Tuesday, December 20, 2016

JacksonXC: Kellogg or Keeney??

Thursday December 21th, 2016

The best way to celebrate the first day of winter is on skis!

It will be milder on Thursday, likely some light snow, perfect snow-globe skiing!  Jackson has great conditions, so let's head over there again. If the Ellis is groomed from the Rocky Branch, we can do the one way trip down. This will include the new Kellogg Trail! If the new Keeney Trail is groomed instead of the Ellis, we can do that. It is a fantastic trail. We can decide which to do depending on the morning's trail report

Meet inside the Jackson Ski Touring Center at 10:00 am, we will depart from there, be ready to ski. Bring snacks and beverage (a thermos of hot water or tea is a nice option!).


Before December 31st, if you have a season's pass at Great Glen or Bretton Woods Nordic, you can ski at JacksonXC for $5. Likewise, a Jackson season's pass holder can ski at Great Glen or Bretton Woods Nordic for $5 until the 31st.

Also, if you area MWV Bike club member, you can buy a season's pass at JacksonXC for $119 (do this through Todd at the bike club).

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

JacksonXC New Trail: Let's do The Keeney, 10:00 am

Thursday December 15th, 2016

If you have been out on your xc skis lately, you know how nice it has been!! Have you seen the new bridges and the new trails yet? WOW! Let's check them out!

It will be colder on Thursday, but heading into the woods will be a good way to stay out of any wind. The Ellis River corridor is good for this weather. The brand new Keeney trail was groomed on Wednesday, so lets do that. We will go up the Ellis, Wifferdill and South Hall, then down the Keeney and up to the Ellis and back by Riverbank. We can explore further if we want.

Meet inside the Jackson Ski Touring Center at 10:00 am, we will depart from there, be ready to ski.

Before December 31st, if you have a season's pass at Great Glen or Bretton Woods Nordic, you can ski at JacksonXC for $5. Likewise, a Jackson season's pass holder can ski at Great Glen or Bretton Woods Nordic for $5 until the 31st.

Also, if you area MWV Bike club member, you can buy a season's pass at JacksonXC for $119 (do this through Todd at the bike club).

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Waiting for Snow..

Thursday, December 1, 2016

With the damp and windy forecast it just does not look like a good bike day. The salted and sanded roads are not great for the shiny parts. So, no bike, and no XC Ski either. That 'tweener season...

Stay tuned for next week!

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Brownfield ride with Adventure Option...10:00 am

Thursday November 17th, 2016

This warmer than average November weather is allowing for consistently enjoyable ThursdayBiking!!

I would like to take advantage of this weather and offer a ride that would be new, different and an adventure (meaning there might be some walking involved....)

There are 2 options, for either one, meet at the Maine Visitor's Center in Fryeburg (just over the border on Route 302) at 10:00 am, ready to ride.

Option #1: The Traditional One:

This is the Brownfield Loop, up Haleytown then left into Brownfield, turn right onto Pig, then off to Sam Brown's Hill.  This is 23 miles.

Option #2: The Adventure:

This is a favorite loop that I enjoy, however it includes some dirt roads along with pavement, so it adds some adventure. It is a very fun, scenic loop!

It starts out just as described above...Haleytown to Brownfield, then instead of turing back onto Pig Street at the Route 5 intersection, this ride continues across Route 5, across the Saco River, out on Lord's Hill Road where we take a LEFT at the end (typically we take a right here and ride up those hills back to Route 160). This left turn winds us around and then turns to dirt roads that are typically solid -- cars use them. The route ends up on Denmark Road that eventually crosses Route 302 and heads over the Hemlock Covered Bridge. There might be some softer dirt here in spots, might need to walk the bike a bit. It is sunny there alongside the farm fields.

We ride alongside the Old Saco River, down Frog Alley, (paved) then cross Route 5 and back onto a dirt road (River Road) alongside the turf fields and end up in North Fryeburg on MacNeil Road. Ride back to the Visitors Center on pavement. A 36 mile loop. Once done with Haleytown Road and Lord's Hill Road, the route (particularly the dirt part) is Fryeburg-Farm-Fields-FLAT.

