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