Took advantage of the beautiful WX on Thursday and took a foliage ride. Wasn't necessarily planning on going to VT. But as often happens, the ride evolves as it's occuring.
Got on to route 2 west from route 140 in Westminister. Some good color in spots, especially in the wetlands as Paul pointed out to me at the Hometown Diner on Sunday. As I was heading west, I decided to go the the Cold River Cafe in Charlemont for lunch. Was a great ride out to Charlemont, except for some road construction in Erving. Arrived at the Cafe at 1, only to discover that it's was closed for good. Turned around back east and was considering my options. I saw the sign for route 8A north to Vermont and on an impulse I took it.
Not to long after I got on route 8A in Charlemont, I rode through the Bissell Covered Bridge. Pretty cool. 8A north meanders through Charlemont and Heath, MA into VT and ends at route 112 in Jacksonville. The MA portion is like a cow path in some spots and is a technical ride. There was one really tight spot that reminded me of a ride through Smugglers Notch in VT with the VRCC years ago. Once into VT, 8A improves and opens up a bit. The scenery and foliage was beautiful.
Got to Jacksonville and and took route 100 north to Wilmington, where I had hoped to finally get lunch at the Yahoo Eatery. No go. It was closed for the season. It was 2 PM and I was very hungry so I pulled into the pizza place across the street a bit. Over paid for a steak and cheese sub. Wolfed it down and got back on the road on VT 9 eastbound.
First stop was the Hogback Mountain overlook. As expected it was mobbed with leaf peepers, but I was able to find a parking spot. The views were spectacular.
https://uniim1.shutterfly.com/render/00-lT2MFNLjCrRYpdd3MEczfkqsQ63vB8BfhaKMpNS69n-ElmHR0-4rpeTC3VjiXhSLrnHjCyIZu59oV2we_kMG9A?cn=THISLIFE&res=large&ts=1633705162https://uniim1.shutterfly.com/render/00-lT2MFNLjCrRYpdd3MEczfkqsQ63vB8BfhaKMpNS69n92HBCnf9TCi8sompmV-uOh4xJ2Twu75QF_jizMkB1ZdA?cn=THISLIFE&res=large&ts=1633705161From Hogback it was route 9 east into Brattleboro to 5 south to 119 east into NH. In Hinsdale I took route 63 south back into MA. Heading southbound on route 63 there are multiple sod farms on the right. With all the rain we've had, the view of sod farms was beautiful. Unfortunately, there was no place to stop and take a picture.
63 south brought me into Northfield. There wasn't much color there yet. But when it comes, that will be a beautiful ride. Picked up route 2 east in Erving to route 32 south to Petersham, where I stopped to stretch a little at the Town Common for the final 1.5 hour ride home.
Got home a little after 6. Was a great day!
