The Great River Ride is back for 2024!
We are again partnering with New Horizons Bikes to bring you this amazing set of rides, including the popular Vineyard Route along the rail trail!
See details for each type of ride below. All routes start and end at Sons of Erin, where a buffet and live entertainment will be waiting for you at the finish!
Vineyard route
The 28-mile Vineyard Route utilizes the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail, the Southwick Rail Trail, and the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, part of the larger New Haven & Northampton Canal Greenway. You’ll ride to the Brignole Vineyard in East Granby, CT for a snack stop (wine will be available for purchase) before returning to Westfield. Great for all riders, especially families who wish to take advantage of our great rail trail network. Plus, children 15 years old and younger ride free with a registered adult!
There is also a 40-mile route that is partially on the rail trails and partially on the open road. A great option for those who enjoy the Vineyard Route but want a bigger challenge. This route also includes a rest stop at Brignole Vineyard!
Road routes
You will encounter knee-popping hills, breathtaking views, awesome descents, and gorgeous fall foliage as you tour the hilltowns of the Eastern Berkshires. Add in miles of stone walls, waterfalls, plenty of New England white churches, loads of colonial homes, historic keystone arches, and a wild and scenic river. But that's not all, we've got rest stops staffed with friendly cyclists and good food, including our famous "Baked Potato" stop. Choose between 103-mile, 85-mile, and 65-mile options.
Gravel route
The Gravel route is a mix of pavement, gravel, dirt and seasonal roads that we’ve enjoyed fall riding on for over 50 years. The 72-mile route has several gravel/dirt sections making up 40% of the route’s miles. The route will take you through the remote Knightville Basin and Chesterfield Gorge with stunning vistas along the East Branch of the Westfield River. You’ll pass through the Knightville Meadows, the Rainbow Pool, the Little Gorge and the Chesterfield Gorge on your ride. Most climbs are paved but Thayer Rd. is a moderately difficult climb of 1.4 miles on dirt ranging from 10% to 7%. A long descent to River Rd. follows a seasonal road with some steep downgrades. At River Rd. you will have a choice of the final gravel climb up Maynard Rd. or the bailout paved climb up East River Hill to the baked potato stop at the Chester Hill Church. Gravel/Dirt sections will not be monitored by SAG vehicles and cell phone coverage is limited. Be prepared to handle mechanical problems and flats. Several miles of the route follows a gated road closed to motor vehicles; we recommend teaming up with other riders on these sections. Tire widths of 38mm or wider are recommended. Fallen leaves will hide loose and bony surfaces, so caution on descents is advised.