Looks like I will have 5 days in mid July for some biking in the Bershires. I’ve seen a couple of other posts about the area but would like some feedback on which town to stay at (or maybe even campground!) and any other suggested bike routes. Also names of good pools and trail runs.
My tentative plan is:
Sunday - Shorter ride 75-100k
Mon - Wed Long Rides 125km +
Thu - Short ride
Routes I’ve seen suggested are Mont Greylock climb and around the Quabbin Reservoir.
I’m trying to decide between staying at Northhampton, Pittsfield and Williamstown.
Looks like I will have 5 days in mid July for some biking in the Bershires. I’ve seen a couple of other posts about the area but would like some feedback on which town to stay at (or maybe even campground!) and any other suggested bike routes. Also names of good pools and trail runs.
My tentative plan is:
Sunday - Shorter ride 75-100k
Mon - Wed Long Rides 125km +
Thu - Short ride
Routes I’ve seen suggested are Mont Greylock climb and around the Quabbin Reservoir.
I’m trying to decide between staying at Northhampton, Pittsfield and Williamstown.
Thanks for any help.
Northhampton is a bit of a distance from Pittsfield and Williamstown (45min by car anyways) but if you end up staying there, going around the Quabbin is a great ride. Look up Quabbin Classic Road Race, it’s a 65ish mile road race that makes a great ride, it basically goes around the whole thing, beautiful views with a bunch of climbing. From what I hear, the Greylock climb is a really tough one, and from driving through the area, you can probably find as much climbing as you like
All of the towns in the Berkshires are quaint although Pittsfield is probably the biggest and ‘least quaint’ and most city like. As far as specific places to stay, I don’t know anywhere specific as I’ve never stayed out there, only gone for the day (I’m from Boston).
I grew up in Pittsfield but didn’t bike a heck of a lot before I left home for college. There are lots of motels along Rt. 20 going from Lee north to Pittsfield and on Rt. 7 going north of Pittsfield towards Lanesborough. That is the main artery going thru the Berkshires so it is not very relaxing. Williamstown is a lot more quaint than the Pittsfield area and would make a nicer “base camp”. A really nice area to check out would be from Pittsfield going west towards the New York state border on Rt. 20 and then go south on Hwy 41 (turn off Rt. 20 near Hancock Shaker Village) thru Richmond, West Stockbridge, Stockbridge, and then loop back north to Pittsfield. The highways I mentioned encircle the scenic areas but I’m sure there are plenty of back roads you can find to get away from cars….the Berkshires are the summer playground of New York City folks so it might be busy in July. I would think the triangle area between Williamstown, North Adams, and Lanesborough would also be a nice ride and you could tackle Greylock there. Since I grew up in the Berkshires I never had to stay at a hotel so I don’t have any recommendations for you on that front. Check out the musical lineup at Tanglewood in Lenox during the period you will be there – it’s a great venue.
Live in the area. Lots of great cycling. If you are stating in Northampton, you can use the routes that the Northampton Bike Fest uses. I believe maps are on their website. If not, email them, they are very friendly and will send them to you. I have done these routes, lots of great hills and nice scenery.