This is a summer version of The Lupine Ride, with great views of the Presidentials, Wambek and Cherry Mountain. It is also a section of the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail that is likely the most scenic, if you have never done this ride, you will be happily surprised at how beautiful it is!
Valley Road has excellent views. It also had a dirt section for the road for about 1.8 miles. It has been in good shape this season. Bring a gravel grinder or hybrid or mountain bike if you want to fly right through this section with a smile. Having a bike with wider tires also allows you to return to your car using the Presidential Rail Trail, a gem! I would encourage you to bring the wider tires, lead the skinny ones at home.
Start time: 9:00 am ready to ride
Bring lunch or snacks.
Meet at the parking lot on the west (Randolph) end of Pinkham B Road at the rail trail crossing near the public works building. 9:00 am start.
Carpool: Meet at the Jackson Ski Touring/Wentworth Golf Club parking area across the street from the J-Town Deli at 8:10 am.
Ride length: 28 miles. Add 4 more if we decide to head into Pondicherry to the viewing platform. It is 34 miles if we decide to add the Jefferson loop.
Route description: Cross Route 2 over to Durand Road. Ride it all the way up to the end of the dead end and walk the path up to Route 2. Ride about 1.5 miles and take a left onto Valley Road. Ride out Valley to Route 115. We can go into Pondicherry or go up to Jefferson, we can decide there. Head back by Valley Road then choose Durand Road or the Rail Trail for the smiling downhill back to Pinkham B.
Directions to the start: The start is at the Randolph end of the Pinkham B Road. There is parking right next to where the Presidential Rail Trail crosses Pinkham B.
Drive route 16 to Gorham, follow it left at the intersection and then take a left on Route 2 at the traffic light. Go up the big hill and down the other side. Just as the hill flattens, Pinkham B Road will be on your left. Take the left and drive about 0.5 mile to the parking area near the rail trail on the right.
For a map:
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/18419892
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