Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Thursday, November 17th, 2011

Anyone still want to ride?

How about a short, close to home ride? It is hard to put the bike away when we can't ski.

West Side Road - Passaconaway Road

Start at the public parking lot behind the Eastern Slope Inn.

Ready to Ride at 11:00 am

About 22 miles to the Albany Covered Bridge and back, 25 miles round trip to Lower Falls on the Kanc.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Ride Cancelled for Thursday, November 10th

So its back to the rain on Thursday routine.

Oh well, not a problem. We certainly have had good weather for a long time -- since the snowstorm! Everyone has probably been outside everyday biking, hiking, hauling and stacking wood, raking, garden clean-up -it's time for a day off!

Check the Velo club blog - the weather may be good for a ride on Saturday or Sunday!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Conway Village, Kanc and Passaconaway Loop 10:30am

THURSDAY, November 3rd, 2011

Yeah, here we go November - looks like the ThursdayBike can ride again!!

OK, so let's do an easy fun ride to get the ThursdayBikers back in the saddle!!

Start in Conway Village, at the parking lot behind the bank at the corner of Route 16 and Route 153 - behind Mountain Center Physical Therapy. Ready to ride at 10:30 am.

We ride out of the parking lot across the river on a footbridge then on the south side of Pequaket Pond. There is a short section (0.2 mile) of walkable dirt road, then cross over to Route 16 for a short ride to the Kanc. We can ride up the Kanc as far as we like - perhaps to the Covered Bridge, maybe to Lower Falls or Rocky Gorge - riders can decide depending on temperature. There should be very little traffic! The return is that great ride down Passaconway Road, then to West Side Road back to the parking lot.

Distance? Could be 23 miles, or 25 miles or 29 miles depending on how far up the Kanc we go.
Bring lunch or snacks. A headband or lightweight skullcap is useful to keep the ears warm.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

FridayBike, Friday, October 28th

Ride the New Bike Path and out to the Stow Store 11:00

Looks like sunshine for Friday, but in the forties and breezy. So, not bad compared to most Thursdays we've had. Use the cross country ski clothes to stay comfortable.

For anyone who can ride on Friday: Meet at the Maine Visitors Center in Fryeburg on Route 302, ready to ride at 11:00. The sun might feel warm by then!

We can ride out the new bike path - the "Mountain Division Rail Trail" from the Visitor Center parking lot then cross over route 302 to 113 and ride out through North Fryeburg to the Stow Store.

Total miles? About 23 to 30, depending on the riders choice of routes and the weather!

Carpool from Glen or Jackson?? Meet at the Grants parking lot in Glen at 10:15

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

FridayBike?

The weather forecast for Thursday, October 27th is AGAIN not great for a bike ride. Wet snow this time...?! What next???


I am going to check the Friday weather forecast again tomorrow morning to see if FRIDAY will be OK for a ride. It could be OK, but cold. If the roads are not wet, the sun is out and the wind is light it may be OK for a ride. So, if you would like to get out for a ride on Friday, check this blog again tomorrow.

There is an eerie consistency to this ThursdayBike weather. Eventually, this weather pattern will change, and it is likely we will have a November full of perfect sunny Thursdays!!! (we had this 2 years ago!).


The last Bluebird ThursdayBike day was August 18th (The Basin). Thursday August 25th had 6 riders, and it started to rain about a half hour AFTER we finished the ride.


Then there was Tropical Storm Irene with the road closures, but we put together a great ride on Sept 1st with the The Bear Notch Loop (6 riders).

August 8th was not great weather I am not sure if anyone showed up!

The next 3 ThursdayBike rides were cancelled due to rain.

On October 6th, 6 riders did the Whitefield ride - cold and windy to start but a nice day eventually.

October 13th was cancelled, the 20th was cancelled (but FridayBike was a success for 6 riders!).


So, for 10 weeks, we had 6 cancellations, one beautiful day and 3 marginal days and one FridayBike.


Well, I hope we get to ride a few more times before the end of the ThursdayBike season! See you perhaps on Friday or for the Saturday Velo Club Ride!














In the mean time, I might just take the storage wax off the rock skis.....

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

FridayBike!

Friday, October 21st, 2011

North Road to Evans Notch

OK, I have had enough of this rain on Thursdays!!

Since this Thursday is again plagued by rain, I am going to get around this by setting up the ride for Friday this week....

Riding in the fall foliage is just so nice that I want to be out there a few more times before the colors disappear!

For anyone who can ride on Friday, let's do the North Road-Evans Notch Ride. We have not done this ride for more than a year. It is a pleasant easy ride! It is now improved since the short section on Route 2 is now a newly paved very wide shoulder. Riding up towards Evans Notch alongside the Wild River is very interesting after the damage caused by Tropical Storm Irene.

The ride starts out of the dirt parking area at the North Road-Hogan Road intersection. Ride North Road to the iron bridge (Bridge Street, about 9 miles), take a right to cross the bridge and ride up to Route 2. Take a right, then after about 0.3 mile, take a left onto Route 113 which goes up Evans Notch. The Wild River is very visible now after the flooding, and the suspension bridge that we used to walk across was destroyed by the raging river. We can stop to see what remains. The ride up towards the notch is a beautiful, flat to very gradual climb for about 8 miles. At this point, at a small bridge, the climb steepens for about a mile to the top of the notch.

Round trip to the beginning of the steeper climb at the small bridge and back is 32 miles.

Longer ride: Round trip to the top of the notch, if you want to do it, is about 36 miles.

