Weekend Trips - Northampton, Massachusetts
Northampton, Massachusetts
The ultimate biker heaven

From the March 26, 2001 Issue of New York

The college town of Northampton, Massachusetts, with its galleries, museums, and restaurants, likes to think of itself as the place where New England meets Manhattan. But forget all that: What's best about Noho is that it's a great biking town, and the only way to experience it is on two wheels. The lightly traveled, winding roads of the Pioneer Valley are among the best in the East for riding. You can head north to historic villages like Montague and grab a bite at the Book Mill, or ride west to Shelburne Falls and take a dip in one of the glacial potholes of the Deerfield River. To help organize your rides, Ride Noho, a local touring company, can provide you with a package tour from 25 to 100 miles long. They'll rent you Serotta Legend Ti bikes to demo for the weekend. And for convenient and comfy digs, stay at the Inn at Northampton, right in the center of town. Best bets for refueling are Joe's Cafe for pizza, the Fresh Pasta Co. for its pastas and homemade sauces, and India House for great tandoori and nan.
-- JULIE WALSH




Details
Book Mill, 413-367-9206; Ride Noho, 888-817-NOHO or www.ridenoho.com (bike rentals start at $65 daily); Inn at Northampton, 413-586-1211 (doubles start at $119); Joe's Cafe, 413-584-3168; the Fresh Pasta Co., 413-586-5399; India House, 413-586-6344.