1- The surface of most tarmaced roads is fair, but their shoulders can be cracked and bumpy. I therefore recommend using road tires of at least 28mm. These will also (just) be sufficient on most gravel roads.
2- The gravel roads are mostly smooth: they are roads, not paths. 35 or 38mm gravel tires are recommended : fast-rolling tires are best, because this is not single track nor particularly gnarly.
Many of the gravel roads are smooth and rapid with some loose gravel, but of course this varies with the road, the weather and the maintenance schedule.
Indeed, once in a while, often in late spring, gravel roads are maintained by layering new loose gravel over the top. This can make them challenging to ride…. Naturally, rain makes them muddy, and depending on their state they can be potholed, rutted, etc… But typically gravel roads round Scotstown are fine to ride on.
3- Road bikes, hybrid bikes, gravel bikes or, simply, a ‘normal’ utility bike will all work fine on the gravel, provided their tires are wide enough. Usually hybrid and utility bikes come with tires of 30mm or more, and should be fine.
4- The terrain around Scotstown is hilly. It is advisable to have gears on your bike that allow you to get up steep hills. Of course, hills can always be walked up, so correct gearing is not absolutely necessary!
5- There are not many cafés or restaurants in the vicinity of Scotstown: the area is moderately remote. So, even if you do identify a diner – there is one, for instance, at Island Brook (Newport) – check opening hours. I mention the shops and diners I know of in the route descriptions.
6- Many of the suggested rides take you on remot(ish) gravel roads. Go prepared with enough food, water, clothing and puncture repair equipment. Cellphone coverage is patchy in some areas. If you are riding alone – which I usually am – it is good to tell someone where you are heading, and provide an approximate time of return. Although none of these routes is ever very far from a house (I doubt a house is ever more than 3 or 4 km away, usually less), some lanes have little traffic.
7- Weather can change, you can run late, and many roads are dappled with shade and sun. For these reasons riding with bright lights, visible in daylight, is a good idea. There is little traffic, which is great – but for that very reason cars, tractors and trucks may not be expecting cyclists.
Finally, you will note that the rides overlap – after all, they all start and finish in Scotstown! Once you get to know them you can mix and match segments to create your own routes.
Richard Shearmur 