Shorten the ride to about 18 miles if you start at the iron bridge on Bridge Street, parking in the canoe/kayak parking area on the south west side of the bridge.

We can pick a spot along the river in the sun for lunch or snacks.

How to get there:

Take Route 16 through Pinkham Notch to Gorham. Take a right onto Route 2 and drive about 3 miles. Just after a beautiful stone house and barn on the left, take a left onto North Road. Cross the dam, notice the damage from Irene, then continue 0.2 mile to the intersection with Hogan Road to park at the corner.

Ready to ride FRIDAY at 10:00am

Carpool? Meet in the parking lot across the street from the J-Town Deli in Jackson at 9:15.

Check the blog again on Friday morning if the rain decides to plague FridayBike.....

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Thursday, the 13th

October 13th, 2011

It's Thursday the 13th, and the the unlucky forecast has a 90% chance of rain. It is really hard not to be doing Thursday rides in the fall foliage. I am getting sick of cancelling rides....!!
Hopefully next week will be spectacular!

On Friday, the 14th, at 3:00, there will be a Gala Grand Opening of the bike path which starts at the Fryeburg, ME Visitor Center on Route 302. This is known as "The Kinsman Trail" by the locals, in honor of all the work Dave Kinsman has done to get the Mountain Division Rail-With-Trail system going! The 1.5 mile path is paved and will be enjoyed by many! If it isn't raining, meet there for a ride on the path at 3:00.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

White Mountains and Whitefield in Full Color 10:00 am

Thursday, October 6th, 2011

Since the Velo Club Saturday Ride was cancelled due to rain, let's do the ride that was scheduled!!

The sun will be shining but the temperature will be the coolest since last spring, so dress warmly...
I have ordered a tail wind for the way back to the car. I will not be able to join you for this ride, I am in CT, but I will try to ride there.

Here is the ride as was posted on the Velo Website:

Because of the cool (cold?) temperature, let's start at 10:00 am

It's Leaf Peeping Time - time to do the bike rides that are saved for the best panoramic views of the brilliant foliage. Let's head out to ride on the other side of Crawford Notch, where the foliage is probably peak right now.

The ride starts out of the Eisenhower Wayside Park, on the right side of Route 302 about 2 miles after passing through Crawford Notch/Highland Center. Ride west to the Twin Mountain 4-corners, take a right onto Route 3. Take another right onto Route 115. After passing the scenic vista/parking area on the left, take a left onto Airport Road/Hazen Road and ride down past the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge, the airport and industrial center. Cross the RR tracks and take a right. Cross the tracks again and ride to Route 116 and take a left to go into Whitefield Center. The lunch stop is on the town green at the gazebo. There is a convenience store, an ice cream store and Dunkin Donuts close by. Return by the same route - but enjoy a completely different panoramic view!

Ready to ride at 10:00 am

Carpool from Grant's parking lot, in the back near the Mountain Center Physical Therapy at 9:15 am

Distance from Eisenhower Wayside: 39 miles

Shorter options:

Start at the parking lot (right side of 302) near the Zealand Road/ and Zealand Campground: 30 miles

Start at the Twin Mountain Visitor Center at the gazebo at the light at the Route 302/3 intersection: 25 miles

Here is a link to the map:

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/40208406

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Rain Rain Go Away!

Can you choose a Different Day?
(but not Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday...)

Thursday, September 29, 2011
Ride Cancelled, again.

Again, all the forecasts seem to agree on rain for this Thursday, again. The exact timing of the rain is difficult to determine, but I think it is just not worth trying to plan a ride.


I really hope for good weather for next Thursday - the foliage should be peak, and we are going to ride in it!!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Once Again, Weather Cancels the Ride

I am disappointed to cancel the ride yet again. Looks like the weather will be wet for the next few days (week?)... but it will be warm...

I hope everyone has been out to enjoy the beautiful, sunny, early fall-like days over the past week or two. Unfortunately these great days have not been in sync with the group bike ride schedule so far this September.

Let's hope for spectacular weather once this slow moving low pressure system finally exits!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Thursday, September 15

RIDE CANCELLED due to the drizzle and expected rain.

See you next week for a good ride!!

West Side Road-Passaconaway Road, Rocky Gorge 9:30

I am sorry to be posting the ride so late. I just got in the door, returning from riding the Route Verte in Quebec...A Great Place to Ride!

Since I am not sure of the weather situation here, how about a local ride again - just the usual on West Side Road to Passaconaway, and, if the weather is OK, ride up to Rocky Gorge. To the bridge and back is about 24 miles. To Rocky Gorge it is about 30 miles.

Let's meet at the public parking lot behind the Eastern Slope Inn at 9:30 (it might be cool in the morning), ready to ride.

Monday, September 5, 2011

North Conway, Intervale and Jackson Loop 9:00 start

Thursday, September 8th, 2011

I am away this week, so I am setting up the ride hoping that the weather is OK on Thursday. I am keeping the ride close to home just in case. It has lots of options.

Meet at the public parking lot behind the Eastern Slope Inn in North Conway, ready to ride at 9:00 am. I ask that those of you who have done this ride or parts of this ride to lead the others.

This ride explores local roads in North Conway, Intervale and Jackson for a nice loop. Start by riding through North Conway to Cranmore and take Old Bartlett Road to the North end of Kearsage Road, then take a left and quick right onto Intervale Cross Road to Route 16. There, turn right and right again onto Route 16A.

