This weekend MM and I headed out to Cape Code for the Autumn Escape Bike Trek, a bike ride across Cape Cod to raise money for the American Lung Association. There are 2 and 3-day options, this was our first time so we opted for the 2-day ride.
If you don’t want to read all the details, I’ll give you the quickie recap which is that this ride was awesome! It was expertly run, the volunteers and everyone working were super nice, the snacks along the ride were on point and the route was so scenic and beautiful. The weather was 100% perfect, sunny and 70s.
And now if you want the details, keep reading, plus get a look at my favorite pictures from the weekend.
Saturday Morning we headed out to Sandwich, MA where our ride would start. We left around 6:30am to make sure we had enough time to check in, drop off our bags and get our bikes ready. By 8:30 am we were on our bikes and headed out across Cape Cod. There were about 300ish riders so at some points you’d be with 10 other riders, at other points you’d be alone. Roads were marked pretty well along the way so we didn’t get lost. Roads weren’t closed for the ride but drivers in Cape Cod are extremely nice to bikers and stopped for us every time we needed to cross or make a turn. Some points of the ride took us through bike paths. Our scenery changed from beaches to wooded areas to open fields, all beautiful.
There were three rest stops along the way on day one. A few were on the beach which made for a lovely view as we chowed down on snacks. Let me talk about the snacks. THEY WERE AMAZING. I’m doing Whole30 so a lot of things I couldn’t eat (pumpkin bread, mini pies, flavored coconut water, a variety of granola bars, chips, pb&j sandies, candy, fruit snacks, etc etc…) but there were also a lot of things I could eat (larabars, apple chips, green smoothie, raisins, fresh fruit)! While I was lusting after the less-healthy snacks, it was for the best that I couldn’t have them because I likely would have eaten EVERYTHING and ended up with a stomach ache (I did however toss a few really tasty packed snacks into my bag that I can enjoy in a couple of days).
I’ve done a few hosted bike rides and this one was by far the best in terms of rest stops, volunteers and snacks. Every time you entered a rest stop people cheered for you!
The first day of riding was great, it was pretty flat and an easy ride totaling 57 miles.
That night we stayed at a summer camp in Cape Cod which was legit cabins with bunk beds. Not going to lie, it was a little weird. Everyone seemed to know each other and most people were a part of a big team that does the ride every year. MM and I were put in a cabin with a team of about 12 people and we were the only people NOT on the team and we were the only people under 30 (or 40 maybe?). They were friendly but it was strange. When we first arrived at the camp they had tents set up and were giving out free food and beer, it was a mini party.
MM had my beer (oh Whole30, you stink).
The camp is located right on the beach; we spent some time by the water taking in the amazing sunset.
Then at night they hosted a lobster dinner, yum!
After that they had a presentation about the ride, the American Lung Association and what we were riding for. And then they encouraged everyone to play games in the mess hall. MM and I played for a little bit (just because we felt rude not doing it) but as soon as it was appropriate we snuck out (not that I don’t love playing Cards Against Humanity with a bunch of 40-50 years olds but…ok that is my actual nightmare).
Then it was bed time. It was a long day so luckily I fell asleep quickly (in a room full of strangers…fun!)
Then we were up really early to get breakfast and head out on our second day of riding. This day was only 40 miles but WAY harder than the first day. Tons of hills that had me sweating. Again, three amazing rest stops with delicious food and people cheering for us along the way.
We ended the ride in Provincetown around 12:15, got our medals, had a free massage and had a chance to wander around the town for a bit (which is super cute!). At 2:45 we got on buses and headed back to Sandwich where our bags, bikes and car was waiting for us to head home.
We had an amazing time! MM kept saying how much fun he was having which made me very happy since it took a little convincing to have him sign up. The ride was so scenic and gorgeous and gave me a great view of Cape Cod and the beautiful houses along the way. The overnight stuff was fine, not ideal but totally fine. I would love to do this ride again with a big group of friends. I can see how camping out with a whole cabin of close friends would be amazing (people were up partying, having bon fires and stuff…we went to bed).
I have to say that everything about this ride was done so well. Our bags were taken in the morning at each location and were waiting for us upon arrival at the cabins and at the end of the ride, everything was well-organized, everyone was friendly and it was a great atmosphere. Also this cost us a mere $55 each (and that was the late sign up cost!) plus fundraising $500 for the ALA. I would expect such a nice, well-run even to cost way more.
I’m considering it for next year (or something like it) so if any friends want to join in the fun, let me know, I highly recommend it!
