Update, Friday at 6:30pm
NOTE CHANGE IN START LOCATION!!!
The meeting/starting point change is due to snow and mud on the rail trail in Randolph. All is good at Pondicherry, so lets go there first.
Saturday, April 24th
Here is the info from Ellin and Bob:
UPDATE on Meeting Place!!! Same time: 10:00 a.m. start Bring lunch, water and a gravel or mountain bike!!! Looks like a beautiful sunny day coming our way!
Here is the change in meeting place and route update for tomorrow’’s Celebrate National Trails Day!!!
Because of Thursday's storm, we will start at the parking lot on 115A and complete the Pondicherry section first. Then we will ride to Israel River Road and continue on Valley Road to Jefferson Notch Road. The views of the Presidential Range on Valley Road are spectacular. When we reach Jefferson Notch Road, we can check the trail conditions. If the snow has melted enough, we can continue to the Israel River Bridge. If not, we can take our lunch break near there and then head back to the parking area. Total distance will be around 19 miles.
To get to the parking area on 115A (also known as Meadows Road), take 302 towards Twin Mountain. Turn right at the Intersection of Route 3. Then another right onto 115. Continue on until you see 115A - there is a sign there and turn left. The parking lot will be on the left.
The above update has been added to the MWV Bicycling Club website Ride Guide as well!
Hope to see you there! 😊🚲
Wow...Even more info.... With stunning photos!!
Saturday, April 24th - 10:00
Our route will start on the Presidential Rail Trail in the Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge at Cherry Pond. We will then head out for the Presidential Views out on Valley Road.
Today, in Pondicherry:
Looking across Cherry Pond
The Trail with views of the Presidential Range
Along the way, we will go by the Israel River Bridge which was built in 1917 and refitted last Fall with new abutments. We will see a number of "beaver deceivers" and pass by a dog sled business - you don't see (or hear) that everyday! On the way back, we will route over to a paved back road and connect to Valley Way. Besides a smoother surface, there are great views of the Presidential Range.
The ride is definitely suited for gravel bikes or mountain bikes. We rode the trail last week and there are some muddy spots. The 4 mile section of the trail in Pondicherry is in great shape and the route has minimal elevation gain.
Looking ahead at the weather, Saturday looks good with temperatures in the low 50's. However, there is some precipitation in the forecast for mid-week. We will ride the trail on Thursday and post an updated trail condition report. We may move the start to the Pondicherry parking lot on Meadows Road. We want this to be a fun day so please check back on Friday to verify the start.
