Oct 6 Cape Cod Bikeway

Cranberry Bog

My ride today is on a rail trail. At 22 miles, the trail does not extend the full length of Cape Cod. During the mid 1800s a rail line was build by the Old Colony Railroad from Boston to Cape Cod. First to Sandwich and by 1873, all the way to Providencetown. The demise of the railroad began in 1935 with the opening of two bridges over the canal which separates the cape from the mainland. These bridges are still in use today and quite narrow by modern standards. Two years after the openings, passenger service was discontinued beyond Dennis and eventually was discontinued altogether. Freight continued until the mid 1960s when the tracks were abandoned.

Beginning near Harwichport, I accessed the Chatham rail trail to bring me to the Cape Cod Rail Trail. At the intersection of the 2 trails there was a roundabout. That is the first time I have encountered one on a bike trail. Apparently, in the summer, the trail hosts many more folks than I saw today. The trail is also centerlined, a clear signal that it is crowded at times.

Above is a photo of a cranberry bog. Massachusetts accounts for  30% of US production. I have read, cranberries are one of only 3 fruits which were native only to North America. The other two; blueberries and concord grapes. I think paw paws originated here too but they are not a major fruit food. Their name is derived from the pilgrims term, craneberries, attributed to the resemblance of their blossom to the head of a Sandhill crane. Cranberries grow in an acidic peal soil with sand and a supply of fresh water. The plant is actually a vine. Some of which are over 150 years old. Prior to fall harvest, the bog is flooded with fresh water using dams and ditches. A harvesting machine shakes the berries loose and they are collected in a large sieve. Earlier this year, a storm damaged the crop and it had to be harvested early.

Bay side salt meadow

My ride continued to Orleans and a bit beyond. I did not go to the trail's end in Wellfleet. Plans to extend the trail from Wellfleet to P-Town have identified 4 possible routes including the least likely, along the original rail route, now privately owned. Along my route, I noted camping, lodging and dining opportunities in the closely spaced towns. I also saw one group of bicycling tourists laden with gear.

I give this trail two thumbs up. It was a very pleasant experience.