Sunday, December 14, 2014

ThursdayBike transitions on XC Skis! Monday, 10:00 am Great Glen

Monday, December 15, 2015

Well most of November and December so far has been better for skiing than for biking (unless you were down south...). How about trying a "WednesdaySki" to continue to get together and explore the amazing XC skiing that we have in our area??  Exactly like ThursdayBike, but not Thursday and not on a bike.

I would like to explore all of the local XC ski areas, also hit some easy backcountry trails when conditions allow. We can pick the best location and best trails of the day. I will be glad to learn about some of the areas I have not explored yet from those of you that know the trails well.

I picked Wednesday because most XC ski centers have Wednesday as the 2-fer day (Jackson, Bear Notch, Bretton Woods).  BUT, to start off this event, I am choosing Great Glen tomorrow, MONDAY the 15th, because Great Glen has 2-fers on Monday and Friday (2 ski for $20). Also, if you have a season's pass from Jackson or Bretton Woods Nordic you can ski at Great Glen for $5 until the end of the year.

Great Glen has excellent snow right now, it is winter wonderland up there, and tomorrow should be a good day! It's still early in the season, lots of skiing options at Great Glen.  Not a fast ski event, not too long. Bring lunch to eat apres ski in the lodge!

Meet at Great Glen, downstairs, ready to ski at 10:00 am.

I will be willing to carpool across the street from the J-Town Deli at 9:30 am.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Ride Cancelled

Thursday, November 20, 2014

I am canceling the ride due to the reports of snow, sand, salt, ice and cold temperatures. Maybe this will indicate that our ThursdayBike season is over? Who knows! If the weather chsnges, check the blog for a ride!

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Clear but cold...

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Well, the forecast suggests that Thursday will be sunny, 38-42 degrees and a light breeze. Could be possible. I will set up a ride, and those if you who have not called it quits for the season and have not started skiing might be interested.

How about just the old usual failsafe:

Meet at 10:00 am behind the Eastern Slope Inn, ready to ride. Probably will need your XC ski clothing!

The participants will choose the route: West Side Road/Passaconaway, or head out to Cranmore and do Old Bartlett Road and head to 16A and perhaps out and back on Town Hall Road.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Yucky weather, ride cancelled

Thursday, November 6, 2014

I still don't like this Thursday's forecast. For these November days three factors need to be considered, with a minimum of two in our favor:  Amount of sunshine, Temperature and Amount of wind. Looks like clouds, 45 degrees, windy.  Strike 3, we're out.  Now add to that the forecast of rain coming in after noon.

Perhaps next week?  As usual, I will try to post rides until the weather suggests skiing would be a better idea!  Over the years we have had a few ThursdayBike rides in early December!!

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

West Side Road and Passaconaway 10:30 am

Thursday, October 30, 2014

A chilly day tomorrow, but sunny, so it is worth a late season bike ride! Let's do a local favorite, starting at the parking lot behind the Eastern Slopes Inn, heading south on West Side Road, then out to the Albany Covered Bridge via Passaconaway Road. Short and sweet!

Ready to Ride at 10:30 am (let's let it warm up a bit!)

Total miles:  about 24.

For a longer ride, continue to Lower Falls or Rocky Gorge.


Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Not a Biking Kind of Day

Thursday, October 23, 2014

No ride tomorrow, obviously!
Next week's weather looks good, hope to see you then!!

Monday, October 13, 2014

WEDNESDAYBIKE !!! Wonalancet Loop, 10:00 am

WEDNESDAY, October 15th, 2014

Since the forecast for this Thursday looks like a washout, Edith and Bob have suggested a WednesdayBike ride. Please pass this ride info around so that ThursdayBikers get the change of date to this Wednesday!!!!!

The ride will be a clockwise Wonalancet Loop, about 25 miles. A beautiful fall ride, with some climbing and very rewarding downhills!!!

Meet at the Tamworth Village public parking lot (look for the big "P" sign) diagonally across from the "Other Store", behind the Town Hall and next to the Barnstormers.

10:00 am Ready to Ride!    WEDNESDAY!!

After the loop, enjoy lunch or snacks at the riverside picnic tables at The Other Store.

Carpool from the back end of Grant's parking lot in Glen, 9:00 am.

