Great Glen, 10:00 am, $5 with a Jackson Pass

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Susie skied Great Glen today and was amazed at how good it was. Tracks for classic and skate. Her report indicates that we would have a good time on skis up there. Prospect Farm at Jackson is also good, but I don't want to deal with the parking issues on the holiday week.

Let's do Great Glen again for the $5 deal with a Jackson pass. Bring skate or classic skis. If you want to try skating you can borrow my skate skis to try them on the flat trails -- you will need SNS boots to fit the bindings. The tubing hill is closed, so you do not have to fear that we might have to do that once again.

Meet at Great Glen, lower level, at 10:00 am.

If you want to carpool:  Meet in the Jackson parking lot, across from the J-Town Deli, at 9:20 am. Otherwise, see you up there!

Great Glen Trails $5 deal, 10:00 am

Thursday, December 20, 2018

I skied at Great Glen Trails today and the conditions are excellent! The wind was blowing the powder all around,  coverage is perfect and everything is groomed. Let's go there and enjoy the $5 deal with a Jackson or Bretton Woods Nordic Season's Pass. This deal expires on Dec 31. Let's get that powder before the rain comes in on Friday!

Meet at the lower level of the main lodge at Great Glen at 10:00, Ready to Ski. Get your day pass there for the deal, don't forget to bring your JacksonXC season's pass and $5.

Carpool? If you like, meet in the JacksonXC parking lot across the street from the J-Town Deli at 9:20 am. Otherwise, see you at Great Glen!



Last week in Autumn Wonderland at Bretton Woods:

Bretton Woods $5 with Jackson Pass 10:00 am

Thursday, December 13, 2018

The XC skiing has been excellent for a month. Amazing! It is still autumn!!

Let's go up to Bretton Woods and take advantage of the pre-season $5 deal: bring your Jackson Pass and skiing will be just $5 (this deal is good until Dec 31).

Most everything is groomed up there, except for the Mountain Road Epic - we will do that another time.

Meet at the Bretton Woods XC Ski Lodge at 10:00 am. We will boot up, get passes there and head out for a circumnavigation of the trail system. Bring snacks or lunch, we might eat on route at the yurt/cabin. A hot beverage in a thermos is so very nice!

For carpooling: Meet at the far end of the Attitash parking lot, west of the lift area, at 9:25 am if you want to carpool, otherwise see you at Bretton Woods!

Here is the deal, copied from the JacksonXC website:

• $5 adult trail passes at Bretton Woods & Great Glen! Show your Jackson Ski Touring Season pass and ski for only $5. This is an early season partnership that is valid November 2018-December 31, 2018.

JacksonXC again!

Thursday, December 6, 2018

I have been away and will not return until Thursday afternoon, so once again I leave it to all of you to determine the best route of the day. I am picking JacksonXC for the ski this week, I am sure you can find the good trails!

How about meeting at the lodge, ready to ski at 10:00 am?

See you NEXT week for sure!!

ThursdaySki at JacksonXC

Thursday, November 29, 2018

The snow and skiing should be good at Jackson, so how about meeting at 10:00 in the lodge, ready to ski?  I will be not joining you this week...I am actually doing a ThursdayBIKE (??) on the Cape (seems odd to be loading the bike in the car after shoveling a pathway and clearing off the snow).

I would suggest heading up the Yodel to Eagle and the Wave. Check with the front desk to confirm.  See you next week!

ThursdayBike is now ThursdaySKI!!

Thursday, November 22, 2018

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

I am Thankful for all the ThursdayBikers and yet another great year (14th) on our bikes exploring, adventuring, eating and chatting.

Now that the bikes are put away, the skis are out. Check this blog for ThursdaySki. I will post Thursday xc ski adventures at local touring centers and some backcountry-lite adventures too. We had our first ThursdaySki last week, earliest ever. We often are still biking at this point, albeit in our xc ski clothing!

Due to the very cold and windy weather, I will not post a ThursdaySki this week. Hope to see you next week!


ThursdaySkiers on the Boggy Brook Trail, JacksonXC, Thursday, November 15, 2018

Welcome to ThursdaySki!! 11:00 JacksonXC parking lot

Thursday, November 15, 2018

"No" on the biking, for sure, .....BUT we can xc ski!!! An early start for ThursdaySki!!

