Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Anyone for a mid November bike ride? 11:00 am

Thursday, November 21, 2013

The weather looks like a reasonable mid November day, with sunshine, mid 40's and no wind.  I cannot join in on a ride with you in NH this week, but I am trying to get a ride in CT with these milder temperatures forecasted.

I HAVE to post a ride, as ThursdayBike must always carry on until the XC skis come out!!  For Thursday die-hards, how about just meeting again at the public parking lot behind the Eastern Slope Inn at 11:00 for a ride?  Choose West Side Road/Passaconaway as the satisfying basic local ride or liven it up a bit by doing a ride over to Cranmore, up Old Bartlett Road and ride out to 16A and out and back on Town Hall Road,  returning via 16A (stop to see the new Moat Brewery building next to Limmer Boots!), then returning via the scenic vista for a view of Mt. Washington.

Next week is Thanksgiving, but if the weather is good in the morning, I might post a pre-turkey dinner ride! Choose bike or ski, depending on the weather!


Tuesday, November 12, 2013

FridayBike, SaturdayBike

Friday, November 15 and Saturday November 16th, 2013

For those of you who want to get some more biking in this season, I am setting up two rides, taking advantage of warmer weather on Friday and Saturday. These rides are some local favorites, to start winding down the season. I decided against Thursday, as I can't ride and the weather looks better for Friday and Saturday. 

FridayBike:    West Side Road, Passaconaway and The Kanc to Lower Falls.  11:00 start. 

Meet at the parking lot behind the Eastern Slope Inn in North Conway at 11:00, ready to ride. As an option, we could bike to Conway Village and up the Kanc as far as we want then return via Passaconaway Road.   Distance between 24-30 miles. 


SaturdayBike:  Haleytown Road and Brownfield. 11:00 start

Meet at the Maine Visitor's Center on Route 302 at 11:00, ready to ride. Head out Haleytown to Hampshire to Brownfield. We could cross over route 5/113 to do the Brownfield Loop and/or do Pig Street and the Sam Brown's Hill. Add the bike path for a few more miles. We can shorten or lengthen the route depending on the weather.   Estimating 20-30 miles. 

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Ride Cancelled due to Rainy Forecast

Thursday, November 7, 2013

We were lucky last week to arrive back at our cars just as the rain started!
This week the forecast does not look good for a dry ride. Try again next week!!  Also, keep checking mwvbicylingclub.org for Saturday rides, weather permitting.


Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Fryeburg Village and Menonomy Road 11:00 am

Thursday, October 31, 2013

The weather might just work for a short ride close to home. It may be cloudy, but not too cold, windy or wet. The rain should hold off until you head out for Trick or Treating.

Meet at the Maine Visitor's Center on Route 302 just over the border in Fryeburg. We start with a lap on the bike path, then go into Fryeburg Village, head over to the Snow School and Ice House Road. We cross Route 302 onto Menonomy Road, which is a very scenic out and back ride. It has short climbs that will keep us warm. On our return we could stop in Fryeburg Village for a hot coffee or tea and a pastry!

Distance?  Probably about 20 miles.

Ready to ride at 11:00 at the Maine Visitor's Center.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

West Side Road/Passaconaway to Rocky Gorge 12:00 noon

Thursday, October 24, 2013

The temperature decided to drop and the winds are going to be crisp.  For the first really chilly Thursday ride it is probably best to start when the temperature has a chance to rise!  How about a high noon start, giving us the most solar warmth?  How about a local favorite, so some of us can do errands either before or after the ride? It might take digging out some cross country ski clothes for bike riding now!!

Meet in the parking lot behind the Eastern Slope Inn at 12:00 noon. We can ride out West Side Road and up Passaconaway, and at the covered bridge decide to ride further to Rocky Gorge if the sunshine feels good!