Here is the map, note that for this Thursday's ride I eliminated the part that includes the bike path and the airport area dirt roads to accommodate riders that do not want any dirt:
http://www.mapmyride.com/us/north-conway-nh/dirt-and-pavement-north-fryeburg-mountai-route-152370317

If you have a bike that has a bit wider tires or cyclocross tires, or a hybrid for this loop you will likely enjoy it more. A mountain bike could work but might be sluggish on the pavement, pump the tires up more.

Option #3:

Ride out to Lord's Hill Road with the dirt road rider(s), then turn back the minute you see the dirt road looming up ahead, adds 7 miles.


Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Autumn Fields of North Fyreburg, 10:00 am

Thursday, November 10th, 2016

Looks like a sunny day this Thursday with high temps in the upper 40's. Not bad for November!! A casual ride in the fields of North Fryeburg in the sunshine should be good!

Start 10:00 am, ready to ride, next to the North Fryeburg Fire Station at the corner of Route 113 and South Chatham Road.  The ride will check out the autumn status of the cornfields and turf farms, the horses, sheep, cows and chickens, the winterberries in the wetlands and the nice views of the mountains.  The route heads to MacNeil via Harbor, then Fish to Rt 5 to Cornshop, then back to Fish via 113, and MacNeil, then Union Hill, Meadow, the Stow Store. 

Basic ride to Stow Store: 23 miles. Add the Chatham Loop: 30 miles total. 


How about a hike on Monday, Nov 14th? 
Come celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new xc ski trails at Jackson Ski Touring at 10:00 am, Rocky Branch Parking Lot off of Route 16, just north of the old Dana Place Inn. Afterwards walk with me from the Rocky Branch all the way back to Jackson via old and new trails (new Kellogg, Hall, new Hall-Maple Connector, new Keeney Trail, then back from Grey's Field via Ellis) for a 9 mile walk. There will be muddy areas, the footing is good except for some rocky spots on the North Hall). Bring hiking boots, lunch and water. 
Meet me at the parking area across the street from the J-Town Deli in Jackson Village at 9:40 for carpooling/car shuttle.

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Looks Like Rain on Thursday

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Looks like a washout for ThursdayBike this week. I am not sad because we really need this rain.

Overall, we have had an amazing season of ThursdayBike so far, hardly any cancellations due to weather!  According to my records, I see only 3 cancellations: March 23, April 5, May 4!! We have ridden every Thursday since May 12th!! Amazing success!! 5.5 months of ThursdayBike!!

As November and December roll in, cancellations are not unexpected, and a good bike day is considered a treat!

I will continue to post Thursday rides as the weather permits. Keep checking. If there is an exceptionally good day forecasted, even if it is not a Thursday, I might post a ride just to enjoy the weather and get in some more miles before the skis come out.

Once the snow falls, check this blog for ThursdaySKI!  (XC Ski adventures in the MWV and beyond)


Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Explore the NEW Jackson Ski Touring Trails...by Mountain Bike (or walk!) 10:00 am

Thursday October 27th, 2016

It looks like a better day for hiking and mountain biking than to be on the road. High temps in the low 40's. clouding up as the day goes on and some rain/snow coming in the afternoon.

Let's try something different...

Jackson Ski Touring has a few new trails and new bridges in the Ellis-Hall area. Let's head out on mountain bikes to check out some of the new stuff!  There may be some walking involved, so wear shoes that you can walk in also.

Meet in the parking lot across from the J-Town Deli ready to ride at 10:00 am.

We will then head out onto Green Hill Road, turning right into the Ellis River Trail. We will ride the 2 deluxe new bridges located on the Ellis, one before and one after the Cocoa Cabin. We can ride up to Grey's Field and up the Wifferdil, up the Hall to the Scenic Vista and down the new Kinney Trail. Some walk-a-bike might be required to get up some of the steeper spots or through softer areas that we do not want to rut up.

With temperatures in the low 40's, it will be a warm day on the trail as compared to when we ski here in mid-winter. The trees will provide a good wind block.

Bring a snack. We will get out of there before any precipitation, maybe head to the J-Town for a hot cuppa afterwards.

You are welcome to come even you don't have a mountain bike - walking is OK, too! I have a plan for hikers to meet riders up on the Hall at the Scenic Vista (site of the new Kinney trailhead!). For sure I will be walking with you up that hill on the Hall!
After meeting everyone at the J-Town at 10:00, hikers can carpool up and park at the Hall Trailhead gate at the top of Green Hill Road. You can meet the bikers on the Kinney Trail and walk back downhill to the Ellis. I will drive you back up to your cars at the end of the adventure.