Ellen says there is some grooming by snowmobile going on up at Prospect Farm, worth checking out. No pass needed. May not be excellent, but but good enough for mid November.  Bring rock skis and/or a sense of humor. If all else fails we can microspike up to the picnic table at Hall's Ledge.

Meet at the JacksonXC lodge (inside) at 11:00 am, by then the temperature will have warmed up to mid-20's, not bad with sunshine! We can then carpool up to Prospect Farm.

Bring skis, but also bring boots to walk in and microspikes or other traction devices. If the skiing is not good enough we can enjoy the snow with a good walk on the snow uphill and back.

More snow on Thursday night into Friday!! Excellent!!

Eastern Slope, West Side to the Kanc 10:00 am

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Sorry I am posting so late... I cannot join you tomorrow, but the day looks good for a ride so I am posting a meeting time for those of you who would like to get out and ride in the sunshine!

This local old favorite is a good one for this time of the year: Meet in the public parking lot behind the Eastern Slope Inn, ready to ride at 10:00 am. Head out West Side Road and head over to the Kanc. Ride as far as you like depending on the sunshine!

Finally a good day for biking!  Enjoy!! See you next week!  Maybe Tuesday will be good for a D+P ride!!

Ride Cancelled due to forecast

Thursday, November 1, 2018

The forecast is for spotty showers in the morning. Might be OK to ride for an hour then get some drizzle, then clouds then drizzle. Not the most exciting weather to demand a bike ride. So, the ride is cancelled.  I hope for some warmer and sunny weather for next week -- perhaps  we can ride!

Sunny day, let's ride; Maine Visitor Center to Monotomy Road 10:30 am

Thursday, October 25th, 2018

Ok, I need to beat the cabin fever and get out on the bike. It will be a bright sunny day, up to 45 degrees, not too bad, xc ski clothing should work well to maintain the warmth.  Here is a short ride that does not have any huge hills so we will not sweat and chill.

We ride out the bike path then go into Fryeburg Village and out Icehouse Road then near the north end of Lovewell Pond, eventually crossing Route 302 and going out on scenic Menotomy Road. There is a gradual climb, we can go all the way to the end or cut it short depending on the weather.

Meet at the Maine Visitor's Center located just over the border in Fryeburg, ready to ride at 10:30 am.

Mileage? About 20 or 24 miles depending on the side trips we might take.

Default ride for the hearty ones 11:00am, Eastern Slope

Thursday, October 18th, 2018

The temperature is going to be low and there will be some breeze, but that does not seem to stop this group of hardy cyclists. I could cancel the ride, but what the heck, I will post the default ride and if you are in need of pedaling, here you go:

11:00 am, ready to ride, public parking lot behind the Eastern Slope Inn

Head out the usual West Side Road to Passaconaway, to the covered bridge or as far as you like to go.

I will not be able to join in, I am going to a Bike-Pedestrian conference in Concord. I may stop to get some miles on the Northern Rail Trail in Boscawen as I drive south. This trail is the longest rail trail in NH, 53 miles from Boscawen to Lebanon, hard packed stone dust. It will be extended south to Concord eventually!

See you next week!


Happy Gravel Grinders: Great D+P ride on Tuesday in the sunshine! (OK, some wind and mid 40 temperatures, but the sun makes everything sweet!!)

Rain Cancels the Ride.

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Looks like the rain will come in for Thursday. Unfortunately, I must cancel the ride.

The foliage is so beautiful... I really wish we could ride!  See you next week!

Short Local Ride on Thursday 9:30 start....Also, New Ride on Friday 10:00 start

Thursday, October 4, 2018

For THURSDAY:  The weather forecast looks OK but not great, likely we can get in a short local ride. Some of the forecasts suggest early morning fog, then partly sunny, then showers by 1:00.  Temperatures in the morning are 58 to 62, pretty good.

IF the weather looks good out the window in the morning, how about trying the classic ride down West Side Road to Passaconaway Road and up to the Albany Covered Bridge. We can turn around if the weather comes in early, go further if the sun stays out. The forecasts have not been trustworthy lately, so make your own decision from what you see in the early morning.

Meet at the public parking lot behind the Eastern Slope Inn in North Conway at 9:30 am, ready to ride.