Wednesday!!!  Not too many Thursdays left in the season, so rides might just have to happen on Wednesdays, Fridays or whatever good days we get!  We will fit 'em in when we can!!

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Shelbourne to Evans Notch via North Road 10:00 am

Thursday, October 9, 2014

It should be a sunny day for a ride, a bit chilly and some breeze. I tried to find a ride that would be mostly sheltered by the trees. How about North Road to Evans Notch? The foliage is fading but should still light up the typically dark green tunnel. To make it different, let's 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 as we ride about 1 mile to North Road, takes a right turn and then out about 5 miles to the iron bridge, crosses the river again and goes to Route 2. Take a right and ride a short distance on a wide shoulder on Route 2, then take the left onto the road up Evans Notch (Rt 113). 

Some will ride up to a small bridge for a nice, easy, gradual route upriver. After the small bridge, the steeper climb to the top begins. Some will climb to the top. Either way is a spectacular ride, and you can regroup down the river at the new bridge (where Irene took out the suspension bridge) for a snack on the sunny rocks. Return to the cars by reversing the route. 

Mileage: About 32 if you do the whole ride to the top of Evans Notch, about 28 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 18 mile ride. 

Time:  Ready to ride at 10:00 am in Shelbourne Village. If you want to start at the iron bridge, look for riders coming across it at about 10:20-10:30. 

Meeting place and parking: 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 9:10 am.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Fall Colors in the Jefferson Valley 10:00 am

Thursday, October 2, 2014

The colors are out, so here is a bike ride that I think provides a great fall foliage panoramas. This is a fall version of The Lupine Ride, with great views of the Presidentials, Wambek and Cherry Mountain. It is an easier ride than most, lots of flat roads and no big climbing. 

Start time: 10:00 am ready to ride 


Bring lunch or snacks. 


Meet at the parking lot on the west (Randolph) 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 9:15 am.

Ride length: 28 miles, with a 22 mile option if you don't ride the route 115-115A triangle and just go to the campground on Israel River Road. 34 miles if we add the Jefferson loop. 

Route description: Cross Route 2 over to Durand Road. Ride it all the way up to the end of the dead end and walk the path up to Route 2. Ride about 2 miles and take a left onto Valley Road. Ride out Valley to Route 115. Take a left and ride up to the intersection with Cherry Mountain Road (on left) and Route 115A (on right). For something different and more views, take a LEFT onto Cherry Mountain Road. Ride out and back, soak up the views on the flat road, turn back where the road goes uphill. Return to Route 115, cross over it onto Route 115A and ride this out past the raircar home and cemeteries to the dairy farm in the Jefferson Valley. If Whipple Road's packed dirt is in good shape, we can ride it to Route 116 and make a loop through Jefferson.  Return to the Israel River valley, stop at the campground for lunch. The store there is closed on Thursday, but we could use the picnic tables there, or eat by the pond next to the campground. Head back by Valley Road then choose either Route 2 or Durand Road for the smiling downhill back to Pinkham B. 

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 drive Pinkham B's dirt and "pavement", drive route 16 to Gorham, follow it left at the intersection towards Berlin and then take a left on Route 2 at the traffic light. Go up the big hill and down the other side. Just as 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.










For a map:
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/18419892

Monday, September 22, 2014

Apple Acres Orchard and Denmark Obelisk 10:00 am

Thursday May 26th, 2016

Thursday looks like a great day for a bike ride!!

Dave and Connie created this ride a few years ago and everyone loved it!  It should be a beautiful ride this week, especially now that the pastures are emerald green and the apple trees are blooming (and the lilacs, too!).

Start the ride from the Brownfield Community Center, head to Route 160 via Pig Street, turn left on Tripptown Road, left on Durgintown Rd. Stop at Apple Acres for the view, the ice cream and the apple blossoms!!  Continue downhill and turn left on scenic River Rd to Hiram.  Take a right onto Route 117 and ride to the Obelisk in the center of Denmark. Take a left onto Route 160 and head back to the Community Center.


Ready to Ride at 10:00 am.

Distance is about 35 miles. 

Meet at the Brownfield Community Center, 10:00 am. To drive there from the Conway area, take Route 302 just over the border into Maine, take a right onto Haleytown Road to the stop sign, then left onto Hampshire. Bear left at the Y junction with Route 160, the community center will be a short distance on your right. 


