With a forecast of sunshine tomorrow, it is worth trying for one more ride. The forecast for tomorrow, Wednesday the 12th looks like the best of the week.
Anyone interested in a ride?? It could be the last, or one of the last days for an enjoyable ride without getting too cold...
Meet at the parking lot behind the Eastern Slope Inn, ready to ride at 11:00 am.
The route will be the riders choice -- either down to The Eaton Store or Purity Springs via 153 or change it a bit and do it via North South Road, Stark Road and Rt 153, or do the Passaconaway/Kanc. We can decide depending on weather and timing.
One more, anyone??
Remember the party ---
The Annual Bike Cleaning Party is now the Plate Cleaning Party!
No need to bring your bike -- (but try to clean your bike before you come to the party so that it will be happy over the winter!!).
Just bring a dish for this Pot Luck party.
Date: Saturday, November 15th
Time: 6:00 pm
Hosts: Pat and John Higgins
Bring: Your favorite pot luck item to share
Please call or email Pat Higgins with your choice of food/drink item, or ask her what she needs to round out the offerings: 603-383-4581
pat@jrhiggins.com
75 Birch Ledge Rd
Glen, NH
From the Glen Ledge Store in Glen on the corner of Route16 and Glen Ledge Road, drive up Glen Ledge Road for 1 mile, take a left onto South Ledge Road, bear left onto Birch Ledge Rd and go a half mile to #75, which is on the left. There is a sign at the end of the driveway: "Higgins Location".
Roland has once again prepared a video presentation of the photos collected over this season!!
See you there!!!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Tuesday Dirt and Pavement Ride, November 11th + Party Info
I want to test an idea for some part pavement/part dirt road rides: "Mixed Surface Rides".
Is anyone interested??
Wider tires, preferably 32 mm or greater (28 mm would work if you are careful) are perfect for these rides. A mountain bike might also work, but the pavement sections could be tedious on the fat knobbies after many miles. The rides I have done lately are about 1/4 dirt road, 3/4 pavement. There are so many fun possibilities of rides using the dirt roads to link the pavement sections. Riding the dirt is good on a cold day, since the speed is lower -- less windchill!!
The ride I have in mind for Tuesday is in North Fryeburg, right near where we always ride in the corn fields and turf farms, but the dirt part takes us down the western side of the Old Saco River, to the Hemlock Covered Bridge 15 miles round trip. If we continue, we can end up at the southern end of Moose Pond in Denmark. This would be 30 miles round trip. This is an out-and-back ride, so we can go as far we like then turn back. In contrast to most of the "Mixed Surface Rides" I have done lately, this one is more dirt than pavement, so a mountain bike would be OK to try on this one.
Date: Tuesday, November 11th
Please: Send me an email if you are interested just so I know if anyone will be joining me!! marianneborowski@yahoo.com. (I have 7 riders as of Monday evening)
Meet: 11:00 am; ready to ride
Where: Parking area next to the North Fryeburg Fire Station, on the corner of Route 113 and South Chatham Road.
Bring snacks and/or lunch to eat - there are lots of sunny spots along the river for a snack and a rest.
Since the weather forecast is looking good over the next few days, I will likely post some of the last rides of the season for Wednesday and Thursday!
Remember the party ---
The Annual Bike Cleaning Party is now the Plate Cleaning Party!
No need to bring your bike -- (but try to clean your bike before you come to the party so that it will be happy over the winter!!). Just bring a dish for this Pot Luck party.
Date: Saturday, November 15th
Time: 6:00 pm
Hosts: Pat and John Higgins
Bring: Your favorite pot luck item to share
Please call or email Pat Higgins with your choice of food/drink item, or ask her what she needs to round out the offerings:
603-383-4581
pat@jrhiggins.com
75 Birch Ledge Rd
Glen, NH
From the Glen Ledge Store in Glen on the corner of Route16 and Glen Ledge Road, drive up Glen Ledge Road for 1 mile, take a left onto South Ledge Road, bear left onto Birch Ledge Rd and go a half mile to #75, which is on the left. There is a sign at the end of the driveway: "Higgins Location".
Roland has once again prepared a video presentation of the photos collected over this season!!
See you there!!!
Is anyone interested??
Wider tires, preferably 32 mm or greater (28 mm would work if you are careful) are perfect for these rides. A mountain bike might also work, but the pavement sections could be tedious on the fat knobbies after many miles. The rides I have done lately are about 1/4 dirt road, 3/4 pavement. There are so many fun possibilities of rides using the dirt roads to link the pavement sections. Riding the dirt is good on a cold day, since the speed is lower -- less windchill!!
The ride I have in mind for Tuesday is in North Fryeburg, right near where we always ride in the corn fields and turf farms, but the dirt part takes us down the western side of the Old Saco River, to the Hemlock Covered Bridge 15 miles round trip. If we continue, we can end up at the southern end of Moose Pond in Denmark. This would be 30 miles round trip. This is an out-and-back ride, so we can go as far we like then turn back. In contrast to most of the "Mixed Surface Rides" I have done lately, this one is more dirt than pavement, so a mountain bike would be OK to try on this one.
Date: Tuesday, November 11th
Please: Send me an email if you are interested just so I know if anyone will be joining me!! marianneborowski@yahoo.com. (I have 7 riders as of Monday evening)
Meet: 11:00 am; ready to ride
Where: Parking area next to the North Fryeburg Fire Station, on the corner of Route 113 and South Chatham Road.
Bring snacks and/or lunch to eat - there are lots of sunny spots along the river for a snack and a rest.
Since the weather forecast is looking good over the next few days, I will likely post some of the last rides of the season for Wednesday and Thursday!
Map:
Remember the party ---
The Annual Bike Cleaning Party is now the Plate Cleaning Party!
No need to bring your bike -- (but try to clean your bike before you come to the party so that it will be happy over the winter!!). Just bring a dish for this Pot Luck party.
Date: Saturday, November 15th
Time: 6:00 pm
Hosts: Pat and John Higgins
Bring: Your favorite pot luck item to share
Please call or email Pat Higgins with your choice of food/drink item, or ask her what she needs to round out the offerings:
603-383-4581
pat@jrhiggins.com
75 Birch Ledge Rd
Glen, NH
From the Glen Ledge Store in Glen on the corner of Route16 and Glen Ledge Road, drive up Glen Ledge Road for 1 mile, take a left onto South Ledge Road, bear left onto Birch Ledge Rd and go a half mile to #75, which is on the left. There is a sign at the end of the driveway: "Higgins Location".
Roland has once again prepared a video presentation of the photos collected over this season!!
See you there!!!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
No Ride for Thursday Nov 6th
The weather forecasts are tending to agree on spotty showers on Thursday. It probably is not worth going on a ride just to have it rain on us. So, I will not set up a ride for tomorrow.
But!!! -- Keep checking this site if you are still thinking about another bike ride before ski season -- I may set up a ride if the forecast for Sunday and Monday holds -- it could be sunny and in the 50's -- perfect for a November ride!!
Remember the party ---
The Annual Bike Cleaning Party is now the Plate Cleaning Party! No need to bring your bike -- (but try to clean your bike before you come to the party so that it will be happy over the winter!!).
Just bring a dish for this Pot Luck party.
Date: Saturday, November 15th
Time: 6:00 pm
Hosts: Pat and John Higgins
Bring: Your favorite pot luck item to share
Please call or email Pat Higgins with your choice of food/drink item, or ask her what she needs to round out the offerings:
603-383-4581 pat@jrhiggins.com
75 Birch Ledge Rd
Glen, NH
From the Glen Ledge Store in Glen on the corner of Route16 and Glen Ledge Road, drive up Glen Ledge Road for 1 mile, take a left onto South Ledge Road, bear left onto Birch ledge Rd and go a half mile to #75, which is on the left. There is a sign at the end of the driveway: "Higgins Location".
See you there!!!
But!!! -- Keep checking this site if you are still thinking about another bike ride before ski season -- I may set up a ride if the forecast for Sunday and Monday holds -- it could be sunny and in the 50's -- perfect for a November ride!!
Remember the party ---
The Annual Bike Cleaning Party is now the Plate Cleaning Party! No need to bring your bike -- (but try to clean your bike before you come to the party so that it will be happy over the winter!!).
Just bring a dish for this Pot Luck party.
Date: Saturday, November 15th
Time: 6:00 pm
Hosts: Pat and John Higgins
Bring: Your favorite pot luck item to share
Please call or email Pat Higgins with your choice of food/drink item, or ask her what she needs to round out the offerings:
603-383-4581 pat@jrhiggins.com
75 Birch Ledge Rd
Glen, NH
From the Glen Ledge Store in Glen on the corner of Route16 and Glen Ledge Road, drive up Glen Ledge Road for 1 mile, take a left onto South Ledge Road, bear left onto Birch ledge Rd and go a half mile to #75, which is on the left. There is a sign at the end of the driveway: "Higgins Location".
See you there!!!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Thursday, October 23
Looks like a clear, sunny, crisp day on Thursday. Good for a ride in the sunshine!
Dig out your cross country ski wear, and you will be comfortable on the bike!!
Not too many bike days left....
How about a ride in North Fryeburg, to see the final harvests in the potato, corn and turf fields? There is not supposed to be any wind, so it should be a good fall ride in the cool air and warm sunshine.
I mapped out a route that goes south to Cornshop Rd, then back north via Fish St and MacNeil, to Union Hill, to the campground at the Basin - we could snack there rather than up at the lake if it seems too cold up there. We can check on the progress of The Stow Store renovations!! This is one of the flattest rides we have in the valley!!
Total Miles: 33
Bring snacks and/or lunch.
Meet at the North Fryeburg fire station station, ready to ride at 10:00 am.
Park alongside the park next to the fire station at the junction of route 113 and South Chatham Road.
For those from the Bartlett/Jackson end of town, carpool out of the Grants/Dunkin Donuts Parking lot - meet at 8:50; leave the lot at 9:00 am.
Here is a map:
Dig out your cross country ski wear, and you will be comfortable on the bike!!
Not too many bike days left....
How about a ride in North Fryeburg, to see the final harvests in the potato, corn and turf fields? There is not supposed to be any wind, so it should be a good fall ride in the cool air and warm sunshine.
I mapped out a route that goes south to Cornshop Rd, then back north via Fish St and MacNeil, to Union Hill, to the campground at the Basin - we could snack there rather than up at the lake if it seems too cold up there. We can check on the progress of The Stow Store renovations!! This is one of the flattest rides we have in the valley!!
Total Miles: 33
Bring snacks and/or lunch.
Meet at the North Fryeburg fire station station, ready to ride at 10:00 am.
Park alongside the park next to the fire station at the junction of route 113 and South Chatham Road.
For those from the Bartlett/Jackson end of town, carpool out of the Grants/Dunkin Donuts Parking lot - meet at 8:50; leave the lot at 9:00 am.
Here is a map:
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Thursday Rained Out
Unfortunately, every forecast that I read or see on TV indicates that tomorrow will be a rainy, cloudy, cool day. The predection is that it will be rainy from mid morning to mid afternoon, so that kind of ruins our bike ride. So I am going to cancel our ride for this week.
I will continue to post rides for Thursdays until it is just too cold -- likely at the beginning of November -- 2 or 3 more chances!!
Please note on your calendars that the End-of-Season "Clean Your Plate" Pot Luck Party (no "Clean Your Bike" required this year!!) will be on Saturday, November 15th, hosted by Pat and John Higgins. More info to follow....
I am going to set up a ride for this Saturday - the Velo Club Ride - Everyone please join in!! It will be another good foliage ride!!! It looks like the weather should be cool but sunny! If you can ride on Saturday - check the blogsite tomorow for the details: www.velorides.blogspot.com
I will continue to post rides for Thursdays until it is just too cold -- likely at the beginning of November -- 2 or 3 more chances!!
Please note on your calendars that the End-of-Season "Clean Your Plate" Pot Luck Party (no "Clean Your Bike" required this year!!) will be on Saturday, November 15th, hosted by Pat and John Higgins. More info to follow....