It is about 24 miles to the covered bridge and back, 30 miles if Rocky Gorge is included.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Climb Bear Notch for Foliage Views, afternoon ride 1:00 pm

Thursday, October 17, 2013

The forecasts for Thursday vary widely, but it seems like the afternoon should be good for a ride. The views from the scenic overlooks on Bear Notch Road are beautiful with the golden foliage below in Bartlett. How about a short but sweet ride up Bear Notch Road?

Meet at Attitash parking lot at 1:00 pm, ready to ride.

Total mileage is about 18.

If you prefer to stay on flatter ground and look up at Bear Notch, head out to River Road for about 11 miles.


Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Brownfield is Golden 10:00 am

Thursday, September 10, 2013

Meet at the Fryeburg Visitor's Center at 10:00 am, ready to ride.

Haleytown Road to Hampshire Road to Pig Street and back by Sam Brown Hill.

The loop including a stop at Burnt Meadow Pond and Sam Brown Hill is 23 miles. Do a lap on the bike path when we return and add 8 fantastic miles to the day!

This is a great fall classic ride with nice views and good fall color. It is quiet and away from the traffic!  Enjoy!  I will join you next week!!

Monday, September 30, 2013

The Basin, 9:30 am

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Looks like a great day for the views on the route to The Basin. Perfect fall weather!!!! The farms of Fryeburg are harvesting potatoes and corn, and the foliage on the hillsides should be colorful!

Meet at the park next to the North Fryeburg Fire Station, corner of Route 113 and South Chatham Road.

Start at 9:30 am, ready to ride.

Head south to the little white church on the corner of Fish Street. Take Fish to MacNeil, then go up Union Hill Road, then onto Meadow and head to the Stow Store. Continue up route 113 to The Basin. The dirt road up to the Basin is sometimes rough, so it might be better to walk it. The foliage and the view at the pond should be beautiful!!

Total distance:  28 miles




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Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Lost Nation Loop 10:00 am

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Thursday looks like a good day for a fall foliage ride, with warmer temperatures and less wind than we have had lately. The foliage north of the notches is really progressing, at about 75% of peak according to the TV news, so it is time for this ride!! This ride dressed up in fall foliage is amazing!!

Farms, fields, horses, cows, mountain views, covered bridges, rivers, streams, villages, little white churches, closed papermills, etc. This ride has everything the region can offer!  Let's see what the tourists from all over the world come here to enjoy!

The full loop is 50 miles, but a really nice 27 mile option is possible out of Lancaster. Email me if you plan to come on the ride and let me know if you prefer the shorter version. At least one person will do the 27 miler, so we can arrange carpooling. marianneborowski@yahoo.com


The Lost Nation Loop starts in Whitefield at the town green with the gazebo in the center. We ride east towards Jefferson on route 116, then North Road through Grange and Lost Nation to Groveton. We then ride about 2.5 miles down Route 3 (wide shoulder) to Northumberland and cross the CT River into Guildhall, VT. We ride the VT side of the CT River on Route 102 then cross the Mt. Orne Covered Bridge just south of Lancaster. We ride almost to Dalton along the NH side of the CT River and then take route 142 back to Whitefield.

For the map:
Start time: 10:00 am, ready to ride

Carpooling: If you want to carpool, meet at the Attitash parking lot at 8:50 am

Directions to Whitefield: Route 302 through Crawford Notch to the light at Twin Mountain four corners. Take a right onto Route 3 and follow it to the center of Whitefield, a tiny town green with gazebo.

Parking in Whitefield: There is parking around the town green in the center of Whitefield (intersection of routes 3, 116, 142).

Ride Distance: 50 miles
Shorter Option:  27 miles  Last year, Tom, Denise and Walt did a shorter, easier loop out of Lancaster, parking at the Shaw's Supermarket. If you want to do this version, meet at the Whitefield Gazebo and drive up to Lancaster. You will meet the 50 mile riders at the dairy farm at the corner of Lost Nation Road. You will have cut out the longest and steepest climbs. 

