Cycling in the Berkshires
By Taylor Staubach Cycling in the quiet beauty of the Berkshires , on Route 183 in Sandisfield .
Head for the Hills
Nestled in the hills of North County , cyclists will find road routes both challenging and charming as well as an ever-growing network of bike paths and trails for every level of rider . Slated for completion this May , Williamstown ’ s Mohawk Trail is an accessible , 2.4-mile , multi-use path beginning at Syndicate Road , running along the Hoosic River , through Linear Park , and concluding at the city line . Future plans include an extension into the west end of North Adams that would link with the Ashuwillticook Bike Path in Adams , as well as a track running north into Bennington , Vermont . Updates can be found at williamstownma . gov .
Andrew Goff , Williamstown ’ s Community Development Director , views the expansion of bike path trail networks an asset to local communities as a whole . “ The continued investment and focus in making our streets safer for non-vehicle transportation options is what ’ s going to improve our communities ,” he says .
NICHOLAS RUSSO
Almost no bicycle ride in the Northern Berkshires can be taken without at least one view of Mount Greylock . Michael H . Farney , author of New England over the Handlebars : A Cyclist ’ s Guide , writes , “ For cyclists who want a wonderful mountain experience , Greylock offers the finest there is . At 3,491 feet , Greylock is the highest mountain in Massachusetts , the 16-mile route up and over Mount Greylock is the loveliest in New England .” Although challenging in its length and altitude , roads to the summit are smooth and well-paved , and the trip can be done as a loop . An easier , meandering route begins its climb up the mountain in Lanesborough . Multi-cyclist Heather Linscott , Vice President of the Thunderbolt Ski Runners and Chair of the Greylock Advisory Council , looks forward to the Mount Greylock Go Around , a fundraising event in the fall that features both long and short rides . For anyone just getting into cycling , Linscott recommends the new beginners trails at Greylock Glen in Adams . For Mount Greylock Go Around date information , visit thunderboltski . com .
Whether you ’ re touring , racing , powering uphill , or getting from point A to point B , bicycling in the Berkshires offers something for everyone . Here in these hills , you ’ ll find gravel rides for adventure-seekers and perfectly paved routes for a family afternoon outing . With a network of rapidly growing trails taking shape across our
well-loved landscapes , the Berkshires is well on its way to becoming the road of dreams . Throw up your kickstand and hop on for a connection you can only get while on two wheels .
Cycling Events
Community bike rides with the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition ( nbCC ): Join the nbCC during the summer and fall for the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail Weekly Group Rides . Participants meet at the Adams Visitors Center parking lot at 3 Hoosac St . Days and times vary . nbccoalition . org
Group rides that combine both road and mountain biking : Berkshire Bike & Board ’ s Wednesday Gravel Ride begins at 6 p . m ., leaving from a different location each week . Sign up for their weekly e-newsletter for details . Year-round . berkshirebikeandboard . com
High-mileage summer ride : Kenver , South Egremont ’ s outdoor store , hosts the 55-mile Berkshire Graveler , a road and gravel group ride . Summer . kenver . com
Tracks for all ages : Berkshire Mountain Bike Training Series includes six different races that take place at Springside Park in Pittsfield . Open to racers of all ages and skill levels . Tuesdays during the summer . On Facebook .
City cycling : Berkshire Bike Path Council will hold a Downtown Pittsfield Bike Around , leading group rides from Park Square along the new North Street bike lanes in May . cityofpittsfield . org
Spring 2023 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // 59