As an option for a nice ride along the river, turn up Town Hall Road for awhile and turn back when it gets steep and/or turns to dirt. I have heard that the river came out of it's banks during Irene - use caution.

Return to Intervale Road and then go up Dundee Road to Jackson, coming down near Black Mt Ski area, then down to Carter Notch Rd, then stop to snack at Jackson Falls. The downhill ride continues down route 16 back to Beautiful Downtown Glen where you turn left and return to North Conway via Route 16 and Route 16A. So you wonder about Dundee Rd? Do it only if it is not harmed by Irene. Perhaps someone knows if it is OK? Yes, it has a stiff climb -- not long - but it is walkable and well worth the effort. This is a fabulous ride, and some walking on some dirt is part of the deal. The ride down from the top of Dundee, past Black Mountain and over to Carter Notch Road all the way back to the car is really scenic and you will smile all the way. If Dundee is not OK, you can go to Jackson via Thorne Hill Road. It's another good workout.

Return by Route 16 and Route 16A to the Eastern Slope Inn. The total distance is 28 miles.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Bear Notch Road from Attitash, 9:00 am

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Wednesday, 4:00 pm update:

I rode River Road, Passaconaway Road and the Kanc to Lower Falls this afternoon. All are open and clear - a few sandy spots and a few small sticks here and there. A Forest Service Ranger at Lower Falls told me that Bear Notch Road is now open, and the Kanc is open from Conway Village up to Bear Notch Road.

The plan as described below is still on, as the roads are eerily quiet since most folks haven't found out about the openings as of yet. So although the roads are open, the traffic will be very light.

Here is one more alternative to add to the list of ride alternatives below: The Bear Notch Loop.


Hurricane Irene has changed the course of rivers, washed away houses and camps, eroded roadsides and pavement and collapsed bridges. I hope all of you, ThursdayBikers and your friends, are dry and OK. Because of the road damage and closures, I am keeping the ride local on roads that I have heard are clear.

Due to the closure of the Kanc and Route 302 west of Bartlett, there are no cars on Bear Notch Road. Riders who did it on Tuesday said it was excellent without any cars and it is free of debris. Let's go enjoy this too! This is one of the easiest "Notches" and it has 3 scenic viewpoints (rest stops) conveniently located on the way up.

Ready to Ride at the Attitash parking lot at 9:00 am. Park at the west side of the lot in the shade of the trees.

Various distances are possible. Groups can choose their course:

From Attitash to the top of Bear Notch and back: about 15 miles

From Attitash, over Bear Notch to the Kanc and back about 23 miles

From the Bear Notch/Kanc intersection it may be possible to ride the Kanc (I am not sure whether it is closed from this point). If open we could go to the Sugar Hill scenic vista (34 miles round trip) or Lily Pond (37 miles round trip)

For the shortest, flattest ride, go from Attitash up to the road closure on Route 302 at Hart's Location (~10 miles).

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

West Side Road - Passaconaway Road 9:00 am

Thursday, August 25th, 2011

The weather looks a bit iffy for this week's ride. I don't think is is worth putting together an away adventure ride with the predictions of thunderstorms coming in as early as 1:00.
So, these are the times I pull out the old standby, the West Side Road - Passaconaway Road ride. It is local, out and back, it can be cut short if the weather threatens, and it is a really nice ride, too.

Let's meet at the public parking lot behind the Eastern Slope Inn at 9:00, ready to ride. The route out to the Albany Covered Bridge and back is about 25 miles. If the weather holds, we can go up to the Lower Falls on the Kanc.

All the weather-people are energized with the upcoming Hurricane Irene. It is very exciting to watch the development. Hold onto your hats this weekend. My Mom's name is Irene, and she is getting lots of attention this week....

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

The Basin 9:00 am start

Thursday, August 18th, 2010

Looks like all the rain is going to end and provide a beautiful day for ThursdayBike! To get away from the amazing amount of traffic in the valley, let's do the Basin ride, on the quiet roads of North Fryeburg and Chatham. I will not be able to join in this Thursday - I am hiking with my 1st cousins, once removed.

Meet at the corner of South Chatham Road and Route 113 in North Fryeburg, alongside the park next to the Saco Valley Fire Station. As you already know, please do not block the fire station parking area. Park head-in alongside the park to allow for many cars to fit in, or park parallel, off the road, along South Chatham Road or Rt 113.

The last quarter mile up to The Basin is a dirt road, and I am not sure of its condition at this point of the season. If it is a wash out, you may want to just use the campground at the entrance as your lunch spot. There are picnic tables, porta-potty and water pump in the campground. There is another campground with water and porta potties up at The Basin.

The starting time, ready-to-ride will be 9:00 am.


If you do the ride starting south on 113 and take a left on Fish St and left on MacNeil, it will be a 28 mile ride.

Want more miles?? If you continue past Fish down to Cornshop and hang a left there and ride out to Rt 5 and take a left on Fish St, your total will be 33 miles. If you start earlier at Weston's Beach you get 44 miles.

Carpoolers from the Bartlett/Jackson area -- meet at Grants parking lot at 8:15.



Also - in case you enjoy the downhill better than the uphill -- Joan Kelly is aranging a deal at Bretton Woods for their lift assisted mountain bike riding. She will get a discount for the Tuesday Fattire Crusiers gorup, next Tuesday, Aug 23rd, if she gets 12 people or more. She almost has enough...


Bring your own mountain bike or rent one there.


Contact her at chumley@earthlink.net for more info

See you there!!



Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Thursday, August 11, 2011

The Snowville Loop 9:00 am

There is only a slight chance of a shower early on Thursday morning, but I think it should be OK for a ride -- look out your window before heading out. I will not be able to ride with the group this Thursday as I am away, but this is such a familiar ride to most of you that I am sure there will be plenty of leaders to help any newbies along!!

To avoid the traffic in Conway Village and some road work on the northern end of Route 153, meet at the riverside park, on the right, just past the police station on East Conway Road. Drive down the entrance road to the parking and picnic area on the Saco River.

The ride goes back out to East Conway Road, then go left to the stop sign, take a left onto Route 302, cross the Saco River, take a left at the lights to head towards Center Conway, then take a right onto Mill Street to ride by the beach on Conway Lake, up Brownfield Road to Hampshire St, and up the famous Asparagus Hill. This hill is the yearly test of how far you can ride up before having to jump off the bike before tipping over...

The reward is then a great ride to Crystal Lake. You may be able to picnic there, but since most of us are not Eaton residents they may not let us hoodlums enter. Try the picnic tables located in the pines on the lake a short distance down 153 on the left, before the Eaton Store.

Return by Route 153 to Stark Road (right turn at a four corners. This is a nice riding road that cuts out half of route 153 and avoids Conway Village lights and traffic). When you come to the end of Stark Road, where it meets route 113, you can take a right onto Odell Hill Road, which runs parallel to route 113 for a short distance. Then you pop out back on 113 and come to the lights at Route 302 where you go left. Take the right back onto East Conway Road and right again after the police station into the park. Take a dip in the river if you like!

Distance = 25 miles

Ready to Ride at 9:00 am!

Here is a map of the ride!


http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/21252684

Friday, July 29, 2011

Steve Swensen's Ride to Hiram and Cornish

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Steve Swensen will host the ride for this first Thursday of August. After the ride, he has invited everyone over to his lake house for a swim!

The ride will start out of the parking lot behind the convenience store/gas station at the Brownfield 5 corners where route 160 crosses route 113/5, near Pig Street. The ride will start at 9:30 am.

Steve's lake house is on Lovewell Pond, just north of the 5-corners, on the right side of Route 113/5 going north, turn onto Fire Lane 15, Cranberry Lane.

Here is a map:
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/43730404

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Don't Yank the Crank

Thursday, July 28th, 2011

Bethel to Bryant Pond, Maine

Looks like the weather will be great for a ride by the beautiful woods, farms and lakes of Maine!

This ride will take us from Bethel to Bryant Pond, the site of last hand-cranked telephone exchange in the USA. This little town is also famous for a 3-story outhouse. It also has a convenience store, a larger-than-life telephone monument and great lakeside dining.

But Wait... there's more!!!

The ride is nice and quiet, along the Androscoggin River (essentially a continuation of the North Road experience), fields, farms and forest plus shore side riding on North Lake in Locke Mills. No Notches! This will be a welcome relief from the traffic and noise around the Mt. Washington Valley in tourist season.

This ride starts out of the riverside park in Bethel -- the picnic destination on the North Road ride. The first 12 miles follows Intervale Road which parallels the Androscoggin River as it flows north towards Rumford. We turn east towards Bryant Pond, go through the village, try to find that famous outhouse, pay our respects at the Hand Crank Telephone Monument, then go to the lake for our picnic lunch. The return is by North Pond in Locke Mills, then by East Bethel Road (look for some interesting sculptures on the left), then back to the cars via Intervale Road.

The ride will start at 9:30 am at the Bethel town park on the Androscoggin River at the intersection of the bike path and Route 26 (where we always eat lunch on the North Road Ride).


Drive to Bethel via Route 2 and take a right on Bridge Street, at the flashing light (soon before crossing the bridge over the Androscoggin). Drive about 0.5 mile to the park, on the left at the stop sign.

Ride distance is 40 miles.

Ready to ride at 9:30 am!!

If you want carpool, meet at the Jackson Ski Touring/Wentworth Golf Club parking area across the street from the J-Town Deli at 8:15 am. Otherwise, see you in Bethel!



See map link at the bottom of this post...


Here is some info on Bryant Pond:

www.roadsideamerica.com/map/631

www.privateline.com/mt_telephonehistory/iv_the_telephone_evolves/07_part_g/

"Bryant Pond achieved some national fame and media attention beginning in the mid-1970s when its family-owned Bryant Pond Telephone Company became the last hand-crank telephone exchange in operation in the United States. When in 1981 the local company, operating from a two-position magneto switchboard in the living room of owners Barbara and Elden Hathaway, was purchased by the Oxford County Telephone & Telegraph Company, a nearby larger independent company. A movement called "Don't Yank The Crank" was organized by David Perham and Brad Hooper in a valiant but futile effort to keep their beloved crank phones. The effort was not ultimately successful, and the last "crank" calls took place on 11 October 1983, when a modern dial exchange was placed in service."


Here is a map of the ride: (I will bring maps for everyone)

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/22002290

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Brownfield-Hiram Loop

Thursday July 21, 2011

Dave and Connie Kinsman have offered to host a ride. This will be new ride for ThursdayBike, and I think it will be new favorite!


Here is the ride description from Dave and Connie:

"Here is the ride we planned for Thursday. It's not too long because it sounds like the day will turn hot.
We will meet at the Community Center, formerly Brownfield School on Main Street in Brownfield (we always ride past it on our extended Brownfield ride) at 9:00am.