Carpool if you like, from the back of Grant's parking lot, 9:00 am. 

For the map, check www.ridewithgps.com. The ride is called "Apple Acres and Denmark Obelisk Loop".

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

The Basin 10:00 am

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Looks like a beautiful day for a ride to The Basin!

Sorry for the late post.... I have houseguests and we have been out and about. I will not be able to join you for The Basin tomorrow.

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 10:00 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.

Carpoolers from the Bartlett/Jackson area -- meet at back end of Grants parking lot at 9:10 am. 


Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Rainy Day

Thursday, September 11, 2014

I just don't like the forecast for this Thursday. I am going to be grateful for this very long stretch of  summertime ThursdayBike that we have had, and just cave into the rain for tomorrow. So, the ride is cancelled, and I look forward to good weather for next week!


Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Bethel to Andover, Rivers and Fields 9:30 am

Thursday, September 4th, 2014

Looks like a beautiful day for a great ride along the rivers and fields of western Maine!

The route to Andover from Bethel is a beautiful ride on quiet roads. 

Start at the park (where we picnic on the North Road ride) on the Androscoggin River in Bethel and go north on Intervale Road to where it ends at Route 232 in Rumford Corner.  Take a left and cross the Androscoggin River on an old iron bridge, then another left onto Route 2 and shortly afterwards, a right onto Whippoorwill Road.

At the end of Whipporwill, go left onto Andover Road, then turn right onto East Andover Road, taking another right onto Covered Bridge Road and climb a short hill. (left, left, right, left, right, right!  Check the map!) All these manoevers keep you on the eastern side of the Ellis River. You will finally cross the Ellis a mile before arriving at the Andover Town Green, complete with a gazebo, and general store.    Great lunch stop!
Return via the western side of the Ellis river on Route 5, take a left to cross the Lovejoy covered bridge (Maine's shortest covered bridge) then retrace the route back to the cars via Covered Bridge Road, East Andover Road, Andover a Road, Whippoorwill and Intervale Road.    


Total distance: 49 miles

Shorter Option:  


Rumford Corner to Andover and back by Whipporwill Road and back via Route 5 is about 25 miles. Park at the intersection of route 2 and route 5 on the side of the Ellis river. There is a small parking area on the right side of route 2 at this intersection just before the bridge over the Ellis. Ride east on route 2 a short distance and take a left onto Whipporwill to join the ride.

Starting Time9:30 am Ready To Ride from the riverside park at the end of the bike path in Bethel on Route 26 (our usual lunch stop with picnic tables, porta-potties and playground).

Parking: There are not a lot of parking spaces at the riverside park! If the lot is full, you can park along Main Street in Bethel, also there is parking near the convenience store/DunkinDonuts on Route 2 right at where the bike path crosses the river.



Carpool: Meet at the parking lot across from the J-Town Deli at 8:20 am. 



To see a map of the ride click the link:



http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/9696224

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Ammonusuc Waterfalls Ride, try again! 10:00 am

Thursday August 23, 2014

If the great weather holds through Thursday...here is a retry of the ride from 2 weeks ago that was moved due to drizzle and 54 degrees:


This ride is relatively short in mileage but big on scenery and attractions. It includes panoramic Presidential views, the Cog Railroad (if you decide to climb up to the station), Upper and Lower Ammonusuc Falls, the Mount Washington Hotel. Eat lunch or snacks on the rocks next to the Lower Ammonusuc Falls.

Start at the Eisenhower Wayside Park which is on the right side of Route 302 a couple of miles after passing through Crawford Notch. We ride back up the notch to Mt Clinton Road. The road is probably not in much better shape than before, but is OK to ride if you take it easy and enjoy the shady green tunnel. We could climb up to the Cog Railroad or just enjoy the downhill cruise, stopping to look at Upper Ammonusuc Falls. We then ride out to the Twin Mt 4 corners and return to enjoy the Lower Ammonusuc Falls.

Start:  10:00 am at the Eisenhower Wayside Park

Total distance: 25 miles; with shorter options.

Carpool:  Attitash parking lot, far end, 9:15 am.

