Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Ski cancelled for this week

Thursday, December 28, 2017

With many ThursdaySkiers away and with the subzero conditions forecasted, it is probably best to just skip this Thursday's event.
The skiing is amazing! See you on an adventure next week!

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

JacksonXC at 10:00 am

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Let's do another ThursdaySki at JacksonXC.

Let's see what is groomed and make the decision on Thursday morning. We could do the Yodel, Wave, Eagle, or whatever looks good on the grooming report. It should be good skiing, the temperature will drop firming up the snow for a faster glide. It will be in the mid teens and breezy, frosty on the face...

There are new ski passes being made for us this year, don't bother searching for the old one! Come a few minutes early to get your new pass.

Meet in the JacksonXC lodge, ready to ski at 10:00 am.

If you are off for the holidays, have a great time wherever you are and see you soon on the snow!!

Wasting time in an airport or in the car? Check out my newly released website:

www.crossnewhampshire.org

Cheers!!!









Wednesday, December 13, 2017

ThursdaySki Starts the Season!! 10:00 am at JacksonXC

Thursday December 14th  YEAH!!

Early season skiing is sweet...cold and windy, but wonderful snow!!

How about meeting at JacksonXC, in the lodge, ready to ski at 10:00?  We can pick the best trails of the day and head out. The trails today were a bit soft, asking for faceplants on steep downhills, I would think. Tomorrow's groom should firm it up and we might be able to head out the Ellis or up the Hall.

We will see how the weather, snow and early season legs and arms come together for the distance and  plan. It will be great to see everyone out there again!

There are new passes being made at Jackson this year, so don't waste time looking for the old pass!

Forecast is for about 18 degrees, partly sunny with strong wind from the west, much like today.  I really appreciated having a balaclava/facemask/neck warmer today to get across the golf course against that wind....bring one for tomorrow.


Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2017

No ride planned for Thanksgiving morning. 

The cold morning temperature and the residual salt on the pavement has convinced me that staying inside, watching the parade on TV and/or taking a walk might be a better option between the cooking duties.

I will continue to try to post bike rides for Thursdays, weather permitting, likely on bike paths or dirt roads if there is appropriate weather and no snow or ice. As an alternative, a good long walk/hike could be a good way to get out of the house while we anxiously look out the window for snow accumulation.  Check this blog if your are curious about an expedition on Thursdays.

As the snow falls, I will change ThursdayBike into ThursdaySki, so keep checking the blog if you want an xc-ski adventure on Thursdays throughout the winter and spring. 

The bike club calendar may not have the link to this blog during the winter season. If not there, go directly to the information on the blog:

www.thursdaybike.blogspot.com

Have a fun Thanksgiving! I am thankful for such great group of biking friends!



Wednesday, November 15, 2017

RIde Cancelled this week

Thursday, November 16th, 2017

The forecast just does not look good for a bike ride this Thursday.

IF the weather cooperates next week, I will set up a bike ride on Thanksgiving morning, a short one in the North Conway area. It would be nice to get in a ride before the turkey dinner celebration with friends and family!

I will continue to try to post bike rides for Thursdays, weather permitting. As the snow falls, I will change ThursdayBike into ThursdaySki, so keep checking the blog if you want an xc-ski adventure on Thursdays throughout the winter and spring. Until the snow accumulates enough for xc skiing, there might be a hike posted instead.

The bike club calendar may not have the link to this blog on their calendar during the winter season. If not there, go directly to the information on the blog:

www.thursdaybike.blogspot.com

Have a fun Thanksgiving! I am thankful for such great group of biking friends!

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

North Fryeburg Late Fall Fields 11:30 start

November 9, 2017

A cool day but should be good for a casual ride over in North Fryeburg. The fields are likely all harvested and prepared for the winter. We could do the usual routine that includes Cornshop, Fish , Harbor then head up to the Stow Store if desired.

If you bring a "Dirt and Pavement"-capable bike, we can explore the dirt road that parallels the Old Saco River. I am not sure if the recent storm took that road away, so let's check it out and see what condition it is in.

Meet at the park next to the Saco Valley Fire Station in North Fryeburg, ready to ride at 11:30. Starting time is later than usual to let the temperature rise a bit. Bring lunch or snacks.

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Rained out, again

Thursday, November 2, 2017

I am just not impressed by any of the forecasts. I think it will be either drizzle or damp with wet roads, so I guess I must cancel for this week.

Try again next week!!

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Rained out this week.

Thursday, October 26th, 2017

A rainy Thursday, so no ride. Great to finally get the rain - we needed it!

Hope to have better riding weather next Thursday!  See you then!!

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Lakes, Foests and Pine Barrens Ride: Madison, Freedom and Tamworth 10:00 am

Thursday, October 19th, 2017

The Lakes and Pine Barrens Ride will start at the Madison Selectmen's Town Offices Parking lot (Route 113, 1923 Village Rd, on the right side of the road just before the library when driving west; the building is up a driveway from the road). There is a large lot in the back of the building. The route travels east and over the hill to Route 153 then south to Bennet Street. Taking a right on Bennet we go east alongside the Freedom Town Forest and Ossipee Pine Barrens. The route goes by Camp Calumet at the northern tip of Ossipee Lake, crosses Route 16 and goes on Route 25 in West Ossipee for about a mile, then takes Old Route 25 and 113 into Tamworth Village.

