dhcrusoe

Greetings all,

Looking back through the threads, I see that some people had posted about potential Boston - New York routes in 2010 (or so) and noted that the trails indicated on CT maps were theoretical, more than literal & existing -- in particular, the mid-state inland trails.

Has anyone here done the Boston - New York ride? Avoiding the worst (might end at the NY/CT border to ease things) urban sections, does anyone have beta to share about the coastal trail or the inland trail that's worth knowing for route planning? My goal is 3-4 days for ~200 miles, with a 1/2 loaded bike (tent, pad, some food etc., but limited additional gear).

Coastal trail seems to go down along US-1 from Providence, RI to points along CT and eventually in NYC. Concerns seem to be about urbanization and a few dicey neighborhoods. Camping is less an option.

Inland trails seem less traveled and potentially less developed, but would have camping options along the way (particularly if heading West from Boston, to cross near the crux of the CT/MA/NY border area NE of Hartford, near Sturbridge).

Of the two, the inland seems more interesting (more unique things to run across), and I'd love to learn route ideas from anyone who has done some, or all, of it.

Anyone out there have into to share? Experiences?

Thanks!
--Dave

bktourer1

I live in Springfield MA an dhave ridden from Boston home An have ridden th eback roads rail trails to NYC.
Camping can be found @ Black Rock SP in Conn (Thomaston ?) and at Kettletown Sp near Southbury. You can use the Farmington River Greenway in Conn & the North & South river Trails in Ny to get you into the Bronx. There are many hills in the Western part of Conn. Nice scenery and many facilities. You'll need to research bike shops. From Boston I took the Charles River to Waltham to rt 117 almost all the way to Worcester and made connections to RT 9 West. In Worcester I would stay away from the Worcester City Moten and head further south to Auburn (La Quinta & Comfort Inn ( mall nearby). After Motel head back north to Rt 9 and ride West to RT 148 which will take you to Sturbridge (Motels/Camping). After Sturbridge Rt 20 West to Springfield to make connections to Southwick to trail head for the Farmington Greenway. Look into Greenshowers hosts if you cant find camping. Another option to save a day, take MBTA Commuter Train (OFF PEAK) to worcester and ride from there. Contact me off list for further ifo.

Ed

indyfabz

FYI, unless you will be utilizing the GW Bridge, you won't be riding into Manhattan. There are numerous rail and ferry options from NY, CT and NJ. And expect more than 200 miles. It's more than 200 miles straight shot via the Interstate Highway routes.

One possible option if the mileage is not too great would be to get Adventure Cycling's Atlantic Coast route maps. I believe there is a Boston spur. Follow that route to Poughkeepsie, NY and catch the Metro North Hudson Line. Or keep riding to Middletown, NY or Port Jervis, NY and take the Port Jervis line to Hoboken, NJ and then either the ferry or PATH train to NYC. (The ferry ride is quite nice. During the weekends, it leaves from the 14th St. dock. During weekdays is leaves from the NJT train station in the center of Hoboken. Some bike restrictions on the PATH train during the weekdays. Don't know about Metro North or the ferry.

Too bad you don't have more time.

Bacciagalupe

I'd do either the ACA or ECG routes.

I'm not sure you will find decent tent camping sites within 50 miles of NYC though. I'd take less gear and stay in hotels.

bktourer1

1. get the rubels bike maps for Mass.
2. get the free ct bike map
3. online bike map for NYC @ Transportation Alternatives.
4. check ou the site Ken Roberts ( for upper westchester county)
5. Westchester County has the online North & South County Trail Maps

Look into Fahnstock Sp & Ward Pound Ridge & Warmshowers.org for cyclists who host cyclists

bktourer1

Plenty motels inthe Bethel / Danbury area

QueueCT

Tim Johnson's Ride on Washington (to support Bikes Belong) rides from Boston to DC each year. The most recent routes (inland) are posted on the website https://rideonwashington.org/route-and-schedule/. The route links are easy to find, they're "in-line" with the information about that day's ride.

As mentioned, the ride through Western CT is hilly but that's part of the charm. Once you hit Yorktown Heights in NY it's all trail into Manhattan. And you won't be riding the GW bridge into Manhattan, you'll take one of the bridges across the Harlem River from the Bronx.