Rockport-Gloucester, Cape Ann, Lower North Shore Road Ride

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Gloucester, MA, US

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All Day Adventures

Hiking, Cyclo-Cross, MTB, Fat Bike, Road Bike: in Eastern Mass, and New England www.AllDayAdventures.org

74 km

593 m

A Medium-Level Hilly Road Ride along the coastline of Cape Ann and Rt. 127. Lots of stops, lots of view points.

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The **Cape Ann Road Ride Tour** is probably the most photogenic bike ride you can take on the North Shore.  This is an Intermediate Level road ride, because of distance (45+ miles) and hilly terrain.  Great ride for the cycling couple, or a small tour group.

[**www.AllDayAdventures.org**](https://www.alldayadventures.org)

**About the Ride:** Some of the best tourist destinations outside of Boston are on the North Shore. Rockport and Gloucester are the main destinations for many thousands of visitors per year. This ride follows along the coastline of these towns as much as possible, which is composed of many, many hills.  Less than 10% of this ride is on flat land. Allow a long day for this ride, as we expect you will be making dozens of stops along the way.

Rt 127 is the most popular Cycling Route in Eastern Mass.  Vehicals are aware of this, but please always use caution the coastlines roads are often very narrow.

**Ride Equipment:** The best bike for this ride is a classic touring bike, cycle-cross bike, or a hybrid bike. You will want a bike lock, a towel, a camera, and a whole lot of time. There are numerous places for food and fuel along the way.

**The Route:**  This ride makes use of the commuter rail system of the MBTA. Plan your ride accordingly. This train route actually has a Bicycle Train-car because the large number of cyclist going to Cape Ann. A majority of this ride is RT 127.  There are a few side routes, but you will always be back on it.

Upon arrival at @poi[Gloucester Station](1909329) (not West Gloucester) you will depart the train, and head South straight to the Harbor.  You will cross over the return route for this ride, so do not get them confused. You will go straight into a busy sea-side downtown area. There will be a lot of folks as unfamiliar with the roads as you, so take care.

After a couple of short miles of the downtown, you will head out to Eastern Point, where the traffic is greatly reduced.  Because these are narrow streets along the harbor, take care for cars trying to pass, as there is not really any room for them to do that.

Once on the outer part of downtown, you will be in a quaint sea-side community with all the sights you would expect to see such as boats in front yards, and buoys made into planters.  You will take a quick tour of the @poi[Rocky Neck](1909325) Artist community for many of the areas artisans.

Heading along the coastline past a few city beaches, you will approach Eastern Point.  There is often a guard at the pillared wall. But do not fret, it is a public right-of-way, as it is access to the @poi[Eastern Point Light House](1909314).  Like all of the coastline viewpoints, this one is as unique and beautiful as all the others you will see on this trip.

@poi[Bass Rocks](1909316) is next.  You will know you are there without any announcement.  You will just simply be stunned with the viewpoints. This does get better as you approach the end of the Bass Rocks Area, and head to the@poi[ Good Harbor Beach](1909317) front.  This beach will be packed with swimmers just about any time you visit.

Circumventing the salt water marshes, you will start your journey to Rockport Center.  There will be a few great @photo[viewpoints](1517672) like @poi[Thacher Island](1909318), to visit before getting there. This will be the start of the hill climbing for this ride.  There are a few one-way roads in @photo[Downtown Rockport](1517673), keep alert where you are. There are many other attractions that will be found, mostly marine related.

Heading out of Rockport Center, a few rolling hills will take you to @poi[Halibut Point](1909323).  You are required to leave your bike locked in the parking area.  Use your discretion, but it is a safe place.  The walking trails will take you to a wonderful viewpoint location.

@photo[Around the corner](1517674) heading South on Rt 127, and more rolling hills you will be headed to@photo[ Annisquam Village.](1517675)  Too many sites to list, expect you will be stopping often. Take care on the narrow island roadways.

Once back in Gloucester’s downtown, you will be routed to Main Street before the Southern Gloucester Coastline. The famous Gloucester Fishing Fleet Memorial statue is on display at this location.

@poi[Stage Fort Park](1909315) is next. It has been the sight of the Gloucester Gran Prix cycle-cross race for almost 20 years. It is also a great sea-side park and beach with a giant Granite boulder as its centerpiece.

The hills do not end. As you continue down Rt 127 for your return to Salem, you will pass through these sea-side towns: West Gloucester, @poi[Magnolia](1909321), Manchester by-the-sea, North Beverly and Beverly.

Along this route there are many @poi[coves](1909320) and viewpoints that are too obvious to miss.   In Beverly, at @poi[Lynch Park](1909326), or Dane Street beach, are public beaches for swimming.  Over the Harbor Bridge into Salem takes you to the @poi[Pickering Warf ](1909328)tourist area or to the Salem Train station for the end of your day.

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Rockport-Gloucester, Cape Ann, Lower North Shore Road Ride

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