The Celebration Cycle is a four day bicycle ride from Albany, NY to Boston, MA to celebrate Harold Strope’s 20th “Heart-Aversary.” The route will cover the almost 200 mile journey he took in an ambulance in 1995 to receive his new heart at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Day 1: Albany to Berkshires
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Distance: 56 miles
Route Map: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/811948313
Starting Point: Saville Road Bicycle Shop, Delmar, NY
Finishing Point: The Porches, North Adams, MA
Today’s journey will depart from our hometown, roll through downtown Albany and across the Hudson River. We’ll continue through Averill Park (Harold’s childhood home) on Rt. 43 and cross the state line into Hancock, MA. From there, we’ll head North to North Adams, MA along MassParks’ Ashuwilticook Rail Trail with its great views of local lakes and the Mt. Greylock range.
North Adams is a great place to meet us! You can spend the day exploring the exhibits at MASS MoCA or hiking on nearby trails.
Overnight: The Porches Inn, North Adams
Day 2: The Berkshires to Central Mass
Friday, October 2, 2015
Distance: 41 miles
Route Map: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/811993169
Optional Route: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/812096797
Starting Point: Wendell Country Store, Wendell, MA
Finishing Point: Over Easy Cafe, Sterling, MA
There’s an option to start the day directly from North Adams, or drive directly to Wendell Country Store to save the legs.
If starting in North Adams, there’s lots of winding road and rolling hills, plus an 11 mile gradual climb to Wendell.
From Wendell, there’s a nice cruise downhill, then rolling terrain until we reach Princeton. Rest stops on the Barre Town Common and the Sterling Fire Station are good opportunites to get some snacks and water.
Overnight: Holiday Inn Express, Downtown Worcester
Day 3: Central Mass to “Just Outside Boston”
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Distance: 34 miles
Route Map: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/812036685
Starting Point: Over Easy Cafe, Sterling, MA
Finishing Point: Concord Visitor Center, Concord, MA
We’ll roll along mostly flat scenery and finish the day along the historic battlefields near Concord, MA.
Overnight: Best Western Concord
Day 4: Bedford to BOSTON
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Distance: 16 miles
Route Map- Bedford: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/812042427
Route Map – Alewife: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/812047909
Starting Point: The Minuteman Trail in Bedford, MA OR Alewife T Stop
Finishing Point: The John Jeffries House, Boston, MA – in the heart of Beacon Hill, Corner of Charles Street and Across from the Charles St T Stop on the Red Line
The final day of the ride is a great one for everyone. Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, there are easy ways you can join in the celebration.
You can start at the beginning of the Minuteman Bike path and roll an easy 16 miles into Boston or meet us at the T in Alewife for the final 5 miles. We’ll use a mixture of bike paths and roads with bike lanes to navigate through Cambridge, across the Charles to our finish at the John Jeffries House parking lot on Cambridge Street.
The Celebration Cycle will end with the 20th Heart-Aversary Party at the Liberty Hotel. Please be sure to RSVP!
Overnight Lodging:
There are room blocks at the John Jeffries House and the Liberty Hotel. You can call the John Jeffries House to reserve and a link will be coming shortly for the Liberty Hotel.
