Although it's not exactly bicycling weather right now, the small town of Lanesborough, Massachusetts, is planning a new cycling event for September 24. It's named after one of the biggest global competitions and the state's tallest mountain.
Just like the Tour de France, Tour de Greylock will take cyclists through historic villages, past farms and along waterways. It's not a race, but a 42-mile ride.
Patricia Hubbard of Lanesborough's economic development committee said the idea is to inspire people to stop and get to know the area's outdoor activities.
"Lanesborough doesn't have a main street," Hubbard said. "Lanesborough doesn't have a quote-unquote 'downtown.' We're located on Route 7 and people just pass through our town. So, we thought, well, we have Mount Greylock in our backyard, the tallest peak in Massachusetts."
The ride won't go over the peak, but around it. Starting and ending in Lanesborough, the route will loop through New Ashford, Williamstown, North Adams, Adams and Cheshire.
Bicyclists will pass by horse farms and travel along the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail with a view of the Cheshire Reservoir.
Hubbard said no one should be "frightened by the elevation." There are some rolling hills, she said, but it will be primarily a flat ride.