About the novel, Lost Nation, by Jeffrey Lent: http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Nation-Jeffrey-Lent/dp/0871138433

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

The Bench Press Ride

Thursday, September 19, 2013


This week's ride will celebrate the 4 new benches installed on the Mountain Division Recreation Trail in Fryeburg. These benches were sourced by Dave Kinsman, purchased by the MWV Bicycling Club, and installed by the Fryeburg Public Works Department. Dave Kinsman has organized a photo shoot and press release for the benches, and ThursdayBikers can be in the photos!  Dave calls this event "The Bench Press"!!

Meet at the Maine Visitor's Center parking lot, in Fryeburg, ready to ride at 9:30 am. 

The ride will do the photo shoot then cruise the bike path to locate the 4 benches, then return and do the nice new pavement on Haleytown Road. Ride out to the 5 corners in Brownfield and return via Pig Street and Sam Brown Hill. Total miles, including the 8 on the Bikepath, will be about 27. Shorten it a few miles if you bypass Sam Brown Hill. 

Enjoy the festivities snd the ride!  See you all next week!












Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Ride Cancelled

Thursday, September 12, 2013

The forecasts I am seeing for Thursday look stormy. I will cancel this week. Next week should be a ride out of the Maine Visitor's Center to officially welcome the benches. Hope for good weather!

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Back to the Basics...

Thursday, September 5, 2013

West Side Road and Passaconaway and up to Rocky Gorge.  Keeping it simple this week.

9:00 meeting in the parking lot behind the Eastern Slope Inn, ready to ride. Celebrate the return of quiet roads for awhile before leaf peepers show up.

I counted, and there are 15 ThursdayBikers out on bike tours this week. Quite an international event, with 10 on various bike paths in Quebec, 3 in England,and 2 on the UP of Michigan. It's addictive and contagious!!!

Next week may be a ride on the Fryeburg Bikepath to celebrate the new benches!

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Weather Worries; Ride Cancelled.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

I am not inspired by all the weather forecasts for Thursday, so, unfortunately, I will cancel this week's ride.

However, there is some good news!!  A good source has told me that Route 113 in the Evans Notch area was paved earlier this week. How far the new pavement goes is not known at this time, but inspires a ride soon on smooth black velvet!!  Also, 4 new benches have been installed on the Mountain Division Bike Path in Fryeburg. The benches are a gift of the MVW Bicycling Club. I am going to try to set up a Thursday Ride to coordinate with the official dedication of these benches!  Test them out next time you are on the trail!


Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Steve Swensen's Ride to Hiram 9:30 am

Thursday, August 22, 2013


Steve Swensen will host this special event!!  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. Park in the back of the convenience store. 

The ride goes up Route 160 to the Denmark monument, then has a rewarding cruise down to the Hiram Store, which is a great lunch/snack stop. At this point choose between the shortter ride, 26 miles total, that returns via Notch Road and Route 160. Or, if you want to ride further (34 miles total) ride to Cornish via scenic River Road and then Route 160 back to the parking area. 

After the ride, it is a short drive to Steve and Sally's lake house. The 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.

If you want to carpool from the Glen/Jackson area, meet at the parking lot behind Grant's at 8:30 am.

Here is a map for the short ride:


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Map for the longer ride, which includes Cornish:

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Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Don't Yank the Crank! 9:30 am start in Bethel

Thursday, August 15th, 2013

"Don't Yank the Crank" 
 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!




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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."

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Ride cancelled for Thursday August 8th, 2013


I hate to do it, but I am canceling tomorrow 's ride due to a non-cooperative weather forecast. I am away and don't have my usual weather indicators to help me fine tune the timing of rain and/or thunderstorms. Sometimes I try try to get a ride scheduled before or after the rain, but the "karma" is not happening for tomorrow's weather. 

Let's hope for a really nice ride next week!!  We have certainly had good weather and rides over the last few weeks! See you next week!