Turn right from the school and ride up Main Street to Route 113. Cross 113 onto Route 160 north. Follow 160 to the monument in Denmark. Turn right onto Route 117 south. Stop at the Hiram Store in Hiram village.

Continue to Route 113. Turn right and ride about 2 1/2 miles up 113 to Notch Road. There is a small shoulder along this stretch. Turn left on Notch Road and follow it about 6 1/2 miles to the end. Turn right on 160 north back into Brownfield. Turn right at the park to return to the school. This ride should be about about 34 miles."

David and Connie will try to be there early to direct parking. David will lead the ride and Connie will sweep.

Here is a link to a map :
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/42272870

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

North Road (let's try this again...) 9:00 am

Thursday, July 14th, 2011



The weather forecasters seem certain that Thursday will be a fantastic day, so I think it's worth trying to do the North Road ride (again).


Two weeks ago the rain turned (most of) us back to do a ride in North Fryeburg where the temperature was 10 degrees warmer, it was not raining and the sun was partially out. There was one who actually did the ride from the Gilead bridge to Bethel and did not get rained on. She wondered where we all were....



Let's start the ride at 9:00 am, summertime schedule.



Start at the intersection of North Road and Hogan Road, on the north side of the Androscoggin River, ready to ride at 9:00 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, and there is a dirt parking area there. (Those of you from the Fryeburg area probably do best by driving up and over Evans Notch).



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 - it has a mix of flat sections, rolling hills, a few short granny gear climbs, lots of farm and mountain 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 riverside picnic spot (and porta-potty).



Although there are many options for food in Bethel (including a convenience store on the bike path), it easiest to bring your own lunch.



Shorter Options:



Option 1. For the best shorter option, do the eastern (Bethel) portion of North Road. This starts at the Gilead bridge at a parking area for boaters. This option allows you to meet up with everyone and have lunch together at the riverside park. This is a 20 mile option. Drive to the Gilead steel trestle bridge (Bridge Street) via Route 2 (look for it on the left soon after the intersection with the road that goes over Evans Notch - after the new Route 2 bridge), park at the canoe parking area on the southwest side of the bridge, ride across the bridge and join the riders there as they ride by on North Road at about 9:45.



You could also drive from the Hogan Road parking area 9.3 miles down North Road where you will come to an intersection with the bridge on your right. Starting at the bridge and riding to Bethel will give you a 20 mile round trip. To lengthen this a bit, start earlier, cross the bridge, turn left and ride until you meet the riders coming from Hogan Road. Turn and join in with the group!



Option 2: If you wish to start at the Hogan Road parking area, you can ride out with the group and turn back when you've had enough:



To Shelburne and back is 10.2 miles round trip



To the Gilead steel trestle bridge is 18.6 miles round trip



CARPOOLING: To carpool, meet in Jackson at the golf course parking lot across from the J-Town Deli at 8:00am if you can either take a bike or two in/on your car, or if you would like to join a carpool.



For a map, click on: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/871217



If you cannot get this link to work, go to www.mapmyride.com and search for the ride called: "North Road to Bethel". All my rides on this site are listed under "marianneb".

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

White Mountains and Whitefield, 9:00 am

Thursday, July 7th, 2011

The weather looks good for a ride with mountain views! It should be sunny, clear and not hot, so let's head up to the Bretton Woods area for some Presidential views. (The forecast as of Wednesday night still looks great!!)

I tried to put together a ride that mixes the good parts of other rides that we have done in the Bretton Woods, Twin Mountain and Whitefield area. It is impossible to avoid hills, but the ones on this ride aren't too bad!
We can decide after the ride how this one rates as compared to the others - keeper or not?!

Let's start the ride at 9:00 am, ready to ride, summertime schedule.

The whole ride is 39 miles, an out-and-back ride.
The ride goes to Twin Mountain, turns right on route 3, then right again on route 115. There is a gradual climb up to the lookout point. We then take a left and go down Airport Road past the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge parking area, past the airport and out eventually to route 116. The gazebo on the town square in Whitefield is 1.6 miles on route 116. There is water available from a faucet, a convenience store with toilet, an ice cream store, a lawn, park benches and a gazebo. What else could cyclists want??

We reverse the route for a return with beautiful White Mountain views.

For the 39 mile ride, start out of the Eisenhower Wayside Park parking lot, located downhill about 1.5 miles from the top of Crawford Notch, on the right (the sledding hill in winter). There is (used to be?) a flag and a sign.

Shorter Options:
For a 33 mile ride, start out of Bretton Woods ski area, park near the fitness center ~9:10 am
For a 29 mile ride, start out of the Zealand parking lot, on the right side of Rt 302 before the Zealand access road/campground ~9:20 am
For a 24 mile ride, start out of the gazebo at the Twin Mountain tourist info center at the 4-corners where route 302 and route 3 intersect ~9:35 am.

If you want a few more miles (42 total), which includes the short climb up Crawford Notch at the end of the ride, park at the Mt Clinton Road Parking area (need a forest service parking pass) at the top of the notch. Ride down to meet the rest of the riders to start riding at 9:00.

Carpool out of Grant's parking lot at 8:15 am

If the weather forecast actually is true, it should be a great day!

Here is a map:

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/40208406

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

The North Road Ride 10:00 am


Thursday, June 30, 2011

With the upcoming 4th of July weekend, the traffic in the valley has been increasing. The North Road is always a good place to get a calmer, quieter place to ride.