We can eat lunch at the picnic tables behind The Other Store because it should be warm enough for a picnic!. You can buy food and/or ice cream there. After the lunch stop in Tamworth, return via Depot Road, the northern end of Silver Lake, East Madison Road to our cars.

The distance is 33 miles.


Meet at the Town Offices parking lot at 10:00 am, ready to ride. The afternoon temperatures will be in the mid 60s to 70!

For those from the Glen/Bartlett/Jackson area, if you want to carpool, meet at the back of Grant's parking lot at 9:00 am.

Here is a map:

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1826427440

Info on The Pine Barrens:

https://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/newhampshire/places-preserves/ossipee-pine-barrens.xml

http://ossipeelake.org/lake/special-places/ossipee-pine-barrens/


Tuesday, October 10, 2017

The Lost Nation Ride, 10:00 am start from Whitefield Gazebo

Thursday, October 12th, 2017

Thursday looks perfect for a ride, low sixties, sunshine, foliage and a tailwind, for sure. All the weather forecasts were in sync with this, for a change!! Easy planning! So it is fitting that we do a good long ride that should be beautiful in the fall colors!! This is one of my many favorites for spectacular scenery! 

Farms, fields, horses, cows, mountain views, 2 covered bridges, rivers, streams, villages, little white churches, closed papermills, Vermont and New Hampshire scenery. This ride has everything the region can offer! 

The full loop is 50 miles, but there is a really nice 27 mile option that avoids many of the climbs.  

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


Bring a lunch to eat at the white covered bridge in Groveton. There is a convenience store/gas station near the covered bridge, but I am never certain if any of these northern NH stores are still open, better to have some food with you!



Start time: 10:00 amready to ride

Carpooling: If you want to carpool, meet at the Attitash parking lot at 8:40 am

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

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

Ride Distance: 50 miles, majority of the climbing happens early in the ride, when we are still fresh.

Shorter Option:  27 miles  A shorter, easier loop can be done out of Lancaster, parking at the Shaw's Supermarket. If you want to do this version, meet at the Whitefield Gazebo with everyone else at 10:00, get the plan, then drive up to Lancaster. You will meet the 50 mile riders at the big dairy farm at the corner of Grange Road. You will have cut out the longest and steepest climbs. 

History ?: Lost Nation seems to always be associated with The Republic of Indian Stream, (perhaps because of the book written about this interesting region of NH? Lost Nation, by Jeffrey Lent). The place called Lost Nation, where we will ride (don't blink or you may miss it...), is not geographically contained within the former Republic of Indian Stream, which is closer to Pittsburg. On the Pittsburg/Colebrook bike ride we travel over the rivers that bounded the Republic of Indian Stream, which was the Lost Nation, but this is well north of where the village of "Lost Nation" is on a map. I have not been able to remedy this inconsistency!
For a history of The Republic of Indian Steam here is a short review: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Indian_Stream

Note on that Pittsburg/Colebrook/Route 145 amazing bike ride...There is a section of Route 145 that has been closed due to construction, supposedly ready to open by late October. IF we continue with good enough weather to head up there to do this ride on the reopened road, I will certainly set it up!


Map, 50 mile ride:
http://www.mapmyride.com/us/deerfield-nh/lost-nation-loop-route-1539328

Elevation profile:



Map: Shorter version, 26 miles:  http://www.mapmyride.com/us/northumberland-nh/lost-nation-loop-from-lancaster-route-110831617

Elevation profile:




Wednesday, October 4, 2017

The Andover Ride 10:00 am

Thursday, October 5th, 2017

Looks like Thursday will be a good day for a scenic ride along the rivers and fields of western Maine. I have not been impressed with the foliage progress so far, whether at home, western NH, Vermont or Adirondacks. So what not try western Maine to see if it is any better there?


The route to Andover from Bethel is a gem, one of my favorites, worth the drive to Bethel. It is an extension of the North Road ride! It is a beautiful route on quiet roads. It is not a hard ride, only some short grinder hills on Intervale Road in the first 10 miles (and last 10 miles). The remainder of the ride is pleasantly gentle and scenic. It is a ThursdayBike favorite!

Start at the park on the Androscoggin River in Bethel 
(where we picnic at the end of 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 short out and back on the bike path and you get a 50 miler)


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

Starting Time: 10:00 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 8:45 am, otherwise, see you in Bethel! 


Shorter Options:  

Park along the edge of Intervale Road, north of our starting point. 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 10:00, 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

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Local Favorite: Eastern Slope to Rocky Gorge 10:00 am

How about an old favorite local ride, this time to check the progress of the foliage along the Kanc by Lower Falls and Rocky Gorge. A return to fall temperatures brings the 10:00 am start for this week. Bring a snack or lunch to enjoy gorge-side.

