Western Massachusetts is a Cycling Destination
Ride Noho
Photo by Joseph Hom
Over 20 Miles of paved trails, some of the best roads for cycling, and breweries and wineries easily accessible by bike are just a few reasons to add Hampshire County to your biking bucket list.
Northampton, MA – June, 2016 – Picture yourself cycling through rolling farmland and past small New England towns, complete with great restaurants, shopping, and breweries and wineries. While New England is often known for its coastline, the mountainous and forested beauty of its Western region is not-to-be-missed, especially where cycling is concerned.
Whether a visitor is a cycling expert or someone just looking to take in some fresh air and gorgeous scenery, Hampshire County is the place for exploration, offering a variety of terrains that match all levels of experience. Paved-over old train tracks make for great, family-friendly bike paths, and in Hampshire County, there are over 20 miles to cover. The Manhan Rail Trail extends from downtown Northampton to Easthampton, and will soon reach all the way to New Haven, Connecticut. The Norwottuck Rail Trail takes you past farmland through Hadley and Amherst to end in Belchertown, and will eventually connect to Boston. And the Northampton Bikeway zips riders up to Florence and Leeds.
Cyclists who are more comfortable hitting the road can adventure through some of the back roads through the hilltowns of Goshen, Williamsburg, and Hadley. Outdoor Magazine named the Northampton area as having some of the best roads for cycling. All these bike trails and bike-friendly roads connecting the towns means it also connects visitors to endless itinerary options, all by bike. Recently, a Boston blogger shared a day of biking and beer tasting; depending on the season cyclists can also plan to take in fall foliage, visit swimming holes, or check out local farms.
Cycling clubs and events in the region provide resources and camaraderie. The July 23 Northampton Cycling Club Tour of the Hilltowns, a 94 mile course, is a New England classic while the club’s Tuesday night time trial hill climb races are short, fun, and informal, perfect for drop ins. Ride NoHo, the area’s fixed-based bicycle touring and instructional camps provides bicycle tours in the area, as well as workshops for cyclists. Ride NoHo’s Wheels & Wine tour in September brings together the area’s beautiful scenery with its excellent food and wine scene. The tour includes two bike trips, several meals at local restaurants, and a tour and tasting at Black Birch Vineyards.
Ride NoHo proprietor Elaine Tiboni explained the appeal of the region for cyclists. “The Pioneer Valley is uniquely positioned to offer a variety of riding options that would satisfy every level of cyclist. An extensive network of bike paths and flat roads along the Connecticut River are easily accessible to families and those who prefer a casual level of riding or perhaps that avid cyclist who is tempted by a flat ride. For those looking for more challenging terrain there are rolling hills and 20+ percent climbs within minutes of getting out of town. Many roads are lightly traveled by cars and go on for miles without a stop sign or stop light allowing for quiet, stress-free road riding by beautiful farmlands and charming villages. This combination makes the Pioneer Valley exceptional for bicyclists.”
For more information on cycling and other outdoor activities in Hampshire County, visit www.visithampshirecounty.com/explore/recreation/.
About the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council
The Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council is a destination marketing partnership of the Amherst Area, Greater Easthampton, and Greater Northampton Chambers of Commerce. One of 16 Regional Tourism Councils in Massachusetts, the HCRTC works in close partnership with the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. Learn more at http://visithampshirecounty.com or visit Hampshire County on Facebook www.facebook.com/visithampshirecounty or Twitter www.twitter.com/othersidema.
Contact:
Meghan Malloy, Pop! Marketing Communications
meghan@popmarcomm.com
617-785-4476