Ten Reasons to Ride with Ciclismo Classico in Historic Deerfield, MA

The rolling countryside around Deerfield, MA, was one of the first frontiers in early America, with settlers staking out homesteads in the hills and hollows, and building a network of primitive roads to connect them to each other and to the markets in the Connecticut River valley where they sold the products of their hard labors.

Much later, this same beautiful countryside became a frontier of another sort. Modern cyclists ventured out onto these same roads – many of them still unpaved – in search of an escape from overwhelming traffic and a return to the simple pleasures of scenery and fellowship that made them start riding in the first place.

Now the rest of the cycling world has caught up with these pedaling pioneers and “gravel cycling” has become the hottest trend on two wheels. Make no mistake: you will work hard if you venture into these hills, with their steep climbs and sometimes rutted “forest highways.” But for those with the fitness, determination, and the right equipment – dedicated gravel, cyclocross, or mountain bike–the rides here are without parallel.  Be sure to experience it for yourself on our Deerfield Gravel American Heritage Weekend.

Here are Ten Things We Love about riding in Deerfield: American Heritage Country . . .

1. The sprawling view of the Connecticut River Valley from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain Reservation.

2. Freshly painted clapboard siding behind a neatly straight picket fence in Historic Deerfield Village.

3. Making friends with local sheep just before you crest a hill to see a view that leaves you breathless.

4. Riding on dirt Cooper Lane Road, shaded by giant maples and without a car in sight.

5. Stopping for pictures at the Burkeville Covered Bridge in Conway.

6. Lying in the grass under a crystal blue sky, gazing across the hills from Apex vista and . . .

7. . . . speculating what the treat of the day will be at the Apex Orchard just up ahead.

8. Mid-ride stops for fresh snacks at roadside farm stands.

9. Watching the shadows of the riders in front of you fly across the gravel as you head down a sunlit hill.

10. An ice-cold beer at the Deerfield Inn after a hot day on the trails.