I am going to set up a ride for this Saturday - the Velo Club Ride - Everyone please join in!! It will be another good foliage ride!!! It looks like the weather should be cool but sunny! If you can ride on Saturday - check the blogsite tomorow for the details: www.velorides.blogspot.com
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Anyone for a Tuesday Ride?
Anyone want to do a nice long ride in the sunshine and warm weather this TUESDAY (the 14th)?
I have a new ride to test out: The Roxbury Notch Ride, starting in Bethel at the riverside park by the Androscoggin River (along route 26).
This is a 66 mile ride that travels north out of the picnic area (where we typically end our North Road ride) alongside the Androscoggin, then crosses route 2 and continues north almost to Andover. It turns east on route 120 over Roxbury Notch, then travels south into Rumford. It crosses the Androscoggin to avoid route 2 and then returns via the south and east side of the River back to Bethel.
If you like the North Road Ride, you will like this one. The new part to explore is the Roxbury Notch-Rumford section.
Carpools leave out of the Grant's (old Dunkin Donuts') parking lot at 8:00 am. We will drive to the parking-picnic area in Bethel and probably be starting the ride at 9:15 am.
Weather permitting, there will be, as usual, a Thursday Ride this week, too!!
I have a new ride to test out: The Roxbury Notch Ride, starting in Bethel at the riverside park by the Androscoggin River (along route 26).
This is a 66 mile ride that travels north out of the picnic area (where we typically end our North Road ride) alongside the Androscoggin, then crosses route 2 and continues north almost to Andover. It turns east on route 120 over Roxbury Notch, then travels south into Rumford. It crosses the Androscoggin to avoid route 2 and then returns via the south and east side of the River back to Bethel.
If you like the North Road Ride, you will like this one. The new part to explore is the Roxbury Notch-Rumford section.
Carpools leave out of the Grant's (old Dunkin Donuts') parking lot at 8:00 am. We will drive to the parking-picnic area in Bethel and probably be starting the ride at 9:15 am.
Weather permitting, there will be, as usual, a Thursday Ride this week, too!!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Thursday Oct 9th - Wonalancet Loop 11:00 am
Hi Everyone,
The weather forecasts are just not looking good for an early morning ride....
BUT -- Showers are supposed to end and the sun should come out and the temperature should be 70. The weather looks to be better in this area and south of here, as opposed to up north. I think it is not worth a drive up over the notches, as I have had a few rides lately be much wetter up there than here.
So, what to do for tomorrow??
I think that a later morning start would be good to dry out the roads, and that a Tamworth ride -- The Wonalancet Loop - would be a good idea. The foliage is better down there and it will be a nice ride in the sunshine. This is a great fall ride!!! Ready to ride at 11:00.
Distance: 30 miles
Meeting place: West Ossipee - Parking lot at McDonald's and Tram Store (old Mt. Whitter ski tram station) located on the east side of the junction of Route 16 and route 25 in West Ossipee. From Conway, drive south on route 16 to the traffic light at the 16/25 junction. Go straight through the light, then turn left into the parking lot for the McDonald's and Tram Store. Park on the right side of the lot, where we will not interfere with the McDonald's customer parking.
Meeting time: Ready to ride out of the Tram parking lot at 11:00 am. From Glen Duncan Donuts, it is a 27 mile drive, from EMS, a 22 mile drive, from Conway Village it is a 16 mile drive.
Carpool: For the Glen/Jackson folks, carpool out of the Duncan Donuts/Grant's Supermarket parking lot. Be there at 9:45 in order to leave the lot promply at 10:00 am.
Terrain: Farms, fields, forests, mountain views, marshland, horses, churches, stone walls, riverside riding, etc, etc. Part of the ride will be on the road designated as The Chinook Trial (route 113A from Tamworth to Wonalancet). The Chinooks are famous sleddogs: www.theheartofnewengland.com/LifeInNewEngland-Chinook-Trail.html
Some flat riding at the start, a wonderful downhill at the end, which means, that in the middle there are a few short steep rolling hills (not as steep as Asparagus Hill...) and moderate hills that will burn some calories so that you can enjoy your lunch with ice cream at the...
Food Stop: "The Other Store" in Tamworth Village (at ~mile 24). Bring your own or get a nice lunch and or ice cream here and eat at the picnic tables in the sunshine in the back of the store.
The weather forecasts are just not looking good for an early morning ride....
BUT -- Showers are supposed to end and the sun should come out and the temperature should be 70. The weather looks to be better in this area and south of here, as opposed to up north. I think it is not worth a drive up over the notches, as I have had a few rides lately be much wetter up there than here.
So, what to do for tomorrow??
I think that a later morning start would be good to dry out the roads, and that a Tamworth ride -- The Wonalancet Loop - would be a good idea. The foliage is better down there and it will be a nice ride in the sunshine. This is a great fall ride!!! Ready to ride at 11:00.
Distance: 30 miles
Meeting place: West Ossipee - Parking lot at McDonald's and Tram Store (old Mt. Whitter ski tram station) located on the east side of the junction of Route 16 and route 25 in West Ossipee. From Conway, drive south on route 16 to the traffic light at the 16/25 junction. Go straight through the light, then turn left into the parking lot for the McDonald's and Tram Store. Park on the right side of the lot, where we will not interfere with the McDonald's customer parking.
Meeting time: Ready to ride out of the Tram parking lot at 11:00 am. From Glen Duncan Donuts, it is a 27 mile drive, from EMS, a 22 mile drive, from Conway Village it is a 16 mile drive.
Carpool: For the Glen/Jackson folks, carpool out of the Duncan Donuts/Grant's Supermarket parking lot. Be there at 9:45 in order to leave the lot promply at 10:00 am.
Terrain: Farms, fields, forests, mountain views, marshland, horses, churches, stone walls, riverside riding, etc, etc. Part of the ride will be on the road designated as The Chinook Trial (route 113A from Tamworth to Wonalancet). The Chinooks are famous sleddogs: www.theheartofnewengland.com/LifeInNewEngland-Chinook-Trail.html
Some flat riding at the start, a wonderful downhill at the end, which means, that in the middle there are a few short steep rolling hills (not as steep as Asparagus Hill...) and moderate hills that will burn some calories so that you can enjoy your lunch with ice cream at the...
Food Stop: "The Other Store" in Tamworth Village (at ~mile 24). Bring your own or get a nice lunch and or ice cream here and eat at the picnic tables in the sunshine in the back of the store.
Map:
Also -- 2 News Items!!
1. A date has been set for the End-of-Bike-Season Annual Bike Cleaning and Pot Luck Dinner!! The only change is that there will be no bike cleaning -- just partying this year!!! You only need to bring something for the potluck - leave the bike home this time. (Your homework will be to clean the bike before you come to the party!!! I will post my Bike Cleaning Document on this site at some point before the party for reference...)
The event will be hosted by Pat and John Higgins on Saturday evening, November 15th.
More details will follow over the next few weeks.
2. Glenn Ashworth sends this invitation to all for the Bike For Books event this Saturday:
"One of the most enjoyable events of the fall season is upon us! The N. Conway "Bike for Books" fall foliage tour. "Bike for Books" is a great enjoyable tour ride for a very good cause. Details are listed below:
Bike for Books - A Fall Foliage Mountain Bike Tour in the Mount Washington Valley
The North Conway Public Library will hold its seventh annual Bike for Books fund raiser on Saturday, October 11th, 2008. This scenic mountain bike tour of the Mount Washington Valley during peak fall foliage season offers different route options to accommodate various ability levels from beginner/novice to expert mountain biker and also children. The tour will begin between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. and is expected to conclude by early afternoon—every participant can choose their own route and own pace since this is a tour and not a race. The mountain bike trails will be well-marked, nobody will get lost. Even if you don't normally mt. bike you will enjoy this tour. Food and drinks along the way will be provided to all participants.
All bikers and volunteers will receive a book, a bike bottle, and are invited to a free big lunch at the finish (Elvio’s pizza, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, coffee from Frontside Grind, and more).
Many local businesses, restaurants, and ski areas have donated numerous free giveaways and gift certificates.
The Registration fee is $20 for individuals, $30 for couples, $35 for families, and $10 for students 17 and under. $5 off for pre-registration by October 4th —
THE MT.WASHINGTON VALLEY VELO BICYCLE CLUB HAS PRE-PURCHASED 10 SPOTS FOR THE FIRST 10 CLUB MEMBERS WHO WANT TO RIDE FREE! JUST LET THE REGISTRATION FOLKS KNOW YOU ARE A 2008 CLUB MEMBER."
Forms may be picked up at the North Conway Public Library or downloaded at http://www.northconwaylibrary.com/ . Registration on the day of the event will be held at the John Fuller School from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
FMI check http://www.northconwaylibrary.com/ or contact the library at (603) 356-2961.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Thursday October 2nd
Attitash to Crawford Notch
Thursday's forecast is not an easy one to plan around!
We could have rain, we could have partly cloudy. Each weather forecast predicts a different timing on the rain.
I really want to ride in this beautiful foliage!!! I want to believe weather.com - it predicted rain until 9:00am and OK to ride after that. Other forecasts were not quite so obliging.....
Here is a plan that MIGHT work --- it's not far from home and we could always turn around for an easy downhill, downwind ride back to the car if the weather changes on us:
10:00 am Ready to ride at the Attitash parking lot (across the street from the lifts).
Ride up to the Willey House (29 miles round trip), and then ride up The Notch as far as you like -- perhaps further than you have ever gone before? That short steep pitch by the waterfalls is walkable, and the reward at the top is the peak foliage colors!!!
When we return, we can have a snack and a beverage at Matty B's.
Thursday's forecast is not an easy one to plan around!
We could have rain, we could have partly cloudy. Each weather forecast predicts a different timing on the rain.
I really want to ride in this beautiful foliage!!! I want to believe weather.com - it predicted rain until 9:00am and OK to ride after that. Other forecasts were not quite so obliging.....
Here is a plan that MIGHT work --- it's not far from home and we could always turn around for an easy downhill, downwind ride back to the car if the weather changes on us:
10:00 am Ready to ride at the Attitash parking lot (across the street from the lifts).
Ride up to the Willey House (29 miles round trip), and then ride up The Notch as far as you like -- perhaps further than you have ever gone before? That short steep pitch by the waterfalls is walkable, and the reward at the top is the peak foliage colors!!!
When we return, we can have a snack and a beverage at Matty B's.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Weather Worries for Thursday Oct 1st
Hi Everyone,
I want to wait until tomorrow, Wednesday, to post the details for this Thursday's ride. I am a bit concerned about the threat and the timing of rain or drizzle.
For this Thursday, I think a ride in the Crawford Notch/Twin Mt area would be a good choice because the foliage is exceptionally beautiful up there right now -- I call it Peak!! Looks like we can get that ride in, but I want to get a good call on the forecast before deciding meeting time and place.
Perhaps next week, if we have a really good forecast, it will be a good time for the annual Vermont Side of the CT River Foliage Ride!
Check this site again tomorrow!!
Marianne
I want to wait until tomorrow, Wednesday, to post the details for this Thursday's ride. I am a bit concerned about the threat and the timing of rain or drizzle.
For this Thursday, I think a ride in the Crawford Notch/Twin Mt area would be a good choice because the foliage is exceptionally beautiful up there right now -- I call it Peak!! Looks like we can get that ride in, but I want to get a good call on the forecast before deciding meeting time and place.
Perhaps next week, if we have a really good forecast, it will be a good time for the annual Vermont Side of the CT River Foliage Ride!
Check this site again tomorrow!!
Marianne
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Pumpkin Fest Ride
Thursday Sept 25th Ride to Pumpkin Fest!
Celebrate with Steve and Sally Swenson as they send off their Giant Pumpkin to the Fryeburg Fair! Steve and Sally send us an invitation:
The 4th Annual PUMPKIN FEST, where? our yard, when? THURSDAY, Sept. 25th 10:00 -11:00 am.
"We want to extend an invitation to all Velo Club members and friends to attend THE 4th Annual Pumpkin Fest. It is DAISY this year, and She is approaching 400 lbs. Some of you will have received personal invitations, but it is open to all - rain or shine. We will have a band, a men's and women's chorus this year, Lilly, the singing dog and lots more. Feel free to arrange the Thursday ride on the 25th to stop by the house between 10 and 11: am. There will be coffee, tea, pumpkin munchies and VALET parking for bikes on the front lawn."