Here is a map:
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/137821612

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

North Road to Bethel 9:00 am

Thursday, August 21, 2014

With the traffic in the valley, let's escape to The North Road for 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 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 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). 

Bring your lunch.

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


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


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".

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Ammonusuc Waterfalls Ride 10:00 am

Thursday, August 14th, 2014

Looks like this weather will clear out so that we can ride tomorrow. With all this rain, the rivers and waterfalls should be flowing fast and worth a look.

This ride is relatively short in mileage but big on scenery and attractions. It includes panoramic Presidential views, the Cog Railroad (if we decide to climb up to the station), Upper and Lower Ammonusuc Falls, the Mount Washington Hotel. We eat lunch or snacks on the rocks next to the Lower Ammonusuc Falls. They should be roaring tomorrow!

Start at the Eisenhower Wayside Park which is on the right side of Route 302 a couple of miles after passing through Crawford Notch. We ride back up the notch to Mt Clinton Road. The road is probably not in much better shape than before, but is OK to ride if you take it easy and enjoy the shady green tunnel. We could climb up to the Cog Railroad or just enjoy the downhill cruise, stopping to look at Upper Ammonusuc Falls. We then ride out to the Twin Mt 4 corners and return to enjoy the Lower Ammonusuc Falls.

Start:  10:00 am at the Eisenhower Wayside Park

Total distance: 25 miles; with shorter options.

Carpool:  Attitash parking lot, far end, 9:15 am.

Here is a map:
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/137821612

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Fryeburg Village and Menonomy Road 9:00 am

Thursday, August 7th, 2014

OK, here's a plan. The weather folks say that wet weather comes in the afternoon, leaving the morning for a ThursdayBike ride. I am setting up a close-to-home short ride that should get us out and back for a good ride before the weather comes in.

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 and Porter Road, 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 exercised. On our return we could stop in Fryeburg Village for a coffee or tea and a pastry at Riverstones. More miles, if the weather holds, can be achieved on Haleytown Road. 

Distance?  Probably about 20 miles.

Ready to ride at 9:00 at the Maine Visitor's Center.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Snowville Loop 9:00 am

Thursday, July 31st

There is a chance of a showers late Thursday morning and afternoon, but I am posting this relatively short, close to home ride. It might be just fine for a ride! Might not!  The longer I wait to post a ride, the more questionable the weather becomes. Make your final decision in the morning. If it is raining or soon to rain, I will not ride.


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 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 


Meet at the riverside park next to the police station on East Conway Road.

Ready to Ride at 9:00 am! 

Here is a map of the ride!


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

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Apple Acres Ride 9:00 am

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Dave and Connie have put together great rides in the Brownfield, Denmark, Hiram and Cornish area. Their Apple Acres ride looks like yet another great ride, so let's do it this Thursday!  Parts of this ride have been in various Saturday rides, so you may occasionally get that déjà vu feeling, again. 

Start the ride from the Brownfield Community Center, head south down Route 160, turn left on Tripptown Road, left on Durgintown Rd. Stop at Apple Acres for snacks.  Continue and turn left on River Rd to Hiram.  Ride north on route 113 a short distance and take a left on Notch Road. Take a right back onto route 160 and head back to the Community Center.

Distance is about 35 miles. You can make this a forty miler by returning via the Denmark obelisk, if you like. 

Meet at the Brownfield Community Center ready to ride at 9:00. To drive there from the Conway area, take route 302 just over the border into Maine, take a right onto Haleytown Road to the stop sign, then left onto Hampshire. Bear left at the Y junction with route 160, the community center will be a short distance on your right. 


.....I will put together a map and post it here late afternoon on Wednesday....

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Bretton Woods to Wing Road to Whitefield, 9:00 start

Thursday, July 17th, 2014

I have returned from 6 wonderful weeks of exploration and adventure by bike and car. I have ridden my bike in 13 states, enjoying everything from flatlands to endless climbing, catfish to Kentucky BBQ. There are really amazing rail trails in the mid west and mid Atlantic states (many are more than 50 miles in length, some are 100's of miles long).  It was great to explore what each state proudly had to offer for biking on their rail trail and greenway systems. There is huge support for these tourist-attracting recreational paths!

It is also great to be back, and when the rain stops it will be great to enjoy all the biking we have here. 

