tenacioust

Hello,
Taking a friend on her first tour and one of the days will require us getting from Rutland to Pittsfield. Wondering if anyone can suggest any good alternatives to riding down Rt 7 (southbound) the whole way. She is NOT a fan of dirt pack and considering the mileage would like to keep the climbing within reason, but obviously given the geographic location I know options are limited. Any insight from people who know the area is very appreciated.

Thanks

C Law

The only thing I would recommend is taking 7a instead of 7 north of manchester (it forks and 7 turns into more of a highway from that point on) and taking that down to bennington. Other than that, there really isn't much you could do unless you wanted to add serious climbing and mileage.

Jay H

There are ways around the busy rt 7 in Bennington and Rutland Rt 7 is kind of busy with a lot of cars entering and existing..

South of bennington, Rt 7 is one lane each way with a decent shoulder and as you go into MA, Rt 7 is easily bikeable. When you get closer to Pittsfield there are alternate routes depending on where you are headed in Pittsfield (where I live). If you have specifics, feel free to pm me or email, I'll try to remember to check this forum more

South of Pittsfield, Rt 7 because 2 lanes each way w/o a shoulder but there are ways around that as well.....

Jay