This Department is conducted in the interest of Bicyclers, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question on the subject. Our maps and tours contain much valuable data kindly supplied from the official maps and road-books of the League of American Wheelmen. Recognising the value of the work being done by the L. A. W., the Editor will be pleased to furnish subscribers with membership blanks and information so far as possible.
Copyright, 1895, by Harper & Brothers.
One of the best trips out of Boston is the westward run to South Framingham. The distance is not great, and the country which the rider passes through is as fine as any in the vicinity of Boston, or, for that matter, anywhere in the East. Start from Copley Square, with Public Library on the left. Go through Dartmouth Street (macadam road) to Commonwealth Avenue, turn to left, and follow this Avenue to Beacon Street Boulevard; bear to left out this boulevard, following electric-car tracks direct to Chestnut Hill Reservoir. Fine residences all the way. Finely macadamized road. Some hills and good coasts, which must be taken with caution on account of cross-roads. Shortly after crossing railroad bridge on Beacon Boulevard keep to extreme left-hand road; it usually has the best surface and gives the best shade. At the Reservoir Electric-Car Station turn to right up short steep hill; at top turn to left, pass through stone gateway, and take delightful spin around reservoir, keeping water on left till Beacon Street is reached, then turn to right on Beacon and up long hill, which is followed by two excellent coasts into Newton Centre. Good macadam road. Keep on Beacon Street (now good gravel road, small hills followed by level stretch), which crosses railroad at Waban Station and brings one to Great Sign Boards, then turn to the left, and follow Washington Street up long hill, then good coast towards Newton Lower Falls, good gravel road to Wellesley Hills. Keep to right on Worcester Street, cross railroad, then first left, thus entering Wellesley by way of Linden Street. Here it will pay to run out Washington Street to Wellesley College, see the fine grounds and Lake Waban, on the shores of which are famous residences, notably that of the Hunneywells, with extensive Italian gardens terraced from hill-top to the water's edge. Leaving Wellesley, follow Central Street to East Central, comparatively level way, to Natick. Keep direct road, passing Long Pond on the right and Cochituate Reservoir on the left. Good gravel road. Follow West Central Street into South Framingham, distance about twenty miles. Old Colony House a good place for dinner. Returning, follow same route to Great Sign Boards. To vary trip, instead of turning to right keep direct road, viâ Washington Street, to Auburndale, past Lee's Hotel, one of the most popular suburban hostelries. Road in this region is excellent and well shaded. From Lee's keep direct road across railroad, then bear to the right and keep straight way into Newtonville, which we pass, keeping railroad on the right into Newton. After passing the station take first turn to right, and follow direct way to Oak Square. This brings one on to Cambridge Street, which is followed to Union Square, here turn to right, and follow Commonwealth Avenue to Dartmouth, then turn to right to Copley Square. Round trip about forty-three miles. If one desires, a short run of a little over a mile from Lee's will bring him to Riverside, on the Charles River, where are the Boston Athletic Club's summer quarters and those of the Newton Boat Club. Canoes and boats to let. Good place to spend an hour or so.