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Biking Cape
Ann |
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a question about this
destination? |
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| This ride
is arguably one of the best ways to get a real
taste of New England. Not only because you will
start and finish in Gloucester, made famous worldwide
by the Perfect Storm movie, but because you will
ride across sceneries that blend many words: the
rocky shores of Massachusetts, the nice summer
mansions overlooking the ocean, the thick inland
woods and forests, and the unmistakable artist's
feel of Rockport. |
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Once you have
parked your car, proceed northeast on route
127A/ Main St., riding along the harbor. The
street becomes Eastern Point Road, and you can
already start exploring side streets, like Rocky
Neck avenue on your right, where you will find
quaint houses, painters shops and authentic
small boat repair yards.
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A great side
trip is to turn left on Eastern Point Boulevard
West, which opens behind a small stone gate
on your right just before the road starts to
climb. Do not be put of by the signs that prohibit
entrance: there is a public right of way down
to Eastern Point Lighthouse, a Coast Guard facility
at the end of the road and a great place to
have a full view of the Gloucester Harbor Bay.
You can also get back there by walking –
see our related
destination, particularly adapted
to families and kids.
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Once back on
the main road, now named Farrington St, then
Atlantic Rd, you will explore Cape Ann by staying
mostly along the shore. You generally follow
the route 127A, which transforms into route
127 after Rockport. Rockport, about halfway
through the ride, is a nice stop to have lunch.
From there, if you start feeling tired or if
the weather changes, you can shorten the ride
by taking Main Street/Route 127 from downtown
and go back in straight line to Gloucester (beware
of heavy traffic on this road). Otherwise, continue
along the coastline on Route 127 before riding
back to Gloucester. Be extremely cautious when
crossing the roundabout with Route 128. From
there, route 127 becomes Washington Street.
Turn left on Pine Street/Proctor Street, then
right onto School St down to the Gloucester
Harbor. Once there, you can make the extra effort
to see the Fishermen Memorial (less than a mile
away on your right on Western Ave/Route 127),
or turn left and return to your car.
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Once back in
Gloucester, for those who loved the Perfect
Storm, the Crow's Nest bar is facing the harbor,
not far from Harborside Cycle, where you can
rent bikes for the day.
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Consider a
full day for this ride, unless you are particularly
fit and do not stop at the many vistas and points
of interest along the way. There are few climbs,
which most people can easily master at low speed.
Start early if you rent your bike, as the bike
shop closes at 5 pm on Saturday and 3 pm on
Sunday.
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There is more
to see in the area than is described here, so
you may want to bring a travel guide with you
(if only to know where to find the best lobster
in town).
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