Day 4. West Medway, MA to Shrewsbury (25 mi.)

("Cliff Notes" Version: Much cooler weather and a day of rest made for a most enjoyable ride today in our own "backyard". Highlights included a very neat (but short) rail trail in Milford and a great lunch spot in Hopkinton).


It was almost too cool this morning! When we set off at 11 a.m. the temp was in the lower 60's and it peaked at about 70 deg. by the time we finished at 3:30 pm. What a difference a few days make.
We quickly made our way to the bicycle shop in Milford to stock up on inner tubes after our recent flats & I also bought an additional rear-mirror because I need better rearward vision (story of my life....).

My second favorite bicycle shop (after Bicycle Alley in Worcester)

While there, we asked for directions to the nearby Milford Rail Trail which winds north to Hopkinton. We had spotted it earlier from the car as Ava was delivering us to the dropoff point. What a 'gem' it turned out to be...smooth asphalt surface, new fencing, well-cleared of any brush or weeds. A good description might be 'manicured'!



Very smooth surface

 

Rail trail in Milford, MA

Alas, after about 3 miles we had reached the northern end and exited onto Route 85 north heading into Hopkinton (famous as the starting point for the annual Boston Marathon).

At the 9 mile mark for the day, we stumbled upon an ideal lunch spot, Water Fresh Farm. We split a sandwich at the outdoor picnic tables, but I was not about to split my giant Lemon Slice with its buttery, crumbly base.

Ice cream is sold from the 'silo' on the right side.

In the center of town we turned left and headed into Westborough, which borders our hometown. We cycled past Linda's Doggie Playland where we used to board our dog many years ago, and Harvey's where we have spent a few Fall afternoons drinking apple cider and picking pumpkins. On the outskirts of the village area we came across an interesting juxstaposition...a very large field of new solar panels sitting adjacent to a historic farm homestead with a sign indicating it was built in 1712 (yes folks, 300 years old!). Take a look below...

Field of solar panels to the left of 300 year old farmhouse

Funny...this is but a mile from the Westboro train station (where I pick up our daughter from the Boston train) and from a Target store where we shop weekly....but I knew nothing of this 'energy farm' until today. One of the great advantages of bicycle touring.

From here, Elizabeth and I did not need any maps, we just headed home. Though we did need more energy for the final couple of miles than for the earlier part of the day, gaining about 300 ft in altitude. This will become more "par for the course" in the days ahead as we cycle west.

Arriving home