Amherst is a town in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States in the Connecticut River valley. As of the 2010 census, the population was 37,819, making it the largest community in Hampshire County (although the county seat is Northampton). The town is home to Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, three of the Five Colleges. Amherst consistently ranks as one of the most progressively liberal regions of the United States, due in large part to five colleges within the area. The Amherst-Northampton region is known as the Happy Valley due to the art and music communities, progressive ideas, prestigious colleges, and large student population.
Our planned ride is 54 miles but some of us are looking at a shorter (48 mile?) route. This is the penultimate riding day and many are getting anxious to go home. Brenda and I certainly are; we’ve only been home 11 days since June 20.It was a pleasant ride after the fog burned out, about 10:15. If fact it got so warm that I stripped down to cycling bibs and a short sleeve jersey. The warm Sunday brought everyone out, especially the motorcycles. Does anyone know why Harleys are so loud? It should be against the law to make that much noise.
At first glance, Amherst appears to be totally occupied by the University of Mass and Amherst College. The only thing that separates them is Pleasant Street. And as you might guess this street is wall-to-wall eating and drinking establishments.
We’re staying in The Lord Jeffery Inn on the Amherst Common. They have a “GRAVES MEETING ROOM.” Surely this is not in honor of Dr. Clifford Graves who sponsored this ride fifty years ago. Do you think?
Amherst was first settled by the British in the 1730’s and was incorporated in 1776. Noah Webster, Emily Dickinson, and Robert Frost all made Amherst their home. On the right is a photo of the Dickinson Homestead built by Emily’s grandfather in 1813. She was born here in 1830, lived most of her life here and died here in 1886. The homestead is a National Historic Landmark.
BRENDA’S BIOS
Tom and Edel Meyer
Tom and Edel have been married for 39 years and they are riding a tandem on this trip. This is their 8th BAC trip. They had been on bicycle tours with other companies also. Tom’s favorite touring trip is in the Dordogne area of France and Edel would pick riding in the Pacific NW as a favorite.
Edel’s profession is a Registered Dietician and for most of her career she was a consultant for school systems in helping craft physical activity and nutrition programs. Tom has a Ph.D from Penn state and spent his career as a Chemist. He did some post-doctoral work in Austin where they both decided they wanted to spend more time in the Southwest area of the US. After a few more moves they landed in Albuquerque and that was 32 years ago.
They are both very active in retirement. Edel has recently become interested in created fused glass. She is still experimenting the colors, shapes and techniques. Tom volunteers about 1 day a week at the Nature Conservancy in the Geographic Information Systems area. They both are interested in birding.
TODAY’S ROUTES
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