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

The Wonalancet Loop, 9:00 am start



Thursday, August 1, 2013


The weather looks good for The Wonalancet Loop! Last week we traveled north, let's go south this week. This ride is a ThursdayBike Group favorite that we have not done for awhile. It is very scenic, dripping with New England quaintness. Let's go early to avoid the traffic and enjoy cooler air. 


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 at 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 9:00 am. From Glen it is a 27 mile drive, from Conway Village it is a 16 mile drive.

Carpool: For the Glen/Jackson folks, carpool out of the Grants parking lot at 8:00 am.

Terrain: Farms, fields, forests, mountain views, marshland, horses, goats, 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). Chinook was a famous sled dog: 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 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 by the brook. 

Here is the ride map:

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1539603

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Vermont Side of the Connecticut River, Northern Section


Thursday, July 25th, 2013  Attitash at 8:00

The weather forecast looks absolutely fantastic for this Thursday, so we need to do an absolutely fantastic ride to celebrate the return of dryer, bluebird days. I always wait for a perfect day to do this ride, and here it is!!! This ride is my favorite ride. Ride alongside the Connecticut River, farm fields, cows, horses, 2 waterfalls, 2 covered bridges, blueberries, panoramic views, cross the 45th parallel! History - "The Republic of Indian Stream" which declared itself an independent nation in 1832. We will ride over the 3 rivers involved in this border dispute between the US and Canada. (see links for history, below).

The ride starts on Route 102 in Bloomfield, VT at a parking area just south of DeBanville's General Store. The ride is lollipop shaped, gently going up the CT River to lunch in Pittsburg, NH. It then turns south climbing an interesting hill with a 20 mile mostly downhill reward back to the car. It has been labeled by a friend as a "Disneyland E-ticket". Ride through Colebrook on the way back, and cross the CT river back into VT for a nice downstream cruise back to DeBanville's Store. Of course there will be a tailwind on the way back.

Distance: 58 miles, mostly flat, one climb. This is an easy 58, easier than many 40 milers we have done!! This is the ride to log your longest mileage of the season, or your longest ever! Enjoy the whole day out in the sunshine without humidity, heatstroke, cloudbursts or threats of thunderstorms!!!

Shorter version? OK. Many options because you can do out and back on the VT side of the CT River on Route 102. To the shady town green in Canaan, VT and back is 43 gentle, scenic miles. To Colebrook and back is 27 miles. Ride as far as you like in between these towns, then meet the longer route riders in Colebrook at Howard's Diner for some pie, or at the French bakery cafe for a croissant. 

Ready to ride in Bloomfield at 9:45 am.

Carpool from the far end of the Attitash parking lot at 8:00 am. According to the map app, it should be a 1.5 hour drive.

Directions to the start: Route 302 to Twin Mountain, turn right at the light onto route 3. Drive up route 3 through Whitefield, Lancaster and Groveton. Turn left in North Stratford, NH to cross the CT river into Bloomfield, VT on route 105. Take a left onto route 102 immediately after you cross the river, DeBanville's store is on the corner. Drive under the railroad bridge and you will see the dirt parking area with a kiosk describing the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Park here tightly, as there is not a lot of space. Overflow can be on the NH side of the river in North Stratford. There is an attractive outhouse in the woods near the parking lot. 

The map: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/114661305

For info on The Republic of Indian Stream check these:

http://bigthink.com/strange-maps/27-the-republic-of-indian-stream-1832-1835
http://www.cowhampshireblog.com/2006/05/21/new-hampshire-missing-places-indian-stream-republic-1829-1836/
http://afkabob.com/nhhistmk/nhhistmk6.htm

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

North Road and Evans Notch 9:00 am

Thursday, July 18, 2013

What to do in this hot weather?.... A shady, easy ride along a river!!

