Riding the coast of RI on motorcycle (Providence, Newport: hotel, casino)

[Bigfoot424]

I'm leaving in a couple of weeks to tour the New England States on my motorcyle and I'd like to see Rhode Island. I was planning on riding the coast but a friend said don't waste my time. Just wanted some opinions from those who actually live there.

[Hoxsie454]

There are no roads that really hug the coast, so you can get waterviews for miles on end. But, then again, Rhode Island is only 40 miles north to south. Providence would be an unpretty by bike ride. I figure you will be coming up from Connecticut, so be sure to take the coastal route from Groton Long Point and Stonington, Ct., into Westerly R.I., where you'll weave your way south thru wealthy Watch Hill, R.I., and follow the coast road thru the beaches at Misquamicut, Charlestown, Galilee, Point Judith (spectacular breakers) and Scarborough, in Narragansett.

Then, I recommend you take Rt.138 east just north of Narragansett to Jamestown Island. Circle the whole island for beautiful waterviews, especially Beavertail. There are lots of parking areas, but the only refreshments or fuel are in Jamestown village, The wealthy whose "cottages" dot the shores of the island don't want any fast food joints in their front yards! The Pell bridge from Jamestown to Newport is toll, but unavoidable. I think its $4 by car unless you have a pass. Newport is a much loved tourist trap. See the Americas Cup sloops in Newport Harbor. Spend some time viewing multi million dollar yachts tied up at the dock and piers on the island in the harbor. Head south on Thames pick up Ocean Drive (also known as Ten Mile Drive) which is MUST bike ride. Park at Brenton Point or Shamrock Cliff Hotel.

You might then head out of Newport via Easton's Beach, aiming for Little Compton and Tiverton, which are beautiful and again wealthy country towns, and once you cross over the border into Massachusetts, you are on your own.

[terrasurf]

Newport is really far too beautiful to be considered a trap- most people want to wouldn't want to be in a tourist trap, its a pretty derogatory term. Admittedly Newport is full of tourists in the summer, at least on weekends. I could think of a thousand places that would be a tourist trap, not Newport.

[terrasurf]

And some of New Englands most spectacular state parks are located in Jamestown and Newport-plenty of bikers around in the summer. There are also some great country roads that will take you away from 95 headed towards Newport; starting at the Hadlyme area of Connecticut, the little ferry over the river, and some of the country around the Connecticut border inland from the Indian Casino. Westerly, great beach town they have a new place to see live blues- the Knickerbocker Cafe. Route 49 area of Eastern Connecticut, Deep River, and into Richmond, Wyoming, and Hope Valley, RI- Swamp Yankee territory, New England country at its best.