Steve and Sally Swenson 3569021 388 Kearsarge Rd., North Conway
Celebrate with Steve and Sally Swenson as they send off their Giant Pumpkin to the Fryeburg Fair! Steve and Sally send us an invitation:
The 4th Annual PUMPKIN FEST, where? our yard, when? THURSDAY, Sept. 25th 10:00 -11:00 am.
"We want to extend an invitation to all Velo Club members and friends to attend THE 4th Annual Pumpkin Fest. It is DAISY this year, and She is approaching 400 lbs. Some of you will have received personal invitations, but it is open to all - rain or shine. We will have a band, a men's and women's chorus this year, Lilly, the singing dog and lots more. Feel free to arrange the Thursday ride on the 25th to stop by the house between 10 and 11: am. There will be coffee, tea, pumpkin munchies and VALET parking for bikes on the front lawn."
Steve and Sally Swenson 3569021 388 Kearsarge Rd., North Conway
The Bike Ride will include a stop at the Swenson's for the event at 10:00. Here is the plan:
For the best downhill-all-the-way-to-the-car at the end of the ride: Start out of the old Dunkin Donuts parking lot at 8:45 am.
If you prefer, start at the Eastern Slope Inn Public Parking area 9:45 am. Or meet everyone at Steve and Sally's house at 10:00.
From Dunkin Donuts in Glen: We can ride to Steve's via Route 302 to West Side Road and River Road. Those of you who live in West Side Road, meet us as we ride by your house! We will take a spin through the Eastern Slope Inn Public Parking area to join any other riders who start there.
We will cross Route 16 at the light and ride by the John Fuller School, then zig-zag via N-S Road and Seavey St to to end up at Steve and Sally's house at 388 Kearsage Road (a bit past the entrance to Cranmore).
After the festivities, the ride continues!! We will explore local roads in North Conway, Intervale and Jackson for a nice loop. We will ride toward Cranmore and take Old Bartlett Road to the North end of Kearsage Road, the Hurricane Mt Road down to Route 16. There, we turn onto Route 16A, past Town Hall Rd to Dundee Rd. We will ride Dundee to Jackson, coming down near Black Mt Ski area, then down to Carter Notch Rd, then stop to picnic at Jackson Falls. The downhill ride continues down route 16 back to the Dunkin Donuts.
So you wonder about Dundee Rd??? Yes, it has a stiff climb -- not long - but it is walkable (I walk it every time) and well worth the effort. This is a fabulous ride, and some walking on some dirt is part of the deal. Enjoy the start of foliage season in the woods up there. The ride down from the top of Dundee all the way back to the car is really scenic and you will smile all the way. It is a local classic!!!!
The total distance is 28 miles. If you want to shorten it, just avoid Dundee and ride to the end of 16A back to route 16 and back over Stanley's Hill to the Dunkin Donuts.
Here is the map:
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The North Fryeberg-Kezar Narrows Fig. 8
Thursday, September 18 Ride
This 26 mile ride is a variation of a ride we did earlier in the season. It will start at the No. Fryeberg fire station. We will head south to begin this figure 8 ride. Turn left on Fish St to rt 5 and a left on Rt 5 to Shavehill road. Turn left on Shavehill to a right on Union Hill Rd. Continue to a right turn on New road. Continue to a right on Foxboro Rd to a right on W. Lovell Road and continue to the Narrows. We can lunch at the Narrows if the take-out is open, otherwise we can continue to Lovell to the variety store for lunch. After a break, we can double back on W. Lovell Rd to a left on Shave Hill Rd all the way to a right on Harbor Rd. Turn right at the end on Rt 113 to end at our start point.
Weather looks to be quite nice and this is a very nice ride. There are great views all along this ride. The distance views are of the Baldfaces/Royces and a peek at washington peak. We are all in better condition now, so this will be enjoyable for all.
Start Time: 9:30 am
Place: No. Fryeberg Fire station (please do not park in driveway or along the sides of firestation)
Carpooling: Those starting from the Glen area, meet at Grant's ready to leave by 8:45
This 26 mile ride is a variation of a ride we did earlier in the season. It will start at the No. Fryeberg fire station. We will head south to begin this figure 8 ride. Turn left on Fish St to rt 5 and a left on Rt 5 to Shavehill road. Turn left on Shavehill to a right on Union Hill Rd. Continue to a right turn on New road. Continue to a right on Foxboro Rd to a right on W. Lovell Road and continue to the Narrows. We can lunch at the Narrows if the take-out is open, otherwise we can continue to Lovell to the variety store for lunch. After a break, we can double back on W. Lovell Rd to a left on Shave Hill Rd all the way to a right on Harbor Rd. Turn right at the end on Rt 113 to end at our start point.
Weather looks to be quite nice and this is a very nice ride. There are great views all along this ride. The distance views are of the Baldfaces/Royces and a peek at washington peak. We are all in better condition now, so this will be enjoyable for all.
Start Time: 9:30 am
Place: No. Fryeberg Fire station (please do not park in driveway or along the sides of firestation)
Carpooling: Those starting from the Glen area, meet at Grant's ready to leave by 8:45
Friday, September 5, 2008
The Snowville Loop, Thursday Sept 11
The Snowville Loop is a really nice, relatively short ride (24 miles). There are no notches, but there are a few short moderate climbs and also that famous "Asparagus Hill" which is a short, steep challenge! This should be an easier climb than it was in the early part of the season!!
The ride goes through Center Conway, South Conway, into part of Brownfield, ME, then to Snowville and Eaton, by Crystal Lake. A stop at the Eaton Store for lunch or snacks is a tradition! Perhaps a dip in Crystal Lake?
The ride starts in Conway Village out of the public parking lot near the corner of routes 16 and 153, behind the Mountain Center Physical Therapy building and the Laconia Bank.
Be ready to ride at 9:30 am.
For a longer option, start at the EMS/Eastern Slope public parking lot for a to add 14 miles round trip (38 total) via West Side Road. Meet up with the rest of the riders at the parking area in Conway Village. Leave the parking lot at Eastern Slope no later than 8:45.
The ride goes through Center Conway, South Conway, into part of Brownfield, ME, then to Snowville and Eaton, by Crystal Lake. A stop at the Eaton Store for lunch or snacks is a tradition! Perhaps a dip in Crystal Lake?
The ride starts in Conway Village out of the public parking lot near the corner of routes 16 and 153, behind the Mountain Center Physical Therapy building and the Laconia Bank.
Be ready to ride at 9:30 am.
For a longer option, start at the EMS/Eastern Slope public parking lot for a to add 14 miles round trip (38 total) via West Side Road. Meet up with the rest of the riders at the parking area in Conway Village. Leave the parking lot at Eastern Slope no later than 8:45.
Tom and I are on the road again - we are riding the Cabot Trail. We will be back for the Thursday Ride on Sept 25th.
For the map:
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
September 4th North Road Ride
OK you Weather Gods up there, we Double Dog Dare you to rain on this Fourth Attempt at Ralph's North Road Ride this year!!!!!
Time: 9:30 am Ready to Ride
Where: Dirt parking area at the junction of Hogan Road and North Road, Gorham.
Distance: 39 miles round trip with lunch at the picnic area on the Androscoggin River in Bethel, ME.
Bring: Lunch, Water, Snacks
This ride is easier than what you have been doing lately .....
Ride Description:
North Road is a gem!! It is a scenic, quiet road which goes from the eastern end of Gorham to Shelburne to Gilead and then to Bethel, ME. The road goes along the north side of the Androscoggin River. Route 2, which has trucks, tourists and traffic, travels along the south ride of the river.
Start at the intersection of North Road and Hogan Road, on the north side of the river, ready to ride at 9:30 am. To get to this point, drive north over Pinkham Notch on Route 16. Turn right at the intersection with route 2 in Gorham. Drive about 3 miles, and turn left onto North Road, just after a beautiful stone house and barn. Cross the river at the dam, and proceed about 1/4 mile to where North Road bears sharply right. Hogan Road, a dirt road with access to several trailheads, comes in from the left at this point, and there is a dirt parking area there.
PLEASE CARPOOL to minimize the number of cars in this lot (see below..)! The ThursdayBike group could overwhelm this lot! There is additional parking on the right side of Route 2, just past the intersection with North Road. It is the Appalachain Trailhead parking. If you know this lot, park there and ride over to the Hogan Road lot - this will save parking spaces for others.The entire ride on North Road to the picnic area alongside the river in Bethel, and back, is 39 miles.
The ride is not difficult, no notches! There are flat sections, sections of rolling hills, lots of scenery and occasional views of the river. Near the end, just before reaching Route 2/Route 5, there is a bike path that turns right at a red fire hydrant and goes behind the water slide park. The path goes for 1.1 miles, ending at a nice picnic spot (and porta-potty).
There are many options for food in Bethel, or just bring your own.
Shorter Options: (I am not offering a shorter version this time, since ALL OF YOU CAN DO THIS ENTIRE RIDE!! THE ENTIRE RIDE IS REALLY NICE!!! You have done WAY harder rides lately!!!)
CARPOOLING! To carpool, meet at the Dunkin Donuts in Glen at 8:15 if you can either take a bike or two in/on your car, or if you would like to join a carpool. Carpools will leave Dunkin Donuts at 8:30.
For a map you can play with, click on:
(I will have some maps printed out for you)
Time: 9:30 am Ready to Ride
Where: Dirt parking area at the junction of Hogan Road and North Road, Gorham.
Distance: 39 miles round trip with lunch at the picnic area on the Androscoggin River in Bethel, ME.
Bring: Lunch, Water, Snacks
This ride is easier than what you have been doing lately .....
Ride Description:
North Road is a gem!! It is a scenic, quiet road which goes from the eastern end of Gorham to Shelburne to Gilead and then to Bethel, ME. The road goes along the north side of the Androscoggin River. Route 2, which has trucks, tourists and traffic, travels along the south ride of the river.
Start at the intersection of North Road and Hogan Road, on the north side of the river, ready to ride at 9:30 am. To get to this point, drive north over Pinkham Notch on Route 16. Turn right at the intersection with route 2 in Gorham. Drive about 3 miles, and turn left onto North Road, just after a beautiful stone house and barn. Cross the river at the dam, and proceed about 1/4 mile to where North Road bears sharply right. Hogan Road, a dirt road with access to several trailheads, comes in from the left at this point, and there is a dirt parking area there.
PLEASE CARPOOL to minimize the number of cars in this lot (see below..)! The ThursdayBike group could overwhelm this lot! There is additional parking on the right side of Route 2, just past the intersection with North Road. It is the Appalachain Trailhead parking. If you know this lot, park there and ride over to the Hogan Road lot - this will save parking spaces for others.The entire ride on North Road to the picnic area alongside the river in Bethel, and back, is 39 miles.
The ride is not difficult, no notches! There are flat sections, sections of rolling hills, lots of scenery and occasional views of the river. Near the end, just before reaching Route 2/Route 5, there is a bike path that turns right at a red fire hydrant and goes behind the water slide park. The path goes for 1.1 miles, ending at a nice picnic spot (and porta-potty).
There are many options for food in Bethel, or just bring your own.
Shorter Options: (I am not offering a shorter version this time, since ALL OF YOU CAN DO THIS ENTIRE RIDE!! THE ENTIRE RIDE IS REALLY NICE!!! You have done WAY harder rides lately!!!)
CARPOOLING! To carpool, meet at the Dunkin Donuts in Glen at 8:15 if you can either take a bike or two in/on your car, or if you would like to join a carpool. Carpools will leave Dunkin Donuts at 8:30.
For a map you can play with, click on:
(I will have some maps printed out for you)
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Thursday August 28th: Steve Swenson's Ride
For Thursday August 28th, Steve Swenson will host a THURSDAY ROAD RIDE with start and finish at the 5 corner's store in Brownfield (Jct. Rts. 113, 160 and Brownfield Rd) at 9:30.
This ride was originally scheduled in early August, but was cancelled due to the rainy weather.
