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IPSWICH, MASSACHUSETTS

Cycling Along Massachusetts’ North Shore

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 MA

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 Bicycling

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Road Scholar
Program #13779RJ

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6 Days | 5 Nights
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderately Challenging
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Love to learn in a small-group setting? This collection of programs has at most 10-24 participants.
See our Small Group programs.
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EasyFor people looking to exercise their minds more than their bodies. There’s minimal walking and not too many stairs.
ModerateThese programs get you on your feet and include activities such as walking up to a mile in a day through a city and standing in a museum for a few hours.
ActiveFor people who enjoy walking as much as two miles a day, perhaps to explore historic neighborhoods or a nature trail.
Moderately ChallengingFor hardy explorers who enjoy a good physical challenge, spending most of their days on the go.
ChallengingGet ready to keep up with our highest-energy group. These demanding — and rewarding — programs are for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Program Details > Daily Schedule

Elevation Note
50 feet above sea level

 Equipment Requirements
It is expected that most participants will bring their own bicycles and helmets. If not, a limited number of bicycles and helmets are available for rent. Participants can rent either hybrid or road bikes for $100 for the week. Contact Mr. Harris at Bike New England to reserve a bike for rental, (978) 979-6598 or bikenewengland@yahoo.com.

Itinerary for Sep 22 — Sep 27, 2013

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Type: Bed and Breakfast

 Description: There are two bed and breakfasts used for this program. The Robert Jordan House Circa 1863 (aka the Ipswich Bed and Breakfast) is an extraordinary Victorian home with fine Italianate detail. It sits on nearly an acre of terraced perennial gardens with walkways through the property designed to create a tranquil atmosphere. All bedrooms have a private bath, TV., queen beds and air conditioning. All are recently renovated and beautifully decorated. Contact the Ipswich B&B at (978) 356-2431, or visit their website at www.ipswichbedbreakfast.com. The Kaede B&B at Town Hill was built in 1850 and formerly known as the Coburn House, the Kaede B&B is located in a nationally registered historic district overlooking Ipswich center. They are steps from the Choate Bridge, considered one of the oldest stone arch bridges in the country, and minutes from Crane Beach. Contact the Kaede B&B at Town Hill at (978) 356-8000, or visit their website at www.keadebb.com.

Contact info:
2 East St or 16 North Main St
Ipswich, MA 01938 USA
phone: 978-356-2431 xor9783568000
Room amenities: Ipswich B&B- All rooms have a private bath, TV, queen beds and air conditioning. All are recently renovated and beautifully decorated. Kaede B&B- All rooms feature brass beds and comfortable mattresses, private baths, 5 have fireplaces (decorative only).

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: Call B&B for pricing/booking.
Please contact Ipswich Inn or Kaede B&B to book additional nights.

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day One: Sunday, September 22 - Welcome and registration/Orientation 
Note: Optional Ride (8 miles)

Arrive To: Arrive on Sunday afternoon and check in. Get bikes fitted and checked. We'll take a short optional ride to Jeffrey's Neck, crossing the Great Salt Marsh and enjoying a modest climb with a spectacular view of Plum Island, Cape Ann, and the Atlantic.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner together

Evening: Orientation will include introductions and an informal talk about the Ipswich area and the upcoming week's program.

Lodging: Ipswich B&B or Kaede B&B at Town Hill

Meals Included: Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Bed and Breakfast

 Description: There are two bed and breakfasts used for this program. The Robert Jordan House Circa 1863 (aka the Ipswich Bed and Breakfast) is an extraordinary Victorian home with fine Italianate detail. It sits on nearly an acre of terraced perennial gardens with walkways through the property designed to create a tranquil atmosphere. All bedrooms have a private bath, TV., queen beds and air conditioning. All are recently renovated and beautifully decorated. Contact the Ipswich B&B at (978) 356-2431, or visit their website at www.ipswichbedbreakfast.com. The Kaede B&B at Town Hill was built in 1850 and formerly known as the Coburn House, the Kaede B&B is located in a nationally registered historic district overlooking Ipswich center. They are steps from the Choate Bridge, considered one of the oldest stone arch bridges in the country, and minutes from Crane Beach. Contact the Kaede B&B at Town Hill at (978) 356-8000, or visit their website at www.keadebb.com.

Contact info:
2 East St or 16 North Main St
Ipswich, MA 01938 USA
phone: 978-356-2431 xor9783568000
Room amenities: Ipswich B&B- All rooms have a private bath, TV, queen beds and air conditioning. All are recently renovated and beautifully decorated. Kaede B&B- All rooms feature brass beds and comfortable mattresses, private baths, 5 have fireplaces (decorative only).

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: Call B&B for pricing/booking.
Please contact Ipswich Inn or Kaede B&B to book additional nights.

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Two: Monday, September 23 - Historic Salem 
Note: Today's ride is 35 miles.

Breakfast: Enjoy homemade breakfast at the B&B.

