Bike the Upper Charles Rail Trail

It's been a year since we've done this trail. An easy-to-get-to location, just off Route 495. The Upper Charles Trail, approximately 26 miles long, runs through the towns of Milford, Ashland, Sherborn, Holliston, Framingham, and Hopkinton. The trail includes both paved and crushed stone dust sections. Both hybrid and road bikes will be OK for this trail, as the stone dust is very well packed.

We'll start our ride on this 'V-shaped' trail (http://www.milfordtrail.org) at Fino Field in Milford and head north past Milford Pond and Louisa State Park toward Hopkinton. There'll be great opportunities to view wildlife in the adjacent forests and bogs along this 6.5 mile portion of the trail.

After riding the northern section of the trail to the end, we'll double back to the park and then head northeast toward Holliston. The trail changes here to a stone dust surface until it ends at the Sherborn town line. Along the way, we'll encounter the historical Phipps Tunnel, constructed to allow steam trains to travel under the street. Another highlight of this section is the Bogastow Brook Viaduct, a beautiful stone bridge with eight arches (we'll be riding on top of it). Finally, as we near the end of the trail, we'll pass through the Dopping Brook Conservation Area.

The ride nitty gritty:
Distance: approximately 26 miles
Trail Surface: pavement and crushed stone
Bike type: Suitable for any bike
Lunch: Bring a sandwich or snack to eat at the end of the trail in Holliston.
Bathrooms: Port-a-Potties should be available at Fino Field.
Trail Map: Download a map in PDF format.
Ice Cream: The Boston Honey Company is located right on the trail. They have ice cream and a nice seating area outside their door.

DIRECTIONS:
To reach parking at Fino Field in Milford from I-495, take Exit 20 for MA 85 toward Milford/Hopkinton. Head south on MA 85 S/Cedar St. In 0.4 mile, turn right onto Dilla St. In 0.9 mile, turn left onto Sumner St. Fino Field will come up in 0.7 mile on the left. Parking is available off Granite Street.

IMPORTANT: Be sure your bike is in good working order! Tires should be in good shape and pumped up, gears should shift smoothly, and your brakes should be properly adjusted. If possible, pack a spare tube in case of a flat. A hand pump or CO2 inflator is also desireable, though not absolutely necessary, as many riders will already have these items.

Safety Note: Bike helmets are mandatory on all our rides.

AS A CONDITION OF ATTENDING THIS MEETUP, YOU AGREE TO: Hold harmless, and indemnify the organizers and their relations and heirs, and all members and participants of the Meetup group from any and all claims for injury, illness, death, and/or property damage including those caused by negligence, ignorance, inexperience and other reasons. You also agree to assume all mental, physical, financial, and/or other risk associated with this meetup. Kayaking, camping, hiking, bicycling, and other similar activities pose inherent risks and dangers. Participation in these activities is voluntary and dependent upon your own personal judgment. As organizers, we make no claims regarding any expertise for this outing. This is not a guided tour.

Consuming alcohol before or during any of our events is prohibited.