The weather will be much better tomorrow, but I decided to do a closer-to-home ride. This is one that we have not done for ThursdayBike in awhile. 

We start at the Bretton Woods Ski Area, parking in the lot near the entrance across from the fitness center. Then head west on 302 straight through the lights at Twin Mountain to River Road and Wing Road (along the Ammonoosuc River) to Route 116 to Whitefield. We can eat lunch and/or ice cream at the gazebo on the town green in Whitefield, then head out a mile on route 116 to Hazen Road. Hazen Road takes us to the small airport and wood chip power plant that goes past the entrance to the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge. There is a climb here up to Route 115 and the scenic vista, then downhill back to route 3 and route 302. The northwest wind hopefully will power us back to our cars.

Total Loop from Bretton Woods parking lot: 37 miles.

Shorter, but still a loop - start at Zealand parking lot on the north side of route 302 for 29 miles. Look for riders passing by at about 9:30. Or park at the visitor center/tourist info gazebo at the Twin Mt 4 corners where routes 302 and 3 cross at the light.  This will make a 25 miler. 

Let's meet at 9:00 am, ready to ride at the big parking lot across from the Bretton Woods Fitness center building. The fitness center is on your right just after you enter into the Bretton Woods Ski Area road.

Carpool? If you want to carpool, meet at Attitash in the parking lot across from the lifts at 8:15. 


Create Maps or search from 80 million at MapMyRide

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Summer in Brownfield 9:00 am

Thursday, July 10, 2013

How about the Brownfield Loop -- it has options for long or short versions that you can choose from, depending on your energy level.

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

Time: Ready to ride at 9:00 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 join you next week.... Have a great ride!!


Map:

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

North Road to Bethel 9:00 am

Thursday, July 3, 2014

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 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 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 8:00 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".

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

North Road to Evans Notch 10:00 am

Thursday, June 26th, 2014

How about North Road to Evans Notch? 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 again 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 will ride up to a small bridge for a nice, easy, gradual route upriver. After the small bridge, the steeper climb to the top begins. Some will climb to the top. Either way is a spectacular ride, and you can regroup down the river at the new suspension bridge for a snack. Return to the 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 10:00 am in Shelbourne Village. If you want to start at the iron bridge, look for riders coming across it at about 10:20-10:30. 

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 9:00 am.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

The Lupine Ride. 10:00 am

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Ready to Ride at 10:00 am

The Weather: Looks good for Thursday! Hooray!!

The Lupine:  Reports say they are in bloom!

The Ride:  This route in Randolph and Jefferson 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 typically fine- take your time and view the lupine! A recent observation indicates that the road is in good shape. 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.

Start time: 10:00 am ready to ride in Randolph 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 9:10 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, 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 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/us/berlin-nh/durand-road-and-valley-road-route-18419892

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Another Maybe Ride?

I am not happy with the forecast for this Thursday. I think it is best to just set up the default "Maybe Ride", just in case it does not rain.

If it looks OK, meet at 10:00 am, parking lot behind the Eastern Slope Inn, ready to ride. Do the Usual West Side Road/Passaconaway ride, or try a loop to Cranmore, Old Bartlett Road, then out 16a and up Town Hall Road.

I hope you are lucky to get a dry ride in!!  I have been lucky so far--- storms at night, but dry riding, thankfully!

Hope for a better forecast next week!!

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Will it rain on us?

Thursday, June 5th, 2014

I am reviewing all the forecasts and all seem to indicate showers tomorrow. 50% chance, Argh!!!
I hate to cancel the ride.  I just go nuts when I cancel the ride and then then the weather is not as predicted. I will not be there tomorrow to see the outcome.

How about if I just set up a "Maybe Ride". If it is not raining and you just have to get out on the bike and enjoy a short ride with good friends, meet at 10:00 at the parking lot behind the Eastern Slope Inn for a ride. Those that show up can choose the route and length, gambling on the chances of downpours! If this works I will set this up every time I run around in circles trying to guess the weather!!

I hope for an easier time planning a ride for next week!!!

What a fun ride last week in beautiful weather!!!


Tuesday, May 27, 2014

West Side Road, Passaconaway, Rocky Gorge. 10:00

Thursday, May 29, 2014

The weather forecast for Thursday looks great!  Finally!!!