How about North Road to Evans Notch? It should be cool in the shade.   To make it different, start in Shelbourne Village instead of the usual Hogan Road/North Road parking area near the dam. By starting in Shelbourne, you will cut out about 3 miles and 2 tough hills at the end of the ride. You add a mile of flat scenic farmland and river, not a bad exchange. 

The ride goes over RR tracks and the Androscoggin River about 1 mile to North Road, then out about 5 miles to the iron bridge, crosses the river and goes to Route 2. Ride a short distance on a wide shoulder on route 2, then take the left onto the road up Evans Notch (Rt 113). 

Some of us will ride up to the small bridge for a nice, easy, gradual route upriver. After the bridge, the steeper climb to the top begins. Some will likely climb to the top. Either way is a spectacular ride, and we can regroup down the river for a snack and a splash of water over our heads. Return to our cars by reversing the route. 

Mileage: about 30 if you do the whole ride to the top of Evans Notch, about 26 if you go to the bridge just before the climb goes from gradual to steep. 

Shorter option?  Start at the iron bridge for a really nice 16 mile ride. 

Time:  Ready to ride at 9:00 am in Shelbourne Village. If you want to start at the iron bridge, look for riders coming across it at about 9:20-9:30. 

Start from Shelbourne Village, just off Meadow Road (a left turn off of Route 2 about 5 miles east from the route 16/2 junction in Gorham). After turning left into Meadow from Route 2 take a quick right onto Village Road. Park across from the library or in the ballpark. Meadow Road joins North Road at that grassy triangle intersection close to the Philbrook Inn. 


If you want to carpool, meet in Jackson, in the parking lot across the street from the J-Town Deli at 8:10 am.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Maine Visitor's Center, 9:30 am

Thursday, July 11, 2013

I feel like I am stepping out on a limb to plan a ride, but how about meeting at the Maine Visitor's Center in Fryeburg, ready to ride at 9:30. I think we can get a ride in at that time, if not too long and not too adventurous.

We can look at the sky and make a choice:  Haleytown Road and the Brownfield loop hopefully with Sam Brown Hill (it would be nice to have a view of something other than fog and rain...).  Alternately, we could do the Bikepath to Fryeburg Village, out to Ice House Road and the top of Lovewell Pond, then out and back on Mononomy Road.

Ready to Ride at 9:30. Hope for dry weather!!


Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Bartlett 4th of July Parade

Thursday, July 4th, 2013

It is really hard to plan bike rides lately with this continuously rainy weather, but this just might work, the forecast looks ok so far.....

If you have never been to the Bartlett 4th of July Parade, it is worth a trip. What a hoot!! It drips with small town charm. Lots of fire trucks (bring ear plugs...), old cars and "floats". Miss Mt Washington Valleys in tiaras perched in convertibles. It starts at 11:00. This is a big deal --- they actually close Route 302 for this event, causing a huge 4th of July traffic jam of confused, surprised and cranky tourists (and locals). But the show must go on! 

Best way to see this spectacle is by bike. Meet at the Attitash parking lot at 9:00 am, ready to ride, at the far end of the lot in the shade. We can ride over to Bartlett Village before 302 turns into a linear parking lot of annoyed drivers. Ride to Bartlett Village, then choose:  go up to the top of Bear Notch or tootle around Bartlett Village and River Road. Regroup with all the riders at a prime viewing spot on the parade route, then get a bowl full of strawberry shortcake made by the church ladies. 
By then the traffic should clear for our return to our cars at Attitash. Maybe next year Thursdaybikers should enter the decorated bike contest.

Meet at 9:00 am at Attitash.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Ride Cancelled

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Due to the unsettled weather, I just can't make a good call on when and where to have a pleasant ride. Let's just can it for this week and look forward to better weather next Thursday!

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Franconia Notch Bike Path 10:00 am


Thursday June 20, 2013 

Looks like we have good weather to ride the Franconia Notch Bike Path this Thursday! I like riding it early in the season, before it gets too crowded. 

