Itinerary

Day 1: Mid-day rendezvous in Newburyport, at the mouth of the Merrimack River. Warm-up ride through the Great Marsh features views of Plum Island, a natural barrier island of sand dunes and marsh grasses and one of the country’s top birding destinations. Return route visits the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge before our welcome dinner. Two-night stay in Newburyport. (12 or 17 mi.)

Day 2: Pedal a quiet backroads loop south through the classic New England towns of Newbury, Topsfield, and Hamilton, before joining the coast at thousand-acre Crane Beach. Ice cream stop in Ipswich, home to the country’s largest collection of First-Period (circa 1625-1725) houses. Relax with an après-ride stroll along Newburyport’s historic streets or waterfront boardwalk. (38 or 52 mi.)

Day 3: Broad valley views as we wind inland along the Merrimack River and spin north into New Hampshire. Horse farms and apple orchard country lead to a riverside lunch in Exeter. Afternoon ride traces the seacoast past Fort Constitution, scene of an early colonial revolt against Royal rule, en route to Portsmouth. Optional visit to Strawbery Banke, an outdoor museum whose 40 preserved buildings reflect local history, architecture, and lifestyles from the 1600s though the 1950s. (39 or 50 mi.)

Day 4: Cross the Piscataqua River into Maine, coasting past the seaside villages of Kittery, York Village, and York Harbor. Stop at Cape Neddick for a double Downeast treat: a lobster roll and a perfect view of Nubble Light. Tidal inlets, evergreen forests, and rolling farmland line our route to Kennebunkport for a two-night stay overlooking the coast. Our hotel is a grand resort listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (35 or 41 mi.)

Day 5: Pedal a coastal loop past Walker Point, the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, and the land’s-end villages of Cape Porpoise and Biddeford Pool. Afternoon free to explore local beaches, shop in Kennebunkport, or stroll the tranquil grounds of the Franciscan Monastery. Farewell dinner celebration. (20 or 33 mi.) 

Day 6: Morning transfer to the Wells Amtrak station for Downeaster train connections south to Boston or north to Portland.

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