Cape Ann Ride from Ipswich
Leader: Gordon Harris (978) 979-6598 email : gordonharris2@yahoo.com
Start: Hammatt St. downtown parking lot, Ipswich, MA map to start
Directions: Take Ipswich Rd. from Rt. 1 in Topsfield. As you enter downtown Ipswich, cross the tracks and take a left on Depot Square, and bear right around the back of the downtown stores. The parking lot is on your right before Rt. 1A/133 (Central St.)
Date and Time: Sunday, October 5, 2008: 10:00 AM for 29, 39, or 53 miles
What to expect: A very scenic tour of Cape Ann's rocky coastline. With the tourist season winding down, this is the best time of year for the ride to Rockport. Setting out from Ipswich, we take back roads to Manchester by the Sea and on to Magnolia. The ride continues counter-clockwise through Gloucester and along Atlantic Ave. The short loop turns back to Ipswich from Magnolia, the Medium route turns back after Gloucester, and the longest route goes on to Rockport, back through Annisquam Village.
The return for all three mileage versions follows Rt. 133 and scenic side routes in West Gloucester and Ipswich. There is an optional extra loop to the Eastern Point Lighthouse in Gloucester for the medium and long routes, plus an extra ride out to Conomo Point in Essex for all mileage options.
The route is marked with a yellow "Dan Henry", a circle with a line pointing the direction, as shown on this page. Take time to view the route on Map My ride (listed below) so that you are familiar with the frequent turns.
Turtles: Diane Isenberg and Joy Ketchum
are familiar with the route and welcome anyone
who would like to join the "Turtles" as a leisurely
pace.
Cue sheet and map downloads: (There will be a limited number of printed handouts available at the ride start.)