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Last weekend we went on our first ride of the year! We pumped our tires and set out to ride the Northern Strand -- a trail beginning in Everett and continuing for 10-miles winding across marshes and rivers through Malden, Revere, Saugus and Lynn. Sidenote: While reading about this trail I learned advocacy efforts by Bike to the Sea for the Northern Strand began in 1993 –- same year I was born. I love learning little history bits like this because they make me feel anchored and connected to the region. Living in Eastie, biking to the trailhead in Everett means navigating less than ideal bike infrastructure like the Andrew McArdle Bridge, a bascule bridge, where we would have to bike on the sidewalk only to then end up at a stressful intersection. So we decided to try our luck with the free Encore ferry which shuttles folks between Long Wharf in Boston and the Encore Casino in Everett. The Northern Strand trailhead happens to be just behind the casino and since it was already kind of late in the day we were hoping our gamble would pay off. While waiting at the dock we met Al, a middle aged man with a happy-go-lucky air about him. "Hi, do you know if bikes are allowed on the ferry?" we asked him. “Well, I've seen people bring strollers, so why not bikes?” he said with a shrug and a smile. As the departure time approached, more people made their way toward the dock where the small boat now came into view. We looked over expectantly at Al who calmly instructed us to wait while he went and checked with the captain, a woman who seemed to know him by name. A few sentences later he turned back to us and waved, “C’mon!” With our bikes in tow we rushed down the ramp and boarded the ferry in total disbelief and excitement. We were safely aboard our free ride. This ferry was quite different from the East Boston and Seaport ferries we are used to riding. Soft tan leather lined the plush seats and tunes from a curated playlist of various 80’s hits filled the cozy cabin as we set off across the Boston Harbor into the Mystic River. The ride itself was lovely and the two staff onboard were friendly and accommodating despite our tires just barely allowing room for them to walk through the already narrow passageway. I kept a close eye on my front wheel which was inches away from the passengers next to me. Twenty or so minutes later we had arrived at our destination.
Without Al’s help I don’t think our plan would have worked so chances are low our little scheme will work again, but it was definitely a fun one time hack! Thank you, Al -- you really helped us out!
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AuthorGrecia lives in Boston and writes about the bike rides, hikes, and general outdoorsy activities she and her husband Siddharth go on. Archives |
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