I have just moved to southern Rhode Island (Narragansett area) and need some info on bike shops and bike routes. I have not found a good website or map to put together a long (100+ mile) ride. Found some info on Narragansett Bay Wheelmen, but looking for 1) which of all of those rides is a good one, or b) where I can buy a great map (LBS has nothing). Thanks.
Welcome to RI!
Assuming it’s not your LBS, Narragansett Bikes sponsors a team and a few races - mostly on the Ninigret course.
In Providence, The Hub has good reputation.
I haven’t been to either (I live in MA). I know that NBX also sponsors a team with a few fast guys, so if you have a road bike, you could check with them for some group rides.
I have just moved to southern Rhode Island (Narragansett area) and need some info on bike shops and bike routes. I have not found a good website or map to put together a long (100+ mile) ride. Found some info on Narragansett Bay Wheelmen, but looking for 1) which of all of those rides is a good one, or b) where I can buy a great map (LBS has nothing). Thanks.
MD-
I’ve never ridden my bike in RI but I work in Providence and could give an opinion on a few rides.
First, under no circumstances, should you ever ride your bike on Rts. 6 or 101.
Second, this ride should be a good century:
http://tinyurl.com/39tkuj
It’s not really Narragansett but it’s worth hauling the bike to the route.
http://tinyurl.com/3d2vaj
You’d have to do 3 laps but it’s scenic and the vehicular traffic is greatly reduced after Labor Day.
http://tinyurl.com/2n6vqm
This should be pretty good but damn there’s a lot of turns. You’ll spend the entire ride trying to read the map!
Here’s my general rule of thumb. Head to the western part of the state and ride north & south. You’ll get killed trying to ride the east/west routes in RI.
Head west and then do all your mileage riding north and south. (You’ll also be killed riding Rt. 1 north/south in the eastern part of the state.
Last but not least, consider trying to find a ride in Southeastern MA. Little Compton, Dartmouth, Westport. It’s a pain to get there but worth it once your there.
http://tinyurl.com/2xxva3
To add, the Massachusetts bike maps (Eastern, Central, Western) are great if you’re going into Mass. Lots of small roads to get lost on.
Last but not least, consider trying to find a ride in Southeastern MA. Little Compton, Dartmouth, Westport. It’s a pain to get there but worth it once your there.
http://tinyurl.com/2xxva3