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Let's try: West Side Road, Passaconaway and Rocky Gorge 10:00 am

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Looks like a ride tomorrow might be possible..... Half of the weather forecasts indicate a good ride before the rain, the other half show on and off showers starting in the morning. I am going to go on the optimistic side and set up a ride. Look out the window in the morning, listen to the forecast and decide whether to head out or not!! Don't come if there is wet roads, wet leaves and drizzle!

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

We could do West Side Road to Conway Village then up the Kanc. We can go as far up the Kanc as we dare depending on the weather.  Return by Passaconaway Road and West Side Road. This would be about 28 miles. It is easily shortened if the weather turns wet!

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Connie's Wednesday Cornish Ride; wait and see for Thursday

Thursday, October 20th, 2016

Check back on Wednesday evening for a Thursday ride plan. At present the weather looks a bit wet for Thursday, but I don't trust it and I will post a ride to fit into the weather forecast if possible.


In the mean time, Connie has invited all to join in tomorrow, WEDNESDAY the 19th, to do the Cornish ride in good weather! Here is her information for the ride:


"Wednesday is supposed to be beautiful, and we thought we would do a ride that hasn't been included in the group ride series. This is a 35 mile ride starting in Brownfield at the Community Center and riding through Denmark, down Rt. 117 to Hiram and across the River Road to Cornish. We can stop in the park for lunch. Then we ride out of town on the South Hiram road to Rt 160 back to Brownfield. We should be in Brownfield, ready to ride at 10:00. I don't have an official list, so pass this along to anyone else who may be interested in joining us."

WEDNESDAY:  Brownfield Community Center, 10:00 am, ready to ride!

Thanks Connie!

Check back for a Thursday ride if the weather cooperates!

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Fall Colors in the Jefferson Valley 10:00 am start

Thursday, October 13, 2016


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, scenic roads and no big climbing. 
The weather looks good in the north, no morning issues, a mix of clouds and sun, no rain expected until after 5:00 pm. Temps at the start will be low 50's, waring to mid 60's mid day. 

Start time: 10:00 am ready to ride. 


Bring lunch or snacks. we will likely lunch at the general store in Jefferson. 


Meet at the parking lot on the west (Randolph) 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 from the J-Town Deli at 9:15 am.

Ride length: 28 miles, 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 grass 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 railcar home and cemeteries to the dairy farm in the Jefferson Valley. If we want, we can ride up to the general store in Jefferson by either the dirt Whipple Road or up on the nicely paved route 115A. Return to the Israel River valley, 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, near a public works facility. 

Two ways to drive there:  Dirt road:  Access Pinkham B road from the Dolly Copp Campground/Horton Center 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 on the right next to the rail trail.

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Apple Acres Ride 10:00 am start

Thursday, October 6th, 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 with the fall foliage, and it is, of course, apple season!

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 apples, maybe cider? 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. 

Dave and Connie with be the hosts for this ride.

Meet at the Brownfield Community Center, ready to ride at 10:00 am. 

To drive there from the Conway area and avoid any Fryeburg Fair traffic, take Route 302 to Center Conway and take a right onto Mill Street to go by the northeast edge of Conway Lake. Continue into Maine and take a left onto Hampshire. Bear left at the Y junction with Route 160, then 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 28, 2016

Crank Some Crawford: Attitash to the Willey House 10:00 am

Thursday, Sept 29th, 2016


Pardon the late posting!  I returned home from the C&O-GAP yesterday and still in unpacking mode.

A  nice day is forecasted for Thursday...Hopefully is it less damp and dreary than today!

Destination: Lunch at the pond across from the Willey House. Pack your own lunch or snacks. Meet at the Attitash parking lot, ready to ride at 10:00 am.

The ride to the Willey House from Attitash up Route 302 is about 29 miles round trip. It is NOT HARD -- it is 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). Join the crowd as they ride by at ~ 10:15 at Bartlett Village.

