Backroad Bicycling in Western Massachusetts: 30 Rides in the Berkshires, Hampshire County, the Mohawk Trail, and the Pioneer Valley

by Andi Marie Cantele

Overview

Rides for both road and mountain bikes on paved roads, dirt lanes, and mountain trails throughout the state.

The hills and valleys of western Massachusetts are a prime destination for cyclists of all persuasions who seek tranquil, rural areas and challenging, enjoyable rides on roads free of traffic and congestion. The 30 rides collected here follow scenic country roads with a variety of terrain that also feature geographic, historical, and cultural interest. The rides range in length from short jaunts to challenging multi-day tours. Each tour description includes directions to the start as well as distance, terrain, road or trail surface, approximate riding time, and the recommended type of bike to use. Along with mile-by-mile directions, author Andi Fusco provides fascinating commentary on the history and culture of the region. Also included are listings for bike rentals, repair shops, and lodgings for overnight tours. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780881505597
Publisher:	Countryman Press, The
Publication date:	02/17/2003
Series:	Backroad Bicycling
Pages:	202
Product dimensions:	5.10(w) x 7.50(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Andi Marie Cantele is a freelance writer and professional gardener who enjoys hiking, rowing and cycling. She is the author of 52 Weekends in Connecticut, Explorer’s Guide New Jersey, Explorer’s Guide Connecticut, and cycling guides to Connecticut, New Hampshire, and western Massachusetts in Countryman’s Backroad Bicycling series. Her work has also appeared in Yankee Magazine, Bark magazine, and Best Places to Stay in New England. She lives in Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills region.

Table of Contents

	Acknowledgments	9
	Backroad Bicycle Tours at a Glance	10
	Introduction	15
	The Southern Berkshires
1	Housatonic River Villages	27
2	The Berkshires to the Twin Lakes	33
3	Stockbridge	39
4	Great Barrington to New York	45
5	Lenox	51
6	Sheffield to Mill River	57
7	Massachusetts--Connecticut--New York: A Three-State Tour	61
8	Lee to Lenox	67
	The Northern Berkshires
9	The Deerfield River and the Hoosac Range	75
10	The Northern Berkshires	79
11	Williamstown	85
12	Mount Greylock	89
13	The Berkshire Hills: A Two-Day Tour	95
14	Cheshire Reservoir	109
15	Across the Taconics: Williamstown to New York	113
	The Hampshire Hills
16	Mohawk Trail Villages: Shelburne Falls and Charlemont	119
17	The Hampshire Hills	123
18	New Boston to Otis	127
19	Beartown State Forest via Tyringham	131
20	River Roads: Shelburne Falls to Vermont	137
21	The Skyline Trail	143
22	Hills and Villages	147
23	Ashfield to Shelburne Falls	151
	The Pioneer Valley
24	The Upper Pioneer Valley: Greenfield to Guilford, Vermont	159
25	Historic Deerfield	165
26	The Southwick Jog	171
27	The Connecticut River: Northampton to Sunderland	175
28	The Connecticut River: Greenfield to Sunderland	181
29	The Hamptons	185
30	Northampton to Chesterfield	191