Start at the intersection of North Road and Hogan Road, on the north side of the Androscoggin 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 trail heads, comes in from the left, and there is a dirt parking area there. (Those of you from the Fryeburg area probably do best by driving up and over Evans Notch).

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 - it has a mix of flat sections, rolling hills, a few short granny gear climbs, lots of farm and mountain 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 riverside picnic spot (and porta-potty).
Although there are many options for food in Bethel, it easiest to bring your own lunch.

Shorter Options:

Option 1. For the best shorter option, do the eastern (Bethel) portion of North Road. This starts at the Gilead bridge at a parking area for boaters. This option allows you to meet up with everyone and have lunch together at the riverside park. This is a 20 mile option.

Drive to the Gilead steel trestle bridge (Bridge Street) via Route 2 (look for it on the left soon after the intersection with the road that goes over Evans Notch - after the new Route 2 bridge), park at the canoe parking area on the southwest side of the bridge, ride across the bridge and join the riders there as they ride by on North Road at about 10:45.
You could also drive from the Hogan Road parking area 9.3 miles down North Road where you will come to an intersection with the bridge on your right. Starting at the bridge and riding to Bethel will give you a 20 mile round trip. To lengthen this a bit, start earlier, cross the bridge, turn left and ride until you meet the riders coming from Hogan Road. Turn and join in with the group!

Option 2:

If you wish to start at the Hogan Road parking area, you can ride out with the group and turn back when you've had enough:

To Shelburne and back is 10.2 miles round trip
To the Gilead steel trestle bridge is 18.6 miles round trip

CARPOOLING: To carpool, meet in Jackson at the golf course parking lot across from the J-Town Deli at 9:00 if you can either take a bike or two in/on your car, or if you would like to join a carpool.

For a map you can play with, click on: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/871217

If you cannot get this link to work, go to www.mapmyride.com and search for the ride called: "North Road to Bethel". All my rides on this site are listed under "marianneb".

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Ride Cancelled due to Rainy Forecast

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

After a perfect day last Thursday, the weather returns to the clouds and rain for tomorrow. It seems like we would get wet at some point during the ride -- enough of that!!

Next week will hopefully be OK!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Franconia Notch Bike Path and Old Man Memorial

Thursday, June 16

Ready to Ride at 10:00 am

The weather forecast for Thursday looks good (we probably won't get wet this week!!) so lets do an "away" ride over the hill to Lincoln and Franconia Notch. The Old Man of the Mountain Memorial was dedicated on Sunday, so let's check that out too:

http://www.ajc.com/travel/fallen-rock-star-nh-973158.html

Traditionally, there has been a gathering at the Woodstock Inn for food and drink after the ride. If you have a Public Radio or NHPTV member card, the Woodstock Inn has a 2-for-1 deal if you bring your card.

The bike path is wonderful - a paved path though the woods, great views, interesting stops along the way (view of where the Old Man used-to-be, the new memorial, The Basin, The New England Ski Museum (free), climbers on the sheer cliffs, the lakes, the notch, Cannon Mt.).

For the longer ride (approximately 32 miles), start out of the Loon Ski Area parking lot, ride on a quiet back road in residential Lincoln avoiding the busy Main Street (Pollard Rd; turn right of the Kanc by The Common Man Restaurant), then out onto Route 3 by Clark's Trading Post. Ride up Route 3 by the 1950's style motels and cabins and Indian Head to The Flume parking area where the bike path begins. It is about 6 miles to this point.

The bike path starts at the upper, northern end of the parking lot; turn left as you enter the lot and ride up to the entrance way.

The bike path IS NOT a rail trail - it IS NOT flat - it will be a great use of all of the gears that you have on your bike. There are some short sharp ups, and short sharp downs, some sweeping turns, bridges and tunnels - all lending itself to a wonderful Disney World attraction for us. The way back is a smiling mostly downhill cruise.

This is a great time of the year to ride this, as there are not many tourists, walkers, baby carriages, in-line skaters, etc. on the path to get in our way!

For the shorter ride, just do the bike path. It is about 19 miles round trip from the Flume parking lot.


For the Longer Ride: Ready-to-ride at the Loon Ski Area parking lot at 10:00 am. Enter the Loon parking lot at the Main entrance (by the train engine), cross the bridge then bear left up towards the main lodge. There is lots of parking available on the right side of the lot.


For the shorter ride: Meet the longer riders at The Flume Parking Lot near the bike path entrance between 10:45 and 11:00 am.

Carpooling: Meet at Grant's Supermarket Parking lot at 8:40 am to load up. Drive to Loon via Bear Notch Road and the Kanc.

There are bathroom facilities at Loon, The Flume and at various parking lots along the Bike Path. There is a snack bar/ice cream near the Ski Museum at Cannon Mt. It should be open by now.

Bring water, food and snacks for a picnic either at the Cannon Tram/Ski Museum, the new memorial or by the lake. This should be a great day!

Here is a map:

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/nh/-lincoln/125124277838389505

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

June Wildflowers in Randolph and Jefferson

Thursday, June 9th, 2011
Ready to Ride at 9:00 am!!

I was up in Randolph today, and it looks like Lupine Season! The lupine webcam at Sugar Hill also shows a beautiful display. So, although I had been thinking about the Franconia Ride, I think we'd better go see the lupine before they finish their display.

The other issue is the weather. I have looked at so many forecasts and it is clear that we will get hot weather and thunderstorms tomorrow afternoon. Most seem to indicate 1:00. I think that we can do this ride in the cooler morning hours and be done before we get wet (all you on the Willey House ride from last Thursday are probably chuckling at that prediction...).

