This is one of the better bike rides I’ve done. There’s a lot to do and see. The beginning of this ride into Woods Hole is enjoyable. Woods Hole itself has a lot of activity as people make their way to Martha’s Vineyard. If you want something to eat there’s all kinds of places to choose from. Right behind the Steamship Authority ticket office you pick up the Shining Sea Bike Path which will return you to your vehicle.

Parking

I have parked at this location many times over the course of more than 10 years. However, this time I saw a “For Sale” sign on this land so things may change with this. After parking I head straight and take a left to get to Woods Hole.

The beginning of the bike path is 4.2 miles north and there appears to be parking if you look on Google Maps.

Woods Hole

There some hills as you make your way to Woods Hole but they’re not difficult. I rode on the streets to Woods Hole so that I could make a loop. I’ll link my RideWithGPS route map later. If you don’t have RideWithGPS you should check it out. It’s a game changer and if you join some bicycle clubs it’s included in the membership fee. I paid $15 to join a club while the app alone is $50 per year for the full featured version.

The first time I saw this tall, thick stand of bamboo I was amazed. Never thought bamboo could exist in New England. Not so. There’s a number of such bamboo stands on the Cape and Martha’s Vineyard.

A nice little side trip is to Spohr Gardens. The gardens are nice and it’s on a fresh water pond. What’s unique about this is the collection of nautical items that includes the anchor from the ship HMS Bounty.

If you go there I’d suggest taking Oyster Pond Rd off of Sippewissett and returning the same way.

It’s an easy road into Woods Hole along Quissett Ave.

Woods Hole is the home of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and the Steamship Authority. In summer this area is crowded with travelers trying to get on the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard.

In a small park where the above photo was taken from sits this statue of Rachel Carson. Arguably the most influential environmentalist of the 20th century. She worked briefly at The Institute.

On to Falmouth! I wrap up my ride by heading into Falmouth. I get off the bike path in Falmouth and hit a couple of beaches. When I’m out in the sun and combining that what the heat coming up off the asphalt I need the beach breaks to cool the body down. It’s refreshing and I’m ready for more.

There are a lot of beaches along this bike route. Many are private but no ones asks questions when you show up on a bike.

It’s a nice little ride around Falmouth Harbor. Stick close to the water for some good views.

Here’s a link to the ride route.

At the very beginning of this route I follow the street and not the bike path. I do this all the way to Woods Hole. The GPS will try to get you onto the bike path and basically do this trip in reverse. Be aware of that when you begin.

Have fun!