I have house guests arriving on Sunday -- avid cyclists from Colorado who want to enjoy NH's fall foliage. Tom and I know them well from riding cross country with them in 2002 and the Lewis and Clarke ride in 2004. They rode cross country again, on their tandem, this summer. I will be biking with them on Monday and Tuesday, weather permitting. I will post the rides on this site, likely on Sunday, hopefully Thursday Bikers will join in on these rides!  On Monday I might do the Pittsburg ride again, or the Lost Nation Loop or the Grand Hotels Loop. Perhaps the Basin or North Road on Tuesday. Weather will dictate the schedule. Please join in to enjoy the ride and meet Allen and Margaret!








Tuesday, September 20, 2016

The Basin 9:30 am



Thursday, September 22nd, 2016

How about Fryeburg Farm Fields and the Basin? Hopefully the weather will be good for you!! Ride as far as you like, many options to choose from.  Check out the former location of the Red Iron Bridge. Check out the new pavement on Union Hill Road (only about a mile, but we'll take it!!) Stop at the Stow Store for lunch or snacks. The spring fields will be green and beautiful!

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.

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 the lunch and/or turnaround spot.

The starting time, ready-to-ride will be 9:30 am.

Doing the ride starting south on 113 with a left on Fish St and left on MacNeil, it will be a 28 mile ride.  Add another 5 miles if you add the Cornshop-Rt 5-Fish Street loop.    


 

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

West Side Road to Rocky Gorge, 9:00 am

Thursday, September 15, 2016

The weather forecast suggests a good ride tomorrow morning!  There are 7 bikers who are headed south to bike the C&O Canal-GAP route, DC to Pittsburgh, so I am setting up a local ride for those who are remaining here to hold the fort and continue the ThursdayBike riding!!

How about an old favorite local ride, this time to check out if there is any water in the Swift River going through Lower Falls and Rocky Gorge. Bring a snack or lunch to enjoy gorge-side.

Head down West Side Road all the way to Conway Village, then go up the Kanc along the Swift River. Return via Passaconaway, perhaps go into Grandview to explore the new roads and do the loop.

Park in the public parking lot behind the Eastern Slope Inn in North Conway, ready to ride at 9:00 am.

Distance is 32 miles. 

Enjoy!!

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Vermont Side of the Connecticut River to Pittsburg

News Note: On Tuesday, September 13th, I will be presenting a talk and slide show on the Erie Canal, a combination of history and the bike tour that I did with other ThursdayBikers last summer.  July 4th, 2017 will be the 200th anniversary of the start of the Erie Canal construction! The presentation will be at the Bartlett Public Library at 7:00 pm.


Vermont Side of the Connecticut River to Pittsburg


Thursday, September 8th, 2016 
Carpools Depart from Attitash at 7:45 am
Ready to Ride in Bloomfield at 9:30 am

The weather forecast looks great for Thursday, let's do an absolutely fantastic ride and get some miles in! This ride is my favorite ride in NH!  Ride alongside the Connecticut River, farm fields, cows, horses, 2 waterfalls, 2 covered bridges, panoramic views, cross the 45th parallel! History too: "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 (which was closed and for sale last time we were there). The ride is lollipop shaped, gently going up the CT River to lunch in Pittsburg, NH. It then turns south climbing an interesting hill followed by a 20 mile mostly downhill reward back to the car. It has been labeled by a friend from the midwest as a "Disneyland E-Ticket". See the photo on the right?? Ride through Colebrook on the way back, stop at the French Bakery Cafe, 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, perhaps?

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. 

My suggestion for a shorter ride that has the E-Ticket return from Pittsburg: Start from Colebrook and do the loop along the CT River to Pittsburg, returning by the fun downhill.  This is a 40 miler that has all the major highlights, just cuts the miles down by avoiding the the flat cruising along the CT River to DeBanville's. There is a large public parking lot in Colebrook across form Howard's Diner (sadly, Diner closed last time I was there).

Ready to ride in Bloomfield at 9:30 am.

Carpool from the far end of the Attitash parking lot at 7:45 am. According to the map app, it should be a 1.5 hour drive.

Directions to the start: Route 302 to Twin Mountain four corners, 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 (was) on the corner. Drive under the railroad bridge and you will see the dirt parking area on the right with a kiosk describing the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.   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:

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

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

North Road to Bethel 10:00 am

Thursday, SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

Hooray! September!