After failing miserably on the weather call last week, I think I can do a better job this time. I am even going out on a limb and posting on Tuesday night instead of waiting for the last minute forecasts on Wednesday night.

Let's get the SUNNY spring bike season going with the classic ride up Passaconaway and the Kanc to Rocky Gorge. I can 't believe we have not done this ride yet this season! After all this rain, the river should be running fast!!

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

The total mileage is about 30 for the out and back. Cut it shorter by turning back at the Albany Covered Bridge for about 24 miles.  I look forward to riding in the sunshine!!!

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Just Say No!

Thursday, May 22, 2014

I am not optimistic about the weather tomorrow. Showers probably will happen and the temperature will be cooler than I care to go out into. I want sunshine!!!
I will Just Say No this week and hope for a really nice springtime day for a fun ride next Thursday.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Bartlett Village and Bear Notch Road 10:00 am

Thursday, May 15, 2014

The weather forecast looks OK so let's do another traditional early season ride for this Thursday. River Road in Bartlett Village is quiet and scenic, mostly flat.  It allows for many distance options, and any kind of bike will do fine. For those that want more exercise, Bear Notch Road is there to do, either all the way up or choose one of the scenic vistas as a goal. 


Meet at Attitash Ski Area, ready to ride at 10:00 am. Park in the lot across from the lifts. Ride to Bartlett Village, do a lap around the village, then head out River Road and Stillings Grant. Doing all this, out and back to the car will give about 15 miles. Include Bear Notch Road up and back and add 10, 7, 5 or 1 more miles, depending on your goal (summit, vistas or the gate!).

.....Is Trail's End Ice Cream open?

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Brownfield is Turning Green!!

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Meet at the Fryeburg Visitor's Center on Route 302 just over the state line at 10:00 am, ready to ride.

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

The loop is 22 miles, cut it a few miles shorter if you like, bypassing Sam Brown Hill. Do a lap on the bike path when we return and add 8 fantastic miles to the day!

This is a great spring ride with nice views and good spring colors. Enjoy!  I will join you next week!!


Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Ride Cancelled

Thursday, May 1, 2014

The forecast still does not look good for biking on Thursday. I really look forward to a nice Thursday next week!!!!!!

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

A Very Windy Thursday

Thursday, April 24, 2014

The weather forecast continues to predict high winds for Thursday. At over 20 mph from the NW with gusts up to 35 or higher, I think that biking may not be fun!!

Unfortunately, therefore, I am canceling the ride. Let's hope for a better forecast for next week!

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

First ThursdayBike of 2014!! 1:00 start

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Ride Around Intervale

The weather outside is frightful, but a ThursdayBike ride would be delightful, if only the temperatures weren't so low, oh let's just go, we'll go slow, enjoy the show. 
(April is "Poetry Month", so I can't say I didn't at least try..)

Although it seems like a late start to the bike season, this is about the average for the start of ThursdayBike. I went through the archives on this blog and here are the starting dates since spring of 2008 (when I set up the blog instead of emails or phone calls!!):

April 18, 2013
March 22, 2012
May 12, 2011  (a string of bad weather on Thursdays caused this!)
April 1, 2010
April 15, 2009
April 16, 2008

By the way, ThursdayBike is soon to celebrate 10 years of riding!  It started late summer of 2004!! I will have to set up a special ride to celebrate....  Hmmmm... How about a "BikeOvernight" (BikeOvernight.org), similar to a "S24O" --- relatively local overnight bike tour; stay tuned...)

For this season opener, let's do a short ride to get the wheels turning, gears moving and the saddle sore. Since it will be chilly, but sunny, this will be an easy, short, local spin. 

Meet at the ScenicVistaVisitor's Center in Intervale (Route 16, on the left going north out of North Conway, with the beautiful view of Mt Washington).  We will ride out Route 16A to Town Hall Road, then up and back on Town Hall Road to ride alongside the rushing East Branch River. 

Time 1:00 (late start to get the temperature up!), ready to ride. 

Easy, leisurely

Flat with some very gradual grades, optional climbs.

Distance:   10 miles, can be longer if desired, perhaps to include riding into North Conway for a snack or coffee.