This ride goes by some of the best displays of panoramic scenery and lupine fields in the area. The ride includes the entire length of Valley Road, a hidden treasure, running in the valley, parallel to Route 2 but without the traffic. Valley Road lacks pavement for about 2 miles. but the riding on it is just fine (better, in fact, than a lot of pavement we have around here...). Durand Road is a terrific ride also, lined with summer houses from the 30's and their nice gardens.

Start time: 9:00 am ready to ride at the parking lot on the west end of Pinkham B Road at the rail trail crossing.

Carpool: Meet at the Jackson Ski Touring/Wentworth Golf Club parking area across the street from the J-Town Deli at 8:10 am.

Ride length: 26 miles

Directions to the start:

The start is at the Randolph end of the Pinkham B Road. There is parking right next to where the Presidential Rail Trail crosses Pinkham B. Access Pinkham B road from the Dolly Copp Campground entrance off of Route 16.

As you drive down the hill on Pinkham B and come out of the woods, where there are 2 houses on the left, the rail trail crosses the road at a public works department building. There is parking on the left side near the rail trail.

If you don't want to do Pinkham B, drive route 16 to Gorham, follow it towards Berlin and take a left on Route 2 at the traffic light. Go up the big hill and down the other side (being glad you did not have to climb it on a bike...). Just after the hill flattens, Pinkham B Road will be on your left. Take the left and drive about 0.5 mile to the parking area near the rail trail on the right.

Ride description:


The ride will go down Pinkham B to Route 2, crosses Route 2 and enters Durand Road, a scenic quite road parallel to Route 2. If you have hiked the Randolph Mountain Club trail systems, you have likely used the many trial heads on this road. At the end of Durand Road, we ride Route 2 on a wide shoulder for a short distance.

Take the next left onto Valley Road. We ride Valley Road to Jefferson Meadows. We can do the 115 triangle then have a quick lunch near the Israel River Campground and stop at their snack shop.
return is by Valley Road and Durand Road, before the storm.

Map:

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/nh/jefferson/829127656358752350

Thursday, June 9th, 2011

Check this blog Wednesday night for the final plan. I want to get the best weather forecasts between 5 and 6:30 before setting up this ride.
I would like to do the Franconia Notch Bike Path - it is a shady ride on a hot day and it is good to do it before the tourist season starts, but, I would like to be sure we are done with the ride and either in the car or at the Woodstock Brewery if the thunderstorms come in!

A ride that is coming up soon is the Randolph-Jefferson Lupine Ride. The lupine bloom seem earlier this year. I am going to be in Randolph today and I will check the lupine progress.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Crank Some Crawford, 9:00 am

Thursday, June 2

Let's do a ride out on the western side of the valley this week, with a little elevation gain to get our hill climbing gears warmed up!

Destination: Lunch at the pond across from the Willey House. Pack your own lunch or get it there.


Note that the start is at 9:00 am, earlier now that the warmer, spring weather has finally arrived!


Meet at the Attitash parking lot, ready to ride at 9:00 am.

The ride to the Willey House from Attitash up route 302 is about 29 miles round trip. It is NOT HARD -- it is WAY easier than Bear Notch Road, a gradual climb with flatter sections of relief. 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, then return to meet everyone else for lunch at the Willey House.

For a shorter option, start in Bartlett Village (24 miles total) or at the parking area for the Fourth Iron Bridge (~18 miles total). Join the crowd as they ride by: ~ 9:15 at Bartlett Village, ~9:25 at Fourth Iron.


For a longer ride, 40 miles, start out of the Grants parking lot (8:30 am), meet the folks at Attitash for the 9:00 departure.

Do you need a map?? See the link below. Even if you don't need one, take a look at the elevation profile AFTER you finish the ride.

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/2356636

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Thursday, May 26th

Cruise Fryeburg Harbor from the Peace With Inn with Lunch at the Stow Store

Let's check out the springtime green grass and potato fields over in North Fryeburg! After all the rain and damp weather, perhaps they are planting rice this season?


The Peace With-Inn once again will allow us to park in their yard - a great place to start the ride. The Inn is 7 miles from North Conway: Take East Conway Road past Sherman Farms, bear left onto Route 113 North. At Webster's Country Store bear right to continue north on 113, and continue 1 mile north to the Peace With-Inn, on the left.

Here is more info on the Peace With-Inn: http://www.peacewithinn.com/directions.htm


As you all know by now, the Stow Store is now open, and the new owners, Maureen and Jim are excited to get the word out and show everyone what they have done.

No need to bring lunch - just some $ - Maureen and Jim know we are coming are are preparing pastries, soup and a special pasta salad for us to enjoy.


Time: 10:00 Ready to Ride


Place: The Peace With-Inn, parking area on the left side of the Inn

Anyone form Bartlett/Jackson want to carpool? Meet at Grant's Parking lot at 9:00 am.

Route: there are so many excellent options here!

For the longer ride - Cornshop Rd- Fish St - McNeil - Union Hill - Meadow - Stow Store and the 113B loop, then back via Union Hill, Harbor and 113 South (30 miles).

To make it even longer, from the Stow Store, keep North on 113 as far as you like -- The Basin? Evans Notch?

To make it shorter, eliminate the loop north of the Stow Store and return via 113 South (20 miles).

Here is a map:
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/6664331

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Camp Grenada

Ride Cancelled Thursday, May 19

OK now, this is not funny anymore.