It looks like a possibility of showers early in the morning on Thursday. I wanted to post a Vermont Side of the CT River Ride but I don't want to go that far with iffy morning weather. Next week!

If we start a bit later in the morning, we can avoid these showers and get a good ride in. Look out your window and look at the radar in the morning before you head out. If it looks like more rain than predicted, or rain later than predicted, I will post a cancellation on this blog and might set up a shorter, more local ride in the afternoon.

Meet at the North Road starting point, in the parking area at the intersection of North Road and Hogan Road. Get there by driving north on Route 16 to Gorham, take a right onto Route 2, go about 3 miles looking for the big beautiful stone house on the left.  After the stone house, take a left onto North Road. Cross the Androscoggin River at the dam and head up a short distance. Where the road bears hard right, you go left into the parking area on the dirt Hogan Road.

Ready to Ride at 10:00 am.

Bring a lunch or snacks to enjoy at the riverside park in Bethel.

Toral distance: About 39 miles



Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Presidential Views via Mt Clinton Road and Base Road 9:00 am

Thursday, August 25th, 2016


Looks like the weather will be clear and sunny for Thursday!  Good for a ride with a view.

This ride is relatively short in mileage but big on scenery and attractions, and is a good work out, too. It includes panoramic Presidential views, the Cog Railroad (if you decide to climb up to the station), Upper and Lower Ammonoosuc Falls. We eat lunch/snacks on the rocks next to the Lower Ammonoosuc Falls or, for something different, at the top of the chairlift at Bretton Woods (free ride!).

Start at the Eisenhower Wayside Park which is on the right side of Route 302 a couple of miles after passing through Crawford Notch. It has a tall flagpole and it is a sledding hill in the winter. We ride back up the notch to the train station for a view of Elephant Rock, and then back to Mt Clinton Road. 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, turn back and stop to enjoy lunch at the Lower Ammonoosuc Falls. As an alternative lunch stop  we can stop at Bretton Woods Ski Area for a free ride up to the top of lift to eat our lunch on the deck of the restaurant. Bring lunch and a bike lock!

Start:  9:00 am at the Eisenhower Wayside Park

Total distance: approximately 25 miles; depending on options.

Carpool, if you like:  Attitash parking lot, far end, 8:15 am.

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, St Johnsbury, VT, 10:00 am



Thursday, August 18, 2016

The eastern section of the  Lamoille Valley Rail Trail opened officially at the end of last September. It is about 17 miles of trail from St. Johnsbury to Danville, ending alongside Joe's Pond. It is part of a project that is patching together pieces of the rail route to establish the longest continuous rail trail in New England, stretching about 100 miles across Vermont from S.t Johnsbury to St. Albans. Another 15 mile section opened this spring in the center of Vermont, I have not checked this new section out yet --stay tuned.

The surface is hard packed smooth stone dust. There are tunnels and bridges, lots of forest and good views of the Vermont hillsides. There is a good general store in Danville for hot soup, coffee and lunch.  When we did the trail last fall there were many bikers, pedestrians, dog walkers, and two horses out enjoying the trail. The weather forecast, as of this morning, looks good for this out-of-the-valley-experience. Escape from the local traffic!!

The surface is fine for all bikes. A mountain bike is overkill. Teeny tiny skinny tires might do OK IF you watch for the rougher spots. The only occasional surface issues I saw were at some of the road crossings, the interface between the trail and the road was not always perfectly aligned and sometimes soft. The trail climbs gradually all the way to Danville. It is a hardly noticeable climb. The downhill trip back, however, is a hoot! It is certainly the easiest, flattest way to travel east-west across any part of Vermont!! Thank you to the railroad designers and engineers!

Check out the website: www.lvrt.org

Time:  Ready to ride at the Lamoille Valley Rail Trailhead at 10:00 am.

Carpool? If you like, meet at Attitash parking lot, far end away from the lifts, at 8:30 am to carpool, otherwise, meet at the trailhead in St Johnsbury.
Round trip we will have a 34 mile car-free adventure!!

Bring snacks and lunch or stop at the General Store in Danville.We can eat on the shore of Joe's Pond.

