Day 1: Arrival, Meet-up in Albany, NY
Van transfer: 1.25 hours
Arrive on your own at our meetup location in Albany, NY by 3PM the start of your adventure. We will load our van and transfer to our host hotel in Herkimer, NY near the trailhead for your tour. If you are driving to the start location, please meet your group at the host hotel in Herkimer, NY by 3PM. We meet near the hotel for a bike fitting and orientation in the late afternoon, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Dinner included.
Day 2: Herkimer to Schenectady
Miles: 64 miles · Elevation: +3,534’ / -2,708'
Terrain: Paved road and crushed gravel trail
Our journey begins on the Erie Canalway; a part of the greater Empire State Trail. We will ride alongside the Erie Canal, a major connection between the Hudson River and Lake Ontario. Today it is used for recreational boating. We will ride through small villages and towns throughout the day. All meals included.
Day 3: Schenectady to Malden Bridge
Miles: 49 miles · Elevation: +1,960’ / -2,719'
Terrain: Paved road
Van transfer: 40 minutes
Setting off for Albany and points beyond today, the terrain becomes hilly with short, steep climbs as we leave the Albany area and cross into Western Massachusetts; the hilliest portion of the state. The route is forested with rural, sometimes narrow quiet roads. The Stroke Across America riders will be staying in Malden Bridge, but we will shuttle forward into Pittsfield for a 2 night stay in the same hotel. All meals included.
Day 4: Malden Bridge to Pittsfield, MA
Miles: 31 miles · Elevation: +2,235’ / -1,526'
Terrain: Paved road
Van transfer: 40 minutes
We return to Malden Bridge to complete the ride to Pittsfield with the Stroke Across America riders. If you desire you can do an out-and-back for a metric century, meeting the other riders along the way. All meals included.
Day 5: Pittsfield to Northampton
Miles: 51 miles · Elevation: +3,985’ / -4,579’
Terrain: Paved road
We will be in the heart of Western Massachusetts today. There will be a good deal of short climbs and descents today but it will all add up to a hard day in the end. Stunning scenery, flora and fauna will abound as we make our way into a rest day in an eclectic town; Northampton. All meals included.
Day 6: CHANGE - Northampton to West Brookfield (Rest Day Optional)
Miles: 38 miles · Elevation: +2,541’ / -2,044'
Terrain: Paved road
Van transfer: 45 minutes
We will ride today to West Brookfield before transferring back to Northampton for our overnight. The hills of Western Massachusetts continue today as we ride past the largest resevoir in the state; the Quabbin. The Quabbin provides the water supply, via tunnels, to Boston.
You may optionally take a rest day in Northampton but will miss this ride if you do. Northampton, known as an academic, artistic, mystical and countercultural hub. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 7: West Brookfield to Concord
Miles: 55 miles · Elevation: +3,225’ / -3,713'
Terrain: Paved road
Van transfer: 45 minutes
We will transfer to West Brookfield and we will cycle through mostly heavily treed, rural areas with quiet roads, forests and traditional quaint New England villages with the typical white-steepled churches and open green commons. On the way we cycle along the southernmost section of the 2nd largest reservoir in the state. Today has substantial climbs and descents. All meals included.
Day 8: Concord to Boston
Miles: 31 miles · Elevation: +629’ / -744’
Terrain: Paved road and city bike path
Our last cycling day together will continue to highlight the typical New England small towns with green commons. We put the steep hills behind us today. The final leg will be along the myriad of bike and pedestrian trails, including the famous Minuteman Bike Trail, as we travel to our endpoint; Boston (Revere). We will visit the historic towns of Concord and Lexington. An Atlantic Ocean tire-dipping for the riders will be a highpoint of our journey. We will enjoy our last meal together as we celebrate the trip and reminisce about our experiences throughout the journey. All meals included.
Day 9: Pack-up, Farewell, and Departure
In the morning after breakfast you will be own your own to begin your journey home or to your next destination. Shuttle services are available to bring you to the Boston Logan International Airport. We will assist in getting your bike on its journey home.
We have blocked rooms for a 2nd night in Boston if you desire to stay longer. The cost is not included in the tour fee. Let us know if you would like to extend your stay.