Cape Cod 2010
Once a year Susan and I go to Cape Cod with one of the bike clubs we are members of.
The rides are almost the same, but somewhat mystical, nevertheless.
Martha’s Vineyard is one of the highlights. In 52 miles we see ride on/through coastline, bluffs, forest, farmland, bogs, beach and scrub. We also pass two light houses.
We take the ferry from Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven. That, in itself could be a ride on the deck or in the air conditioning. There is a full service cafeteria on board if you wish to buy breakfast.
In Vineyard Haven we follow the shore line, through East Chop, over to Oak Bluffs. As we come into town, the harbor in on the right and the victorian gingerbread houses are on the left. In three or four miles we have experienced multiple scenery changes!
We then head out of town for miles of riding along the shore on one side and many inlets on the other. You can ride the bike path or the road. A stop at Edgartown Bicycles, right on our route is optional.
Though we used to ride through Edgartown, we now skip this side trip. It is worthwhile if you have never been.
From the Edgartown turn off we head to Katama Beach. Again, there is a bike path available. The shoreline here is a series of high dunes. Quiet stunning, though ocean glimpses are rare. At the end of the beach we turn right. Sometimes we can see the small planes landing and taking off at the local airport on the right.
A cutoff on Old Meetingtown Road, followed by more turns to avoid the dirt portions of the road bring us to the main southern road across the island. Here, there is a shoulderless road with woods on both sides. Unfortunately the bike path through the woods, while perfectly rideable, has seen better days. We tend to stay on the road, despite some motorists telling us to get on the bike path.
Just before the end is our rest stop…a youth hostel planted right in the forest. It easy to miss. Look for the stone driveway about seven miles down the road. There is bike parking, shade, water and a rest room. Very quiet and serene. If this is not for you, however, there is a general store about two miles further down the road.
We head back out Edgartown West Tisbury Road to West Tisbury. Left at the end of the road, past the general store and right on Music Street brings us to Middle Road. So, after shore, bluffs, beach and woods, we now see farmland.
The only real hills are on the continuation to Aquinnah and the light house. The ride takes us partway. We then cut left of a road called Moshup Trail, which brings us to the lighthouse via beach and scrub.
On the other side is Lighthouse Road, which takes us to the bike ferry ($5 per bike for the 2 minute ride) to Mememsha. Here we have our traditional lobster roll from the fish market (not the snack bar).
The 12 mile ride back to Vineyard Haven has one climb up from the shore, then a fairly level road past more scenery.
The reward is stop at Mad Martha’s Ice Cream, before boarding the ferry back to Woods Hole.
What more could one want?
Glenn