Steve describes the day:
There is brand new pavement all the way to Bridgeton on Rts. 160 and 117. It would be about a 3 and 1/2 hour round trip with some rolling hills through Denmark and a chance to get a snack in Bridgeton with a swim at our cottage after.
Cottage is at Lovewell Pond Fire Lane 15 (Cranberry Drive) off Rt. 113 Just north of the Airport Rd past the Boat Launch Rd and Rapputack. It's a half mile drive in, Bring towel and bathing suit. Since this is a distance, carpooling is suggested.
Meet at Cranmore parking lot for carpooling ready to leave by 8:45 to reach Brownfield store before 9:30. Suggested route is to start out on the new pavement following Rt. 160 toward Denmark. I like to loop to the left after crossing the Saco at the big curve to Lords Hill Road, then right on W. Denmark road back to the new pavement (Rt. 160). Then straight to Jct. with Rt 117 and stay on rt 117 toward Bridgeton to blinker at top of hill, turn left on Hio Ridge Rd. Continue on this rural, scenic road to Rt.302 (where there is a wide shoulder) turn right and ride into Bridgeton where there are lots of choices for lunch. I usually stop at the bakery opposite the super market on the main Street. There used to be a nice little restaurant sort of kitty- corner from the bakery. There are lots of interesting shops in town.
We plan to meet at the restaurant on or before 12:00 noon before heading back. To return, head back up through town to top of hill and turn left around the monument on S. High st. out past the hospital to the new pavement and stay on 117 and 160 all the way back to Brownfield.
The round trip is about 34 miles. For a shorter distance ride of about 30 miles, I would suggest staying on Rts. 160 and 117 both to and from Brownfield to Bridgeton. There is no avoiding a number of rolling hills, but the new pavement is great. They didn't even have the yellow lines painted last Sunday.
Once back at the store in Brownfield, drive back toward Fryeburg on Rt. 113 approx. 4 and 1/2 miles past the Airport Rd. and the boat launch Rd. turn right on fire lane 15 (Cranberry Dr.) 1/2 mile in is our cottage and go for a swim in Lovewell Pond. Bring suit and towel.
Ride Leader: Steve Swenson
This ride was originally scheduled in early August, but was cancelled due to the rainy weather.
Steve describes the day:
There is brand new pavement all the way to Bridgeton on Rts. 160 and 117. It would be about a 3 and 1/2 hour round trip with some rolling hills through Denmark and a chance to get a snack in Bridgeton with a swim at our cottage after.
Cottage is at Lovewell Pond Fire Lane 15 (Cranberry Drive) off Rt. 113 Just north of the Airport Rd past the Boat Launch Rd and Rapputack. It's a half mile drive in, Bring towel and bathing suit. Since this is a distance, carpooling is suggested.
Meet at Cranmore parking lot for carpooling ready to leave by 8:45 to reach Brownfield store before 9:30. Suggested route is to start out on the new pavement following Rt. 160 toward Denmark. I like to loop to the left after crossing the Saco at the big curve to Lords Hill Road, then right on W. Denmark road back to the new pavement (Rt. 160). Then straight to Jct. with Rt 117 and stay on rt 117 toward Bridgeton to blinker at top of hill, turn left on Hio Ridge Rd. Continue on this rural, scenic road to Rt.302 (where there is a wide shoulder) turn right and ride into Bridgeton where there are lots of choices for lunch. I usually stop at the bakery opposite the super market on the main Street. There used to be a nice little restaurant sort of kitty- corner from the bakery. There are lots of interesting shops in town.
We plan to meet at the restaurant on or before 12:00 noon before heading back. To return, head back up through town to top of hill and turn left around the monument on S. High st. out past the hospital to the new pavement and stay on 117 and 160 all the way back to Brownfield.
The round trip is about 34 miles. For a shorter distance ride of about 30 miles, I would suggest staying on Rts. 160 and 117 both to and from Brownfield to Bridgeton. There is no avoiding a number of rolling hills, but the new pavement is great. They didn't even have the yellow lines painted last Sunday.
Once back at the store in Brownfield, drive back toward Fryeburg on Rt. 113 approx. 4 and 1/2 miles past the Airport Rd. and the boat launch Rd. turn right on fire lane 15 (Cranberry Dr.) 1/2 mile in is our cottage and go for a swim in Lovewell Pond. Bring suit and towel.
Ride Leader: Steve Swenson
Here is a map:
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Thursday, August 21
Cherry Mountain Loop for Thursday, August 21st
The weather looks great for a scenic ride north of the Presidentials!!
There are beautiful panoramic views on this ride, and we should have clear weather to enjoy them!!
There are 2 options for this ride - a 35 miler or a 51 miler.
For the 35 mile ride (the traditional ride we have done in the past), park at the large parking area on the right side of Route 302, across form the Zealand Road/campground. It is a few miles past Bretton Woods, on the right. Be ready to ride at 10:00 am.
The ride goes to the light at Twin Mt 4 corners, right on route 3, and right on route 115. A left on Israel River Road leads to a nice ride in the flats and farms. Opt for either a dirt road (for a short loop) or a paved road (for the out-and-back), and climb up to the lunch spot at the convenience store/gas station at the corner of Route 2 and Meadow Road. Return is via Route 115A, back to 115 and back to the car.
For the 51 mile ride, the start is at Mt Clinton Road, across the street form the AMC Highland Center. If you have a Forest Service parking pass, you can park in the parking lot on the left side of Mt Clinton Road. If you do not have a pass, park on the left side of Route 302 in the hiker/climber parking area next to the RR tracks, just after you drive through the Notch. Ride your bike over to Mt Clinton Road from there. (I think it is too busy for us to park at the Crawford RR station at this time of the year.)
For the 51 mile ride, let's start promptly at 9:00 am so that we can meet the riders starting at Zealand at 10:00am.
Since there are two start times, please set up your own carpool plans. If you email or call me, I can help you find a ride or a passenger.
See you on Thursday!!!
Marianne
Map for the 35 mile ride:
Map for the 51 mile ride:
The weather looks great for a scenic ride north of the Presidentials!!
There are beautiful panoramic views on this ride, and we should have clear weather to enjoy them!!
There are 2 options for this ride - a 35 miler or a 51 miler.
For the 35 mile ride (the traditional ride we have done in the past), park at the large parking area on the right side of Route 302, across form the Zealand Road/campground. It is a few miles past Bretton Woods, on the right. Be ready to ride at 10:00 am.
The ride goes to the light at Twin Mt 4 corners, right on route 3, and right on route 115. A left on Israel River Road leads to a nice ride in the flats and farms. Opt for either a dirt road (for a short loop) or a paved road (for the out-and-back), and climb up to the lunch spot at the convenience store/gas station at the corner of Route 2 and Meadow Road. Return is via Route 115A, back to 115 and back to the car.
For the 51 mile ride, the start is at Mt Clinton Road, across the street form the AMC Highland Center. If you have a Forest Service parking pass, you can park in the parking lot on the left side of Mt Clinton Road. If you do not have a pass, park on the left side of Route 302 in the hiker/climber parking area next to the RR tracks, just after you drive through the Notch. Ride your bike over to Mt Clinton Road from there. (I think it is too busy for us to park at the Crawford RR station at this time of the year.)
For the 51 mile ride, let's start promptly at 9:00 am so that we can meet the riders starting at Zealand at 10:00am.
Since there are two start times, please set up your own carpool plans. If you email or call me, I can help you find a ride or a passenger.
See you on Thursday!!!
Marianne
Map for the 35 mile ride:
Map for the 51 mile ride:
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Thursday, August 13 Passaconaway to Kanc
(Please check this site Thursday morning for last minute update)
Be ready to ride at 9:00 am from the public parking lot behind the Eastern Slope/EMS in North Conway. We can do the classic West Side Road to Passaconaway and then up the Kanc as far as we dare to tempt the afternoon weather. It will be interesting to see the raging waters of the Swift River.
The weather should be good in the morning, but we will be on the lookout for afternoon thundershowers.
Don't forget to pump those tires and lube that chain!
Be ready to ride at 9:00 am from the public parking lot behind the Eastern Slope/EMS in North Conway. We can do the classic West Side Road to Passaconaway and then up the Kanc as far as we dare to tempt the afternoon weather. It will be interesting to see the raging waters of the Swift River.
The weather should be good in the morning, but we will be on the lookout for afternoon thundershowers.
Don't forget to pump those tires and lube that chain!
Friday, August 8, 2008
A Ride on the Route of the Hiawatha
Hi Everyone, We are Back!
What did we come back to?? Yikes, what a wet summer here in NH...
I want to THANK all of the ride hosts that worried about each of the Thursday Rides and Thursday Riders over the past months. You all probably ran around between weather forecasts, the windows and the blogsite trying to decide whether to cancel the ride or not. Thank you Linda Kearney, Trish Ashworth, Roland Dubois, Leland Yee and Ralph-3-Times-and-I-Quit-Fiore. When I managed to be near a computer, I always tried to check up on the Thursday and Saturday rides via the blogs or emails - it was really fun to read about the rides and see the photos!!!
I wanted to share with all of you some of the experiences we had on our trip. So many times I said to Tom - "This ride would be GREAT for the ThursdayBike group - I WISH THEY WERE HERE - they would LOVE this one!!!
I know that you don't want to hear about how much sun, hot temperatures and dry air we experienced, so I thought I would avoid all that and give you a travel-log and some photos of a day we spent that included a damp, dripping, dark and cold (45 degrees) experience (like what we have here in NH right now....). It was a ride on the "Route of the Hiawatha" Rail Trail.
Some history first...
From 1906 to 1911, thousands of workers constructed the Pacific extension of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad. From the info on the map: "It has been called the most scenic stretches of railroad in the country (after the Conway Scenic Railroad, of course...). Winding through 10 tunnels and over 7 high steel trestles, the 46 mile route crosses the rugged Bitterroot Mountains between Idaho and Montana. The Route of the Hiawatha is best known for the long, dark St. Paul Pass or "Taft" Tunnel which burrows for 1.7 miles under the state line". The rail line was electrified, and became the longest electrified mainline in the world." The railroad ran until it went bankrupt in 1977.
At present, 15 miles of the route are open for biking. These miles snake through steep terrain through the tunnels and over the trestles at a constant 2% grade (1000 ft elevation change). Another 31 miles of the route is currently under conversion to bike path. The trail is hardpack dirt, fine to ride with wide touring tires or a mountain bike. Tom and I did the 30 mile out-and-back because I wanted to do the tunnels and trestles twice.
On this rainy damp day, I thought I would share our ride with all of you....
Start at the Entrance to the 8771 ft (1.7 mile) long St. Paul Pass Tunnel. We needed a jacket, helmet, headlamp and handlebar headlight. As we approached the tunnel, we could feel it "breathe" cold, damp, musty air (like our basements in NH this summer).
Light at the end of the tunnel or the headlight or an oncoming train???
Note the drainage ditches on the sides of the tunnel.
It was dark in the tunnel.
The headlamp and headlight gave me just just barely enough light to ride it. A tiny white dot in the center of the photo is the light at the end of the tunnel over a mile away, and the white rectangular dots on the sides are reflectors that help keep you out of the ditches. The tunnel drips and plunks waterdrops and waterfalls throughout. It is 45 degrees in there.
Out of the tunnel.
Tunnel exits to the site of the railroad town of "Roland" where the roundtable was located to turn the engines around.
Because of the restriction to a 2% grade for the railroad, the tracks travel gradually for miles down the side of a steep sided canyon then hairpin turns down the other side in order to achieve the elevation change of 1000 ft. As we travel down, we can see the trestles on the other side of the canyon below us.
View of Clear Creek Trestle down below us on the other side of the canyon.
Turkey Creek Trestle
Tom on the Barnes Creek Trestle.
Tom at the exit of Tunnel "24.
Kelly Creek Trestle
Turkey Creek and Russel Creek Trestles
Back here in NH, I hope we are soon to emerge from this dark damp tunnel of rain and gloom. There is a light at the end of this low pressure system!!!???
Monday, July 21, 2008
July 31 th North Road Ride
DUE TO THUNDERSTORMS ALL DAY, THIS RIDE IS CANCELLED AND RALPH QUITS!