Directions:

Take Route 302 over Crawford Notch towards Bethlehem and get onto Route 93 north into Vermont. At the Route 91 interchange, go north on 91 for a very short distance, hardly off the entrance ramp. Take the first exit, Route 5, then take a right at the end of the ramp and go a short distance, noticing the sign for the bike path on the right. It is called Railroad Street or Main Street depending on map. Take the right and then immediate right again down a short steep slope into the trailhead parking lot. The map app says it is a 1 hour 15 minutes drive.

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Brownfield Loop, short and sweet for a hot day, 9:00 am start

Thursday, August 11, 2016

I was planning to post a ride in Vermont but the forecast for the heat and humidity has changed my mind. A short local ride in the morning is a better option, we can get the ride done before the heat cooks us.


How about the Brownfield Loop -- it has options for long or short versions that you can choose from, depending on the weather and sweat factor.

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 

Haleytown Road to Hampshire Road to Pig Street and back by Sam Brown Hill. Great view from the top!

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 miles to the day.

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Bretton Woods and Whitefield via Wing Road 9:00 am

Thursday, August 4th, 2016

Beautiful weather is ahead, so how about a really scenic ride?! Start at the Bretton Woods Ski Area, parking in the lot near the entrance across from the fitness center. Then head west on Route 302 straight through the lights at Twin Mountain to River Road (don't miss this right turn at the bottom of the hill JUST BEFORE the bridge over the River!!!) and Wing Road (immediate left!) along the Ammonoosuc River to Route 116 (a good climb or 2!) to Whitefield. You 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.

Total Loop from Bretton Woods parking lot: 37 miles.

Shorter, but still a loop - start at Zealand winter parking lot on the north side of route 302 for 29 miles. Look for riders passing by at about 9:20. Or park at the visitor center/tourist info gazebo at the Twin Mountain 4 corners where routes 302 and 3 cross at the light.  This will make a 25 miler.

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 8:10 am.

I will be climbing hills in the Berkshires this Thursday, but I will be ready to ride next week. Next week, if weather permits, will be an "away" ride to get out if the valley!!

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

North Road 9:00 am... LET"S DO IT

Thursday, July 28, 2016


North Road: Shelbourne to Bethel, 9:00 am


RIDE IS ON!  According to Today's forecasts, it should be possible to get this ride in before any thunderstorms come in.  It looks like more showers will be further north on the Canadian border, and we should be done with our ride before the showers and t-storms get to our area
CAR POOL?? IF you want to carpool, meet in Jackson in the parking lot across from the J-Town Deli at 8:10am, otherwise , see you in Shelbourne!

The ride from Shelbourne to Bethel is mostly in the shade.

Starting in Shelbourne Village instead of the usual Hogan Road parking area cuts out some miles, cuts out a few sharp climbs at the end, and adds a nice ride on a quiet road with nice views and the donkey running alongside us. 

Start: ready to ride at 9:00 am.

Total Mileage, about 35. 


To get to the parking area take Route 16 north to Gorham, hang a right on Route 2, go about 4.5 miles. Take a left into Shelbourne Village, (might be signed as Meadow Road) then very shortly afterward take a right into the tiny village. Park in the playing field/ballpark on the left side of the road (via a dirt driveway).

North Road 9:00 am... if weather permits....

Thursday, July 28, 2016


North Road: Shelbourne to Bethel, 9:00 am


MIGHT BE good weather for ThursdayBike. According to Tuesday's forecasts, it should be possible to get this ride in before any thunderstorms come in. 

BUT!!!   Please check this site Wednesday evening and Thursday morning before you head outside just in case the weather forecast looks like it is not a good idea to do this ride!! I will switch the ride to fit the forecast!

The ride from Shelbourne to Bethel is mostly in the shade.

Starting in Shelbourne Village instead of the usual Hogan Road parking area cuts out some miles, cuts out a few sharp climbs at the end, and adds a nice ride on a quiet road with nice views and the donkey running alongside us. 

Start: ready to ride at 9:00 am.

Total Mileage, about 35. 


To get to the parking area take Route 16 north to Gorham, hang a right on Route 2, go about 4.5 miles. Take a left into Shelbourne Village, (might be signed as Meadow Road) then very shortly afterward take a right into the tiny village. Park in the playing field/ballpark on the left side of the road (via a dirt driveway).