Info for the FRIDAY ride:

Dave Sias once again has offered to host one of his favorite rides, particularly for fall foliage viewing. It starts in the Littleton, NH area, near the Moore Dam, and rides south on Route 135 to Woodsville. He says that much of the ride is up on a ridge with impressive views. The ride is about 40 miles.


Here is what Dave says about his ride:

The views along the ridge between Monroe and the Littleton line are spectacular, and the stretch between Monroe and Woodsville is very pleasant farm country.  All road surfaces are new or nearly new except for the first couple of miles south of Moore Dam and a bit near Woodsville.

The route is so good at foliage time I always do out and back on Rte 135. It is a 40 mile round trip ride Moore Dam to Woodsville. There are grassy areas at the covered bridge in Woodsville for lunch.

The starting point would be the parking area directly off exit 44 from Rte 93.  Coming off the exit you go straight across Route 135 into the lot.  

Let's meet at the parking area on the reservoir, at Exit 44, ready to ride at 10:00 am on FRIDAY.
Drive out past Bethlehem on Route 302, then get onto Route 93 north. After a few miles the reservoir will be on your right and the next exit will be Exit 44. Take the exit and at the intersection, go straight across Route 135 into the parking area on the shore of the reservoir.

From Glen, it is a 1 hour drive to the start.

Bring snacks and lunch to enjoy in Woodsville.

Car pool:  If you want to carpool, meet at the Attitash parking lot, far end away from the lifts at 8:45 am, otherwise see you there.

Here is the map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28715189

Franconia Notch Bike Path and Kinsman's Notch Loop 10:00 am

Thursday, September 27, 2018

After a few days of rain, it is time to bike! This is the season of EPIC bike rides with fall foliage viewing!! 

The weather forecasts for Thursday, as of Tuesday evening, indicate a mix of clouds and sunshine with temps in the low to mid 60's and light wind. Let's get some warmer clothing out of storage and 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 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. 

Bring food for lunch at the glider airport and warm clothing for the downhills.

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 10:00 am.

Carpool from the Attitash parking lot (far end, away from the lifts) at 8:45 am. It is a one hour drive to Woodstock from Glen. 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


Friday Ride!

If you would like to ride on FRIDAY, Sept 28th: 

Edith and Bob have chosen the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, 11:00 am start at the trailhead in St Johnsbury. There may be some weather issues on Friday, but that is too far away to know for sure at this point. I will update this blog by Thursday.

Round trip we will have a 34 mile car-free adventure!!

Directions:

Take Route 302 over Crawford Notch towards Bethlehem and get onto Route 93 north to Vermont. At the Route 91 interchange, go north on 91 for a very short distance, hardly off the entrance ramp. Take this first exit, Exit 20, 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. It is a very quick succession of right, right, right, right. The map app says it is a 1 hour 15 minutes drive.

Carpool? If you like, meet at Attitash parking lot, far end away from the lifts, at 9:30 am to carpool, otherwise, meet at the trailhead in St Johnsbury.

No porta-potty at the trailhead, so stop at the Welcome to Vermont Visitors Center on the right side of RT 93 soon after you cross the CT River.

Bring snacks and lunch or stop at the General Store in West Danville. We can eat at picnic tables on the beach at Joe's Pond. 

Here is more info on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail:

The eastern end of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail runs about 17 miles from St. Johnsbury to Danville, ending alongside Joe's Pond. It is part of a project that is patching together pieces of the rail line to eventually establish the longest continuous rail trail in New England, stretching about 100 miles across Vermont from St. Johnsbury to St. Albans.

The surface is hard packed smooth stone dust. There are tunnels and bridges, lots of forest, good views of the Vermont hillsides and some lakeside biking. When we have done the trail in the past there were bikers, pedestrians, dog walkers, and horses out enjoying the trail.

The surface is fine for most bikes. Teeny tiny skinny tires have been used on this trail, but will slip in the rougher spots, not as much fun  as compared to wider tires. The occasional surface issues are at some of the road crossings, the interface between the trail and the road is sometimes soft and sandy with a bump. The trail climbs gradually all the way to Danville, 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!! A Thank You to the railroad designers, and surveyors.