Head down West Side Road all the way to Conway Village, then enjoy the Kanc along the Swift River. Return via Passaconaway.  

Park in the public parking lot behind the Eastern Slope Inn in North Conway, ready to ride at 10:00 am. I can't join in this week, off to help my mom again. 

Distance is 32 miles. 

Enjoy!!

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Vermont Side of the CT River: Lancaster to DeBanvilles General Store 9:30 start

Thursday September 20, 2017


One of the ThursdayBike Group's favorite places is the Vermont side of the Connecticut River. Vermont Route 102 is a quiet rural road that is very scenic, has good fall colors, plenty of Holstein cows along the way. ...very Vermont.

This ride follows the southern section of VT102, starting from Lancaster and ends at DeBanville's General Store. This store has been closed and For Sale for a few years, rumor has it that has reopened. Let's check it out! We can get food and ice cream for the lunch stop, but bring some food to have on the bike, just in case. 

Weather: Looks good. We might have some wind from the north, will be a good tailwind for the ride back!

Ride Starts: 9:30, ready to ride, from the parking lot of Shaw's Supermarket in Lancaster, on the right side of Route 3 North, just north of the town center. 

Carpool if you like: Meet in the Atttitash parking lot, far end away from the lifts, 8:00 am. Otherwise see you in Lancaster.

Terrain: Lots of flat or very gradual ups and downs, some rolling hills requiring some work; no Asparagus Hill, easier than Snowville, easier than that hilly section of the Wonalancet ride, no notches. 

How far: 49 miles. See map below. (If you just have to get that 50 mile ride in for your record books - just continue up Route 102 from DeBanville's until your odometer says 25.00 then turn back!!)

Shorter Option?!!! Drive up a bit further up Route 3 north and cross the CT River via the bridge into Guildhall, VT and start from there. Park alongside the Town Green (bear right after you cross the bridge, then make a left alongside the green). This will take 18 miles off and give you a 31 mile ride. 


Directions: Route 302 to Twin Mountain 4-corners stoplight. Take a right onto Route 3 north. Follow Route 3 though Whitefield, then continue on Route 3 into Lancaster. Shaw's Supermarket is on the right, approximately 0.5 mile north of the center of Lancaster on Route 3. It is across the street from Dunkin Donuts. Park at the part of the lot closest to the road, furthest from the store entrance.

Bring: Snacks and water. Maybe DeBanvilles (or a new name?) will be there again for lunch and ice cream? 


Map:

http://www.mapmyride.com/us/northumberland-nh/vermont-side-of-the-ct-river-lancaster-t-route-1499744




Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Kinsman's Notch Loop 9:30 am

This is the season of EPIC bike rides with fall foliage viewing and perfect weather!! 

The weather forecasts for Thursday, as of Wednesday morning, indicate a mix of clouds and sunshine with temps in the low to mid 70's and light wind. The forecast is better for the Franconia area than for Jackson, typically it is the other way around. Let's go for this great ride! 

The ride is a 36 mile, counterclockwise loop which goes up the Franconia Notch Bike Path, turns off the path to head downhill via the Mittersill Ski slopes then skirts south of Franconia on Wells Road coming out near the glider airport. It then heads out Route 116 to the Kanc and climbs Kinsman's Notch from the easier, more gradual side. The downhill cruise back to the cars is a real treat!! Beautiful, epic ride, and the foliage is starting to turn!

We start and finish in Woodstock, at the public parking lot behind the storefronts across from the Woodstock Brewery. Great place to enjoy a burger and beer after the ride.

If the weather fails us and starts to threaten we can make the call at the top of the bike path and return to the cars downhill by bike path. This is a fabulous 28 mile ride by itself. 


To get to the parking lot in Woodstock:  Bear Notch Road and the Kanc to Lincoln, following the Kanc past the Route 93 interchange into Woodstock. Just as you are slowing down, after crossing the river, BEFORE approaching the traffic light in Woodstock at the Route 3 junction, there is an entrance to the public parking lot on your right. It is a big lot behind the storefronts on Route 3. If you miss this entrance, take a right into Woodstock onto Route 3 and drive about a block, looking for the parking lot entrance driveway on your right. It is BEFORE you reach the Woodstock Brewery.

Let's be ready to ride at 9:30 am.

Carpool from the Attitash parking lot (far end, away from the lifts) at 8:20 am. It is a one hour drive to Woodstock. If you have a NPR or NHPR discount book, bring it for the 2-fer deal at the Brewery.

Here is a map:

http://www.mapmyride.com/us/deerfield-nh/franconia-notch-bike-path-and-kinsman-no-route-88390075

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Attitash to the Willey House 10:30 am

Thursday, September 7, 2017

I think we can get a ride in. This is an out and back, close to home with a downhill cruise back to the car. It is a good workout even if we can't do the entire route. If it starts to look threatening we can be back at our cars in time before getting wet!

Meet at the far end of the Attitash parking lot, away from the lifts, ready to ride at 10:30 am. I am starting this just a little later than usual because the weather looks better as the day goes on.
If we can do the whole ride to the Willey House, we would get in 29 miles. I hope we do!!

