Seven Hills Wheelmen

Touring, Anyone?

Denny is putting together some tours for 2010. All his tours are “fully loaded,” with no support vehicle -- that means carrying everything needed on the bikes.

-- Sometime before Memorial Day, a three-day ride from Sutton, Mass., to Point Judith, R.I. (75 miles), or to Horseneck Beach, Mass. (82 mi). Day one and three are the ride down and back, and the middle day is to explore the area. Point Judith offers a ferry to Block Island, and riding around the island, on the middle day. These busy campgrounds require a reservation and a deposit.

-- During the summer, a seven- to nine-day loop starting from Sutton, going northeast through N.H. to Conway, Rt. 16, Rt. 26 and Rt. 3 to the northernmost point in N.H. From the Canadian border follow the Connecticut River along the west edge of N.H. back to Mass. at Northfield and home. Approximately 600 miles.

Additional rides will develop during the season. E-mail Denny at jadehill@infionline.net if you want to be notified. Have an idea for a ride? Denny welcomes your suggestions, proposals, or invitation if you have something in mind (three weeks max).

Have you ever wanted to try fully loaded touring but didn't know how to start? You will need basic backpacking equipment such as a small tent, sleeping bag, and a pot, cup and spoon. You will need to beg, borrow or possibly buy a bike rack and pannier set (I have a spare pannier set available). If you have any questions about gear/equipment, food, route, mileage, or touring in general, contact Denny.

A wealth of information on touring and equipment is available at www.adventurecycling.org.

Denny LaForce

508-476-7081
jadehill@infionline.net