There has been only one ThursdayBike ride so far this season.

This means to me that when the current lingering low pressure system moves east, we will have amazing spring (summer?) weather.

Remember Alan Sherman's "Camp Grenada" song??? (1963!)

"...camp is very entertaining,
And they say we'll have some fun if it stops raining." (see links below for the lyrics and youtube)

So, perhaps it is necessary to try to ride on an alternate day, to keep in shape and in good spirits.

Looks like Friday morning could be OK for a short ride before the rain comes in the afternoon-- anyone want to try for a short ride in Bartlett - River Road and/or Bear Notch Road?

Meet on FRIDAY morning at the Attitash parking lot at 10:00 am if it is not raining and the roads are starting to dry out.

I will likely post for a ride on Sunday or Monday, since the weather should be nice. The Crank the Kanc is on Saturday, how about if we try a Crank Some Kanc (or all of it) on Sunday?? Check the blog -- I will set a time and place when I'm sure about the weather!


For the lyrics to Alan Sherman's famous song:
http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/lyrics/granada.htm

and the youtube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2Hx_X84LC0

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Thursday, May 12th

Brownfield is Turning Green

...So let's go check it out in the warm sunshine!!!!

The ride is a GO for this week and I am so confident of good weather that I am posting it on Tuesday instead of waiting until Wednesday night!!

Meet: 10:00 am Ready to Ride

Where: Maine Visitors Center, just over the border in Maine, right side of Route 302

Route: Haleytown Road into Brownfield. Return by Sam Brown Hill (great views!)

The ride will split into 2 groups, you choose:

Longer option: Cross route 5/113 and get some hill climbing on the triangle loop. 31 miles total

Shorter, easier option (for those who haven't been on the bike much yet this season !) 21 miles (does not include the hilly triangle on the east side of route 5/113). There are options to make this ride even shorter if desired.

We will check out the black fly status on the northern shore of Burnt Meadow Pond (on route 160, just south of Pig Street). It could be a good lunch/snack stop.

Map:

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/9015244

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

RIde for May 5th Cancelled

Another Cancellation.

It is amazing that we just cannot get a good Thursday for the 2011 season opening ride. There is a good chance of rain and the temperature will only get into the 40's.

Last week 6 hearty ThursdayBikers went out for a (un-official!) ride. They got wet on the way back to the cars, but when they arrived it stopped raining. Three flat tires were attained during that ride. Fortunately I had cancelled the official ride. No way are we kicking off the ThursdayBike season with 100% wet riders and 50% having to fix a flat...

The long term forecast for next week's "opening day" looks much better!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

First Ride of the Season: April 28th, 2011

CANCELLED!!

Dog-Gone-It, but the weather forecast just is not cooperating. The road is wet, the fog is in the valley, the forecast for storms seems to indicate an earlier approach of rainshowers.
I think it is best to just cancel the ride today.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



The weather continues to be a challenge, but I am setting up the standard, local, old-favorite just to get us out and get this season underway!!!!!!

Last year at this point we all had done quite a bit of riding. This year I have heard that some off you have not even been on your bikes at all yet....... (but the skiing has been soooo great!!).

Let's do the old regular ride -- West Side Road and Passaconaway, starting out of the public parking lot behind the Eastern Slope Inn in North Conway. Let's start at 10:00. We should be done before the predicted rain and possible storms come in in the afternoon. This should get the wheels turning.

Time: 10:00 - Ready to Ride.
Arrive early enough to get the cobwebs off the bike, the tires pumped and the chain lubed. I will have a pump and lube if you need them.

Miles: 19 to the Dugway Picnic area on Passaconaway Road. You may ride further if you like, the road is clean, but the gate is closed and the road beyond the gate is littered with tree debris.

Bring: Beverage, lunch and/or snacks to enjoy overlooking the Swift River from the picnic area. Most of the way back from there is downhill or flat, with a warm tailwind to get you back to the car.

See you there!


Wednesday, April 20, 2011

2011 Cycling Season

Hi ThursdayBikers!

Welcome to the 2011 Cycling season! It was great to see so many ThursdayBikers at the Velo Club Party at the Moat yesterday!

I typically post the Thursday rides on the blog on Tuesday night, but with difficult forecasts I sometimes need to wait until Wednesday night before I can plan a ride around the weather.

Last year the group had already done 3 rides by now (but the skiing was over…)!! We rode every Thursday in April, starting April 1st, but, we did not ride any Thursdays in June. Everything always seems to balance. I guess we can look forward to great riding in June this year!!

I have not set up a ride for tomorrow, April 21 because the weather looks a bit too cold and windy for our first grand opening ride of the year. Perhaps you can use part of the day to prepare your bike for the upcoming season? (or- do a short ride to prepare you seat for the season??)


To start getting excited about riding and exploring, here are some fun rides that will be included again this season:

Lupine Ride in Randolph and Jefferson
Bethel to Bryant Pond Loop
Wing Road/Hazen Airport Loop in Jefferson
Franconia Notch Bike Path
Vermont Side of the Connecticut River
Franconia/Sugar Hill/Bath Loop
Littleton via River Road
Lost Nation Loop

Some new rides I plan to put together for this season:

Brownfield-Fryeburg rides which will include the new 1.5 mile section or the Mountain Division Rail Trail in Fryeburg (to be started this spring!)
Parsonsfield-Cornish
Dunn Notch-Grafton Notch

So, pump the tires and lube the chain! See you next week!!