This featured ride is provided by Moto-Maps® from their Massachusetts booklet and was created and reported by the company’s founder, Keith Myers.

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This ride makes a wide loop starting and ending in Newburyport, Massachusetts and by far lies in the most urban setting of any Moto-Maps ride.  The uniqueness of this route is found more in the historically-significant point-to-point destinations that you will travel as opposed to the actual ride itself.  I refer to the route as a “Discovery ride” – and includes such places as: Newburyport, Concord, Lexington, Marblehead, Salem, Gloucester and Rockport (as well as easy access to Boston).  Towns that we learned about as kids and now get the opportunity to explore as adults.

Before leaving Newburyport, you may want to explore Plum Island – just a couple miles east of town.  Plum Island is a narrow piece of land that stretches about 8 miles and provides a coastal road along its entire length. 

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The ride “officially” starts by heading south along coastal route 1A and provides you with several scenic views along the way. After a few miles, you turn west and head towards Lowell.  This is a nice stretch of country road which ends in a city setting.  Lowell was a significant city during the 1800’s and is best know for its textile production.  The former mill district along the waterfront has been restored and can be toured as part of the Lowell National Historic Park.

From Lowell, you work your way southwest and then east. Before long, you find yourself in historic Concord, Massachusetts.  The Concord settlement dates back to the early 1600’s.  However, the town is probably best known for its role in the American Revolution with the battle of Lexington and Concord and the battle at the Old North Bridge - “the shot heard around the world”.  Make sure to visit these sites and explore the downtown and backstreets of this village. 

Leaving Concord, you continue heading east to the seacoast.  Along the way you will wind your way through some country settings as well as some urban down town areas.  You are rewarded at the end by a splendid view of the Atlantic Ocean.  Follow the coastal route for a bit more before you end up in Marblehead.  Make sure you take the time to explore Marblehead – you won’t regret it.  From Marblehead, you have a short ride to Salem, Massachusetts – best know for its witch trials of 1692 – and a very popular destination during the Halloween

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“season”.

The ride continues eastward on coastal route 127.  This is an enjoyable stretch of road and a change of pace from the more urban roads that you have just traveled.  You travel through historic Gloucester – a popular summer destination and a working town that depends on the sea – and continue along the seacoast to such interesting places as Rockport and Pigeon Cove.  Pack your bathing suit and enjoy a day on the beach – or pack your wallet and enjoy a day of boutique shopping.

The final leg continues along the coast before you start heading north and back to your start point.  Along the way, you’ll enjoy some nice back roads and plenty of more opportunity to explore as you ride through Essex and Ipswich, Massachusetts.   Look for roads on your right hand side that invite a detour to the ocean.

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The complete loop is only 151 miles long but I strongly suggest that you take at least two days to enjoy this ride.  If you merely follow the step-to-step ride instructions you will do yourself a great disservice.  This ride is all about discovery and exploration – the hidden gems are easy to find, if you take a little bit of time to look for them… We show you the path, you choose the adventure!