Let's see what happens!  If it is raining, don't bother!  We will hope for a better day next Thursday!!

See you at 10:30!!  A late start hoping for some sun!

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

North Fryeburg and Green Hill Road Loop 10:00 am

Thursday, August 31st, 2017

Looks like cool weather with some clouds and wind. This is a relatively short ride that is a good workout and should be light on the traffic. Connie hosted this ride about a month ago and it was a good one!! I will not be able to ride with you, I am with my Mom.

Start at the Maine Visitor's Center on Rt  302, just over the state line. Ride out the bike path and take the first left at the auto repair business and go into Fryeburg, and out to Route 302. Take a left on 302 and quick right after the post office on River Road to head out on Route 113 past Weston's Beach, then bear right to stay on Rt 113.

Take a right at the closed convienince store to stay on Rt 113 and head to North Fryeburg. Take a right at the little white church to head out on Fish Street, then left onto MacNeil, left again on Old Harbor, continue left to Harbor Road. At the intersection of Harbor Road and Rt 113, go right, and take a left into South Chatham Road just after the Saco Valley Fire Station. The road has quite a bit of potholes in this section, but will change to good pavement soon. The road name changes to Green Hill Riad, you will go up and down, eventually passing Hurricane Mt Road, then enjoy a flat/downhill cruise all the way back to Sherman's farm stand. Take a left there to head back to Fryeburg and retrace the route back to the bike path and the Maine Visitors Center.

Total distance: 27 miles.

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

Here is a map:

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1754860316







Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Rides for the next 2 Thursdays: Aug 17th The Basin and Aug 24 North Road

I am posting 2 rides to cover the next 2 Thursdays. The traffic will likely be bad in the pre-Labor Day vacation time, so I think it best to ride on the quietest roads possible and start early, 9:00 am.
 I will not be able to join you for either of these rides, and I think that next week I will be located in an area without reliable internet or cell service, so I will post that one now, too.


Thursday, August 17, 2017  9:00 am

The Basin 

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.  Stop at the Stow Store for lunch or snacks.

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 9:00 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.  
 


Thursday, August 24th, 2017  9:00 am

North Road to Bethel

Meet at the North Road-Hogan Road starting point, in the parking area at the intersection of North Road and Hogan Road above the dam. 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 9:00 am. 

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

Toral distance: About 39 miles



Wednesday, August 9, 2017

The Andover Ride


Thursday, August 10th, 2017

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


The route to Andover from Bethel is a gem, one of my favorites, worth the drive to Bethel. It is an extension of the North Road ride!!! It is a beautiful, mostly shady route on quiet roads. It is not a hard ride, only some short grinder hills on Intervale Road in the first 10 miles (and last 10 miles). The remainder of the ride is pleasantly gentle and scenic. It is a ThursdayBike favorite!

Start at the park on the Androscoggin River in Bethel 
(where we picnic at the end of 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 short out and back on the bike path and you get 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 8:15 am, otherwise, see you in Bethel! 


Shorter Options:  

Park along the edge of Intervale Road, north of our starting point. 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

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Brownfield, Hiram, Cornish Ride 9:00 am

Thursday, August 3, 2017

I see that the weather should be OK for us tomorrow with only slight chances of storms in the mid to late afternoon. By starting early, we will enjoy cooler temperatures and avoid any storms.

This ride is a shorter version, I think easier version of the classic Apple Acres Ride. The ride goes by Apple Acres, then drops south into Hiram and then Cornish, returning by South Hiram Road and Route 160. Perhaps some ice cream on the way?

Meet at the Brownfield Community Center on Main Street. Ready to ride at 9:00 am

Distance: 32 miles

Map:

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1709903762


Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Will post a ride on Wednesday evening

Thursday, August 3, 2017

There are those annoying conflicting forecasts out there again for Thursday's weather. At issue is the timing of predicted scattered thundershowers. Timing will determine how far we can go!  The forecasts will hopefully converge by tomorrow evening....I will post then!


Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Brownfield Loop 9:00 am

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Looks like a good day until early 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. You 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 9:00 am

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 you return and add 8 miles to the day.


I will not be joining you this week, see you next week!!


Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Potato Blossoms, Corn and The Basin 9:00 am

Thursday July 20th, 2017

The potatoes are blooming in North Fryeburg and the corn is well more than knee-high!  Let's go see the blooms and the rising cornstalks along with the mountain views as we ride to The Basin. Let's start at 9:00 am to try to beat the heat of the mid day.

Meet in North Fryeburg at the parking area alongside the park next to the Saco Valley Fire Station at the corner of South Chatham Road and Route 113. 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, particularly with the recent deluges. If it is a wash out, we may want to just use the campground at the entrance as the lunch, water bottle refill and turnaround spot. 

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

Doing the ride starting south on 113 with a left on Fish St and left on MacNeil, then up Union Hill Road to the Stow Store and up to The Basin via Chatham (via clockwise route) it will be a 28 mile ride.  

We could add another 5 miles if we add the Cornshop-Rt 5-Fish Street loop.    

