BVO JOURNAL |
Cumberland, Lincoln and Woonsocket, Rhode Island
After a perfect day yesterday we could only hope for the same today as we go on our spring weekend bike ride. Meeting at the store, a group of 7 people with Coco the dog showed up for our trip along the Blackstone Bike Path. Leaving the parking lot we head around our building and onto the bike path at Pratt's Dam and after a short talk about the area we head south to the Lonsdale Marsh. At the Lonsdale Marsh, the location of the old Lonsdale Drive-in, the blue sky is broken by stray white clouds and cardinals chasing each other. Crossing John Street, the bike path heads into the Fernier Wilderness Area and a wood bridge that takes us through a wetland. Here a pair of mallards takes flight, scared by a team of volunteers from the Friends of the Blackstone. They are starting their first clean up of the river after a hard winter of snow and rain. Leaving the woods our small party follows the bike path through a neighborhood and to a park near the Cumberland Town Hall. The bike path ends here presently so after a short visit and talk about the factory that once was here we head north to complete our round trip ride. Returning to Pratt's Dam, the cyclists head north into Lincoln along the route that was once the tow path for the Blackstone Canal. On partially submerged logs turtle sun themselves and ducks stand guard over their domain. Through the trees the swollen Blackstone can be seen racing to the ocean. By the time we reach the Martin Street underpass the bike path starts to see more pedestrian and cycling traffic. There are families walking or riding, joggers and cyclists going by along with a couple of rollerbladers thrown in all enjoying the fine spring morning. Taking a break at the Kelly House Museum we cross the river and continue north into the township of Cumberland. Crossing the river into Albion, Dave and Glenn take the group geocaching at a couple of sites using Dave's GPS unit. After peddling under Manville Hill Road mute swans are seen above the Manville Dam and more painted turtles are found taking in the sun. During our ride several people make comments about Coco riding in her cart. The quiet day is broken with the sound of frogs calling their mates. The path narrows at the Woonsocket Water Treatment Plant and just before the soccer fields a perennial waterfall cascades down its granite face on the far side of the railroad track. Taking a break at the closed concession stand we watch someone play golf. Arriving to a full parking lot at Hamlet Ave. the bike path ends for the time being. The group of cyclists loop around and take a relaxed ride back to Blackstone Valley Outfitters and a busy store. Live the Experience!
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