Old River Frog

Well, we've had a ride in North Conway and one to our north in Gorham and one to our south in Chocorua. So now its time to head east to North Fryeburg on a ride I call Old River Frog. On Tuesday June 2nd, we'll explore the very scenic and less visited area by the old course of the Saco River. A majority of this nearly 11 mile ride will be on Old River Road and Frog Alley. The turn around point will be The Hemlock Covered Bridge. This ride is for all abilities on pretty flat, paved and dirt roads with little car traffic. The views are fantastic and the forecast calls for a bug deterring breeze. For those of you who would like to add a few miles to your route there is the option of doing a 6 1/2 mile loop at the end of the ride.

The meeting place will be at the Scenic Vista (just north of North Conway on route 16) at 9:00am. Carpooling, which I strongly encourage you to do, can be arranged at the Scenic Vista before heading over Hurricane Mountain Road. For those of you who would like to venture to North Fryeburg on your own please email me at chumley@earthlink.net or call me at 383-6192 for the North Fryeburg starting point.

See you soon, Joan

Chocorua Lake Loop - May 26

The weather forecast looks very good for Tuesday. So let's venture out of the valley to Chocorua. This is one of Bob Houlihan's favorite rides and he will be leading the group this week as I'm in Philadelphia. Below is Bob's description of the Chocorua Lake Loop.

This week I would would like to ride the dirt roads just south of Chocorua Lake in Tamworth. This a relatively easy 12 mile ride with a couple of hills going out Fowler's Mill Road and returning through Hemmingway State Forest. Car traffic is very light on this loop.

Meet at the parking lot on the west side of route 16 at the intersection of Fowler's Mill Road (also known as Chocorua Lake Road). Be ready to ride at 10 AM. For those wishing to carpool meet at 9:15 AM in the back of the parking lot behind the Laconia Savings Bank, which is located at the intersection of route 16 and 153 in Conway Village.

The ride goes out Fowler's Mill Road for 4.7 miles
Left on route 113A
After .1 miles left on Old Mail Road
After 2.3 miles left on Gardner Hill Road
After 1.9 miles left on 113
Then in another .1 left on Philbrick Neighborhood Road
After 1.4 mi right on Loring Road
In another .8 we take a right on Fowler's Mill back to the beginning

If the bugs aren't too bad we can have lunch by the lake.

Cedar Creek Loop De Loo

Tuesday morning, May 19th, we will explore the National Forest Trails to the west of the Cedar Creek and Birch Hill neighborhoods off West Side Road in North Conway. I've mapped out two loops which combine about 7 miles of mostly forest roads and about 3 miles of pavement. The total time to do both loops at a moderate pace, without stops, is about two hours. Our group will probably complete the ride in about three hours with water and snack/lunch stops.

The first loop is pretty flat and suitable for all abilities and the second loop is only slightly longer and requires slightly more effort. For those who want a shorter ride I suggest doing the first loop only.

We'll enter The National Forest on a trail from Cedar Creek where there is no street parking allowed. I've arranged for us to park at a friend's house in the area. So let's meet at the parking lot behind the Eastern Slopes Theatre. It's entrance is just off River Road in North Conway.

Please be ready to carpool from the parking lot over to Cedar Creek at 9:30 sharp! Check your tires and bring a snack/lunch. I was on the trails Saturday. Black flies weren't yet a problem, but at one stop I was eyed by a few mosquitoes. Bring bug spray, just in case.

See you Tuesday, Joan

Presidential Range Rail Trail Ride May 12th

Good Group, Good Trail, Good Fun
According to one group member, "That was a great ride!" and it was. Temperatures were mild and the sky was partly sunny. The group displayed a wide range of biking skills, from the very experienced to the first timer, and this trail suited all of us. The first half of the ride was almost imperceptibly uphill and the return was a "breeze". We all handled the gravel/dirt surface without a problem.

There were numerous moose prints and signs of other four footed creatures including bear, deer, coyote and beaver. A turkey and several broad winged hawks graced us with their presence. Blooms of trillium, pin cherry and hobblebush enhanced the beauty of the scenery.

Check this blog Sunday night ( 5-17) for an update on next Tuesday's (5-19) ride. Thanks to those adventurous souls who ventured out for our first ride.

Happy Trails, Joan

RATS!

The weather prognosticators are not being cooperative. Its going to be cold and wet tomorrow. Rats! So let's postpone the ride to next Tuesday, May 12th. Same time, same route, same place, same plan, just better weather. See you next Tuesday.

To aid in the planning process, could you please send me an email, using the link below, to let me know that you are interested in next week's ride.

Thanks, Joan