Check out the website:  www.lvrt.org

NEW RIDE: Effingham and Province Lake Loop 9:30 am

Thursday, September 20, 2018

We have a new ride for this week's ThursdayBike! Dave Sias will share one of his favorite rides with us this Thursday.

Be Ready to Ride at the parking lot at the boat launch just south of the junction of Routes 153 and 25 in Freedom. This is about a 50 minute drive from Beautiful Downtown Glen, 25 minutes form Conway Village.

Here is the description from Dave:

Effingham/Province Lake/Ossipee Loop

This ride goes south on Rte 153, from Rte 25,  through Effingham, Center Effingham, South Effingham and around Province Lake with a short stretch in Maine.  The quaint historic area in Effingham is a treat and home to the location of the first Normal School in New Hampshire.  A little over a mile past Province Lake the route turns Northwest on Pickpocket Road with some nice views and travels on Granite Road and Rte 171 over to Ossippee, after crossing Rte 16.  Heading back on Rte 28 we cross Rte 16 again and turn right onto Elm St. after a very short stretch on Rte 16. Then a left turn onto Green Mtn Road at Pine River takes us back to Rte 25 and a one mile stretch on Rt 25 back to the start, 29 miles total.  While mostly relatively flat, there is a 1/2 mile climb at 2 miles and a 3/4 mile climb at 10 miles just past Province Lake.  On Pickpocket there are three very short but steep "rollers" on the first part of that road.

Start point is the boat launching ramp parking area on Rte 153 just 100 yards south of Rte 25.  Park on the left on pavement or on the right on the grass.

Here is the map:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/new

If you want to Carpool: 

From Glen: Meet at 8:20 at the back end of the Grant's supermarket parking lot

From Conway: Meet at the State Liquor Store Plaza, southern end parking area near the closed IGA and bank, 8:50.

VT Side of the CT River to Pittsburg and Colebrook 9:30 am

Thursday, September 13th, 2018 

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 a 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 re-opened last year). 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 coffee and pastry shop, 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. 

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. For those of you living north of the notch, contact me and I can put you in touch for carpooling, if you like.

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 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:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Indian_Stream
https://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/

North Fryeburg, maybe The Basin 9:00

Thursday, September 6, 2018 

Morning weather update:  Still widely conflicting forecasts (?)  Let's ride. North Fryeburg is an easy place to shorten a ride if the weather moves in!  See you there!

I am keeping the ride local and early today due to conflicting weather reports. Looks like there could be rain and storms in the afternoon, 3:00, which would be just fine, but one forecast, by NOAA, shows the chances occurring earlier. So here is my best guess as of Wednesday morning!

Let's meet in North Fryeburg at the corner of South Chatham Road and Route 113, alongside the park next to the Saco Valley Fire Station. As you already know, please do not block the fire station parking area. No bathroom facilities here, use the porta-potty at the little white church at the corner of Fish Street.

Start, Ready to Ride, 9:00 am

We can head to Cornshop to view sunflowers and horses, then take Fish downhill - because it was paved!!! We head to the Stow store and either do the Chatham loop or continue to the Basin. We can make this decision by the forecast and best estimate of the rain/storm arrival. Ride as far as you like, many options to choose from if you need to shorten your mileage. 

IF the forecast looks like a early arrival of bad weather check this blog in the morning for an update. No riding in the rain or storms!

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

Doing the ride starting south on 113 all the way to Cornshop for Mares-and-Foals viewing will give you about 34 miles. Taking a left onto Fish Street at the church (and port potty) and left on MacNeil, it will be about a 29 mile ride.  Or, just go to the Stow Store. It' all good.

Map for the grand tour:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/13138318

North Road to Bethel, 9:00 am

Thursday, August 30, 2018

With warm temperatures and the busy, trafficy roads full of pre-Labor Day vacationers, the North Road to Bethel ride is a shady, quiet alternative.

I cannot be with you on this Thursday, but I am sure that one of you (?) will take on the role of host and welcome a new rider who will be joining in on this ride!

Meet at the North Road starting point, in the parking area at the intersection of North Road and Hogan Road, north of 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.

Total distance: About 39 miles

Map:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/13189960

Apple Acres from Brownfield, 9:00 am

Thursday, August 23, 2018

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 is early for the apple season, likely the farm store is closed, but the views are still there!

