Bike Ride from Falmouth to the Vineyard & around the Island
Details
Back by popular demand
This is also posted in my South Shore Group
PLEASE PLEASE read the entire posting before asking questions. I changed a few things for this year.
NEW ROUTE - we'll be starting the trip as we usually do but instead of returning via Edgartown we'll head out into the state forest and return to Oak Bluffs via Vineyard haven. This will add about 7 miles to the trip for a total of about 30 miles. That said... this ride is quite social and not a "Tour de France" kind of crowd. If you would like to have a more aggressive ride you're welcome to start and finish with us. I can give you directions of which bike paths or roads to take. I've done most of them. Another change is that I'm limiting the group to 25. In years past we've had double that number and, although fun, Got too much to manage.
EBIKES Welcome
PAHKING - (There is Free Parking at the lot next to the Peter Pan Bus Terminal at 59 Depot Ave Falmouth. (Across the street from the Peter Pan lot) So please be at the Peter Pan Lot by 730 AM... It's only a short distance from the Palmer Ave Lot so you can still take the bus back from the ferry at night.
We will be leaving the parking lot shortly after 8 so we can stop at Pie in the Sky for yummy Coffees, Teas, Lattes or smoothies before we board the Ferry.
We Take the 930 am Steamship Authority Ferry to Oak Bluffs, Return on the 615 pm from Oak Bluffs to Woods Hole. There are earlier boats from Vineyard Haven if you choose
After arriving in Oak Bluffs we gather in Ocean Park by the Gazebo. Then bike to Edgartown, pick up some lunch, snacks & beverages then hit South Beach for a swim or just a picnic. Then (and I haven't done this in years) we head out to the state forest towards West Tisbury / Chilmark. It's nice comfortable riding there with wide paved trails.
We can stop at the Alpaca farm on the way. There is a $5 entrance fee but it's a cool place to visit with some interesting gifts.
After a break out there we'll head up to Vineyard Haven for another break and those who wish to leave on an earlier boat may do so (3:30). After a short stop there we'll head back to Oak Bluffs and pass the scenic East Chop Lighthouse. Finally we'll stop at Nancy's to replenish our fluids and have something to eat.
Finally we take the 615 boat home. It's a long day but a memorable one.
• What to bring
water, sunscreen, bathing suit, snacks, a good hat and please make sure your bike is tuned up a few weeks before our ride. Please don't make this your first ride of the year. See you on the Path !