Road Trippin’ by Bike
Photo by Joseph Hom
Do you like road trips? How about on two wheels? Our region has been called the best East Coast adventure destination for road biking, and we have some great bicycle touring companies to help you get rolling! Their bicycle tours range from pleasurable treks for those looking to explore to extreme adventures for the experienced rider looking for the ultimate challenge.
This summer, Mount Major Adventures has been hosting Bike Farm Table Weekends — trips that combine the farm-to-table movement with the fun of exploring by bicycle. Mount Major will take you on beautiful and peaceful rides to local farms where you will meet our local farmers and harvest food at the peak of its season. The real treat comes next when you hand off the ingredients to a distinguished local chef from Bistro Les Gras and sit down to a three-course gourmet meal prepared with the harvest. You can't get fresher than that.
Bike Farm Table Weekends were featured in the Boston Globe’s “Here, There and Everywhere” picks. Dates for 2013 are June 28 to 30, July 19 to 21, August 9 to 11, August 23 to 25, and September 6 to 8. Participating farms include Crimson & Clover in Northampton, Mockingbird Farm in Easthampton, and Old Friends Farm in Amherst.
Northampton’s resident bicycle touring company Ride Noho has a variety of trips for you, too. In August, Wheels and Wine will take you on a guided ride through our region and then wine and dine you at Black Birch Vineyard (August 17 to 18). In September, take on the 10,000 Foot Century Bike Ride and climb 100 miles in a day’s ride (September 7 to 8). In October, soak up the fall foliage by bike with the Autumn Adventure (October 13 to 16).
Got a group but can’t make these dates? Ride Noho happily arranges private tours for groups of six or more. Not sure about your skill level? Ride Noho’s instructional road bike camps were also named one of the top ten adult summer camps.
Both sets of packages include lodging at the historic Hotel Northampton, some of your meals, and knowledgeable riding guides who have been touring a while.
So pack you other set of wheels (or get 'em when you're here) and explore Hampshire County with the wind whipping through your hair and the road rushing beneath you. We promise you won't be too sore about it.