Route Suggestion - Newport

[RPerson]

We're going to be at some swanky wedding in Newport this weekend, but I do have a pass to disappear for a long one Sunday morning. If anyone knows of good (and bad) roads to use in that area for something in the 3 hour range I'd appreciate the input.

Thanks.

[taeves]

I have been down there a couple of times and rode around Newport. It is tough to make three hours out of that. You will want to drive out of Newport and after you get over the bridges maybe go out on Rte 114 (?) and try to make a loop out there. That is the best I can do from memory. There is a bike shop in Newport on a road/street named America's cup. Are if they have any routes. Hope you find something.

[cookm]

Hey Rich,
If you are in Newport start on Bellevue Ave near the tennis hall of fame and head south, take ocean ave, Ridge Rd, and Beacon Hill back to Bellevue. Then Take Memorial to Purgatory by First and Second beaches. You are now into Middletown and Portsmouth and I don't remember the roads I use to ride there. What ever you do though, when you are in Middletown/Portsmouth do not go on West Main Rd or East Main rd. These are the main roads onto the island and they are not safe to ride on at all. It may be pushing it to get a 3 hour ride on the island but 1.5 to 2 is doable. Have fun and stay safe.
Mike

[RPerson]

Thanks guys. Found the local bike shop and was tipped off that the hidden gem is to bum a ride 20 minutes north over the bridge into Tiverton and ride there instead. I got in 2.5 hours by looping south as far as I could through Tiverton and Little Compton on 77, going east on back roads to the other major North/South road (81), and then looping all the way back. Very nice riding if you're down there and pretty hard to get lost.