Meet at the Loon Ski Area parking lot, ready to ride at 10:00 am. Starting at Loon, we ride the back roads of Lincoln to Clark's Trading Post, up Route 3 to The Flume, then enjoy the roller coaster of a bike path. It is about 32 miles round trip. 

For those that want a shorter ride, start at The Flume for a 19 mile ride. Park near the bike path, at the northern end of the lot, up on the left relative to the entrance off of Route 3. Meet the riders coming up from Loon at about 10:45-11:00. 

If you want to carpool, meet at the Attitash parking lot at 9:00 am. If you like, there is good food and home brew at the Woodstock Brewery for après-bike. If you have the NPR or NHPTV discount card bring it for a 2-for-1 meal deal. 

Here is a map:http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/7074752

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

The Lupine Ride 10:00am


Thursday, June 13, 2013
The Lupine Ride in Randolph and Jefferson 
Ready to Ride at 10:00 am

I think I am convinced that Thursday morning will be fine for a ride in the sunshine. Clouds and sprinkles are coming in the afternoon, but we should be done before then!  I saw the lupine in Sugar Hill on Monday, so the display in Randolph and Jefferson should be ready to enjoy!

The Ride:  The route goes by some of the best displays of panoramic scenery and lupine fields in the area. The lupine photo that I have had on this blog for 2 years now shows the beauty.

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 typically fine- take your time and view the lupine! Durand Road is a terrific ride also, lined with summer houses from the 30's and their nice gardens. Lunch and snack stop will be at the Isreal River Campground.

You can ride a hybrid or mountain bike on this ride if you like, and return to your car on the Presidential Rail Trail for something different. A road bike is OK too, pump up your tires and take it easy on the dirt. 

Start time: 10:00 am ready to ride at the parking lot on the west end of Pinkham B Road at the rail trail crossing.

Carpool: if you want to carpool, meet at the Jackson Ski Touring/Wentworth Golf Club parking area across the street from the J-Town Deli at 9:15 am.

Ride length: 26 miles, with extra loop options if anyone wants to go further

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, 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 drive Pinkham B's dirt and "pavement", 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. 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.

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

Nice photos of lupine in Jefferson:
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/christopherwisker/5794974164/

http://flickrhivemind.net/Tags/lupine,nh/Interesting

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Ride will be posted Wednesday

Thursday June 13, 2013

To be sure about the weather forecast, I will post a ride tomorrow, Wednesday, by late afternoon. I just don't trust the forecasts tonight!!!

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

West Side Road, Kanc, Passaconaway

Thursday, June 6, 2013

I am on the road, actually on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and having some issues connecting to this blog site and the weather forecasts. I am just posting the old usual ride, because it will likely work even in iffy weather. For a change, perhaps, ride out West Side Road all the way to Conway Village, then up the Kanc then back by Passaconaway. Or, ride up to Rocky Gorge. You decide, depending on the weather!

10:00 start, park behind the Eastern Slope Inn.

I will post an interesting ride next week!!!  See you then!

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Brownfield is Green!

Thursday, May 30, 2013


Looks like we are out of the rainy and cold weather, and back to good biking days! Let's do the Brownfield Loop -- it has options for long or short versions that you can choose from, depending on your energy level. Haleytown Road is such a nice road to ride!

Meet: Maine Visitors Center, Fryeburg. It is on the right, just over the NH-ME border on Route 302.

Time: Ready to ride at 10:00 am

Distance 32 or 21 miles

Longer option: Cross route 5/113 and get some hill climbing on the triangle loop. 32 miles total
Shorter, easier option: 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. 

I will be away.... Have a great ride!!


