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Health & Fitness

Great Getaway: Cycling the Southern Berkshires

Cyclist or gym rat will enjoy reading and riding about this 20-mile rolly, hilly, flate route through the Southern Berkshire Hills.

By Lisa M. Maloney

Just over the border of Northwest Connecticut is Berkshire county, home of the famous Berkshire Hills, a 4-season vacation destination. Many people visit this area for the arts, antiques, organic farms and country inns. As a road cyclist, it's my nirvana. 

I've cycled or mountain biked in 15 states in the U.S., and the Southern Berkshires has some of the best cycling on the East Coast.  I suggest to anyone reading this,cyclist or couch potato, try the Southern Berks by bike. They will amaze you!

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I feel the best way to truly enjoy the Berkshire countryside is by bicycle. Nothing compares to the experience of pedaling along quiet low-traffic, smoothly paved roads where you see distant mountain views without impediment, smell freshly hayed fields or hear sweet birdsongs and the rush of hillside streams.  Enjoying this scenic, peaceful area comes with the added benefit of some healthy, heart pumping exercise.

While the Southern Berkshires have great rolling terrain, a cyclist’s dream, there are also steep climbs with stunning descents.  In other words, the Berkshires “ain’t flat.”  So turn the computer off, hop on a bike and be prepared for the patient uphill pedaling that rewards every cyclist with panoramic views and screaming-fun downhills.

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Sound fun? It is. Sound hard?  It is, but think of all the chocolate cake you can eat after a 20 mile roller.  

Want to try it? 

Here's How: I recommend a road bike with drop handlebars, a minimum of 20 speeds and smooth skinny tires.  A touring bicycle will also work provided it has smooth, thin tires that will provide less resistance, though the flat handlebar may make for less aerodynamic and slower downhills.

I've mapped out two rides starting and ending at the Old Inn on the Green in New Marlborough.  Both are around 20 miles and feature rolling terrain, gradual climbs and some flat spots. These are perfect after-work rides that can be done in about 1 1/2 hours. You’ll get some fresh air and beat back the day’s stresses in beautiful surroundings.  

Enjoy!

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