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

The Snowville Loop, 9:00 am

Thursday, July 21, 2016


Nice day for the Snowville Loop!
I have heard that this ride was scheduled a few times recently but was cancelled due to weather issues. This Thursday looks OK, so let's try again.  Maybe we should do it in reverse to appease karma???

Meet at the riverside park, on the right, just past the police station on East Conway Road. The road is called Meetinghouse Hill Road. Drive down the entrance road to the parking and picnic area on the Saco River. Ready to Ride at 9:00 am.

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 on new pavement, 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 a great ride to Crystal Lake. We might be able to picnic there, but since most of us are not Eaton residents they may not let us hoodlums enter. We can use 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). At 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

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Ammonoosuc Waterfalls Ride, 9:00 am


Thursday July 14, 2016

Ammonoosuc Waterfalls via Mt Clinton Road and Base Road   9:00 am start


Looks like the weather will be good with late afternoon thunderstorms. Good for a ride with a view.

This ride is relatively short in mileage but big on scenery and attractions, and is a good work out, too. It includes panoramic Presidential views, the Cog Railroad (if you decide to climb up to the station), Upper and Lower Ammonoosuc Falls. We eat lunch/snacks on the rocks next to the Lower Ammonoosuc 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. It has a tall flagpole and it is a sledding hill in the winter. We ride back up the notch to Mt Clinton Road (how is this lately?) getting that climb over while it is still cool. You 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, turn back and stop to enjoy the Lower Ammonoosuc Falls.

Start:  9:00 am at the Eisenhower Wayside Park

Total distance: approximately 25 miles; depending on options.

Carpool, if you like:  Attitash parking lot, far end, 8:15 am.
I will join you next week!! Enjoy!!


Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Green Mountain Loop and Bobby Sue's, start at King Pine, 9:00 am

Thursday, July 7, 2016

The Green Mountain Loop and Bobby Sue's

This ride SHOULD be completed before any storms, hopefully! Most forecasts seem to indicate storms arriving in the afternoon, around 3:00. Look out the window and get an early morning forecast before you decide to head out! I might post a cancellation if the weather turns for the worse, check back if you are concerned.

Start at King Pine Ski Area at 9:00, ready to ride. Park at the big parking lot across from the main lifts on the lakeside of route 153. Ride south on 153, turn left at Cushing Corner Road for a somewhat hilly ride but good views into Freedom Village. The road out of Freedom is flat. From Freedom, travel south back onto route 153, then after the gazebo in Effingham,you go down a hill and soon see Center Effingham where you take a right onto Town House Road, might be labelled Corner Road (Look for this on the right!  Easy to miss! Sign might be missing!!). The loop around Green Mountain concludes with Green Mountain Road, which will take us back to 153.

On the way back stop at Bobby Sue's Ice Cream Shop. opens at 12:00!   

The loop around Green Mountain is largely rolling; the hills are on the small side. Total ride of 29 miles.

Plan to leave King Pine at 9 AM. Park in the lot across from the ski area. 
As always, car pooling is good. (Carpoolers from Glen/Jackson area - meet at Grant's parking lot at 8:00).

There is a coffee shop that used to be open in Freedom Village, operated by volunteers from the area. Hopefully it is still open on the weekdays - if so, stop there for a coffee and a snack.


This map below is almost exactly the ride planned...I could not get the Ride with GPS to load on this blog. If you want the map, email me and I will forward it to you. Scott will be the leader and he knows this route well!!


http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/nh/-madison-/640124952290956167

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

The Andover Ride, 9:30 am start in Bethel at the riverside park

Reminder: Bartlett 4th of July Parade!! I signed the bike club up for a spot in the parade again this year. Meet at the Attitash parking lot at 9:45 am on Monday July 4th, ready to ride to Bartlett Village to line up and be ready for the parade at 11:00! Bring bikes, red white and blue and your houseguests, kids and grandkids!


Thursday, June 30th, 2016

Looks like Thursday will be a beautiful day for a great ride along the rivers and fields of western Maine!  It is time to get out of the rapidly crowding valley and explore some quiet places!


The route to Andover from Bethel is a beautiful, mostly shady ride on quiet roads. It is not a hard ride, only a few short hills on Intervale Road. It is a ThursdayBike favorite!

