Self-Guided Bike Tours

• Self-guided biking along the coasts of three New England states
• Gently rolling cycling roads though diverse landscapes
• Federal architecture and Maritime history in Newburyport, MA
• Sand dunes and shorebirds at Crane Beach
• Portsmouth, NH’s lively arts scene
• New England history at Strawbery Banke
• Kennebunkport’s mansions and Ocean Avenue views
• Parker River and Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuges
• Historic inns in classic seaport towns

Day 1: Meet an Easy Rider guide in Newburyport for lunch, bike fitting, and an introduction to the area. Warm-up ride through the Great Marsh features views of Plum Island, a natural barrier island of sand dunes and marsh grasses and one of the country’s top birding destinations. Return route visits the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Two-night stay in Newburyport. (12 or 17 mi.)

Day 2: Pedal a quiet backroads loop south through the classic New England towns of Newbury, Topsfield, and Hamilton, before joining the coast at thousand-acre Crane Beach. Ice cream stop in Ipswich, home to the country’s largest collection of First-Period (circa 1625-1725) houses. Relax with an après-ride stroll along Newburyport’s historic streets or waterfront boardwalk. (42 or 50 mi.)

Day 3: Broad valley views on an inland route along the Merrimack River to New Hampshire. Horse farms and apple orchard country lead to Exeter for lunch. Afternoon ride traces the seacoast past Fort Constitution, scene of an early colonial revolt against Royal rule, en route to Portsmouth. Optional visit to Strawbery Banke, an outdoor museum whose 40 preserved buildings reflect local history, architecture, and lifestyles from the 1600s though the 1950s. (41 or 47 mi.)

Day 4: Cross the Piscataqua River into Maine, coasting past the seaside villages of Kittery, York Village, and York Harbor. Stop at Cape Neddick for a double Downeast treat: a lobster roll and a perfect view of Nubble Light. Tidal inlets, evergreen forests, and rolling farmland line the way to Kennebunkport for a two-night stay overlooking the coast. Our hotel is a grand resort listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (42 mi.)

Day 5: Pedal a coastal loop past Walker Point, the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, and the land’s-end villages of Cape Porpoise and Biddeford Pool. Free afternoon to explore local beaches, shop in Kennebunkport, or stroll the tranquil grounds of the Franciscan Monastery. (0, 20 or 33 mi.)

Day 6: Morning transfer to the Wells Amtrak station for Downeaster train connections south to Boston or north to Portland.

"One of the best biking experiences we've ever had. We're still telling all our friends about it and highly recommend it to everyone. Can't wait to do it again."
- M.A. & J.N., California

"We enjoyed the local color of small towns and quaint B&Bs, as well as the famous Colony Resort in Kennebunkport. The perfect active vacation, with full days of cycling and sightseeing, wonderful camaraderie, and delicious food. The local lobsters and clams was a well-deserved treat!"
– B.A., Tennessee

"Katie and I had a wonderful time! What a beautiful area of our country. There have been days this week when i wish i were back on my bike!"
– N.M., Georgia

• 5 nights accommodations with full breakfasts in country inns and a seaside resort (double occupancy, private bath)
• Use of a top-quality 27-speed Trek hybrid or Cannondale road bike
• Baggage transfers between inns
• Transfers from Newburyport train station and to Wells train station at specified times
• Detailed maps, written directions, and background information on sights along the way on sights along the way
• Easy Rider’s favorite restaurant recommendations for lunches and dinners
• Daily choice of mileage options; total mileage of 144 to 193 miles
• Comprehensive trip preparation information and training tips
• Easy Rider T-shirt and water bottle
• Not included: Airfare, guides, and van support.