Stay tuned in for next week August 7 for a rainless ride
THIS IS THE INFAMOUS, TWICE RESCHEDULED RIDE
Thursday, July 31 -North Road to Bethel
Hosted by Ralph Fiore
North Road is a gem!! It is a scenic, quiet road which goes from the eastern end of Gorham to Shelburne to Gilead and then to Bethel, ME. The road goes along the north side of the Androscoggin River. Route 2, which has trucks, tourists and traffic, travels along the south ride of the river. Start at the intersection of North Road and Hogan Road, on the north side of the river, ready to ride at 10:00 am. To get to this point, drive north over Pinkham Notch on Route 16. Turn right at the intersection with route 2 in Gorham. Drive about 3 miles, and turn left onto North Road, just after a beautiful stone house and barn. Cross the river at the dam, and proceed about 1/4 mile to where North Road bears sharply right. Hogan Road, a dirt road with access to several trailheads, comes in from the left at this point, and there is a dirt parking area there. PLEASE CARPOOL to minimize the number of cars in this lot (see below..)! The ThursdayBike group could overwhelm this lot! There is additional parking on the right side of Route 2, just past the intersection with North Road. It is the Appalachain Trailhead parking. If you know this lot, park there and ride over to the Hogan Road lot - this will save parking spaces for others.The entire ride on North Road to the picnic area alongside the river in Bethel, and back, is 39 miles. The ride is not difficult, no notches! There are flat sections, sections of rolling hills, lots of scenery and occasional views of the river. Near the end, just before reaching Route 2/Route 5, there is a bike path that turns right at a red fire hydrant and goes behind the water slide park. The path goes for 1.1 miles, ending at a nice picnic spot (and porta-potty). There are many options for food in Bethel, or just bring your own.Shorter Options: Since the ride is out-and-back, you can decide when you've had enough and turn back to the parking lot:To Shelburne and back is 10.2 miles round tripTo the Gilead steel trestle bridge is 18.6 miles round tripOr, to have fewer miles, but still join in on the eating and chatting at the picnic area in Bethel, drive to the Gilead bridge (Bridge Street), park there at the canoe parking area on the southwest side of the bridge, and join the riders there as they ride by on North Road at about 10:45-11:00. Starting at the bridge and riding to Bethel will give you a 20 mile round trip.
CARPOOLING! To carpool, meet at the Dunkin Donuts in Glen at 8:45-9:00 if you can either take a bike or two in/on your car, or if you would like to join a carpool. Carpools will leave Dunkin Donuts at 9:10.For a map you can play with, click on: [Photo]
Stay tuned in for next week August 7 for a rainless ride
THIS IS THE INFAMOUS, TWICE RESCHEDULED RIDE
Thursday, July 31 -North Road to Bethel
Hosted by Ralph Fiore
North Road is a gem!! It is a scenic, quiet road which goes from the eastern end of Gorham to Shelburne to Gilead and then to Bethel, ME. The road goes along the north side of the Androscoggin River. Route 2, which has trucks, tourists and traffic, travels along the south ride of the river. Start at the intersection of North Road and Hogan Road, on the north side of the river, ready to ride at 10:00 am. To get to this point, drive north over Pinkham Notch on Route 16. Turn right at the intersection with route 2 in Gorham. Drive about 3 miles, and turn left onto North Road, just after a beautiful stone house and barn. Cross the river at the dam, and proceed about 1/4 mile to where North Road bears sharply right. Hogan Road, a dirt road with access to several trailheads, comes in from the left at this point, and there is a dirt parking area there. PLEASE CARPOOL to minimize the number of cars in this lot (see below..)! The ThursdayBike group could overwhelm this lot! There is additional parking on the right side of Route 2, just past the intersection with North Road. It is the Appalachain Trailhead parking. If you know this lot, park there and ride over to the Hogan Road lot - this will save parking spaces for others.The entire ride on North Road to the picnic area alongside the river in Bethel, and back, is 39 miles. The ride is not difficult, no notches! There are flat sections, sections of rolling hills, lots of scenery and occasional views of the river. Near the end, just before reaching Route 2/Route 5, there is a bike path that turns right at a red fire hydrant and goes behind the water slide park. The path goes for 1.1 miles, ending at a nice picnic spot (and porta-potty). There are many options for food in Bethel, or just bring your own.Shorter Options: Since the ride is out-and-back, you can decide when you've had enough and turn back to the parking lot:To Shelburne and back is 10.2 miles round tripTo the Gilead steel trestle bridge is 18.6 miles round tripOr, to have fewer miles, but still join in on the eating and chatting at the picnic area in Bethel, drive to the Gilead bridge (Bridge Street), park there at the canoe parking area on the southwest side of the bridge, and join the riders there as they ride by on North Road at about 10:45-11:00. Starting at the bridge and riding to Bethel will give you a 20 mile round trip.
CARPOOLING! To carpool, meet at the Dunkin Donuts in Glen at 8:45-9:00 if you can either take a bike or two in/on your car, or if you would like to join a carpool. Carpools will leave Dunkin Donuts at 9:10.For a map you can play with, click on: [Photo]
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Locals Free at Maine Bike Rally
The Maine Bike Rally is in Fryeburg this year. Dave Kinsman, who many of you know from the Rental Shop at Jackson Ski Touring, is one of the chief organizers of the event.
Check this out: Locals ride free at Maine Bike Rally Events (see below)
Check out the bike and kayak event!
Notice on the schedule that there is a Century Ride on the morning of Saturday, July 12th starting at 7:00 am. There supposedly are 2 options for a century ride -- and easy one and a hard one -- why not give it a try??
http://www.bikemaine.org/mainebikerally/
http://www.bikemaine.org/mainebikerally/mbr-free.htm
From the Rally Website:
"Maine Bike Rally, July 11-13, 2008
L.L. Bean Local Rider Sponsorship
Thanks to the generous sponsorship of L.L.Bean, local bicyclists can participate in the Maine Bike Rally rides free of charge.* Bicyclists from the Fryeburg area towns listed below need to show their driver's license or proof of residence and will be able to ride on Rally rides and participate in many events at the Rally free of charge.
Bartlett ~ Bridgton ~ Brownfield ~ Chatham ~ DenmarkCenter Conway ~ Conway ~ East Conway ~ North ConwayFryeburg ~ North Fryeburg ~ Glen ~ JacksonIntervale ~ Lovell ~ Stow ~ Sweden
* Local bicyclists who plan to camp, eat meals etc., are still required to pay the registration fee. Local Riders are welcome to join us for meals for an additional $15 fee per meal.
For additional information, contact the BCM at (207) 623-4511 or email info@BikeMaine.org."
Check this out: Locals ride free at Maine Bike Rally Events (see below)
Check out the bike and kayak event!
Notice on the schedule that there is a Century Ride on the morning of Saturday, July 12th starting at 7:00 am. There supposedly are 2 options for a century ride -- and easy one and a hard one -- why not give it a try??
http://www.bikemaine.org/mainebikerally/
http://www.bikemaine.org/mainebikerally/mbr-free.htm
From the Rally Website:
"Maine Bike Rally, July 11-13, 2008
L.L. Bean Local Rider Sponsorship
Thanks to the generous sponsorship of L.L.Bean, local bicyclists can participate in the Maine Bike Rally rides free of charge.* Bicyclists from the Fryeburg area towns listed below need to show their driver's license or proof of residence and will be able to ride on Rally rides and participate in many events at the Rally free of charge.
Bartlett ~ Bridgton ~ Brownfield ~ Chatham ~ DenmarkCenter Conway ~ Conway ~ East Conway ~ North ConwayFryeburg ~ North Fryeburg ~ Glen ~ JacksonIntervale ~ Lovell ~ Stow ~ Sweden
* Local bicyclists who plan to camp, eat meals etc., are still required to pay the registration fee. Local Riders are welcome to join us for meals for an additional $15 fee per meal.
For additional information, contact the BCM at (207) 623-4511 or email info@BikeMaine.org."
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Hi From Marianne and Tom in California!
Tom and I have been thinking about all of you as we ride out bikes out here in Orange County, CA. Tom lived in San Juan Capistrano for 27 years, and rode his bike with the local Saturday bike group, the "Ciclistas". The ThursdayBike Group was modeled after the Ciclistas style of riding -- fun social rides, lots of scenery, lots of chatting and lots of food.
We joined in with the Ciclistas on Saturday for their ride of the week, which went south, along the Pacific coast and onto the Camp Pendelton Marine Base, all with great views of the ocean and the coastal hills. The weather has been hot and "summer dry", but the breeze off the ocean was refreshing.
I wanted to share a few photos of the ride with you!
Happy Riding!
Cheers from Marianne and Tom
We joined in with the Ciclistas on Saturday for their ride of the week, which went south, along the Pacific coast and onto the Camp Pendelton Marine Base, all with great views of the ocean and the coastal hills. The weather has been hot and "summer dry", but the breeze off the ocean was refreshing.
I wanted to share a few photos of the ride with you!
Happy Riding!
Cheers from Marianne and Tom
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Post Archives
Thursday, June 26
Hosted by Linda Kearney
Other Side of Crawford Notch
Let's go with the "Other Side of Crawford Notch" which is essentially the ride described by Marty Basch in the paper last year. The difference is that we might as well save gas and start at Crawford Notch rather than drive to Twin Mountain. We should have a nice tailwind to help us sail up the notch back to our cars at the end of the ride! The ride includes Mount Clinton Road, The Base Road, Route 302 towards Bethlehem, Trudeau Road to Route 3, then back via Route 302 up the easy side of Crawford Notch. When: 9:30 am, ready to ride. Those wishing to car pool, meet at Grant's parking lot in Glen and leave at 8:45 Where: Crawford Notch Train Station Depot, which is on the tracks just east of the AMC Highland Center. Meet on your bikes near the train depot bathroom/giftshop buildings. Parking may be crowded due to tourist season - park in one of several lots (AMC or depot) or hikers parking on highway shoulder near RR tracks (or ride up the notch from home....!). Total miles to do the entire ride: 35 miles Shorter version (without the Trudeau Road loop, but includes picnic stop): 22 miles Picnic/Food stop: Subway sub shop at campground and gas station, just East of the Twin Mountain 4-corners junction of Route 302 and Route 3.
Thursday, June 12
Yes, it is time for another Notch!! NOTE EARLIER START TIME!!! Climb before it is too hot! Pinkham Notch to Gorham for Lunch Yes, there is a climb, but the ride down, in each direction, is spectacular and you will love it!! Choose your starting place: 9:00, ready to ride at the Dunkin Donuts parking lot for a 40 mile round trip. Climbs the notch 2x, once in each direction. 9:15, ready to ride at the Rocky Branch Trialhead parking lot, just up route16, on the left, about 1/2 mile north of the Dana Place Inn. This cuts out a significant amount of climbing (climb the notch 1.5x) and gives you a 30 mile round trip. The road widens from here, giving you a better shoulder and more "breathing room"! I'll climb the notch just once, thank you, option: AMC Pinkham Notch parking lot. ~10:00 am. 22 miles round trip. Catch the riders coming up (likely stopping to use the bathroom at the AMC!) and join in for the wonderful cruise downhill to Gorham.The ride back up is not difficult! Bear Notch is harder. Easiest option: Great Glen Trails parking lot ~10:15 am. 17 miles round trip. Catch the riders cruising downhill with big smiles on their faces. The ride back up to Great Glen from Gorham is surprisingly gradual (easier than Bear Notch, with flatter sections).
For those of you in Glen or Jackson, ride from your house and meet the riders coming up Route 16! Lunch in Gorham: As you approach Gorham, before you intersect with Route 2, cross the RR tracks (Very Carefully!!! Walk!!) and take an immediate left, before the park, onto Railroad Avenue. Continue down Railroad Avenue to The Moonbeam Cafe, or go over to The White Mountain Cafe or Saladino's. The group can make the choice. Eat outside in the park if you like! Here is the map to play with:
Thursday, June 19
CANCELLED FOR TODAY
POSTPONED UNTIL JULY 24 North Road to Bethel Hosted by Ralph Fiore North Road is a gem!! It is a scenic, quiet road which goes from the eastern end of Gorham to Shelburne to Gilead and then to Bethel, ME. The road goes along the north side of the Androscoggin River. Route 2, which has trucks, tourists and traffic, travels along the south ride of the river. Start at the intersection of North Road and Hogan Road, on the north side of the river, ready to ride at 10:00 am. To get to this point, drive north over Pinkham Notch on Route 16. Turn right at the intersection with route 2 in Gorham. Drive about 3 miles, and turn left onto North Road, just after a beautiful stone house and barn. Cross the river at the dam, and proceed about 1/4 mile to where North Road bears sharply right. Hogan Road, a dirt road with access to several trailheads, comes in from the left at this point, and there is a dirt parking area there.
