Berkshire Bike Path Council    

August 2013 Update    

This summer has been great for cycling.   The BCA's Greylock Century, the New England Greenway ride and the Northampton 5 Peaks rides offered experienced riders some great opportunities to appreciate cycling in the Berkshires.  Canyon Ranch and Camp Overland (pictured below) are just two of the many groups who include the Ashuwillticock Trail in their activities.
 
And there is more cycling to look forward to this Fall.   The Berkshire to Boston ride has about 100 riders signed up (see below).  The Stockbridge Community Ride on Oct 6 is an opportunity for less experienced riders to cycle the roads with support. (also below).
 
People often ask me how they can help our bike path effort.  One way is to follow the rules of the road - ride single file, signal when turning, stop where indicated.  Our efforts are enhanced and our safety ensured when people see us share the road/path.


Marge Cohan
Marge Cohan President, Berkshire Bike Path Council
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Calendar

  • Sept 19-22 - Berkshire to Boston Cycling Tour starting at Hancock Shaker Village 
  • Oct 6 - Stockbridge Community Ride starting at Stockbridge Town Hall 
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UPCOMING EVENTS

The Berkshires to Boston Cycling Tour and Kick Off Event September 18, 2013

Over 100 cyclists from around the nation will arrive at Hancock Shaker Village on Wednesday, September 18th for the start of the Berkshires to Boston Bicycle Tour presented by MassBike.  The tour begins at HSV and ends 240 miles and four days later in downtown Boston at the annual Hub on Wheels where more than 5,000 cyclists explore the streets and neighborhoods of Boston.  Learn more about the event at www.berkshirestoboston.com

Interested in this cross state ride in September? Registration is closing soon so register now.  Not ready for that this year? Why not come down to HSV on Wednesday night to show a great Berkshires welcome to these cycling visitors.

The tour kicks off with a welcoming dinner and a rare Berkshires performance by The Boxcar Lilies and their trademark harmonies and awesome band.   The performance stage under the HSV tent is going to be a great place to hear the music and welcome our visitors.   Come down at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, Sept 18th.   Donations are appreciated to help cover the cost of this special performance.

On Thursday morning watch for cyclists as they weave their way through Pittsfield to the Ashuwillticook Trail and to the first rest stop in Savoy.  From there its on to Sunderland for the first overnight on the road.  

Special thanks to BBPC members who have offered to help with the Tour.

STOCKBRIDGE COMMUNITY RIDE - HOUSATONIC HERTIAGE WEEKEND EVENTS

On Sunday, October 6 at 9 AM, the fourth annual Stockbridge Community Bike Ride will take place.  MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!  This year, the ride will be a part of the annual Heritage Walks Event sponsored by the The Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Association.
Meeting place will be the same as in the past;  Town Office (behind  the Building), Main Street, Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

Two rides will be offered.  A short 8 mile loop with a few hills and a longer loop ride of about 25 miles which will extend into the neighboring towns of Lenox and Lee.  Again there will be some hills but none of special note or great difficulty.  Maps will be provided, and ride leaders will be on hand to assist in route navigation.

Rider Responsibility;  All riders must wear helmets, agree to follow the rules of the road at all times, and assume full responsibility for their own personal safety during the event.  Participants will be required to sign a waiver and hold harmless agreement.  Children under the age of 18 may participate, but they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who will sign a consent form.

Rain cancels.

Contact for Information;  Buck Smith, 413-298-3884 or starbanna@aol.com
or  Marie Raftery 413-298-4910 mraftery@roadrunner.com

BIKE PATH UPDATES
1.  Pittsfield Ashuwillticook extension:   Project design is under contract and the City is working with the Housatonic Rail Road to access the site for the project survey.
2.  The contract for the Mohawk Trail Scenic Byways grant is complete and BRPC will move forward with final planning for the corridor while Williamstown, North Adams, and MassDOT will develop design agreements to begin contracting out the project engineering.
3.  New possibilities are mentioned in Nat Karns's letter to the editor suggesting bike path development as part of river clean ups.   The River Restoration Group in North Adams is considering bikeway routes as part of the Hoosic flood chute redevelopment.
 
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In Memorium  

Keith Bond will be remembered as the MassDOT liaison to the BBPC.  We will miss his enthusiasm and commitment to bike path extensions.  Shown here at Park Service Day 2012.

 

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PHOTO OPS

Students from Camp Overland enjoy the Ashuwillticook
To share your biking adventures email photos to info@berkshirebikepath.com
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Thank you for your continued support! 

Please support our efforts to advocate for better bicycling in Berkshire County. Mail your check, made out to Berkshire Bike Path Council, 55 South Mountain Rd, Pittsfield, MA  01201. Per IRS regulations, your donation to the Berkshire Bike Path Council will be treated similarly to a donation made to a 501(c)(3) organization and will be tax deductible.