Looking for a scenic ride over rolling hills in a picturesque town? Of course you are - who isn’t? Then put your bike on the rack and head to Hopkinton and Holliston. When you hear the town Hopkinton, most Boston area residents think of the starting point of the Boston Marathon. Boston is the most prestigious marathon in the world and is run on Patriots Day. Patriots Day commemorates the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. Only Massachusetts, Maine and Wisconsin observe this historical event. On this day the best runners in the world gather on the town common awaiting the starting gun. Bill Rodgers, Joan Benoit, Alberto Salazar, Moses Tanui, Robert Charuiyot, Uta Pippig, Catherine “The Great” Ndereba, Ernst Van Dyk, Dick and Rick Hoyt just to name a few, have gathered in the center of Hopkinton on their way to Boston glory.
Hopkinton and neighboring Holliston are home to superb cycling as well. Just inside Rt. 495 approximately well, 26.2 miles outside of Boston lies a tranquil, rural community dotted with horse farms, sanctuaries, nurseries and gleaming lakes ideal for an invigorating ride. We begin at the junction of 495 and 85 in Milford. This is a useful starting point due to the ample places to park such as Lowes, Sports Authority and Target as well as the proximity to the highway. Pedaling north on 85 provides an early indicator of the terrain ahead - winding roads and hills. At the 6 mile mark is the center of Hopkinton. Colletta’s Market and Hopkinton Gourmet greet you at the intersection of 85 and 135. Make a right onto 135 and climb a small hill toward the town common. On the right hand side is the Hopkinton Public Library. At the top of the hill is the Boston Marathon Start Line which receives a fresh coat of blue and yellow paint just prior to the race. About 1 ½ miles down on the left is Weston Nursery. Weston is well worth a return visit for all of your gardening and landscaping needs. Further down 135 take a right onto Clinton Street. Herein lies the jewel of the ride as Waseeka Wildlife Sanctuary emerges on the left hand side. Taking ones time through this area yields the sounds of all types of wildlife, especially birds.
The trek back through Holliston gradually grows steeper as you climb Mill Street past Prestwick Country Club. At the end of Mill Street you will need to be in low gear as you make the right onto Prentice Street. The next mile is a steady climb and by the time Prentice Street becomes Ash Street you’re out of the saddle approaching 85. This climb is difficult and easily the most strenuous leg of the ride. At the end of Ash make a left onto 85 and you are rewarded with over a mile of descent. In 3 miles, Milford emerges and within minutes you are mounting your bike onto the car and bidding Hopkinton and Holliston a fond adieu. Until Patriots Day that is.
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