Tuesday, September 1st
Let’s explore the Pine Barrens in Madison. This area is New Hampshire’s last intact example of a pitch pine/scrub oak woodland, a globally rare forest type. The main trails are wide, firm(if a bit sandy) and flat. There may be a section of the West Branch Trail that is wet due to the recent rains. So expect a bit of mud and a walk through this area. There will be a couple of trail segments that are more like simple single track than the main wide trails. We should cover about 10 miles in two hours or so. This ride is suitable for an experienced and confidant advanced novice. We’ll stop for lunch at Silver Lake.
Directions: Take Route 16 south of Conway to the intersection of Route 113 at Coleman’s. Take a left and follow 113 through Madison. After you see Silver Lake on your left, Route 41 will diverge to the left. Follow Route 41 for 3.4 miles along the western side of the lake. The Nature Conservancy entrance and sign will be on the left directly opposite Black Birch Road. Drive in to the kiosk and parking area.
Or take Route 16 south to the junction of Route 16 and Route 41 in Ossipee, follow Route 41 north for approximately 2 miles, crossing into the Town of Madison. The entrance to the preserve will be on the right side of the road, marked by a TNC sign.
Please be ready to ride at 9:30am.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Whitaker and Shedd Woods and Pudding Pond
Tuesday, August 25th Ride
Last week we made the journey to Littleton for a very successful ride so let's ride closer to home this week. And what could be more in the heart of the valley than North Conway? We'll never be more than a few blocks from Route 16 but what a difference those few blocks make. This route will allow us to explore Whitaker Woods, Shedd Woods, trails along The Saco and the trails leading down to The Pudding Pond Conservation Area. We'll also do a loop in the conservation area as well as try out the new pump track.
An experienced novice could handle these trails which are mostly dirt double track or wide dirt paths. With all of this weekend's rain there will be a mud puddle or two especially as we ride between Cranmore and Pudding Pond. Expect to cover about nine mostly woodsy miles.
ADDENDUM 8/24/09: As an optional extra we can add on a ride through Whitaker Woods to the Scenic Vista (and back) for an ice cream at Trail's End Ice Cream. This will add about 4 miles to the ride.
I had hoped to do the Sawyer River Trail this Tuesday, but parts of it are under water as a result of the recent rains and some beaver activity. Hopefully we'll be able to do this route later. It is especially beautiful in foliage season.
Meet at the Whitaker Homesite parking lot across route 16 from White Mountain Oil. Be ready to ride at 9:30am.
Last week we made the journey to Littleton for a very successful ride so let's ride closer to home this week. And what could be more in the heart of the valley than North Conway? We'll never be more than a few blocks from Route 16 but what a difference those few blocks make. This route will allow us to explore Whitaker Woods, Shedd Woods, trails along The Saco and the trails leading down to The Pudding Pond Conservation Area. We'll also do a loop in the conservation area as well as try out the new pump track.
An experienced novice could handle these trails which are mostly dirt double track or wide dirt paths. With all of this weekend's rain there will be a mud puddle or two especially as we ride between Cranmore and Pudding Pond. Expect to cover about nine mostly woodsy miles.
ADDENDUM 8/24/09: As an optional extra we can add on a ride through Whitaker Woods to the Scenic Vista (and back) for an ice cream at Trail's End Ice Cream. This will add about 4 miles to the ride.
I had hoped to do the Sawyer River Trail this Tuesday, but parts of it are under water as a result of the recent rains and some beaver activity. Hopefully we'll be able to do this route later. It is especially beautiful in foliage season.
Meet at the Whitaker Homesite parking lot across route 16 from White Mountain Oil. Be ready to ride at 9:30am.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Ammonoosuc Rail Trail Adventure
Tuesday August 18th
Let’s take a ride on the B & M Railroad. Well, actually this abandoned rail line has been turned into The Ammonoosuc Rail Trail. It is now a multi-use rail trail that runs about 20 miles between Woodsville and Littleton along the Ammonoosuc River. We'll ride from Littleton to Sugar Hill for about 16 miles out and back, on this almost flat route which wends it's way through woods and farm lands by the Ammonoosuc River. A month ago I rode the Lisbon to Bath section of the trail and it was a delight. However we'll be discovering this section out of Littleton together. Not to fear! At the beginning of this month I checked in with Dave Harkless at The Littleton Bike Shop and he assured me that the trail is in fine shape. There may be some ATV or dirt bike riders that will be on the trail with us, although I don't expect there will be many of these vehicles on a week day.
So why go to Littleton? Because it's a neat little town. After we ride we can visit Bishops Homemade Ice Cream Shop. Yankee Magazine rated it one of the top five ice cream stands in New England. Need I say more? Also there's Chuttters which boasts the "worlds longest candy counter". Even if your not a big candy fan it is quite a sight and worth a visit. Then there's Miller's Cafe and Bakery, their pastries look yummy.
Once you satisfy your sweet tooth you can feed your brain at the Village Book Store with "the largest selection in the north country". Or you could visit the historic Thayers Inn which was built in 1850. Common areas and a couple of rooms are open for viewing. Five Presidents and countless celebrities and national politicians have been guests at Thayers Inn. Then there's the Littleton Grist Mill which is a restored 1798 working mill and museum. All of these attractions are in the bustling downtown area and are a short walk from our cars which will be parked behind the Littleton Bike shop in their parking lot.