Start the ride from the Brownfield Community Center, head to Route 160 via Pig Street. At about 10 miles, turn left on Tripptown Road, across from a cemetery, then left on Durgintown Rd. These roads are shady, scenic, quiet biking gems. Stop at Apple Acres for the view, then continue downhill and turn left on scenic River Road to Hiram. The 4-Corners Store has reopened so perhaps you may want to take a short side trip there for snacks and chocolate milk. Return by a short sprint on Route 113/5 then left on Notch Road (but, no notch to climb) and then back onto Route 160 back to Brownfield.

Distance is about 35 miles. 

Dave and Connie will be the hosts for this ride.

Meet at the Brownfield Community Center, ready to ride at 9:00 am. 

To drive there from the Conway area take Route 302 to the Maine border and take a right onto Haleytown Road. Take a left onto Hampshire Road towards Brownfield Center. Bear left at the Y junction with Route 160. The community center will be at about 0.7 mile on your right. It is approximately 30 minutes from North Conway Village, about 45 minutes from Glen.

Carpool if you like, from the back of Grant's parking lot, 8:00 am. Otherwise, see you in Brownfield.

Here is the map:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/13096250

Vermont Side of the CT River: Lancaster to DeBanville's Store 9;30 am

Thursday August 16, 2018

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, no traffic, plenty of Holstein cows along the way. ...very Vermont.

The weather looks good for us, the best day of the week, sunny and no chance of rain! (well at least by all the forecasts on Tuesday evening...)!!  Let's take advantage of this great forecast and head to Vermont!

This ride follows the southern section of VT102, starting from Lancaster, heading north to DeBanville's General Store. This store had been closed and for sale for a few years, but it reopened last year. We can get food and ice cream there for lunch. 

Weather: Looks good. We might have some wind from the northwest, excellent for 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 Attitash 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, a few 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. 

Map:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/13189233

Lovely Lovell Loops 9:00 am YES, Let's gp for it

Thursday, August 9, 2018

UPDATE as of 7:30 am Thursday:  The radar suggests that we could do fine with our relatively short morning ride.  Most of the activity is to our north and south.  Let's go for it, see you at 9:00.

Some forecasts indicate morning t-storms ONLY at 9:00 am, others indicate t-storms at every hour EXCEPT 9:00 am. Quite a conundrum for me as I deal with my welcome back to the Lower 48.  With the scattered nature of the storms and showers going through our area over these last few days, anything can happen.

It is therefore obvious that I set the time for us to meet at 9:00 and we will see what happens. If the weather looks bad out the window in the morning, and the radar indicates a storm on the way, the ride will be cancelled or postponed. I will post here if need be.


Lovely Lovell Loops

This is a newly designed ride thanks to Connie. A few weeks ago, Connie, Denise and I went out to give it a try. It is a great ride, hilly but not too hilly, quiet roads with lots of NEW PAVEMENT! Smooth black velvet! It is not a long ride so we should be able to get it done before any afternoon showers.  Short in mileage, but long on workout and scenery.

Start at the park next to the North Fryeburg Saco Valley Fire Station (corner or Route 113 and South Chatham Road). Park away from the fire station, leave that area open for the firefighters.

We head out on Harbor Road all the way to Lovell, then go up Christian Hill Road, head out by Ebenezer's Restaurant and then cross Route 5. We go up Old Waterford Road and do a scenic quiet but thrilling loop on Eastman Hill and Old Stage Road. Return is back by Ebenezar's, but then we head out to the Kezar Lake Narrows for a lakeside lunch and/or ice cream break and maybe a swim. Head back via Shave Hill (sometimes called Swamp Road, now newly paved!) and Harbor Road.

This is a 24 mile ride. It can be lengthened if the weather forecast allows us to add in Fish Street/MacNeil or MacNeil, up Fish, down Cornshop.

Here is the map:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28020504

Evans Notch from Shelburne Village and North Road 9:00 am

Thursday, August 2, 2018

I will not be able to join you this week, but here is a great ride that is mostly in the shade for a good warm day ride option. I will presume that there will be many riders who know this route well and can easily lead the way and help out any newcomers.