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Cancelled due to Weather

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Unfortunately, I decided to cancel this week's ThursdayBike. It seems that there are too many chances of rain and thunderstorms.

We have been quite fortunate with the weather and skirting the showers so far this season. Tomorrow just seems hard to predict!  Each weather forecast has a slightly different plan. Enjoy your day, and see you next week!

Marianne


Wednesday, July 5, 2017

North Road from Shelburne to Bethel 9:00 am

Thursday, July 6, 2017 

Looks like good weather for Thursday! How about heading up to Bethel via North Road? It should be a fine time to do it, getting out of the valley away from holiday traffic. North Road is a gem -- it runs parallel to Route 2 on the north side of the Androscoggin - scenic, quiet, perfect bicycling road!

To make the ride a bit different, start in Shelburne Village instead of the usual Hogan Road parking area. It 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.

Start: Ready to ride at 9:00 am. Note Earlier starting time:  Summer time!!!

Total Mileage, about 35. 

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

Bring lunch to enjoy at the riverside park in Bethel. There is a convenience store just before the park, if needed.

Carpool?  If you want to carpool, meet in Jackson at the parking lot across the street from the J-Town deli at 8:10 am, otherwise, see you in Shelbourne.

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Bretton Woods to Whitefield via the Wing Road-Hazen Road Loop 9:30 am

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 10:00 am on Tuesday, 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! It's a fun, traditional, crazy event!!!



Thursday, June 29th, 2017

Let's DO IT!!

UPDATE AS OF 6:30 THURSDAY MORNING:  I think we can get a ride in before showers threaten. We can shorten the ride to about 28 miles, cutting out the Whitefield part and doing more of an out and back on route 115 with a loop on 1115A and Valley Road. Still a scenic ride, gradual climbing for a good work out too!


This is a great ride with Presidential views. Start at the Bretton Woods Ski Area, parking in the lot near the entrance on the right, across from the fitness center. We ride west on Route 302 straight through the lights at Twin Mountain to Beech Hill Road, River Road then Wing Road along the Ammonoosuc River then 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.

Ready to Ride at The Bretton Woods parking lot:  9:30 am  NOTE EARLIER START TIME!

Total loop from Bretton Woods parking lot: 37 miles.

Shorter options:  Start at the big Zealand winter parking lot (not the campground) on the north side of Route 302 for 29 miles. Look for riders passing by at about 9:50. For even shorter, 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 mile loop.

Meet at 9:30 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 8:45 am.


Map:

http://www.mapmyride.com/us/deerfield-nh/wing-and-airport-roads-in-twin-mountain-route-20582176

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Franconia Notch Bike Path from Loon 10:00 am

Thursday,  June 22nd, 2017

Welcome First Full Day of Summer!

Looks like we have good weather to ride the Franconia Notch Bike Path this Thursday!

I like setting up our ride over there before the path gets too crowded with summer vacationers. Keep it to ourselves!!

This "Bike Path" is not a flat, casual rail trail...it is a winding, up and down funhouse adventure! The views of the rugged, rocky slopes of mountains of Franconia Notch are excellent! We have a clear nice day predicted for this ride! We will check out the Shrine for The Old Man of the Mountains on the way.

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

For those that want a shorter ride, start at The Flume for a 19 mile ride. Park near the bike path entrance, at the northern end of the lot, up on the left relative to the entrance off of Route 3. Meet the riders coming up from Loon at about 10:50-11:00. 

If you want to carpool, meet at the far end of the Attitash parking lot, away from the lifts,  at 8:55 am. 

Bring a lunch to eat at the height of land on the bike path with Mt. Lafayette views.

Drive over Bear Notch and go up and over the Kanc to Lincoln; left into the Loon Ski Area parking lot.

If you like, there is good food and home brew at the Woodstock Brewery for après-bike. If you have the NPR or NHPTV discount card bring it for a 2-for-1 meal deal. 


Here is a map:  http://www.mapmyride.com/us/deerfield-nh/franconia-notch-bike-trail-from-loon-route-220707567

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

The Lupine Ride in Randolph and Jefferson 10:00 am

Thursday, June 15th, 2017

The Lupine:  I drove through there today! Beautiful!  We will have peak blooms on Thursday!  

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 is typically ridable. Today the grader was working on it, so there may be loose rocks but less washboard - take your time and view the lupine! 


Durand Road is a terrific ride, lined with summer houses from the 30's and their nice gardens and lupine along the roadside. The mountain views from the Jefferson Meadows are spectacular. 

The ride starts in Randolph on Pinkham B Road at the intersection with the rail trail. We bike out Pinkham B to Route 2, cross Route 2 and enter Durand Road, a scenic quiet 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, BUT you will likely enjoy the dirt roads better on something other than really skinny tires. 


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.


IF you don't mind driving a narrow dirt road with potholes (but scenic in the trees..), you can drive all of Pinkham B to get to the sparking area. Access Pinkham B Road from the Dolly Copp Campground and Horton Center 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.