PLEASE CARPOOL to minimize the number of cars in this lot (see below..)! The ThursdayBike group could overwhelm this lot! There is additional parking on the right side of Route 3, just past the intersection with North Road. It is the Appalachain Trailhead parking. If you know this lot, park there and ride over to the Hogan Road lot - this will save parking spaces for others. The entire ride on North Road to the picnic area alongside the river in Bethel, and back, is 39 miles. The ride is not difficult, no notches! There are flat sections, sections of rolling hills, lots of scenery and occasional views of the river. Near the end, just before reaching Route 2/Route 5, there is a bike path that turns right at a red fire hydrant and goes behind the water slide park. The path goes for 1.1 miles, ending at a nice picnic spot (and porta-potty). There are many options for food in Bethel, or just bring your own. Shorter Options: Since the ride is out-and-back, you can decide when you've had enough and turn back to the parking lot: To Shelburne and back is 10.2 miles round trip To the Gilead steel trestle bridge is 18.6 miles round trip Or, to have fewer miles, but still join in on the eating and chatting at the picnic area in Bethel, drive to the Gilead bridge (Bridge Street), park there at the canoe parking area on the southwest side of the bridge, and join the riders there as they ride by on North Road at about 10:45-11:00. Starting at the bridge and riding to Bethel will give you a 20 mile round trip. CARPOOLING! To carpool, meet at the Dunkin Donuts in Glen at 8:45-9:00 if you can either take a bike or two in/on your car, or if you would like to join a carpool. Carpools will leave Dunkin Donuts at 9:10. For a map you can play with, click on:
Hosted by Linda Kearney
Other Side of Crawford Notch
Let's go with the "Other Side of Crawford Notch" which is essentially the ride described by Marty Basch in the paper last year. The difference is that we might as well save gas and start at Crawford Notch rather than drive to Twin Mountain. We should have a nice tailwind to help us sail up the notch back to our cars at the end of the ride! The ride includes Mount Clinton Road, The Base Road, Route 302 towards Bethlehem, Trudeau Road to Route 3, then back via Route 302 up the easy side of Crawford Notch. When: 9:30 am, ready to ride. Those wishing to car pool, meet at Grant's parking lot in Glen and leave at 8:45 Where: Crawford Notch Train Station Depot, which is on the tracks just east of the AMC Highland Center. Meet on your bikes near the train depot bathroom/giftshop buildings. Parking may be crowded due to tourist season - park in one of several lots (AMC or depot) or hikers parking on highway shoulder near RR tracks (or ride up the notch from home....!). Total miles to do the entire ride: 35 miles Shorter version (without the Trudeau Road loop, but includes picnic stop): 22 miles Picnic/Food stop: Subway sub shop at campground and gas station, just East of the Twin Mountain 4-corners junction of Route 302 and Route 3.
Thursday, June 12
Yes, it is time for another Notch!! NOTE EARLIER START TIME!!! Climb before it is too hot! Pinkham Notch to Gorham for Lunch Yes, there is a climb, but the ride down, in each direction, is spectacular and you will love it!! Choose your starting place: 9:00, ready to ride at the Dunkin Donuts parking lot for a 40 mile round trip. Climbs the notch 2x, once in each direction. 9:15, ready to ride at the Rocky Branch Trialhead parking lot, just up route16, on the left, about 1/2 mile north of the Dana Place Inn. This cuts out a significant amount of climbing (climb the notch 1.5x) and gives you a 30 mile round trip. The road widens from here, giving you a better shoulder and more "breathing room"! I'll climb the notch just once, thank you, option: AMC Pinkham Notch parking lot. ~10:00 am. 22 miles round trip. Catch the riders coming up (likely stopping to use the bathroom at the AMC!) and join in for the wonderful cruise downhill to Gorham.The ride back up is not difficult! Bear Notch is harder. Easiest option: Great Glen Trails parking lot ~10:15 am. 17 miles round trip. Catch the riders cruising downhill with big smiles on their faces. The ride back up to Great Glen from Gorham is surprisingly gradual (easier than Bear Notch, with flatter sections).
For those of you in Glen or Jackson, ride from your house and meet the riders coming up Route 16! Lunch in Gorham: As you approach Gorham, before you intersect with Route 2, cross the RR tracks (Very Carefully!!! Walk!!) and take an immediate left, before the park, onto Railroad Avenue. Continue down Railroad Avenue to The Moonbeam Cafe, or go over to The White Mountain Cafe or Saladino's. The group can make the choice. Eat outside in the park if you like! Here is the map to play with:
Thursday, June 19
CANCELLED FOR TODAY
POSTPONED UNTIL JULY 24 North Road to Bethel Hosted by Ralph Fiore North Road is a gem!! It is a scenic, quiet road which goes from the eastern end of Gorham to Shelburne to Gilead and then to Bethel, ME. The road goes along the north side of the Androscoggin River. Route 2, which has trucks, tourists and traffic, travels along the south ride of the river. Start at the intersection of North Road and Hogan Road, on the north side of the river, ready to ride at 10:00 am. To get to this point, drive north over Pinkham Notch on Route 16. Turn right at the intersection with route 2 in Gorham. Drive about 3 miles, and turn left onto North Road, just after a beautiful stone house and barn. Cross the river at the dam, and proceed about 1/4 mile to where North Road bears sharply right. Hogan Road, a dirt road with access to several trailheads, comes in from the left at this point, and there is a dirt parking area there.
PLEASE CARPOOL to minimize the number of cars in this lot (see below..)! The ThursdayBike group could overwhelm this lot! There is additional parking on the right side of Route 3, just past the intersection with North Road. It is the Appalachain Trailhead parking. If you know this lot, park there and ride over to the Hogan Road lot - this will save parking spaces for others. The entire ride on North Road to the picnic area alongside the river in Bethel, and back, is 39 miles. The ride is not difficult, no notches! There are flat sections, sections of rolling hills, lots of scenery and occasional views of the river. Near the end, just before reaching Route 2/Route 5, there is a bike path that turns right at a red fire hydrant and goes behind the water slide park. The path goes for 1.1 miles, ending at a nice picnic spot (and porta-potty). There are many options for food in Bethel, or just bring your own. Shorter Options: Since the ride is out-and-back, you can decide when you've had enough and turn back to the parking lot: To Shelburne and back is 10.2 miles round trip To the Gilead steel trestle bridge is 18.6 miles round trip Or, to have fewer miles, but still join in on the eating and chatting at the picnic area in Bethel, drive to the Gilead bridge (Bridge Street), park there at the canoe parking area on the southwest side of the bridge, and join the riders there as they ride by on North Road at about 10:45-11:00. Starting at the bridge and riding to Bethel will give you a 20 mile round trip. CARPOOLING! To carpool, meet at the Dunkin Donuts in Glen at 8:45-9:00 if you can either take a bike or two in/on your car, or if you would like to join a carpool. Carpools will leave Dunkin Donuts at 9:10. For a map you can play with, click on:
Friday, June 6, 2008
Summer Ride Schedule
Thursday, July 3
The Basin
Hosted by Trish Ashworth
The Basin is a great ride - It is a small glacial lake surrounded by mountains southwest of Evans Notch.
Meeting Place: Peace With-Inn parking lot
The Peace With-Inn is a beautiful bed and breakfast inn managed part time by Catherine Kyle. It is located on the left side (west side) of Route 113 approximately 2.2 miles north of Sherman's Farmstand. It is 1 mile north of the intersection of Green Hill Road and 113.
Pull into the driveway and park on the left side, there is a sign for guest parking.
http://www.peacewithinn.com/directions.htm
When: 9:00 am ready to ride
Carpool from Glen: Meet at Dunkin Donuts at 8:00 am to carpool
The route: We will ride the sunny flats of the turf farms and potato and corn fields, then head up 113 north to The Basin for a picnic lunch.
Bring: Picnic to eat lakeside at The Basin; water, snacks. There is no place to buy food on the way.
How far: 38 miles (a rather easy ride!)
Shorter options?
1. Start at the Stow Store and just go up to The Basin (16.8 miles, nice gradual climb up)
2. Start at The Peace With-Inn and do the flats until we get to the Stow Store, then turn back on 113 south to the Peace With-Inn (21 mostly flat miles)
3. Start at The Peace With-Inn and do a shorter loop by turning back at Harbor Road and 113 south (~14 miles)
Longer option? Go up Evans Notch from the Basin. It's only a mile, but it's a steep one.
Map: Try this one: http://veloroutes.org/bikemaps/?route=4277 It is called "Peace With Inn to The Basin".
Or try the MapMyRide map:
Don't forget: Pump your tires, lube your chain, carry a spare tube, patch kit, tire irons and pump.
Thursday, July 10
Ossipee Pine Barrens to Tamworth
Hosted by Roland DuBois
The ride goes south on Route 153, turns right onto Bennett Road and cruises across the top of Ossipee Lake before intersecting with Route 41 briefly and then Route 16 to Route 25. We then ride into Tamworth to eat at The Other Store in the sun (I hope!) on the deck. We return via Depot Road and Route 41 along Silver Lake, though Madison village and take the ride over the hill to pop out right at Purity Spring resort, King Pine Ski Area and our cars. The total mileage is 34 miles. We can easily cut it shorter if the weather starts to close in on us.
When: 9:30 am, ready to ride
Where: King Pine Ski Area big dirt parking lot, left side (lake side) of Route 153 south just before the main base lodge. It is 2.5 miles south of The Eaton Store.
Bring: Your lunch or buy lunch and/or ice cream at The Other Store in Tamworth
Thursday, July 17
Ride Around Squam Lake
Hosted by Leland Yee
Ride around beautiful Squam Lake. This 27 mile ride is mostly rolling. There is one fairly long climb, followed by a longer downhill. You'll have a number of good views of the lake and the Squam Range. Lunch is a the end the ride at the Sandwich General Store. We'll leave from the parking lot of the Sandwich Central School at 10AM. For those who want to ride some more after lunch, an additional loop of 15 miles is available.
You can get to the Sandwich Central School from Route 16 by turning right at the light in West Ossipee, on to Route 25 east. Follow that road to the second Route 113 junction and turn right. This will look familiar to those who have ridden the Wonalancet loop. Follow 113 through North Sandwich to a right turn on Church Street (just past the Sandwich Child Care Center and the Grange Hall). Go straight at the stop sign and blinking light, and the school will be on your left. As always, car pooling is encouraged.
For those wishing to carpool, meet at the old Duncan Donuts meeting place at Grant's parking lot in Glen ready to leave at 9:00 am.
Here are links to maps of the ride, including the extra loop.
http://www.cyclistnexus.com/CyclistNexus/route_view.jsp?rid=1962
http://www.cyclistnexus.com/CyclistNexus/route_view.jsp?rid=2207
Watch this ThursdayBike blog for last minute announcements.
Thursday, July 24
North Road to Bethel
Hosted by Ralph Fiore
North Road is a gem!! It is a scenic, quiet road which goes from the eastern end of Gorham to Shelburne to Gilead and then to Bethel, ME. The road goes along the north side of the Androscoggin River. Route 2, which has trucks, tourists and traffic, travels along the south ride of the river.
Start at the intersection of North Road and Hogan Road, on the north side of the river, ready to ride at 10:00 am. To get to this point, drive north over Pinkham Notch on Route 16. Turn right at the intersection with route 2 in Gorham. Drive about 3 miles, and turn left onto North Road, just after a beautiful stone house and barn. Cross the river at the dam, and proceed about 1/4 mile to where North Road bears sharply right. Hogan Road, a dirt road with access to several trailheads, comes in from the left at this point, and there is a dirt parking area there.