To make the ride a bit different, start in Shelburne Village instead of the usual Hogan Road/North Road parking area near the dam. By starting in Shelburne, you will cut out about 3 miles and 2 tough hills at the end of the ride. You add a mile of flat scenic farmland, the river, perhaps a horse and a donkey that will want to join in, not a bad exchange. 

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

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

Mileage: About 32 if you do the whole ride to the top of Evans Notch, about 28 if you go to the bridge just before the climb goes from gradual to steep. 

Shorter option?  Start at the iron bridge for a really nice 18 mile ride. 

Time:  Ready to ride at 9:00 am in Shelburne Village. 
If you want to start at the iron bridge, look for riders coming across it at about 9:25-9:35. 

Meeting place and parking: Start from Shelburne Village, just off Meadow Road (a left turn off of Route 2 about 5 miles east from the route 16/2 junction in Gorham). After turning left into Meadow from Route 2 take a quick right onto Village Road. Take a left into the park and park on the left off the dirt pathway on the grass.  Meadow Road joins North Road at that grassy triangle intersection close to the Philbrook Inn. 

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

Here is a map:   https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28223686

Cancelled due to the rainy forecast

Thursday, July 26, 2018

The forecasts just don't look good for a bike ride, so, unfortunately, I will cancel this Thursday's ride.
At least the dry conditions are being cured!!

The Brownfield Tour 9:00 am

Thursday, July 19, 2018

(Also...see a FridayBike opportunity, info below...)

Thursday, July 19, 2018
This is yet another great ride that covers almost all of the pleasant biking roads in Brownfield, Maine. Starting out of the Maine Visitor's Center, the ride goes south on Haleytown Road, then turns left on Hampshire and goes into the village of Brownfield, bearing left onto Main Street, Route 160. Cross Route 5, staying on Route 160,  and cross the Saco River. Bear left to go up Lord's Hill Road, enjoy some views, enjoy the downhill, then right onto Rocky Knoll where you will do a few short but energetic hills. Return by Route 160 and then Pig Street for some nice flat riding.  Heading back on 160 and then Hampshire, bear left on good pavement to Sam Brown's Hill for more good views, a nice downhill and pleasant riding back on Hampshire and Haleytown.

Start at the Maine Visitors Center on Route 302, just over the border in Fryeburg, Maine.

Ready to ride at 9:00 am

Distance 32 miles. Many shorter options are possible!

Map:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/13084230


FridayBike, Friday, July 20th:
I will not be able to join you all this Thursday ... but I can ride on FRIDAY.
Join me for "The Andover Ride". it is a fantastic 50 miler (I need the training miles!) starting from the riverside park in Bethel, Maine (where we enjoy lunch on the North Road ride). Ready to ride up there at 9:00 am.  Let me know if you will be there:  email:  marianneborowski@yahoo.com. If there are enough interested we can arrange carpools from the JacksonXC lot.

Lost Nation Loop 9:00 am in Whitefield

Thursday, July 12, 2018

Thursday looks good for a long ride, high seventies, sunshine, so lets head out to do this really great ride.

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.  This is a nice 50, the climbing is in the first half of the ride, a good one for your "First 50-Miler".

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. Bring plenty of water. There is a convenience store/gas station near the covered bridge that is hopefully still open for water refills and snacks.

Start time: 9:00 am, ready to ride

Carpooling: If you want to carpool, meet at the Attitash parking lot at 7:45 am, otherwise, see you in Whitefield.

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. (see elevation profile, below)

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



Map, 50 mile ride:
From Whitefield: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28020766

Elevation profile:





Map: Shorter version, 27 miles, from Lancaster:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/13191276

Elevation profile:

Thursday Kayak and 4th of July Parade info

Thursday, July 5th, 2018

With 95 degree temperatures and sunshine, it will just be TOO HOT to bike. Instead, let's take to the lake and kayak or canoe instead.  Frank has offered a lake adventure for us. His yard is near a boat launch on the north end of the lake (Kennett Beach). He has parking for our cars at his house at the north end of Silver Lake in Madison.

Let's meet at the kayak launch at 8:30 am, ready to launch. This should allow us some hours on the lake before the heat gets too much for enjoyment. This means you need to get there earlier to unload your boat and then bring your car back to Frank's driveway for parking (there is no parking at Kennett Beach, but Frank lives next to the park).

