Best rides for out of staters

[greenmonster]

I have some buds coming here in August. They are coming from Ohio, Pennsylvania and Georgia. None have been up here before. All are Harley riders. I want to give them a good "feel" for this area. So, if you were to take out of staters for some rides, where would you go? I'm leaning towards western Mass and NH. But any routes would be welcome. I read here Rte 119 as being good for cruisers. Shoreline/ocean sites would be cool to consider too. These guys may not be back here any time soon of course, so I want the best experience for them. Any other suggestions? Any and all will be greatly appreciated.

[richw]

How long a ride starting from where?

[greenmonster]

How long a ride starting from where?

Starting from Waltham...length of ride isn't really too much of a factor...we'd leave in the a.m. (9ish) and grab lunch on the road...I'd say be back by 3 p.m. Even a partial ride of a rte that went up to VT or mE....though I am leaning towards western MA and anywhere in NH...the Kancamagus comes to mind as one option....but need others too.

[stoinkythepig]

Ride up the NH and Maine Coast to Perkin's Cove in Maine, just go mid-week. Being from sates without coastlines, and on cruisers, they'll really appreciate that ride.

["Dangerous" Dan K]

IMO 1/1A along the coast is a fun ride from just north of Boston all the way into Maine. Plenty of scenic stuff, a couple few turns (watch out for N. Hampton/Rye!) that can be fun (and drag parts on a Harley), etc. Good eats along the way as well.

[greenmonster]

Thanks, guys. Those sound like good rides...I'm sure they'd like to see the ocean...maybe have them try some New England seafood, lol Inland scenic rides are welcome too....where would 119 be good to pick up? Don't want to snail it thru traffic/congestion.

[stoinkythepig]

From Waltham, I'd take back roads through Concord to 225 (aim for River Road, might as well let 'em see some nice homes...) and then follow 225 through Carlisle and Westford until you hit 119 in Groton. Kind of a roundabout path, but nice.

I know some seriously twisty, picturesque, more direct than 119, and desolate routes between Carlisle, MA and Perkin's Cove, ME, but they are extremely complicated. When are you doing this ride?

[greenmonster]

From Waltham, I'd take back roads through Concord to 225 (aim for River Road, might as well let 'em see some nice homes...) and then follow 225 through Carlisle and Westford until you hit 119 in Groton. Kind of a roundabout path, but nice.

I know some seriously twisty, picturesque, more direct than 119, and desolate routes between Carlisle, MA and Perkin's Cove, ME, but they are extremely complicated. When are you doing this ride?

Weekend of August 22-23. They'll be arriving throughout the day that Friday, the 21st. Bet they'll be plenty tired. Best to sit and have a few cold ones and grub.

[schleppy]

Hell, start in my area and do the whole 127 "romantic ride" course up the coast. From there you can continue up the coast into NH/ME.

[RandyO]

Starting from Waltham...length of ride isn't really too much of a factor...we'd leave in the a.m. (9ish) and grab lunch on the road...I'd say be back by 3 p.m. Even a partial ride of a rte that went up to VT or mE....though I am leaning towards western MA and anywhere in NH...the Kancamagus comes to mind as one option....but need others too.

From Waltham, first, ya gotta get outta Dodge head west quickly, Rt 2 ?

a loop thru the berkshires, 116 - 8A then into southern VT rt 100 - 11 then into NH rt 123A -123 to MA 119

look at a map, I'm recalling a good loop in general terms

or a variation, rt 121 (if you don't mind gravel) to Bellows Falls eat at the famous Miss Bellows Falls Diner

[greenmonster]

These are all great ideas, guys...maybe I can mix 'n match them...get the best of both worlds...inland and seaside, and places to stop for good eats. Thanks for the input and I hope to get some good pix to post.

[SRTie4k]

The Mohawk Trail is an excellent ride.

[taxonomy]

For western MA routes 116, 8 and 8A come to mind and challenging fun roads.

The area around Rowe, MA is great to just wander around it. There's some amazing stuff there, including the famous Rowe reactor road and some Hossac Tunnel.

There's lots of "culture" stuff in the region, including Mass MoCA.

As far as riding goes, the whole eastern part of the state sucks, IMHO, with possibly a few moments of not-so-terribleness.

[schleppy]

If you decide to ride around here let me know. I'd be happy to show you guys around.

[greenmonster]

If you decide to ride around here let me know. I'd be happy to show you guys around.

Thanks, Sean. A good idea to keep in mind. I was actually thinking of using your suggestion of rte. 127 as part of the overall ride...so, yeah...I'll contact ya as things come together as part of the overall ride. Going up the coast is a part of my plans.