Bike Ride from Falmouth to the Vineyard & around the island

Stay tuned for updates and the rain date will be Sunday June 8th

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Last year we parked near the Peter Pan terminal but it was a bummer getting back there after dark. This time I think it would be best to pay the $8 and park at the Palmer Ave Lot. We can still ride our bikes along the scenic Shinning sea bike path to Woods Hole. But on the way home take the "Bike Bus" from the ferry to the parking Lot.

(1 Oakwood Ave is a good address for your GPS - It's right across the street from the parking lot)

So be at the Palmer Ave Lot by 745 AM... WE will be leaving the Palmer Ave lot shortly after 8 so we can stop at Pie in the Sky for yummy Coffees, Teas & Lattes before we board the Ferry.

Take the 930 am Steamship Authority Ferry to Oak Bluffs,

Then Pedal our way through West Tisbury to the Menemsha bike Ferry (if it's open) Approx 20 Miles. this part can get hilly in places. A great workout I must say.

We can rest and have lunch at the Beach in Gay Head. (is that beach still have the clothing optional policy?) Tan your can if you wish !!!

After our break. We'll pedal back along the southern Route to Edgartown for another stop. Approx 22 Miles

After which we will proceed to Oak Bluffs to lick our wounds and sooth are aching arse's - 7 Miles

THIS ISN'T A RACE BUT IT CERTAINLY IS NOT FOR THE NOVICE RIDER.

Please don't let this be your first ride of the year.!!!

Get your bike tuned up, have a few rides.

We will travel on bike paths for as much as we can. (about half the day) but much of our trip will be on regular roads. PLEASE WEAR HELMETS & OTHER SAFETY GEAR !!

Cuz we will leave you for dead if you are woefully unprepared. (that was a joke btw)

Lucky for all of us. The vineyard (https://www.meetup.com/socialnetwork-1414/events/168774942/) public buses all have bike racks attached just in case of bike or the rider breaks down.

Bring Plenty of Water and Snacks...and sunscreen

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Last year we ended the tour at Nancy's in Oak Bluffs with some live music and cool drinks. I hope many of you can join us.

NO-SHOWS ON THIS WILL PISS ME OFF. SO PLEASE UPDATE YOUR STATUS IF YOU CAN'T MAKE IT.

Bike Routes - depending on how many sign up (https://www.meetup.com/socialnetwork-1414/events/168774942/) we might be able to break up into a couple of groups. One for the ones who want a long 30+ mile workout and the others a more relaxed scenic ride.

Route 1 (Shorter Route) We will all ride together through the bike trails which are mostly flat to West Tisbury. Then this group can stay on the trails and head to Edgartown, South Beach, and back to Oak Bluffs. Last year we relaxed at South Beach for a while, then grabbed lunch at a great little restaurant at the airport. This route is approximately 25 miles - sounds like a lot but it's easy riding and at a relaxed pace is very doable for anyone in decent shape with a good bike.

Route 2 (Longer Route) We will start (https://www.meetup.com/socialnetwork-1414/events/168774942/) out together from Oak Bluffs through bike trails to West Tisbury and then vear off to Menemsha via Chilmark, over the bike ferry then an optional ride to Gay Head Light. We will backtrack and go through Edgartown. The entire route will be about 45 miles and have some good hills.

Here is a link to the bike trail maps. I will try to remember to print some out before I go. But I suggest you download your own. http://www.capecodbiketrails.com/Bike%20Trail%20Maps.htm

We can meetup at Nancy's in Oak Bluffs for some libations, then figure out dinner. The last Oak Bluffs ferry leaves at 6:15 pm. So we will need to bike to Vineyard Haven to catch a later ferry. If anyone wants to join for part of the day and leave earlier, you're more than welcome to do so.

All of the Vineyard buses have bike racks on them and you can hail them like a cab if you get stuck.

BRING WATER, SNACKS & SUNSCREEN !!!! There are places where you cannot buy any.

Please don't let this be your first ride.

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