PLEASE CARPOOL to minimize the number of cars in this lot (see below..)! The ThursdayBike group could overwhelm this lot! There is additional parking on the right side of Route 2, just past the intersection with North Road. It is the Appalachain Trailhead parking. If you know this lot, park there and ride over to the Hogan Road lot - this will save parking spaces for others.
The entire ride on North Road to the picnic area alongside the river in Bethel, and back, is 39 miles. The ride is not difficult, no notches! There are flat sections, sections of rolling hills, lots of scenery and occasional views of the river. Near the end, just before reaching Route 2/Route 5, there is a bike path that turns right at a red fire hydrant and goes behind the water slide park. The path goes for 1.1 miles, ending at a nice picnic spot (and porta-potty). There are many options for food in Bethel, or just bring your own.
Shorter Options: Since the ride is out-and-back, you can decide when you've had enough and turn back to the parking lot:
To Shelburne and back is 10.2 miles round trip
To the Gilead steel trestle bridge is 18.6 miles round trip
Or, to have fewer miles, but still join in on the eating and chatting at the picnic area in Bethel, drive to the Gilead bridge (Bridge Street), park there at the canoe parking area on the southwest side of the bridge, and join the riders there as they ride by on North Road at about 10:45-11:00. Starting at the bridge and riding to Bethel will give you a 20 mile round trip.
CARPOOLING! To carpool, meet at the Dunkin Donuts in Glen at 8:45-9:00 if you can either take a bike or two in/on your car, or if you would like to join a carpool. Carpools will leave Dunkin Donuts at 9:10.
For a map you can play with, click on:
Thursday July 31
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Thursday June 5: Lancaster to DeBanville's General Store via VT side of the CT River
The weather should be fine for a bike ride tomorrow! Let's do it!! The forecast as of 5:15 pm on Wednesday is for clouds in the morning and some sun in the afternoon, very light winds, mid to upper 60's. This should be fine for a bike ride -- no rain and no heat!!
One of the ThursdayBike Group's favorite places is the Vermont side of the Connecticut River. Vermont Route 102 is a quiet rural road that is very green and lush in the springtime. Typically, the group has done the section starting from DeBanville's General Store in Bloomfield, VT to the Canadian Border, and sometimes we have crossed to border to ride a bit of Quebec.
This ride for Thursday, June 5th follows the southern section of VT102, starting from Lancaster and ends at DeBanville's General Store, where we can get food and ice cream for the lunch stop. A few ThursdayBikers (including Russ on his motorcycle!) did this section last fall, and it was decided that it was a great ThursdayBike ride!
Carpool, save gas: Dunkin Donuts in Glen at 8:30 am
Ride Starts: 10:00 from the parking lot of Shaw's Supermarket in Lancaster, on the right side of Route 3 North, just north of the town center.
Terrain: Lots of flat or very gradual ups and downs, some rolling hills; no Asparagus Hill, easier than Snowville, easier than that hilly section of the Wonalancet ride, no notches. Great ride to achieve your first 50 miler...
How far: 49 miles. See map below. (If you just have to get that 50 mile ride in for your record books - just continue up Route 102 from DeBanville's until your odometer says 25.00 then turn back!!)
I have longer options that includes 2 covered bridges for a total of 60 miles, or 3 covered bridges for 76 miles - see map below.
Shorter Option?!!! Drive up a bit further up Route 3 north and cross the CT River via the bridge into Guildhall, VT and start from there. Park alongside the Town Green (bear right after you cross the bridge, then make a left alongside the green). This will take 18 miles off and give you a 31 mile ride.
Another shorter option? Ride from Lancaster to Guildhall for an 18 mile ride. Bring your lunch if you opt for this -- the General Store in Guildhall is not always open.
Directions: Route 302 to Twin Mountain stoplight. Take a right onto Route 3 north. Follow Route 3 though Whitefield, then continue on Route 3 into Lancaster. Shaw's Supermarket is on the right, approximately 0.5 mile north of the center of Lancaster on Route 3. It is across the street from Dunkin Donuts. Park at the part of the lot closest to the road, furthest from the store entrance.
Bring: Snacks and water. Bring your lunch or buy it at DeBanville's - there is a deli.
Don't forget to pump your tires and lube your chain!
For the map Click on:
For the map of the longer, covered bridge ride, click on:
One of the ThursdayBike Group's favorite places is the Vermont side of the Connecticut River. Vermont Route 102 is a quiet rural road that is very green and lush in the springtime. Typically, the group has done the section starting from DeBanville's General Store in Bloomfield, VT to the Canadian Border, and sometimes we have crossed to border to ride a bit of Quebec.
This ride for Thursday, June 5th follows the southern section of VT102, starting from Lancaster and ends at DeBanville's General Store, where we can get food and ice cream for the lunch stop. A few ThursdayBikers (including Russ on his motorcycle!) did this section last fall, and it was decided that it was a great ThursdayBike ride!
Carpool, save gas: Dunkin Donuts in Glen at 8:30 am
Ride Starts: 10:00 from the parking lot of Shaw's Supermarket in Lancaster, on the right side of Route 3 North, just north of the town center.
Terrain: Lots of flat or very gradual ups and downs, some rolling hills; no Asparagus Hill, easier than Snowville, easier than that hilly section of the Wonalancet ride, no notches. Great ride to achieve your first 50 miler...
How far: 49 miles. See map below. (If you just have to get that 50 mile ride in for your record books - just continue up Route 102 from DeBanville's until your odometer says 25.00 then turn back!!)
I have longer options that includes 2 covered bridges for a total of 60 miles, or 3 covered bridges for 76 miles - see map below.
Shorter Option?!!! Drive up a bit further up Route 3 north and cross the CT River via the bridge into Guildhall, VT and start from there. Park alongside the Town Green (bear right after you cross the bridge, then make a left alongside the green). This will take 18 miles off and give you a 31 mile ride.
Another shorter option? Ride from Lancaster to Guildhall for an 18 mile ride. Bring your lunch if you opt for this -- the General Store in Guildhall is not always open.
Directions: Route 302 to Twin Mountain stoplight. Take a right onto Route 3 north. Follow Route 3 though Whitefield, then continue on Route 3 into Lancaster. Shaw's Supermarket is on the right, approximately 0.5 mile north of the center of Lancaster on Route 3. It is across the street from Dunkin Donuts. Park at the part of the lot closest to the road, furthest from the store entrance.
Bring: Snacks and water. Bring your lunch or buy it at DeBanville's - there is a deli.
Don't forget to pump your tires and lube your chain!
For the map Click on:
For the map of the longer, covered bridge ride, click on:
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
The Wonalancet Loop, Thursday, May 29
For the Thursday Ride, May 29th, the weather looks good for The Wonalancet Loop!
This ride is a ThursdayBike Group favorite! It is very scenic, dripping with New England quaintness.
Distance: 30 miles
Meeting place: Parking lot at McDonald's and Tram Store (old Mt. Whitter ski tram station) located on the east side of the junction of Route 16 and route 25 in West Ossipee.
From Conway, drive south on route 16 to the traffic light at the 16/25 junction. Go straight through the light, then turn left into the parking lot for the McDonald's and Tram Store. Park on the right side of the lot, where we will not interfere with the McDonald's customer parking.
Meeting time: Ready to ride out of the Tram parking lot at 10:00 am. From Glen Duncan Donuts, it is a 27 mile drive, from EMS, a 22 mile drive, from Conway Village it is a 16 mile drive.
This ride is a ThursdayBike Group favorite! It is very scenic, dripping with New England quaintness.
Distance: 30 miles
Meeting place: Parking lot at McDonald's and Tram Store (old Mt. Whitter ski tram station) located on the east side of the junction of Route 16 and route 25 in West Ossipee.
From Conway, drive south on route 16 to the traffic light at the 16/25 junction. Go straight through the light, then turn left into the parking lot for the McDonald's and Tram Store. Park on the right side of the lot, where we will not interfere with the McDonald's customer parking.
Meeting time: Ready to ride out of the Tram parking lot at 10:00 am. From Glen Duncan Donuts, it is a 27 mile drive, from EMS, a 22 mile drive, from Conway Village it is a 16 mile drive.
Carpool: For the Glen/Jackson folks, carpool out of the Duncan Donuts parking lot. Be there at 8:40 in order to leave the lot promply at 8:55 am. Tom and I can take 3 more people and 3 more bikes.
For the North Conway folks, carpool out of the parking lot behind EMS/EasternSlope Inn. Leave the lot by 9:05 am.
Email me if you need a ride or you are willing to drive a carpool. I will try to help match everyone up: marianneborowski@yahoo.com
Terrain: Farms, fields, forests, mountain views, marshland, horses, churches, stone walls, riverside riding, etc, etc. Part of the ride will be on the road designated as The Chinook Trial (route 113A from Tamworth to Wonalancet). The Chinooks are famous sleddogs: www.theheartofnewengland.com/LifeInNewEngland-Chinook-Trail.html
Some flat riding at the start, a wonderful downhill at the end, which means, that in the middle there are a few short steep rolling hills (not as steep as Asparagus Hill from last week...) and moderate hills that will burn some calories so that you can enjoy your lunch with ice cream at the...
Food Stop: The Other Store in Tamworth Village (at ~mile 24). Bring your own or get a nice lunch and or ice cream here and eat at the picnic tables in the back of the store.
Easier options: Shorter options exist, and you can still enjoy being with everyone at The Other Store -- email me if you want info and a map for shorter easier options.
Here is the ride map:
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The Snowville Loop, Thursday, May 22, 10:00
The weather just isn't cooperating with planning adventures! It looks like tomorrow will be like today with the usual threat of showers, but cloudier.
Let's compromise again, so instead of doing a really nice ride away from home (The Wonalancet Loop) let's do a really nice ride that is close to home. This way if it does start to rain on us, it is not a waste of the drive down to Tamworth. We can do the Wonalancet Loop in the sunshine next week!
Let's do "The Snowville Loop". It is a really nice, relatively short ride (24 miles). There are no notches, but there are a few short moderate climbs and also that famous "Asparagus Hill" which is a short, steep challenge! The ride goes through Center Conway, South Conway, into part of Brownfield, ME, then to Snowville and Eaton, by Crystal Lake. A stop at the Eaton Store for lunch or snacks is a tradition!
The ride starts in Conway Village out of the public parking lot near the corner of routes 16 and 153, behind the Mountain Center Physical Therapy building and the Laconia Bank.
Be ready to ride at 10:00 am.
For a longer option, start at the EMS/Eastern Slope public parking lot for a to add 7 miles one way via West Side Road. Meet up with the rest of the riders at the parking area in Conway Village. Leave the parking lot no later than 9:15.
For a short ride, just do the West Side Road portion to Conway Village an back for a total of 14 miles.
For the map:
Let's compromise again, so instead of doing a really nice ride away from home (The Wonalancet Loop) let's do a really nice ride that is close to home. This way if it does start to rain on us, it is not a waste of the drive down to Tamworth. We can do the Wonalancet Loop in the sunshine next week!
Let's do "The Snowville Loop". It is a really nice, relatively short ride (24 miles). There are no notches, but there are a few short moderate climbs and also that famous "Asparagus Hill" which is a short, steep challenge! The ride goes through Center Conway, South Conway, into part of Brownfield, ME, then to Snowville and Eaton, by Crystal Lake. A stop at the Eaton Store for lunch or snacks is a tradition!
The ride starts in Conway Village out of the public parking lot near the corner of routes 16 and 153, behind the Mountain Center Physical Therapy building and the Laconia Bank.
Be ready to ride at 10:00 am.
For a longer option, start at the EMS/Eastern Slope public parking lot for a to add 7 miles one way via West Side Road. Meet up with the rest of the riders at the parking area in Conway Village. Leave the parking lot no later than 9:15.
For a short ride, just do the West Side Road portion to Conway Village an back for a total of 14 miles.
For the map:
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Additional info for today's ride Thursday May 15th
Looks like the weather may be OK for us!
Here are some shorter options for the ride up to the Willey House today.
Total round trip distance from Attitash to the Willey House is ~29 miles.
You can cut out about 13 miles if you start from the Fourth Iron parking lot for a round trip of 16 miles.