Map:

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

West Side Road/Passaconaway Road, maybe

Thursday, May 23rd, 2013

This weather is not easy to plan a ride around. How about the iffy weather default ride, out and back on West Side Road/Passaconaway Road? There might be a chance to get in some miles, maybe 15-20 before the rain showers ?  Take a look out your window in the morning, check the radar map and decide if you want to try a ride. I will post a cancellation if it it an obvious washout, otherwise I will be there to try to get a few miles in!  Cabin Fever!!

Meet at 10:00 am, ready to ride, in the parking lot behind the Eastern Slope Inn in North Conway.


BREAKING NEWS!!!!  Just off the press from Glenn Ashworth....
I am posting this announcement from Glenn about another weekly group ride. Past the word around:



Just for the fun of it” Tuesday morning casual rides

These rides will be shorter, flatter, easier rides for those who would like to ride just for the pleasure of getting out on the bike and riding with some other folks, checking out some scenery or just getting in an additional shorter ride during the week.

Rides will rotate weekly starting at 4 different locations: rides start at 10:00 amin May, June, September, October and November, and at 9:00 am in the hot summer months of July and August.  The rides should finish within 2 hours. The starting time and rides will be listed on the MWV Bicycling Club Schedule at:http://www.mwvbicyclingclub.org/  
There will be no weather cancellation notifications, if you want to ride in the weather that day, just show and do so, if not don’t. The first ride will be a 4th Tuesday of the month ride, May 28th!

Monthly Rides
1st Tuesday of the month. Start at Attitash parking lot and ride out to River rd. around the Stillings grant area on River Rd.
12 to 18 miles
2nd Tuesday of the month. Start at the Visitor center at Fryeburg and ride out Haleytown rd and back , you can add the bike path at the end.
12 to 20 miles
3rd Tuesday of the month. Start behind eastern slopes Inn ride to Conway on West Side rd. to the Swift River Covered bridge inConway. (some short side road trips are possible to add some mileage)  or add Passaconway rd to the Albany bridge. 14 to 26 miles
4th Tuesday of the month. Start at N. Fryeburg fire station, ride out to 113 to Cornchop rd to rt 5 to upper Fish rd to McNiel rd to River rd to old River rd to McNiel to lower Fish and back to the fire station. You can add on a trip on Union Hill rd. to the Stowstore. 15 to 21  miles.


Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Apple Blossoms, Asparagus Hill and Snow Village Loop 10:00 am

Thursday, May 16, 2013

It is Apple Blossom time at the Hatch Orchard on Brownfield Road, and it is asparagus harvest season in the valley. This all suggests the Snow Village Loop to enjoy the spring aromas and flavors!

Let's meet at the park next to the police station on East Conway Road. The park entrance is on the right, just after the police station. Drive down the entrance road to the parking and picnic area on the Saco River. The ride goes out Route 302 to Center Conway, takes a right onto Mill Street to ride by the beach on Conway Lake, up Brownfield Road by the Hatch Orchard and right onto Hampshire Street to the famous Asparagus Hill. The reward is then a great ride to Crystal Lake. The beach is a great place to enjoy a snack or lunch. Return by Route 153 to Stark Road, then back to the park off of East Conway Road. 


Ready to ride at 10:00 am

Distance = 25 miles. 

Shorter option:  ride out-and-back to the Hatch Orchard for about 10 miles

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

May 9 Ride Cancelled due to Rain in Forecast

Thursday, May 9, 2013

The forecast looks rainy, let's cancel and do a ride next week!

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

North Fryeburg 10:00 am


Thursday, May 2, 2013

It should be a beautiful day for a ride in the North Fryeburg-Chatham-Stow area!  This is a great location for a early season ride... Lots of options!  

Start 10:00 am, ready to ride, next to the North Fryeburg Fire Station at the corner of Route 113 and South Chatham Road. Park alongside the park, keep the fire station area clear. The ride will check out the status of the corn and turf fields, the flowering trees and shrubs. Perhaps we are early enough to avoid the Mosquitos???

The Stow Store is closed temporarily until May 9th. Maureen and Jim will be there working on catering some events, but they are not really "open" to feed us this time. Bring lunch or a snack!