Start at the park on the Androscoggin River in Bethel 
(where we picnic on the North Road ride) 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 the new bridge. A very short ride on Route 2 then right on Whippoorwill Road  to Andover Road and eventually into the center of Andover where there is a great general store and perfect town green with gazebo for lunching.

Return south on Route 5 for a short distance, then cross the Lovejoy Covered Bridge (Maine's shortest covered bridge) then retrace the route back to the cars.


Total distance: 49 miles   (a few short laps on the flats and you can call it a 50 miler)

Lunch: The Andover General Store is a good food and ice cream stop located across the park and gazebo. 

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, park near the convenience store/DunkinDonuts on Route 2 where the bike path crosses the Androscoggin River.


Carpool: If you want to carpool, meet in Jackson at the parking lot across from the J-Town Deli at 8:20 am, otherwise, see you in Bethel! 


Shorter Options:  

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.


Park along the edge of Intervale Road, north of our starting point at the park. You can cut out up to 16 miles this way (it is 8 miles to the intersection with East Bethel Road, located on the right off of Intervale Road where the cows are), and avoid the 2 hills at the very end of the ride!  Meet with everyone else at the park at 9:30, then drive up a ways, park, hop on your bike and join the group as we ride by! 


To see a map of the ride click the link:

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

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Brownfield Loop, 10:00 am

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Looks like a good day until mid afternoon with potential showers. How about the Brownfield Loop -- it has options for long or short versions that you can choose from, depending on your energy level and the weather forecast. We should return before the sky's threaten. 


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 

Haleytown Road to Hampshire Road to Pig Street and back by Sam Brown Hill. Great view from the top!

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 miles to the day.


I will try to beat the jet lag and join in!


Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Crank some Crawford! Ride to the Willey House 10:00 am

Thursday, June 16th, 2016

A beautiful day is forecasted for Thursday!  How about enjoying the views on the way up to Crawford Notch?  Start at the Attitash parking lot at 10:00 am.

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

Meet at the Attitash parking lot, ready to ride at 10:00 am.

The ride to the Willey House from Attitash up route 302 is about 29 miles round trip. It is NOT HARD -- it is 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 Campsite (on the right, just before the bridge over the Sawyer River and Sawyer River Road; ~18 miles total).

Join the crowd as they ride by: ~ 10:15 at Bartlett Village, ~10:25 at Sawyer River Road.



Tuesday, June 7, 2016

The Basin. 10:00 am

Thursday, June 9th, 2016

The weather forecast looks good again for ThursdayBike! How about Fryeburg Farm Fields and the Basin? Ride as far as you like, many options to choose from.  Check out the former location of the Red Iron Bridge. Check out the new pavement on Union Hill Road (only about a mile, but we'll take it!!) Stop at the Stow Store for lunch or snacks. The spring fields will be green and beautiful!

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.

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 the lunch and/or turnaround spot.

The starting time, ready-to-ride will be 10:00 am.

Doing the ride starting south on 113 with a left on Fish St and left on MacNeil, it will be a 28 mile ride.  Add another 5 miles if you add the Cornshop-Rt 5-Fish Street loop.    

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

The Lupine Ride in Randolph and Jefferson 10:00 am

Thursday, June 2nd, 2016, 10:00 am

The Lupine:  Can be an amazing display!! They seem to be early this year, so I hope that they are ready for us!!

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 and the photo on the MWV Bicycle Club website shows the stunning beauty of this 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 usually 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 and lupine along the roadside. 
The starts in Randolph on Pinkham B road at the intersection with the rail trail. We ride down Pinkham B to Route 2, cross Route 2 and enter Durand Road, a scenic quite road parallel to Route 2. At the end of Durand Road, we ride Route 2 for about 1.5 mile then turn left onto Valley Road. We ride Valley Road to Jefferson Meadows then up to the convenience store in Jefferson for lunch and snacks, then enjoy an amazingly scenic ride, Presidential views, back to our cars. 
You can ride a road, hybrid, touring, randonneur or mountain bike on this ride, all welcome. With wider tires you could use the Presidential Rail Trail for a part of the ride from the Castle Trailhead to Valley Road for something different. A road bike is OK too, (typically what everyone rides easily unless the road was graded on the day we ride...), 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 9:10 am.


Ride length:  To Jefferson store for lunch stop and back, 32 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, 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 adventurous 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.