Boxborough to Lawrence

June 4, 2015

We woke to a cool morning, or so we surmised, as our room faced the "inner court" with the pool, bar, and lounge areas. We decided to forgo breakfast at the hotel and decided to bike to Acton and Julie's Place. It was five miles down MA-111 but pretty much on the route to Lowell, requiring only a half-mile detour. It was well worth it. It's important to get a good breakfast early in the morning, even on a light day, which this would be. Our plan was to spend some time in Lowell and then end the day near Lawrence, where Jerry had arranged a car rental for his trip home.

Today's ride to Lawrence

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MA-111 wasn't too bad. Traffic was light and well-behaved. We arrived at Julie's and found it crowded, always a good sign, and sat down to a hearty breakfast. Then we headed north on MA-27 for about six miles until it met with the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail which, will take you straight into Lowell, MA.

The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail is pretty typical of most rail trails . . . quiet and nice. Although the closer we got to Lowell, the more crowded it became.

Some of the less than terra firma we rode through. I think this is typical of rail trails because the railroads built their tracks on berms in order to maintain a uniform grade, effectively creating a dam.

As beautiful as it is, I have three criticisms: The crossings at Littleton Road and at Fletcher Street need better signage and accommodation of through traffic. Both are high-risk in my assessment. And the end of the trail terminating in a parking lot with no signage or clear path out is pretty ridiculous. This is not a small parking lot but one of several blocks in an office complex. We made our way out, of course, but given the high quality of the trail, it was a disappointing end.

But that's OK. We were in Lowell. Except the National Park Service is equally challenged! Maybe we just have more money where I come from, but signage for wayfinding to the historic district was nonexistent until you were on top of it . . . in which case it was obvious.

Regardless, Lowell is a gem, especially if you're an engineer! We toured the Visitor's Center, and, from there, did the 2:30 PM trolley tour from the Boott Mills Museum to Wannalancit Mills, where we saw a working water turbine and mechanical loom, all powered by water. But first, the trolley car!

A reconstructed trolley car. Only the trucks (the wheel sets) are original.

An interior view. It was reconstructed from the original plans discovered filed in the local library. Some engineer had a field day with this project. Jealous here!

And our conductor, who dressed and played this part to the hilt.

Then into the mill. There were other engineers on this tour, and the park ranger giving it is married to one. She has my sympathies.

A short video of the shaft turning the wheel and belt. It's mechanical engineering, so it's meaningless if you can't see it moving lol!

One of the massive belts. These were made of bison hide.

One of the many mechanical looms driven by water power!

A mechanical loom powered by water . . . amazing technology for the 1830s.

After seeing an exhibit on the "mill girls" who worked in the factories, we made our way out of town along Bridge Street and over the Merrimack River.

We crossed during rush hour and used the sidewalk to avoid traffic and congestion.

After crossing the Merrimack, we pretty much followed Merrimack Boulevard and Lowell Street all the way to Lawrence, with the only difficulty being the navigation of a large rotary underneath Interstate I-93. That required passing through two weave sections, but we survived. The boys were brave! We then took a more residential street north to our hotel and relaxed over a good meal at a local restaurant.

Today's ride: 32 miles (51 km)
Total: 2,339 miles (3,764 km)

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