Directions to the kayak/canoe launch:

From Conway Village, at the traffic light, zero your odometer. Take route 16 south, then soon after the Subaru dealership take a left onto Route 113 to Madison. Follow route 113 south. As you near Madison Village, 113 will curve sharply to the right. Pass the elementary school, town hall, keep going, Frank's house is on the left on a little hill at about 8 miles. After his house, on the left, you will see the lake and you will cross a small bridge over a stream. Take a left into Kennett Beach after the bridge. This is about 8.2 miles from Conway Village.  Unload your boat and gear, then take your car to Frank's house to park. Try to be ready to launch at 8:30 am.

Bring swim gear, a hat, sunscreen, long sleeved shirt, lots of water and some food to enjoy while paddling. Helpful hints: Long-fingered bike gloves work great to protect from blisters and keep the sun off your hands.  Long length shorts or a towel to cover the top of your thighs so they don't sunburn while paddling.



4th of July Parade info:


UPDATE FROM SALLY MCMURDO, for CONWAY PARADE, TUESDAY JULY 3rd

"Can you let people know that the time for Conway parade was changed to 1:30, not 1:00. Anyone who wants to march with the rec group should show up at Hillside Avenue around 1:00."

Information on the BARTLETT 4th of July Parade, marching with the Bicycling Club Banner:  Same routine as in the past:

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

Best way to see this spectacle is by bike. Meet at the Attitash parking lot at 9:45 am, ready to ride, at the far west end of the lot, away from the lifts, in the shade. We can ride over to Bartlett Village before Route 302 turns into a linear parking lot of annoyed drivers. After the parade, get a bowl full of strawberry shortcake made by the church ladies and gents. 
By then the traffic should clear for our return to our cars at Attitash. 

Meet at 9:45 am, ready to ride at Attitash. I have some red white and blue bling for you for decoration.


Information on the CONWAY 4th of July parade, marching with the Recreation Path Banner. Parade starts at 1:00 pm. Information below from Jill at the Gibson Center:

“July 4th parade information for Conway 2018

Update from Sally McMurdo,  on Tuesday July 3rd:

Can you let people know that the time for Conway parade was changed to 1:30,not 1:00.Anyone who want sto march with the rec group should show up at Hillside Avenue around 1:00.

The parade will run from Hillside Ave (near covered bridges) to the Kennett Junior High School, and floats will dismantle by HAM Arena.

The parade starts at 1PM and will last for 20 minutes (that is all the time we are allowed since it is a State Road)   

People are welcome to line up, starting at noon.  But don’t wait in line too long without keeping cool, we don’t need anyone passing out (as has happened in the past).  All floats and vehicles need to be in place by 12:30.

We are allowed to hand items to people along the way, but not allowed to just throw stuff that might cause people to run into the street.

The Community Outreach Committee is planning on marching/riding, etc. in the Conway 4th of July parade to promote the Rec Path. We're looking for people of all ages and abilities to be in the parade behind our banner.

It'd be fun for people to" dress up" as rec path users- runners, walkers, bird watchers, roller skiers,  snow shoers (carrying their shoes of course), dog walkers,,  people with carriages, wheelchairs and the like. Bring a group and come join us! The more the merrier!”

Rainout This Thursday. Here is info on July 4th parades, Bartlett 11:00 am and Conway1:30 pm

Thursday, June 28th, 2018

No matter how many weather forecasts I search through, all are in agreement that this Thursday is a washout, not a bike day.  See you next week!

Parades:

4th of July is NEXT WEEK, Wednesday, wow, so here is information for you if you, your friends and family would like to proudly ride your bikes in a parade!! It is crazy, silly fun.. Dress up in red, she and blue bling, and enjoy!  Do Bartlett or Conway or both.

Information on the BARTLETT 4th of July Parade, marching with the Bicycling Club Banner:  Same routine as in the past:

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

Best way to see this spectacle is by bike. Meet at the Attitash parking lot at 9:45 am, ready to ride, at the far west end of the lot, away from the lifts, in the shade. We can ride over to Bartlett Village before Route 302 turns into a linear parking lot of annoyed drivers. After the parade, get a bowl full of strawberry shortcake made by the church ladies and gents. 
By then the traffic should clear for our return to our cars at Attitash. 