Map:  http://www.mapmyride.com/us/berlin-nh/the-lupine-ride-in-randolph-and-jefferso-route-87558153




Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Lady Slipper Ride, Out and Back: Kanc and Bear Notch 10:00 am

Thursday, June 8th, 2017

June?? Really??  More like April lately!  

BUT....I gather that we will be happily biking in June weather this Thursday!! Excellent!!

Lets do something slightly different... 

Lady Slipper Orchids, Waterfalls and 2 Covered Bridges. Sounds good!

Let's go up the Kanc along the Swift River, head past Lower Falls and Rocky Gorge. We turn right on to Bear Notch Road and head up as far as you like. The goal is to head up past the gate and enjoy the typically beautiful display of Lady Slipper Orchids along the right side of the road. They are blooming in various areas in the valley and I am hoping we hit them perfectly on Bear Notch Road. Head to the summit of Bear Notch Road, otherwise just go as far up as you like.

Our return will be that great downhill on Bear Notch and the Kanc to the Albany Covered Bridge. We can stop to regroup at Rocky Gorge for a lunch break ...IN THE SUNSHINE!!!   Return to Conway via Passaconaway Road.

It is not easy now to get group parking in Conway Village. I was told that our typical starting point at the Saco Ranger Station is posted for no parking!  We also have been shooed away from the parking lot behind the bank. Let's try a new idea and see how this works.


Meet at the parking lot on Route 16 at the ShurFine and NH Liquor Store Plaza. If we park at the ShurFine end, away from the front of the store, we should be OK, and we can access the road that goes over the Saco Covered Bridge directly by a back driveway. We then ride into Conway Village and then take the right turn up the Kanc. A bathroom stop at the Ranger Station might be required (also to check to see about that parking limitation).

Meet at the ShurFine parking lot, ready to ride at 10:00 am. Bring a snack or lunch.

Distance: about 26 miles, longer if you climb to the summit of Bear Notch.

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Ice House Road and Monotomy Road 10:00 am

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Hey... it's June!!!! WOW!

Seems like there has not been lots of excellent weather for hiking and biking so far this season. This Thursday looks mostly sunny for a change!!!

Let's do an easy ride, typically used in the early season. It is scenic and provides of some short hill climbing. It is a beautiful ride in sunny springtime weather!

Meet at the Maine Visitor's Center on Route 302, ready to ride at 10:00 am. We will head out the bike path for a warm up, then head out though Fryeburg Village and out onto Ice House Road, then out to Menotomy Road. We can go out the the end where the road turns to dirt, then return, enjoying the nice gradual downhill cruise!

Total Mileage about 22 miles.

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Rides for the Next 3 Thursdays

Thursday May 11, 2017. I see that the weather forecast just is not looking too good for this Thursday. Unfortunately I am just going to CANCEL the ride.


Thursday May 18, 2017. Hoping for a much nicer week of weather!!!  Meet at the Maine Visitor's Center at 10:00 am for the Haleytown Road and Brownfield Loop. Return via Pig Street and add Sam Brown Hill if you like!!!


Thursday May 25, 2017. Meet at Attitash at 10:00 am for the Crank Some Crawford ride. Park in the main lot at the far end away from the lifts. Ride up Route 302 to the Willey House and back. Hopefully it will be a sunny day for the great views!

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Kanc Passaconaway Loop 10:00 am

Thursday, May 4th, 2017

Lets look at the roaring Swift River as we ride up the Kanc. We can go up to Lower Falls, or perhaps up to Rocky Gorge to see the rapids and perhaps some kayaks and white water canoes! Return will be via Passaconaway Road and Conway Village.

Let's start at the Saco Ranger Station in Conway Village, on the Kanc close to the junction with Route 16. Park in the area away form the visitor center building.

Meet at the ranger station, ready to ride at 10:00 am. Bring a snack to eat while watching the rapids!

Distance: about 20 miles.

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Ride Cancelled for April 27th

Thursday, April 27th, 2017

I have been looking at the weather forecasts and I am not sure that we could ride without wet roads or fog or drizzle or all of the above.  So, let's cancel for this week and look forward to better weather next week!


Bear Notch Road update:  On Monday I rode up Bear Notch Road for 1 mile before I had to turn back due to snow as far up the road as I could see. Up to that point I had to walk the bike 5 or 6 times over snow patches (~10 to 40 ft sections) on the road. The sunny areas were clear, the shady places still a mix of snow and ice. This rain should clear more pavement, so we should be able to ride more soon!

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

First Bike Ride of 2017! River Road From Attitash 10:00 am

Thursday, April 20, 2017

It is time to put ThursdaySki to rest and wake up ThursdayBike! What a great ski season it was!  Now here is to a great bike season ahead!!

This Thursday's weather is cloudy with temperatures in the mid 50's. This is fine for a short ride to get us back on the saddle again.

Let's do the classic early season cruise: Attitash into Bartlett Village to River Road and Stilling's Grant. We can also head up to the gate at Bear Notch Road to check out where the snow line is. On Tuesday it was near the gate, only 2 patches of pavement could be seen nearby. It still looks better for skiing than biking!

