During this year's impossibly long and rough winter here in Massachusetts, dreams of cycling adventures helped see me through to the beautiful months of spring. If my early season Brompton rides are any indication, it's going to be a good June, July, and August ahead.
Along with some great rides in my neighborhood, such as on the Neponset River Trail next to the old Baker Chocolate Factory....
...early spring warm weather gave me a chance to take my Brompton with me on some trips out the the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts, where I rode the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. Running from Pittsfield to Adams, this 11-mile paved path features some beautiful lakeside views of Massachusetts' tallest mountain, Mt. Greylock...
...as well as waterfalls, rocky outcroppings, and nice cycling infrastructure.
And just last week, my Brompton was in all its inter-modal-transportation glory as I took it on the historic Greenbush Old Colony Line train (recently re-added to Boston's Commuter Rail system) to the South Shore town of Scituate.
A bike path leads from the station...
... alongside a vast salt marsh, with seaside homes lining the ocean on the other side...
... on to the harbor.
My goal for the ride was Scituate Light on the opposite end of this little bay.
Riding out on the neck took me by picturesque summer cottages...
...before reaching the old lighthouse on the end.
Riding a bit further up along the Scituate coastline, I reached the second lighthouse of my journey -- the remote and mysterious Minot Ledge Light. Here you can see it to the right of this photo, completely surrounded by the rough waters of the cold North Atlantic.
And then it was time to ride to the North Scituate train station and head home...
...with my Brompton tucked into the seat beside me.
