The Valley Ride (including the Hills)

Location: Pioneer Valley

Type: Road Ride

When: Spring -Summer and Fall!

Distance: 25 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,100 ft.

Map & Cue Sheet: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1368777

Overview / What to Expect:: Living in Conway I do this ride (or more likely a variation) often. The loop has everything a roadie likes: good blacktop, classic New England scenery, some challenges, and lots of options. The route is great at any time of the road riding season. I suggest starting in Conway and going clockwise. By the time one gets to Ashfield the bulk of the climbing will be done.

The three small towns are eight to ten miles apart so one does not have to go far between food/water stops. Even better, each town has at least one unique cafe and/or place to get great food. Conway has Page's Coffee Bar. Ashfield has Elmer's and Countrypie Pizza Company. Shelburn Falls has McCuskers Market, Mocha Maya's, West End Pub and a number of others. 

For cyclists with more time and ambition it is easy to branch out from any one these towns to extend the route for more great riding.

Courtesy of: Peter Gill

Kingdom Trails

Location: East Burke, VT

Type: Trail, Mtn. Biking, X Country Skiing

Overview: A multiple-use trail system unlike any other and recently voted as the BEST MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL NETWORK in North America by Bike Magazine in their annual Reader's Poll. We were also the Editors' Choice in the 2011 edition of the Yankee Magazine Travel Guide to New England. We operate these non-motorized trails year-round with opportunities for all levels of ability.

We were also named BEST OF NEW ENGLAND by Boston Magazine Travel & Life. We are located in East Burke, Vermont, named one of the 101 Best Outdoor Towns in the U.S. Enjoy the pastoral and wild setting in the rolling hills of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom while you are MOUNTAIN BIKING, HIKING, TRAIL RUNNING, NORDIC SKIING, and SNOWSHOEING.

What to Expect: click here to find updated trail conditions: http://www.kingdomtrails.com/

Events: http://www.kingdomtrails.com/category/events/month

Directions From:

Southern Vermont, Central Mass., Connecticut, New York:

Take I-91 North to Exit 23 (Lyndonville) go right off ramp on Route 5 North, take right on Route 114 North to East Burke (5 miles)

Boston, New Hampshire:

Take I-93 North to end at I-91, follow North to Exit 23 (Lyndonville), go right off ramp onto Rte 5 follow through village, take right on Rte 114 North and follow to East Burke Village.

North- Newport, Quebec:

Interstate 91 to Exit 24, left onto Rte 122 follow 2 miles (3 KM) and go straight through street light onto Route 114 North 5 mi. to East Burke.

West – Montpelier, Burlington:

Interstate 89 to Rte 2 West through Montpelier to St. Johnsbury, take I-91 North to Exit 23, right off ramp, follow Rte 5 North 2 miles to Right onto Rte 114 North, follow 6 miles to East Burke.

Bachelor Street

Location: Belchertown, MA

Type: Trail, Mtn. Biking

Overview: Jacobs Ladder

What to Expect: Lots of Techincal Fun!

Directions: Coming Soon!

Courtesy of: Karen Korza

Earl's Trails

Location: Hadley, MA

Type: Trail, Mtn. Biking, Snow Shoeing

Overview: A well maintained local trail system. With hours of riding. Acess to swimming!

What to Expect: Well maintained trails, combo of climbing and flats - lots of roots in certain sections - LOTS of FUN!

Directions: Access from Bay Road in Hadley or the end of Chmura Road off 47 in Hadley - Just before your enter the woody section approaching Skinner State Park.