Meet at the Attitash Ski Area main parking lot, at the far end away from the lifts. Be there ready to ride at 10:00.

The ride will be from between 10 to 15 miles depending on how many side roads we do.

Inspect your bikes after the winter rest: check tires, chain, brake pads, quick releases!


Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Ski out and back on Sawyer River Road 10:00 am

Thursday, April 13th, 2017

The ski season continues. Let's do an adventure up Sawyer River Road. A friend did this a few days ago and said it was excellent. Everything has been excellent lately!  Tee-shirt skiing!!!

With the warm temperatures and today's rain, the choices of where to ski get a bit more challenging. Considering the deep snow in the woods (3 to 4 feet at the top of Bear Notch Road and the top of Prospect and the Hall Trail) I think this rain could not have erased our chance of a good ski! We will try to ski out to the Swift River (next to the Kanc) or Rob Brook Road for a slightly shorter goal.

Meet at the parking area in the woods at the start of Sawyer River Road, which intersects from the LEFT on Route 302 almost immediately after the 4th Iron Bridge parking and camp area (which is on the right). This is about 4 miles west of the blinking light at Bear Notch Road in Bartlett Village.  Snowmobiles use Sawyer River Road so the snow is well-packed and groomed out for us.

10:00 meeting time, ready to ski. Bring lunch, beverage, sunscreen.

If for some reason we do not like the conditions on Sawyer River Road, we will return to Bear Notch Road and enter the snowmobile trails in the Experimental Forest, skiing up to the top of Bear Notch Road, then back down via the road. If we cannot bike it, we might as well ski it!


Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Ski up and down Bear Notch Road 9:00 am

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Thursday morning update: Yes it is gloomy, but I am going anyway to enjoy some skiing before the rain comes in. It may look gloomy, but this is better than what we will have this afternoon and tomorrow!!!

Let's try heading up and down Bear Notch Road, it should be good, soft and groomed out by snowmobiles.  We can turn around for an easy downhill back to the car in case it rains on us earlier than expected. I am starting this early in the morning ay 9:00 am so that we can hopefully get to the top and back before any rain.

Meet in the parking lot on Bear Notch Road which is on the left side just before the gate., ready to ski at 9:00 am. The snowmobilers use this lot for parking. The trip up is 4.5 miles. If all goes well, we might head back down via the forest service roads.

Bring snack and something to drink.  A waterproof jacket/hood might be worth carrying in your pack just in case of rain.




Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Bretton Woods at 10:30 am

March 30th, 2017

Amazing ski season. Last year we started ThursdayBIKE on March 17!

Bretton Woods is grooming with many trails done by 6:30 am today and more on the way as the morning progresses. Springtime rates in effect: $10. Should be good up there!

I have a friend visiting...Wednesday we did Prospect Farm at JacksonXC and it was fabulous. It is groomed again today, the Piston Bully is being left up there so it is likely that it will be done every day until the fuel supply runs out.  Also...have you filled out the JacksonXC Trails Survey?? If you have not received it by email, there is a link to it at the bottom of the daily trail conditions report on the website.

I am choosing Bretton Woods to ski today for ThursdaySki, because we did Prospect yesterday. Anyone who does not want to head to BW, I would suggest Prospect Farm, but go early to get a parking space!

If you wish to join us at Bretton Woods, be in the lodge ready to ski at 10:30 am. We will ski everything they have groomed and enjoy the mild temps and sun!

See you next week, maybe it will be a Ski-in-a-T-Shirt Day!!

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

ThursdaySki at JacksonXC 10:00 am

Thursday, April 23, 2017

Meet in the lodge at JacksonXC at 10:00 am.

We will pick the best adventure of the day dependent upon the grooming. There is a rumor that East Pasture might be groomed, or perhaps the Hall-Maple loop?

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Bretton Woods in the New Snow! 10:00 am

Thursday, March 16, 2017

WOW! Great new snow to refresh our skiing, taking the season likely into mid April at least!! ThursdayBike will remain ThursdaySki until the end, with perhaps a few times where it is ThursdaySki in the morning and ThursdayBike in the afternoon.

Bretton Woods was down to very little base until this excellent storm. Today they are grooming so it should be good for tomorrow! We had better ski there now while they have it.. there is not much to ski on up there under this new snow. Check their trails report in the morning, we might be able to ski Mountain Road!

For those of you who do not have a pass... try to find a Kiwanis Book to get a 2-Fer coupon. Otherwise it is a $21 pass, $14 for 65 and over.

Meet at the Bretton Woods Ski Touring Center Lodge at 10:00 am ready to ski in the new snow!


Wednesday, March 8, 2017

No ThursdaySki due to NCAAs

Thursday, March 9, 2017

I am not setting up a ThursdaySki this week because of the NCAA races at Jackson. I am a volunteer for the event along with a few other ThursdaySkiers.

See you next week!

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

JacksonXC at 10:00 am

Thursday, March 2, 2017

We are very lucky to have enough snow that skiing remains good in spite of the rain and warm temperatures!

