Boston to New Paltz, looking for alternates

[thistle]

We're planning to bike from Arlington (a suburb of Boston) to New Paltz this fall.  We thought we'd use the Atlantic Coast route, but we're having trouble finding hotels/motels along that route at the right distances.  We're not set up to camp at this time, unfortunately. 

We thought that as an alternative we would stay in Massachusetts until closer to Canaan, Ct., but then there's the problem of crossing the Connecticut River.  Also, we have the Rubels Western Mass map coming to us this week, but they don't seem to make a Central Mass map anymore which is making the route planning more of a challenge than I'd hoped.  I'd love to hear from anyone who has suggestions for bike routes that go further north than the Atlantic Coast route, or if you know of a decent place to stay, not too expensive, generally near Stafford Springs, Ct. 

thanks!  this is my first long ride, and I'm really looking forward to it!
-Rebecca

[JayH]

The Atlantic Coast route goes through Northern CT after leaving Mass around Webster.. then it kind of meanders to Rhinebeck before going south to Poughkeepsie, crossing the Mid Hudson Bridge over the Hudson to Lloyd and eventually to New Paltz.   

I've ridden from New Paltz to Great barrington, using I think 23 to Hillsdale, NY then taken Rt 22 south through Copake to Millerton which you can pick up the ACA route or perhaps just take Rt 44 to Poughkeepsie.  I do remember a big hill outside Amenia on Rt 44 that you'll have to climb. Also there is a big descent at the MA/NY border on Rt 23 as you go by the Catamount Ski area going towards NY.   

Can't really help you as far as motels but you could easily google stafford springs, ct lodging and find nearby motels if any. I camped at Beartown SF in MA when I was in Great Barrington and camped at American Legion SF in CT when on the ACA route...

Jay

[thistle]

Thanks Jay.  I think we've plotted out a good route, through Amherst, over to Hillsdale, then down taking 22 South to Rt 44 as you suggested.  Our only sticking point, and it should be solveable, is picking our way through Northampton.  Does anyone know how bad Rt 9 into Northampton is?  (We'll be on it early on a Friday morning, probably impossible to avoid whatever early morning rush hour there is in Noho.)

[climbeverymountain]

Hi Rebecca:
     I don't know if this is too late for you:
     You don't have to go on Rt. 9 to get from Amherst to Northampton.  There is a rail trail paralleling Rt. 9 between the 2 towns!  The 1st time I saw it I thought it was full of broken glass, but I learned that was limestone!  There is even a rt 9 underpass!  It ends as soon as you cross the Conn. River.  Then there is a multi-use path thru the north side of Northampton that ends at a park a few miles later.  By that time, when you get back on Rt. 9 you should be much better off.  I guess there will be some trucks going from Northampton to Pittsfield on Rt. 9 but most of them will be on US 20, US 5, and the Pike.
     Good luck with your trip.  Keep the wheel side down!
     Dan Rappoport
     Princeton, NJ