's fan? Did they throw you out of PA? :roflmao::roflmao:

A Pats fan because you are now from Boston but a Brown's fan?? :eek:

Sharon, PA. I grew up in Sharpsville.

If you locate Sharpsville, PA on the map you will notice that it is about 1/2 way between Cleveland and Pittsburgh and my father was/still is a huge Browns fan. I do follow the Pats now, but I am still first and foremost a Browns fan.

Here is my initial shot at a route.

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united...rose/124751255

I may try another one through CT, NY and into NE PA.

Also, does anyone know if there is a bike path that runs along the Erie Canal through upstate NY?

I think you can ride the mule trails for most of it. Also there are the bike routes for NYS 5 and 9 that travel from Mass to Buffalo.


Maybe that is the way to go then drop down 16 toward Eldred PA, pick up 6 to Smethport and across 59 from Smethport (not sure if this is the prop. number. I will have to check it again. But once you make Western PA and the Alleghanies you are golden on roads. Though there are some crap climbs between Bradford and Warren. if you take the 16 drop down.

I am from Bradford Pa originally.

Huge EDIT!

Okay so I went over your route as planned again. I like your thinking; Stop in Watkins, Seneca Falls (right through the heart of the Finger Lakes!), then along 20 in NYS good call. Lots of quite time in Pa also… I don’t know that I would personally take 6 but there isn’t a problem with it. Just don’t like the set up from Eldred through Sheffield.

Couple things though, I don’t know how long I would want to stay along route 6, there are a lot of log trucks through there and small shoulders. And I mean A LOT!

Between Painted Post and Watkins Glen is a major route and they were doing construction last time I was through there two years ago so I don’t know what the changes are but I am sure there will be lots of traffic on that winding road.

Also along 20A and 20, near the west side of Cazenovia (ex girl friend went to school there) is a cool little town with some great little creek waterfalls. Very scenic! The town can’t recall the name) is the home of the “Oz” author and the roads are… you guessed it, painted yellow! It is cool to bike through on a quite day.

You lose me after Albany, I have been through Mass only on the pike and only via auto.

I have cue sheet from my ride from Springfield Ma to NYC via back roads, and rail trails.
u want? send me e-mail

ED

The waterfall is halfway between Cazenovia and Chittenango on NYS 13 about 4 miles north of Caz.

Route 20 is a very rideable road with wide shoulders In some sections it is VERY hilly. One mile up and one mile down. Some of the bigger climbs are near Cherry Valley, Morrisville, Cazenovia, Pompey, and many others. If you enjoy hills Route 20 is a reasonable way to go.

The Erie Canal trail is completed about 65-70% of the way from Albany to Buffalo. My 12 year old son and I traveled in last summer. It's nice and mostly flat, but it is not a fast route. The Adventure Cyclist's trail across New York State is nice, but is considerably further north that were you are looking.

I live in central NYS so I am happy to answer your questions about this area.
Wells