Morning: Following breakfast at the inn, we head out past scenic meadows on an easy ride through neighboring Hamilton. After crossing the harbor to historic Salem, we ride through the historic Chestnut St. neighborhood and stop for lunch near the Old Town Hall. We'll spend a couple of hours in town so that you have the chance to visit the Salem Maritime National Historic Site and the Friendship - a reconstruction of a 171-foot three-masted Salem East Indiaman built in 1797, the Salem Witch Museum, or the House of Seven Gables.

Lunch: Lunch in Salem

Afternoon: Our return takes us through historic downtown Beverly and Hamilton. for a 32 mile total for the day.

Dinner: Dinner in Ipswich.

Evening: This evening enjoy an interpretive visit to the Ipswich Riverwalk Mural by artist Alan Pearsall. Learn more about the history of Ipswich during this beautiful and relaxing walk.

Lodging: Ipswich B&B or Kaede B&B at Town Hill

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Bed and Breakfast

 Description: There are two bed and breakfasts used for this program. The Robert Jordan House Circa 1863 (aka the Ipswich Bed and Breakfast) is an extraordinary Victorian home with fine Italianate detail. It sits on nearly an acre of terraced perennial gardens with walkways through the property designed to create a tranquil atmosphere. All bedrooms have a private bath, TV., queen beds and air conditioning. All are recently renovated and beautifully decorated. Contact the Ipswich B&B at (978) 356-2431, or visit their website at www.ipswichbedbreakfast.com. The Kaede B&B at Town Hill was built in 1850 and formerly known as the Coburn House, the Kaede B&B is located in a nationally registered historic district overlooking Ipswich center. They are steps from the Choate Bridge, considered one of the oldest stone arch bridges in the country, and minutes from Crane Beach. Contact the Kaede B&B at Town Hill at (978) 356-8000, or visit their website at www.keadebb.com.

Contact info:
2 East St or 16 North Main St
Ipswich, MA 01938 USA
phone: 978-356-2431 xor9783568000
Room amenities: Ipswich B&B- All rooms have a private bath, TV, queen beds and air conditioning. All are recently renovated and beautifully decorated. Kaede B&B- All rooms feature brass beds and comfortable mattresses, private baths, 5 have fireplaces (decorative only).

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: Call B&B for pricing/booking.
Please contact Ipswich Inn or Kaede B&B to book additional nights.

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Three: Tuesday, September 24 - The Merrimack River, Newburyport and Plum Island 
Note: Today's ride is 30-40 miles. A van ride to Rowley for a remote start is available.

Breakfast: Enjoy homemade breakfast at the B&B.

Morning: This full day ride takes us through the Great Salt Marsh to the Merrimack River, where we stop for a break at Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats. The ride continues to Plum Island for a loop through the Parker River Wildlife Sanctuary

Lunch: Lunch

Afternoon: After lunch in Newburyport we begin our return cycling past historic colonial homes and salt hay fields in Newbury. Today's ride is a relatively flat 42 miles, with the option of a 35 mile ride by starting in nearby Rowley.

Dinner: Dinner in Ipswich.

Evening: Tonight we enjoy a slide show and presentation by Bill Sargent, NOVA consultant and author of 5 books on science and the environment.

Lodging: Ipswich B&B or Kaede B&B at Town Hill

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Bed and Breakfast

 Description: There are two bed and breakfasts used for this program. The Robert Jordan House Circa 1863 (aka the Ipswich Bed and Breakfast) is an extraordinary Victorian home with fine Italianate detail. It sits on nearly an acre of terraced perennial gardens with walkways through the property designed to create a tranquil atmosphere. All bedrooms have a private bath, TV., queen beds and air conditioning. All are recently renovated and beautifully decorated. Contact the Ipswich B&B at (978) 356-2431, or visit their website at www.ipswichbedbreakfast.com. The Kaede B&B at Town Hill was built in 1850 and formerly known as the Coburn House, the Kaede B&B is located in a nationally registered historic district overlooking Ipswich center. They are steps from the Choate Bridge, considered one of the oldest stone arch bridges in the country, and minutes from Crane Beach. Contact the Kaede B&B at Town Hill at (978) 356-8000, or visit their website at www.keadebb.com.

Contact info:
2 East St or 16 North Main St
Ipswich, MA 01938 USA
phone: 978-356-2431 xor9783568000
Room amenities: Ipswich B&B- All rooms have a private bath, TV, queen beds and air conditioning. All are recently renovated and beautifully decorated. Kaede B&B- All rooms feature brass beds and comfortable mattresses, private baths, 5 have fireplaces (decorative only).

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: Call B&B for pricing/booking.
Please contact Ipswich Inn or Kaede B&B to book additional nights.

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Four: Wednesday, September 25 - Ipswich River Ride Through Essex National Heritage Area, Old Stone... 
Ipswich River Ride Through Essex National Heritage Area, Old Stone Walls Ride/Free afternoon

Note: Today's ride is 20-30 miles with a free afternoon.

Breakfast: Enjoy homemade breakfast at the B&B.