Meet at 9:45 am, ready to ride at Attitash.


Information on the CONWAY 4th of July parade, marching with the Recreation Path Banner. Parade starts at 1:00 pm. Information below from Jill at the Gibson Center:

“July 4th parade information for Conway 2018

Update from Sally McMurdo,  on Tuesday July 3rd:

Can you let people know that the time for Conway parade was changed to 1:30,not 1:00.Anyone who want sto march with the rec group should show up at Hillside Avenue around 1:00.

The parade will run from Hillside Ave (near covered bridges) to the Kennett Junior High School, and floats will dismantle by HAM Arena.

The parade starts at 1PM and will last for 20 minutes (that is all the time we are allowed since it is a State Road)   

People are welcome to line up, starting at noon.  But don’t wait in line too long without keeping cool, we don’t need anyone passing out (as has happened in the past).  All floats and vehicles need to be in place by 12:30.

We are allowed to hand items to people along the way, but not allowed to just throw stuff that might cause people to run into the street.

The Community Outreach Committee is planning on marching/riding, etc. in the Conway 4th of July parade to promote the Rec Path. We're looking for people of all ages and abilities to be in the parade behind our banner.

It'd be fun for people to" dress up" as rec path users- runners, walkers, bird watchers, roller skiers,  snow shoers (carrying their shoes of course), dog walkers,,  people with carriages, wheelchairs and the like. Bring a group and come join us! The more the merrier!”

Presidential Views: Bretton Woods to Jefferson 10:00 am

Thursday June 21, 2018

Here is a ride to celebrate the first day of summer. This ride also celebrates the beauty of the Presidential Range and the great views from Bretton Woods, Twin Mountain and the Jefferson Valley.  This ride has some long gradual climbs, but nothing too serious. The lupines are still in bloom and we will pass some fields of them along the way.

Meet at the Bretton Woods Ski Area. Park in the big lot across from the fitness center, which is on the right just after you turn off Route 302 into the Bretton Woods Ski Area entrance.

Meet at 10:00 am, ready to ride.

The route will head out onto 302 west to Twin Mountain, and takes right onto Route 3 at the lights. Another right onto Route 115 for a gradual up and then over to the scenic vista, overlooking Pondicherry and the Jefferson Range. We continue on a great downhill all the way to a left onto Israel's River Road. We will head up to the village of Jefferson to the general store/gas station where there is food, ice cream and a grassy park to picnic. We then return to Route 115A, head back up to the Scenic Vista and return to Bretton Woods.

Total distance is 39 miles. To shorten the route to 30 miles you could park at the tourist info center with the gazebo and cog railway locomotive in Twin Mountain at the junction of Route 302 and Route 3 and join in as the riders pass by, maybe around 10:20ish.

If you want to carpool, meet at the far end of the Attitash ski area parking lot at 9:15 am, otherwise, see you at Bretton Woods!

map:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27844638

Weather issues...RIde Cancelled

Thursday, June 14th, 2018

I just don't like the forecasts for this Thursday-- looks like cool temperatures with clouds and wind in the early morning but as the morning progresses the showers will come in.

I regret to just have to cancel the ride.

See you next week!

The Lady Slipper Orchid Ride: Kanc to Bear Notch Road 10:00 am

Thursday, June 7th, 2018

The Lady Slipper Orchids are now blooming in the woods. Over the past few years there has been a nice display of these orchids alongside Bear Notch Road from the Kanc up to around the gate area.

Let's go up the Kanc along the Swift River, head past Lower Falls and Rocky Gorge. We turn right onto Bear Notch Road. 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. Head to the summit of Bear Notch Road if you like, otherwise just go to see the orchids. 

Our return will be that great downhill on Bear Notch and the Kanc to the Albany Covered Bridge. On the way back we could stop at the Russel Colbath House, it might be open by now.

We could stop to regroup at Rocky Gorge for a lunch break if the bugs are tolerable, then return to Conway via Passaconaway Road and the short ride on West Side Road and back over the Saco Covered Bridge to the parking lot.

Meet at the parking lot on Route 16 in Conway at the NH Liquor Store Plaza (used to have a Shurfine/IGA and bank). If we park at the ShurFine/bank end, the south end, 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.

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.