Wednesday, 1 August 2018, Through the Woods and Over the River (and along the harbor in between) - Blue Hills and Neponset
Ride Leaders: David Wean & Ron Beland
25 or 27 miles, 10:00 am start from Houghton's Pond, Canton, MA
Riders (16): David, Ron, Andy Brand, Bruce Barnett, Celia Donatio, Dave Balaban, Don Mannes, Don Buchholtz, Everett Briggs, Greg Tobin, Jim Whinfield, Nancy Cahn, Susan Sabin, Veronica Vedensky, and first-timers Patria Vandermark and Patty Grasso.
Under surprisingly comfortable weather conditions - given the recent heat and humidity plus thunderstorm risk - glorious, moderately paced cycling fun was had by all. We started from Houghton's Pond over freshly paved and shady, forested roads and, in two miles, reached the only significant hill on the main route. We paused there briefly, at the Chickatawbut observation point, for a photo op, followed by a fast, rolling, and long downhill. After a short zigzag through suburban streets, we reached Quincy Shore Drive which afforded a view of Quincy Bay and the Harbor Islands. A half-mile later, we turned into Marina Bay for a restroom break and view.
We then rode on back roads and a multi-use path along the river leading to the Neponset River Bridge, and crossed via a separated bike/pedestrian lane. We connected to the Neponset Trail, meandering through Pope John Paul II Park, followed by the recently completed and astonishingly well-designed trail section leading to Mattapan Square. From there, we snaked back to the Blue Hills via peaceful Blue Hills Parkway, eventually avoiding much of Rte 138 via a downhill along bucolic Green Street. A brief climb led to the Hillside Pub, or the straight shot back to Houghton's Pond. One third of the group took an energetic side trip to the summit of the Great Blue Hill before the Green Street section. It is good to report that there were no mishaps or breakdowns.
Report by Ron Beland.
Photos courtesy of Nancy Cahn & Patria Vandermark.
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