Min Distance: 113km / 70 miles
Time Limit: 7 hour, 32 min
Controls: Portsmouth, NH; Concord, MA
RUSA Perm Route: 0000
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List of Official Finishers

Description

This segment uses two of the most historic cities in New England: Portsmouth, NH and Concord, MA. In both cities and along the route riders will find plenty of services including some excellent cafes.

The terrain is flat to lightly rolling with particularity scenic seaside views along the entirety of the section between Portsmouth and the Massachusetts border. In MA, the route twists through what’s referred to as “North Shore” as it heads inland through the mostly wealthy Boston suburbs. Herold Parker State Forest is scenic and quiet highlight.

Concord, MA is the unofficial cycling capital of the Bay State. Many New England Randonneurs rides start in this town and you’ll see as many cyclists as cars early on a summer weekend morning. There is no shortage of historic sites to visit such as Minuteman National Park and the Old North Bridge. If continuing into Boston, the Minuteman bike path is a straight shot to Cambridge Mass where riders can continue into the city or take the subway.

Things to note

Riders on this segment should expect to encounter heavy tourist traffic in the late spring through mid-fall particularity on the NH coast. Hampton Beach, NH is best avoided in the summer afternoon and evenings unless looking for seaside boardwalk atmosphere. Riders may encounter rush hour traffic along the entire segment. Hotels in Boston cities can be pricey and will fill up quickly during peak times.

Suggested Routes