The route starts south on Route 113 to Cornshop, then Route 5, Fish, McNeil, Harbor, Union Hill, Meadow, the Stow Store. Add the Chatham Loop if you like. Take Fish St to MacNeil to shorten the ride. Choose your favorite route!

Basic loop ride to Stow Store: 23 miles. 
Take out the Cornshop Rd/Route 5 (do Fish St to McNeil) section to get a total of 17 miles. 
Add the Chatham Loop to the basic ride for 30 miles total. 

For a longer ride, start at the Maine Visitor's Center on Route 302 just over the NH border ready to ride at 9:10 am. Ride up Route 113 to meet everyone at the fire station or as they ride towards Cornshop Road. Starting at the Visitors Center will adds about 18 miles round trip. 

If you want to carpool, meet at Grant's parking lot at 9:00. Otherwise, see you in North Fryeburg!!

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

River Road and Bear Notch 10:00 am

Thursday, April 25th, 2013

Let's do another traditional early season ride for this Thursday. River Road in Bartlett Village is quiet, scenic and flat.  It allows for many distance options, and any kind of bike will do fine. It is 5 miles, out and back from the blinking light. Add more by riding up Stillings Grant for 2 more miles or do another lap. I am curious about the ratio of pavement to snow on Bear Notch Road, so those that want to climb a bit can investigate. Add 6 miles, round trip if you start at the Attitash parking lot.

Longer option:  Meet at Attitash, ready to ride at 10:00 am. Park in the lot across from the lifts. Ride to Bartlett Village, do River Road, then check out Bear Notch Road. Mileage can be 13 miles and maybe 5 to 10 miles more, depending on where the snow line is on Bear Notch Road.

Shorter option: Meet in Bartlett Village, ready to ride at 10:15. Meet the riders coming in from Attitash at the blinking light.  Park on the side of Bear Notch Road in the roadside parking spots near the church. Ride out and back on River Road and Stillings Grant. Don't want to climb Bear Notch but you want to enjoy more miles?  Ride another lap on nice flat River Road.

Looks like sunshine and warmer temperatures for this Thursday!

News Alert!!  Acadia National Park's Loop Road is closed to cars but open to bikes up until May 17th!  Typically this is just a one day treat, but this year it has been a month!!  Ride this paved 27 mile park loop and the 40 miles of manicured dirt carriage roads without car traffic!  Off season lodging rates make this a good deal and a good deal of fun!!




Wednesday, April 17, 2013

First Ride of 2013 Season! Thursday April 18th, 2013 10:00 am


Thursday, April 18th. Meet at the Maine Visitors Center in Fryeburg on Route 302 at 10:00 am, ready to ride.

Let's ride the Fryeburg Bikepath and some quiet roads in Fryeburg Village!

Last year I posted the ride described below for our first ride of the season, March 22nd!! We had an extra month of good skiing this year!! 

The weather looks good in the morning, the clouds and drizzle will move in during the early afternoon.  This ride allows for shorter or longer versions, which we can choose depending on the sky and our "meet-that-saddle-again" issues. There is likely some sand on the back roads. For this ride you can bring any bike: road, hybrid, touring, mountain. Arrive early enough so you are ready to ride at 10:00. 

I am setting up an easy, mostly flat, easy going, fun cruise, using the Fryeburg Bikepath as a gateway to roads that we have not done on ThursdayBike. We start on the Fryeburg Bikepath, ride some nicely paved roads in the village, then go behind Fryeburg Academy and out Ice House Road to the top of Lovewell Pond. We can go further if we are energetic - Monomomy Road is really nice!  8 miles or up to 15 miles. 

Meet at the Maine Visitors Center on Route 302, just past the NH-ME border at 10:00 am, ready to ride. Bring water and lunch or snacks. Good luck digging out the shorts, t-shirts and bike gear!!