Morning: Today we'll ride some of our favorite scenic roads in the Essex Natural Heritage Area, passing through beautiful preserved lands owned by the Trustees of Reservations, Massachusetts Audubon, and the Massachusetts park system. After turning on to stone-walled Waldingfield Road, we'll enjoy an easy ride on the paved path through Bradley Palmer State Park. Beautiful Perkins Row takes us along the Ipswich River Sanctuary (you may wish to come back and hike along its eskers and moraines during your free afternoon today). In Topsfield we'll ride along the Ipswich River. Our return takes us on quiet paved roads that wind through Willowdale State Forest. Today is a "half day", offering the opportunity to take the commuter rail into Boston or spend some time hiking in our wonderful nature preserves. Our ride is 20-30 miles.

Lunch: Lunch is not included but your Program Leader will make some excellent recommendations for lunch restaurants in Ipswich.

Afternoon: Today is a "half day", offering the opportunity to take the commuter rail into Boston, spend more time in Salem or hike in our wonderful nature preserves.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner on your own tonight. You might visit the Choate Pub famous for their fried clams or bike to a nearby town to explore the local culture.

Evening: Free evening to rest

Lodging: Ipswich B&B or Kaede B&B at Town Hill

Meals Included: Breakfast
Close [ x ]
Type: Bed and Breakfast

 Description: There are two bed and breakfasts used for this program. The Robert Jordan House Circa 1863 (aka the Ipswich Bed and Breakfast) is an extraordinary Victorian home with fine Italianate detail. It sits on nearly an acre of terraced perennial gardens with walkways through the property designed to create a tranquil atmosphere. All bedrooms have a private bath, TV., queen beds and air conditioning. All are recently renovated and beautifully decorated. Contact the Ipswich B&B at (978) 356-2431, or visit their website at www.ipswichbedbreakfast.com. The Kaede B&B at Town Hill was built in 1850 and formerly known as the Coburn House, the Kaede B&B is located in a nationally registered historic district overlooking Ipswich center. They are steps from the Choate Bridge, considered one of the oldest stone arch bridges in the country, and minutes from Crane Beach. Contact the Kaede B&B at Town Hill at (978) 356-8000, or visit their website at www.keadebb.com.

Contact info:
2 East St or 16 North Main St
Ipswich, MA 01938 USA
phone: 978-356-2431 xor9783568000
Room amenities: Ipswich B&B- All rooms have a private bath, TV, queen beds and air conditioning. All are recently renovated and beautifully decorated. Kaede B&B- All rooms feature brass beds and comfortable mattresses, private baths, 5 have fireplaces (decorative only).

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before: Call B&B for pricing/booking.
Please contact Ipswich Inn or Kaede B&B to book additional nights.

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Five: Thursday, September 26 - Cape Ann/Wrap-up discussion 
Note: Today's ride is 30-40 miles.

Breakfast: Enjoy homemade breakfast at the B&B.

Morning: Today's ride takes us along wooded back roads until we reach Manchester by the Sea on Cape Ann. After a short break, we'll continue along the rocky Atlantic shoreline through tiny Magnolia on our way to Gloucester, a classic New England seaport town. We'll have lunch at Stage Fort Park before continuing to the Fisherman's memorial statue.

Lunch: Lunch at Stage Fort Park

Afternoon: Our route continues past glacial erratics and through the salt marsh to historic Essex, one of colonial America's first ship-building towns. We'll visit to the Essex Shipbuilding Museum, and you may wish to stroll through one of the many antiques shops on Main Street Today's ride is 32 miles with a 45 mile option for long-distance cyclists who may continue through Gloucester to the Eastern Point Lighthouse.

Dinner: Return to Ipswich. Farewell dinner at B&B.

Lodging: Ipswich B&B or Kaede B&B at Town Hill

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Six: Friday, September 27 - Morning ride to Crane Beach/Farewell lunch 
Note: Today's ride is 10 miles.

Breakfast: Enjoy homemade breakfast at the B&B.

Morning: For our last morning together, we ride out Argilla Rd. to Crane Beach, a Trustees of Reservations property, and a walk along the shore. On our we return, we like to stop in at Russell Orchards to sample their home-made munchies and cider! We return by 10 am for room checkout, and our farewells.

Lunch: Farewell lunch will be provided

Afternoon: Departure at 1 p.m.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch


Free Time Opportunities


Ipswich, MA
Free afternoonOn day 4 there is a free afternoon, when there are many, many options. Right in Ipswich is beautiful 4 1/2 mile long Crane Beach, several hundred acres of walking trails through the properties owned by the Trustees of Reservations (Appleton Farms, the Crane Estate, Greenwood Farm), hiking and biking trails along the Bay Circuit Trail, Willowdale State Forest, Bradley Palmer State Park, Strawberry Hill, and a number of trails in the Essex County Greenbelt; three historic houses to visit; the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary; canoeing on the Ipswich River. Very close to Ipswich are all the beautiful and interesting towns of Boston's North Shore: Gloucester, Salem, Rockport, Newburyport, Beverly, Danvers, etc. Boston is just a 53 minute train ride away. Portsmouth, New Hampshire is a 35 minute drive and Maine is just an hour away.
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Important information about your itinerary:
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date.
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•5 nights of accommodations
•13 meals: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
•2 Expert-led lectures
•10 Field trips
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4.6
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