Bruce Freeman Rail Trail in Chelmsford, MA

Monday, September 7th, 2009 Tags: bike path, bruce freeman rail trail, chelmsford, Massachusetts, Photos, rail trail, review

Bruce Freeman Rail Trail in Chelmsford, MA

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An extended review of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, complete with photos of the trail.

The lovely Bruce Freeman Rail Trail runs right through my hometown of Chelmsford, Massachusetts. One trailhead is in Carlisle (right at the intersection of routes 225 and 27) and the other is at the Lowell/Chelmsford line at the Crosspoint building (which used to be known as the Wang tower way back when).  Most of the way through Chelmsford it directly parallels route 27, which I used to bike as a kid.  It’s a lot nicer to go on the bike path though — the path goes right by the lovely Hart pond, my old elementary school (Byam!), some surprisingly beautiful wetlands and then right into the center of the town.

As seen in Chelmsford center, where there are a number of places to get some food and drinks. This photo is right behind Ginger Ale plaza, where you can find the Java Room, which has been a popular spot in town since it opened.

Turning around, this is the view of Chelmsford Center looking north:

Go up the stairs and that’s Ginger Ale plaza on the left. There’s also parking on the right. A lot of local businesses are here just waiting to cater to path users! (That’s why I recommend the Center as the trailhead if you’re driving in from out of town.)

Full review and photos of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail after the cut…

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Light in the woods

Saturday, August 8th, 2009 Tags: chelmsford, forest, new england, summer

Light in the woods

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Bike ride from Arlington to Chelmsford

Friday, October 10th, 2008 Tags: arlington, bike, black redemption, blue turtle, chelmsford, cycling, surly crosscheck, touring

Bike ride from Arlington to Chelmsford

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When I was a kid in Chelmsford, this was my favorite place to let my imagination wander. In my wooded, hilly New England town, this was the only place I felt where you could see for miles and miles.

I grew up in Chelmsford, a small exurban town northwest of Boston. The two places seemed worlds apart when I was a kid. Going into Boston was going “into the city,” kind of a big deal, not something we did very often. Compared to the rest of the country, the distance between Chelmsford and Boston is barely a drive. My housemate from Houston often reminds me that going from one side of Houston to another is a several-hour affair. In that same time driving in New England you’ve likely passed through a couple states. (more…)