Danvers/Topsfield through Beverly Farms to West Beach and Back Loop

Here is my second installment of my project to document my rides with photos. I went from Danvers into Topsfield and then curved around through Beverly Farms with a stop at West Beach. It's a very flat route so I at least included a couple of decent hills at the beginning.  It was 45.19 miles with 1968 feet of elevation gain for 43.55 feet per mile. Coastal routes tend to be pretty flat.

The route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26765259

This is at the top of the Wenham Road hill. Just after that curve is one of the best descents and ascents on the North Shore.

Don't let the gate dissuade you from riding up Great Hill from this side. It's easy to ride around the gate by that opening without getting off your bike.

 At the top of Great Hill preparing to descend the other side. Under good conditions (dry road with no sand) this descent can be done with no braking until the very end. Today was not such a day as there was sand everywhere.

 Near the canoe rental place across from Willowdale reserve. The Ipswich River is mainly frozen still.

On Waldingfield Road. 

 On Belcher Street. I love this road for its twisty turns and very low traffic volume.

 I usually take Chebacco Road up until the pavement ends here. It's so beautiful and quiet.

 There's a nice path right where the pavement ends. If you want some solitude just venture down it a little ways and sit on a mossy log.

 Coming back on Chebacco - more nice views.

 West Beach. One of my very favorite places to stop. Those benches are ideal for looking out upon the ocean while enjoying your endorphin buzz.

 Another from West Beach. The ocean was a very deep blue today.

 A picturesque scene near Endicott College. That road has been nicely redone.

 On Larch Row heading back.

First Post and Ride Report for the Route from Danvers to Bradford Ski Area

Welcome to my cycling blog.  I will document various rides here, sometimes with just words, and other times with photos included.  I live on the North Shore of Massachusetts and there are many beautiful rides right from my door but I also enjoy exploring other areas of New England and other destinations as well.


I will start with a ride I did on 12/20/2017.  It took me from my home in Danvers to Bradford Ski Area and passed through many picturesque areas.

This was the route as shown on ridewithgps.com:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26624054

This was shortly after crossing route 1 and is opposite the Alfalfa Farm Winery. That's an apple orchard in the background. I used to skate on that little pond as a kid.

At the bottom of Hill Street having just crossed the Ipswich River. In the background is Wheatlands Hill where I did sledding many times.

River Road has some of the most picturesque scenes in the whole area.

Shortly after getting on Lockwood. Both sides here are beautiful.

This in on Mill Road. I love the little bridge in the background.

Anvil Farm on Main Street.

This is on Lily Pond Road with Chadwick Pond in the background. Bradford Ski Area is just ahead.

The ski area has full coverage and is open according to their website.

This is the other entrance that leads to the ski area.

One of my favorite places to stop is this little area on Lakeshore Road. There are a couple of picnic tables and it's so quiet.

This is further up on Lakeshore Road having crossed Main. This is now looking down on the area where I had ridden previously by Anvil Farm.

Smolak Farm with some of its orchards in view. It's a great place to go apple picking.

Another photo of Smolak Farm.

I highly recommend taking Wenham Road off of route 97. It has one of the best hills in the area sure to max out your heart rate. But don't stop there, take Lakeview and the Bridle for more climbing and, as a bonus, you get this nice view of the Danvers reservoir. This was near the end of my ride.