Let's meet at JacksonXC at 10:00 am. We can choose the best trail of the day. I would like to go up to ski Prospect Farm as the first choice. The sun will be out and it should be a good day to eat lunch on the snow!

See you in the lodge ready to ski at 10:00 am, bring lunch/snacks and a beverage, sunscreen too!

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

WednesdaySki 9:30 am at Bretton Woods and ThursdaySki 9:30 at Bear Notch

Wednesday, February 22, 2017 and Thursday, February 23, 2017

The ski conditions are amazing and it is warm and sunny and feels like March and April Spring Skiing!! WOW!!

Can anyone join me tomorrow, WEDNESDAY at Bretton Woods Nordic? It is 2-fer day on Wednesday. They have had almost everything groomed this week, including Mountain Road and High Country Trail. Meet at the Bretton Woods Nordic Center Lodge at 9:30 am ready to ski. Bring lunch and snacks to eat in the sunshine on the trail or at the hut at the top of the T-Bar lift.


For THURSDAY, let's do Bear Notch. They have been grooming the far eastern section off of River Road (Yates Farm Trails) and the trails that lead to Attitash Ski Area.

We can do a fun one way route with a shuttle car(s) parked at Thorne Pond. Meet at the Thorne Pond parking lot at 9:15 am. (Thorne Pond is located on the north side of Route 302 across from the Bear Peak Ski Area Parking lot). For those of you (Steve!) that live in Bartlett Village-Stillings Grant, just meet us at the Bear Notch Ski Touring Center Lodge (no need to drive out to Thorne Pond).





Wednesday, February 15, 2017

February 16, 2017

I am in CT, my Mom needs some care after being in the hospital briefly.

I know you are getting even more snow!  So the skiing continues to be amazing!!

How about if you meet again at JacksonXC for a ski out into the fresh snow?  Meet at 10:00 am, in the lodge, ready to ski. Check out what has been groomed. It might be limited due to time required to groom all the deep snow, but you can ask at the front desk for what is being groomed for you!

I will see you next week!!

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

JacksonXC at 10:30 am in the new snow!

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Thursday's forecast is for temps the teens and snow arriving in the morning.

How about meeting in the JacksonXC lodge, ready to ski, at 10:30 am. This will give us time to shovel the driveway, clean off the car and allow the temps to warm up a little bit.

We will choose a good route for the day depending on the grooming report, maybe a one way down the Ellis or a one way North Hall-new connection to Maple, then Keeney back to the lodge?? The snow should be perfect!!!

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

JacksonXC 10:00 am

Thursday, February 2, 2017

I will be off in VT this Thursday to ski. I have spoken to a few ThursdaySkiers who plan to ski this Thursday, so I am posting a ThursdaySki to keep the tradition going!!

Looks like excellent ski weather for the next few days. Snow coming in tonight!!

Meet at the JacksonXC lodge, ready to ski at 10:00 am. Choose a good adventure depending on the grooming report of the morning.

I look forward to seeing you the following week!  I hope to be able to set that Thursday for a ski at Bretton Woods!!

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Bear Notch Epic, 10:00 am

Thursday, January 26, 2017

WOW, I just came in from an amazing day of skiing at Bear Notch!

It was excellent, miraculous actually, considering yesterday's weather forecast and the nor'easter that we had. We had more snow than expected, and anything else that came down else solid and could bounce. All perfect for adding to the good base already out there.

Let's meet at Bear Notch Ski Touring, in the warming barn where the soup and bread are served. Park in the back behind the barn. Be there ready to ski at 10:00 am. I have a 2-fer coupon and I have some freebies that I will use for your tickets. We can do pretty much all of their trails, the main event being the loop that goes across Bear Notch Road to the Pine Forest trails and return via Bartlett Village and the Saco River Trails.

Should be really nice!


Tuesday, January 17, 2017

JacksonXC at 11:00 am

Thursday, January 19th, 2017

The skiing today in the snow was like gliding over silk!  Tomorrow's forecast look OK, warmer than today, above freezing with a small possibility of rain mid morning.

Let's avoid that possible rain and meet a bit later than usual, at Jackson Ski Touring at 11:00 am, in the lodge, ready to ski. The skies may clear in the early afternoon. Bring a lunch or snack to eat on the trail.

We will check what is groomed and make a decision on what to ski. Even the ungroomed is excellent, so we may not be limited by grooming. My first preference is to do the Ellis River Trail one way from the Rocky Branch parking lot if possible.

See you there!



Wednesday, January 11, 2017

January Thaw

Thursday, January 12, 2017

The forecast just does not look good for a ThursdaySki this week.  Let's hope the snow pack is thick enough to endure the forecasted rain/sleet event.

See you next week!!

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

ThursdaySki at JacksonXC 10:00 am

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Happy New Year!

Jackson seems to be doing very well with the snow conditions this week. Let's meet at the lodge, ready to ski at 10:00 am. We will pick the best trails of the day. Prospect Farm may be freshly groomed, or we can do a one way down the Ellis from Rocky Branch if the Kellogg is groomed.

See you Thursday!