Cycling activities in New England
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East Burke Sports
On VT 114 off I-91, East Burke is a terrific place to start a mountain-bike ride. In the summer of 1997 John Worth, co-owner of East Burke Sports, and several other dedicated locals linked together more than 200 miles of single and double tracks and dirt roads to form a network they call the Kingdom Trails. Riding on a soft forest floor dusted with pine needles and through century-old farms makes for one of the best mountain-biking experiences in New England. East Burke Sports rents bikes and supplies maps.
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Blackstone River Bikeway
When it is finished in the next five years, the Blackstone River Bikeway will offer a mostly off-road bike trail from Union Station in Worcester to Providence, RI, 45 miles to the south. The trail laces through historic mill villages and farmland, following remnants of the historic Blackstone River Canal as well as a railroad right-of-way. Until the bikeway is complete, you can follow the trail on marked roads. Visit the website for updates and maps.
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Cape-able Outpost
To pedal the back roads outside of town, stop by Cape-able Bike Shop, an outfit that rents cruisers and mountain bikes, in adult and child sizes. New in 2007, Cape-able also offers kayak tours, from half-day adventures ($60) to two-hour full-moon paddles ($40). If you’re just renting a bike, stop in their handily located Outpost, across the bridge from Dock Sq.
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Providence Bicycle
The East Bay Bicycle Path winds its way for 14.5 miles south along a former railroad track. The mostly flat, paved path follows the shoreline to the pretty seaport of Bristol. Some parks along the route make good spots for picnics. Unfortunately there is no central place to rent a bike. The closest shop is Providence Bicycle. Call for directions.
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Scooters
Newport is a fine town for biking, with only a few gentle slopes. A scenic and satisfying ride is the 10-mile loop around Ocean Ave, which includes Bellevue Ave and its many beautiful mansions. Bike rental is available at Scooters. You can rent wheels with a baby seat for $8.50 per hour. Motor scooters cost $39/50/61/89 for one/two/three/eight hours.
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Urban Adventours
Road bikes and mountain bikes are available for rental, in addition to the standard hybrids. For an extra fee these guys will bring your bike to your doorstep in a BioBus powered by vegetable oil. Also offers bike tours.
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ATA Cycle
The country roads around Concord are beautiful for biking – if you don’t mind battling a few tough hills. The roads around Walden Pond, in particular, boast picturesque countryside and a lack of car traffic. Rent bikes at ATA Cycle.
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Boston Bicycle
Offers customized bike tours through the affiliate Urban Adventours. This is a convenient place to pick up a bike for riding along the Emerald Necklace. Keep in mind that you cannot bring your bike on the Green Line.
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Ptown Bikes
Eight exhilarating miles of paved bike trails crisscross the forest and undulating dunes of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Not only is it a fun outing in itself, but you can cool off with a refreshing swim, since the main 5.5-mile loop trail has spur trails leading to both Herring Cove and Race Point Beaches.
The well-maintained rentals are Specialized Hardrock mountain bikes, suitable for on- or off-road riding. Helmet and lock are included in the rental price.
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Brattleboro Bicycle Shop
Brattleboro Bicycle Shop rents hybrid bicycles and dispenses plenty of advice about where to use them. It doesn’t have racks or kids’ bikes, though.
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Boston Bike Tours
Offers a full schedule of tours, including Paul Revere’s Ride, the Freedom Trail or the Emerald Necklace. Combine your favorite pastimes on the Bike, Beach and Brew Tour, which visits Castle Island, Carson Beach and the Harpoon Brewery.
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Cyclery Plus
Cyclery Plus and Woodstock Sports rent mountain and speed bicycles and provide maps of good local routes. Full-day rentals are $25.
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Woodstock Sports
Woodstock Sports and Cyclery Plus rent mountain and speed bicycles and provide maps of good local routes. Full-day rentals are $25.
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Mountain Sports & Bike Shop
Several bike shops can supply you with wheels for light cruising or backwoods exploration. Rent bikes from the Mountain Sports & Bike Shop.
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Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop
Acadia National Park’s 45 miles of carriage roads are excellent settings for cycling. You can rent bikes at Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop.
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Bicycle Tour Company
You can rent bikes at Bicycle Tour Company or they can customize a guided ride for you around the area.
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Bicycle Rental
Bicycle Rental is available from around US$28 per day. It's located behind Dennett's Wharf restaurant on the harbor.
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Bike Vermont
Bike Vermont operates six-night bike tours in the area, including inn-to-inn tours.
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Batten Kill Sports Bicycle Shop
Rent a road or mountain bike from Batten Kill Sports Bicycle Shop.
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Ten Speed Spokes
Rent bicycles at Ten Speed Spokes near the visitors center.
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Nantucket Bike Shop
Rent bikes at the ferry dock from Nantucket Bike Shop.
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Bicycle Exchange
Just north of Porter Sq. Convenient to the Minuteman Bikeway.
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Franconia Sports Shop
Franconia Sports Shop offers bike rental.
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Cambridge Bicycle
Convenient for cycling along the Charles River.
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Cycling
No destination on the island is more than 8 miles from town and thanks to Nantucket's relatively flat terrain and dedicated bike trails, cycling is an easy way to explore. For a fun outing, cycle to the picturesque village of Siasconset('Sconset), known for its rose-covered cottages. A couple of companies rent bikes ($30 a day) right at the ferry docks.
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