General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Cape Cod biking Rss Feed  
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2013-04-25 8:01 AM

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Algonquin, IL
Subject: Cape Cod biking

Hello,

I am from Illinois and will be travelling to MA for a week in Cape Cod starting 5/19 (North Truro).  I need to get in a couple of long bikes while there.  I have checked out Map my ride/Garmin and found some routes, but my questions are more to do with the actual routes themselves.

I see some of the longish rides are done partially on Rt. 6.  That looks to be a busy highway.  Is there a bike lane or wide shoulder?  The Cape Code Rail Trail seems like a good option as I could pick it up in Wellfleet and ride it to the end and back.  However, is there a speed limit on the trail?  Is it normally crowded mid-week and kind of off-season?  Any other advice or warnings of roads to avoid would be appreciated.

Thanks! Rick



2013-04-25 9:25 AM
in reply to: #4714408

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South Shore, MA
Subject: RE: Cape Cod biking

My husband and I have biked the Cape Cod Rail Trail both together and with our kids (in a trailer or trail-a-bike).  There is no clear speed limit on the trail, and traffic is lower in the off season (May, Sept., Oct.), especially during the week.

We biked it on a September Saturday last year, and there were 2 groups of Boy Scouts (older - maybe 10-13 age range) out on the trail.  They were absolute disasters, weaving all over the trail, including onto the grass.  Outside of those groups, the trail was great.  In prior years, there was very little traffic mid-week in September.  I assume traffic in May would be similar.

I've ridden Route 6 after the trail ends near Wellfleet.  The cars travel at a high rate of speed, but the shoulder is wide.  There tend to be more rolling hills on Route 6, whereas the Rail Trail is almost perfectly flat.

2013-04-25 10:42 AM
in reply to: #4714408

Uxbridge
Subject: RE: Cape Cod biking
I have biked the trail a lot both off season and in the summer. Wellfleet to Dennis is 48 mi round trip. At the end of the trail in wellfleet if you take a right onto the road at the end you will intersect with ocean view drive. Take that road for several miles. There are spectacular ocean views. Do this out and back and you will be around 55 mi. At the end of the rail trail in wellfleet there is a great French bakery. Fantastic place to have lunch. There are many road crossovers on this bike path. Good interval workThere are bike shops in Orleans and Brewster right on tithe trail if you need anything.
2013-04-25 12:30 PM
in reply to: #4714408

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Subject: RE: Cape Cod biking
Thanks!  I ask about speed limits because some trails here impose a 15 mph limit, mostly due to the crowds.  I need mileage more than anything but if there are straight, clear stretches I might push it up to 22-23.  I plan to average 18-20.  And bring my camera.
2013-04-25 12:52 PM
in reply to: #4714913

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South Shore, MA
Subject: RE: Cape Cod biking

I've seen people fly along the path at those speeds - don't think you'd have any issue.  Might have to slow down to pass a family here or there, but otherwise fine.

Good advice from mav on Ocean View Drive.  We rode over to Marconi Station one time.  The views were incredible and it was fun to read up on the trans-Atlantic telegraph.



Edited by jkrivers 2013-04-25 12:52 PM
2013-04-25 4:22 PM
in reply to: #4714913

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Subject: RE: Cape Cod biking

You won't be able to do that during the day when it's busy. So get on your bike when the sun comes up. Or, when it's raining.

(correction: ... sorry... in May it should be fine... but NOT in July/August!

 

cartman1966 - 2013-04-25 1:30 PM Thanks!  I ask about speed limits because some trails here impose a 15 mph limit, mostly due to the crowds.  I need mileage more than anything but if there are straight, clear stretches I might push it up to 22-23.  I plan to average 18-20.  And bring my camera.



Edited by FlyTheBlueSky 2013-04-25 4:25 PM


2013-04-29 7:28 PM
in reply to: #4714408

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Subject: RE: Cape Cod biking
If you have a chance to get over to the Vineyard to ride- great biking and pre huge crowds..
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