Heading to Rhode Island, where to ride?

[juvel01]

We are heading to Rhode Island to go camping with the inlaws. I am, of course, looking for other things to do. I'll be taking my mtb and just want to be able to cruise around and sightsee, wont be able to do any hard rides with the people who are going with. We will be near Pt Judith (sp?) at a campground called Burlingame (again, sp?). Any ideas of where to go and what to see?

I'm not someone who can sit still for more than 10 minutes so any advice is appreciated!

[DeniseGoldberg]

I just took a quick look at the bicycle section of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation web site, and they have a cycling map of the state. I wasn't able to download it - I tried despite their warning that it was big - but there's a form you can fill out to request a copy of the map.

It also might be worth trying to contact someone in the Narragansett Bay Wheelmen - there must be someone who has info on bike routes in the Point Judith area of the state.

--- Denise

[juvel01]

Thanks for the info Denise, its exactly what I needed!

[JesTutripup]

This info's great. My sister & brother-in-law have been nagging me to come visit after graduation, but I relocated to the WV/OH area. I have not seen them in over 15 years. Horrible aunt I am.

So now I'm visiting during the best time of the year, foliage season in New England. In addition, I would like to visit a very old friend in Charlestown/Claremont NH. She owns a The Goddard and I know she will be busy. She lives off the best bike riding/jogging road in NH just before the incline. Yet I'm having a difficult time locating some road bike maps. Anyone hints other then the state website?
-Jes

Woohoo!!

[DeniseGoldberg]

New Hampshire has a very good set of bicycling maps. You can look at them online, but your best bet is to stop at a state visitor center and pick up paper copies. I know there are visitor centers on both I95 and I93.

The full map set consists of 7 detailed maps.

http://www.nh.gov/dot/nhbikeped/maps.htm.

There is also a very active cycling club in southern New Hampshire. You might be able to get some information from them - or at least find someone more familiar with the state. Take a look at http://www.granitestatewheelmen.org/.

[natheless]

There is also the "short bike rides" series books - at least for Rhode Island.

Has some really nice routes, and usually 2 or 3 options for the length of the ride. Most of the long ride options are 20-30 miles, and the short versions are 10-15.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...books&n=507846

You can also ride with the Narragansett Bay Wheelmen in Rhode Island - they do rides every weekend, and you don't have to be a member to join them.

[JesTutripup]

You ladies ROCK! That books perfect! It covers the bay and I've heard there's some sweet riding in that little nook.

Well, as you can see the weather made a decision for me to stay home. However, there's good news. I guess; I'm heading out within the coming week to finally spend time with the family.

Unfortunately, Felty may have to stay home and I rent from the local LBS. I have flight arrangements and I have a bike case, but UNFORTUNATELY, the cost of either shipping or tagging Felty along with me is currently too expensive.

She may have to wait for the BIG trip to Oregon the beginning of 2006. My other thought was to pick-up a folding Dahon, which I wanted a while ago. Yet having a fourth ride at home and no place to lay it's rubber comfortably is not good.

I'm going to get my sister to ride until her insomnia is gone, but first I have to fix it. No more meds. No more meds.

[BikeMomma]

Unfortunately, Felty may have to stay home and I rent from the local LBS. I have flight arrangements and I have a bike case, but UNFORTUNATELY, the cost of either shipping or tagging Felty along with me is currently too expensive.

She may have to wait for the BIG trip to Oregon the beginning of 2006. My other thought was to pick-up a folding Dahon, which I wanted a while ago. Yet having a fourth ride at home and no place to lay it's rubber comfortably is not good.

If you can't take your bike with you, Jes, I recommend looking into renting one. During my trip to Maine recently, Mainerider clued me to friendly shop that I was able to rent an awesome bike from. Good luck and have fun on your trip!

[JesTutripup]

Momma, you are so correct. I've been searching online for some LBS' that rent, but not many listed. My sister offered to buy me a bike, but I'm tempted to get the folding Dahon since I have another trip in February.

What I've found is a bit funny is that renting a ride for a week is the same as a one-way flight for my steed. Well time to shop and pack for tomorrow's flight.

[Surlygirl]

Hey, can't help you on the rental front but even though they are saying snow showers today its suppose to be in the 60's on Sunday and Monday. Hope you get a good ride in. I'm sick as a dog or I'd be out there too.

[Crankin]

Sorry you are sick, Surly. Denise and i rode today, with my husband tagging along. It is hard to believe i saw flakes yesterday. It was gorgeous. I hope to ride as long as I can this year, although I am about 200 miles from my goal....