If you start out of Attitash, be ready to ride at 10:00.
If you start out of Fourth Iron, I would predict that the other riders would be stopping there at about 10:45.
From Attitash to:
Bear Notch Road: 2.6 miles
Fourth Iron parking lot: 6.4 miles
Notchland Inn: 8.6 miles
Willey House: 14.2 miles
Crawford Notch Train Depot: 17.1 miles
Here are some shorter options for the ride up to the Willey House today.
Total round trip distance from Attitash to the Willey House is ~29 miles.
You can cut out about 13 miles if you start from the Fourth Iron parking lot for a round trip of 16 miles.
If you start out of Attitash, be ready to ride at 10:00.
If you start out of Fourth Iron, I would predict that the other riders would be stopping there at about 10:45.
From Attitash to:
Bear Notch Road: 2.6 miles
Fourth Iron parking lot: 6.4 miles
Notchland Inn: 8.6 miles
Willey House: 14.2 miles
Crawford Notch Train Depot: 17.1 miles
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Crank Some Crawford
The weather forecast just doesn't look certain enough to set up the North Road Ride, nor does it look certain enough to cancel the ride entirely.
So, I think the compromise is to do a more local ride, hoping we can get it in between possible showers. Hopefully, there will not be any!!
Meet at Attitash parking lot, ready to ride at 10:00.
Lunch at the Willey House. We can turn back earlier if the weather threatens.
The ride to the Willey House from Attitash is about 29 miles round trip. It is NOT HARD -- it is WAY easier than Bear Notch Road, a gradual climb with flatter sections. The ride back is marvelous.
Those that want to burn some extra calories can continue 2.5 miles up the notch to the Crawford RR station.
Check this blog again in the morning if the weather is really not looking good. I may put out a cancellation if there really is rain.
Here is the map!
So, I think the compromise is to do a more local ride, hoping we can get it in between possible showers. Hopefully, there will not be any!!
Meet at Attitash parking lot, ready to ride at 10:00.
Lunch at the Willey House. We can turn back earlier if the weather threatens.
The ride to the Willey House from Attitash is about 29 miles round trip. It is NOT HARD -- it is WAY easier than Bear Notch Road, a gradual climb with flatter sections. The ride back is marvelous.
Those that want to burn some extra calories can continue 2.5 miles up the notch to the Crawford RR station.
Check this blog again in the morning if the weather is really not looking good. I may put out a cancellation if there really is rain.
Here is the map!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Bear Notch Ride becomes John Pepper's Birthday Celebration!
What a day!
The weather and ride were just great, and the reason has to be that it was John Pepper's 83rd Birthday, which was celebrated in a song that radiated out for miles over the valley towards the Kanc!! The sun just had to shine for us today!!!
Accompanying John today were:
A very successful day!
See you next week!
The weather and ride were just great, and the reason has to be that it was John Pepper's 83rd Birthday, which was celebrated in a song that radiated out for miles over the valley towards the Kanc!! The sun just had to shine for us today!!!
Accompanying John today were:
36 total riders (31 did the Notch, 5 did the River Road and Stilling's Grant Area)
4 new Thursday bikers
4 brand new bikes
At least 12 riders who summited Bear Notch for the first time ever
Some blood was shed by one, and one had a black and blue arm. No tears.
4 went all the way to the Kanc and then rode back up (snow is all gone on that side)
1, with his trailer, did the loop down the Kanc to Conway and back up West Side Road (~40 miles)
1 had a flat tire right out of the Attitash lot, drove to Red Jersey, rim tape replaced.... She started again and still made it up to the top in time to see the rest of us just starting our way down.
Everyone's brakes worked, so no one skidded into the closed highway gate at the bottom of the hill.A very successful day!
See you next week!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Thursday May 8th Ride in the afternoon
For the Thursday, May 8th ride: Looks like the weather will clear during the morning, and it should be a good afternoon for a ride.
In order to let the clouds disperse and the roads to dry, let's meet at 12:00.
Meet at Attitash parking lot, ready to ride at 12:00.
Ride option #1: Crank Bear Notch Road. The gates are still closed so this is the PRIME TIME to ride it -- No Traffic!! Total miles from Attitash to summit: 8 miles.
I rode it yesterday - There is hardly any snow left on the Bartlett side, and what is there is very easily avoided. We can meet and snack at the fourth scenic overlook which is on the Kanc side of the summit. Some of you may want to go all the way to the Kanc and then ride back up -- caution- there is still some snow on the Kanc side of the notch! Total miles Attitash to Kanc: 13 miles.
You can do it!! It is not that hard!!!
It is a steady, moderate grade. If it is your first time - take your time and take advantage of the scenic overlooks to take a break and enjoy the view. It is early in the year -- if you stop a few times now, later in the season when you ride it you won't stop at all, and you will be really proud of your progress!!
Ride option #2: River Road - A really easy ride: At the blinking light in Bartlett Village, instead of taking the left up Bear Notch Road, take a right onto River Road and ride River Road and the Stillings Grant area.
Let's hope they are right about the weather!
In order to let the clouds disperse and the roads to dry, let's meet at 12:00.
Meet at Attitash parking lot, ready to ride at 12:00.
Ride option #1: Crank Bear Notch Road. The gates are still closed so this is the PRIME TIME to ride it -- No Traffic!! Total miles from Attitash to summit: 8 miles.
I rode it yesterday - There is hardly any snow left on the Bartlett side, and what is there is very easily avoided. We can meet and snack at the fourth scenic overlook which is on the Kanc side of the summit. Some of you may want to go all the way to the Kanc and then ride back up -- caution- there is still some snow on the Kanc side of the notch! Total miles Attitash to Kanc: 13 miles.
You can do it!! It is not that hard!!!
It is a steady, moderate grade. If it is your first time - take your time and take advantage of the scenic overlooks to take a break and enjoy the view. It is early in the year -- if you stop a few times now, later in the season when you ride it you won't stop at all, and you will be really proud of your progress!!
Ride option #2: River Road - A really easy ride: At the blinking light in Bartlett Village, instead of taking the left up Bear Notch Road, take a right onto River Road and ride River Road and the Stillings Grant area.
Let's hope they are right about the weather!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Cruise Fryeburg Harbor Thursday May 1
On Thursday, let's ride the floodplain of the Old Saco River in Fryeburg Harbor.
There should be enough water in the river to prove why the area had the name of "Harbor". Last week, the turf, potato and soybean fields were full of snow and water - some houses looked like they were on islands. Should be interesting after all this rain....
A bit of history from http://www.fryeburgmaine.org/:
The Saco Canal: During the earliest years of Fryeburg's history, constant devastating floods known as freshets inundated the rich Saco bottomland. In 1817 a canal was built incorporating several small ponds and using the earth moving power of the Saco itself. The three mile canal bypasses roughly 30 miles of "old course" river. A shadow of its former self, the original course still winds its way through West Fryeburg, Fish Street and Fryeburg Harbor.
Meet at: The Peace With-Inn Bed and Breakfast located on route 113 in Fryeburg.
When: 10:00 am ready to ride
The Peace With-Inn is a beautiful bed and breakfast inn managed part time by Catherine Kyle. It is located on the left side (west side) of Route 113 approximately 2.2 miles north of Sherman's Farmstand. It is 1 mile north of the intersection of Green Hill Road and 113.
Pull into the driveway and park on the left side, there is a sign for guest parking.
http://www.peacewithinn.com/directions.htm
Carpool from Glen: Those in Glen/Jackson/Bartlett area who wish to carpool, meet at the Glen Dunkin Donuts at or before 9:00 am.
The route will include Cornshop Rd, Fish St, MacNeil Rd, Union Hill Rd, Meadow Road, Stow Store (still closed), and loop around to Chatham for a total of 27 miles. Here is the map info. Print out a copy to bring with you. The ride is really very flat -- no notches.....
For a shorter even flatter option, hang out at the Stow Store, avoid the Chatham loop, for 19 miles.
Cut off the Union Hill and Chatham loop for a very flat option of 15 miles.
See you on Thursday!
Marianne
There should be enough water in the river to prove why the area had the name of "Harbor". Last week, the turf, potato and soybean fields were full of snow and water - some houses looked like they were on islands. Should be interesting after all this rain....
A bit of history from http://www.fryeburgmaine.org/:
The Saco Canal: During the earliest years of Fryeburg's history, constant devastating floods known as freshets inundated the rich Saco bottomland. In 1817 a canal was built incorporating several small ponds and using the earth moving power of the Saco itself. The three mile canal bypasses roughly 30 miles of "old course" river. A shadow of its former self, the original course still winds its way through West Fryeburg, Fish Street and Fryeburg Harbor.
Meet at: The Peace With-Inn Bed and Breakfast located on route 113 in Fryeburg.
When: 10:00 am ready to ride
The Peace With-Inn is a beautiful bed and breakfast inn managed part time by Catherine Kyle. It is located on the left side (west side) of Route 113 approximately 2.2 miles north of Sherman's Farmstand. It is 1 mile north of the intersection of Green Hill Road and 113.
Pull into the driveway and park on the left side, there is a sign for guest parking.
http://www.peacewithinn.com/directions.htm
Carpool from Glen: Those in Glen/Jackson/Bartlett area who wish to carpool, meet at the Glen Dunkin Donuts at or before 9:00 am.
The route will include Cornshop Rd, Fish St, MacNeil Rd, Union Hill Rd, Meadow Road, Stow Store (still closed), and loop around to Chatham for a total of 27 miles. Here is the map info. Print out a copy to bring with you. The ride is really very flat -- no notches.....
For a shorter even flatter option, hang out at the Stow Store, avoid the Chatham loop, for 19 miles.
Cut off the Union Hill and Chatham loop for a very flat option of 15 miles.
See you on Thursday!
Marianne
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Crank Some Kanc Thursday April 24
Hi Everyone,
Another beautiful day is expected for this Thursday -- should be another great day for biking, skiing, gardening or any outdoor activity!
If you want to bike, and want to see the rapids on the Swift River, let's Crank Some Kanc. It is a very gradual uphill alongside the river, and a pleasant downhill back to the car. You can bike as much or as little of the Kanc as you want. The Mt Washington Velo Club did this ride on Saturday, and it was so nice that I just had to use it for this Thursday. The river is running fast!
Where to meet: Saco River Ranger Station at the intersection of Route16 and the Kanc. Park in the area away from the visitor center.
When: 10:00 ready to ride
Bring: Lunch or a snack to enjoy riverside. The usual riverside lunch stop at Rocky Gorge looked quite snowy last Saturday. If it is not ready for us to sprawl out on the rocks, we can eat on the riverbank at the Bear Notch Road bridge.
How Far? To Bear Notch Road and back - 25 miles
For shorter options:
To Rocky Gorge and back ~15 miles
To Albany Covered Bridge and back ~10 miles
For longer options:
To the gazebo at the first scenic overlook and back: 34 miles
To the summit and back ~44 miles
See you Thursday!
Marianne
Click on this link to play with the map:
Another beautiful day is expected for this Thursday -- should be another great day for biking, skiing, gardening or any outdoor activity!
If you want to bike, and want to see the rapids on the Swift River, let's Crank Some Kanc. It is a very gradual uphill alongside the river, and a pleasant downhill back to the car. You can bike as much or as little of the Kanc as you want. The Mt Washington Velo Club did this ride on Saturday, and it was so nice that I just had to use it for this Thursday. The river is running fast!
Where to meet: Saco River Ranger Station at the intersection of Route16 and the Kanc. Park in the area away from the visitor center.
When: 10:00 ready to ride
Bring: Lunch or a snack to enjoy riverside. The usual riverside lunch stop at Rocky Gorge looked quite snowy last Saturday. If it is not ready for us to sprawl out on the rocks, we can eat on the riverbank at the Bear Notch Road bridge.
How Far? To Bear Notch Road and back - 25 miles
For shorter options:
To Rocky Gorge and back ~15 miles
To Albany Covered Bridge and back ~10 miles
For longer options:
To the gazebo at the first scenic overlook and back: 34 miles
To the summit and back ~44 miles
See you Thursday!
Marianne
Click on this link to play with the map:
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