Directions: Take route 302 northwest to Bethlehem and get on route 93 north. At exit 41 head north on 302 toward downtown Littleton. In about .75 mi. The Littleton Bike Shop will be on the left. It is 23 Cottage Street (route 302). Take the driveway/road just before the bike shop building and park in back.
Carpooling: Meet in the Attitash parking lot at 8:10.
Be ready to ride at 9:30 in Littleton
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Let’s take a ride on the B & M Railroad. Well, actually this abandoned rail line has been turned into The Ammonoosuc Rail Trail. It is now a multi-use rail trail that runs about 20 miles between Woodsville and Littleton along the Ammonoosuc River. We'll ride from Littleton to Sugar Hill for about 16 miles out and back, on this almost flat route which wends it's way through woods and farm lands by the Ammonoosuc River. A month ago I rode the Lisbon to Bath section of the trail and it was a delight. However we'll be discovering this section out of Littleton together. Not to fear! At the beginning of this month I checked in with Dave Harkless at The Littleton Bike Shop and he assured me that the trail is in fine shape. There may be some ATV or dirt bike riders that will be on the trail with us, although I don't expect there will be many of these vehicles on a week day.
So why go to Littleton? Because it's a neat little town. After we ride we can visit Bishops Homemade Ice Cream Shop. Yankee Magazine rated it one of the top five ice cream stands in New England. Need I say more? Also there's Chuttters which boasts the "worlds longest candy counter". Even if your not a big candy fan it is quite a sight and worth a visit. Then there's Miller's Cafe and Bakery, their pastries look yummy.
Once you satisfy your sweet tooth you can feed your brain at the Village Book Store with "the largest selection in the north country". Or you could visit the historic Thayers Inn which was built in 1850. Common areas and a couple of rooms are open for viewing. Five Presidents and countless celebrities and national politicians have been guests at Thayers Inn. Then there's the Littleton Grist Mill which is a restored 1798 working mill and museum. All of these attractions are in the bustling downtown area and are a short walk from our cars which will be parked behind the Littleton Bike shop in their parking lot.
Directions: Take route 302 northwest to Bethlehem and get on route 93 north. At exit 41 head north on 302 toward downtown Littleton. In about .75 mi. The Littleton Bike Shop will be on the left. It is 23 Cottage Street (route 302). Take the driveway/road just before the bike shop building and park in back.
Carpooling: Meet in the Attitash parking lot at 8:10.
Be ready to ride at 9:30 in Littleton
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Tuesday August, 11th
It's a Go ! We had a shower go through at 6:30am and it's gone now. The radar doesn't show any areas of precipitation that are headed our way. So let's go ride. We'll be on roads so drainage shouldn't be a problem. And the rain that fell may inhibit the dust on the dirt road. See you there.
Monday, August 10, 2009
WILD RIVER RIDE
Tuesday, August 11th
The Wild River Valley is a beautiful place to escape the heat and the crowds of mid August. Our route will take us along the lovely Wild River on the tree covered Wild River Road. This is a smooth dirt Forest Service Road which follows the river upstream for 5.7 miles to the Wild River Campground. Then it enters The Wild River Wilderness Area where bikes are not allowed. We may encounter a few cars on this road, but weekday traffic will be very light. After checking out the campground we'll turn around and head back. Only then will we notice, as we fly back, that the road isn't as flat as it seemed when we we're riding upstream. For those of you who have been looking for an easy ride to develop your skills this is it. No excuses! Get out and ride this gorgeous route!
If the weather holds we can ride south on route 113 for 4 or 5 scenic and woodsy miles (until the hills into the notch get serious). When we return to the parking lot there will also be an opportunity to visit the suspension bridge over the river and explore the other side on foot or with bikes.
Meet in the Forest Service parking lot at the intersection of route 113 and Wild River Road. Be ready to ride out at 9:30am.
Directions: Go to Gorham on route 16. At the route 2 intersection go right toward Maine. When you get to route 113 go right and drive about 3 miles to the intersection of Wild River Road. Go right again and you'll see the parking lot. This a fee parking area if you don't have a parking permit you can leave the day fee or park on route 113 just north of Wild River Road. For some of you it may be more convenient to pick up route 113 in Fryeburg and take it to our starting point. If anyone wants to carpool meet at the Jackson Old Town Hall parking lot across from the post office at 8:20am.
The forecast for tomorrow is iffy (what's new) so be sure to check this blog at 8:00am if the conditions look sketchy.
The Wild River Valley is a beautiful place to escape the heat and the crowds of mid August. Our route will take us along the lovely Wild River on the tree covered Wild River Road. This is a smooth dirt Forest Service Road which follows the river upstream for 5.7 miles to the Wild River Campground. Then it enters The Wild River Wilderness Area where bikes are not allowed. We may encounter a few cars on this road, but weekday traffic will be very light. After checking out the campground we'll turn around and head back. Only then will we notice, as we fly back, that the road isn't as flat as it seemed when we we're riding upstream. For those of you who have been looking for an easy ride to develop your skills this is it. No excuses! Get out and ride this gorgeous route!
If the weather holds we can ride south on route 113 for 4 or 5 scenic and woodsy miles (until the hills into the notch get serious). When we return to the parking lot there will also be an opportunity to visit the suspension bridge over the river and explore the other side on foot or with bikes.
Meet in the Forest Service parking lot at the intersection of route 113 and Wild River Road. Be ready to ride out at 9:30am.
Directions: Go to Gorham on route 16. At the route 2 intersection go right toward Maine. When you get to route 113 go right and drive about 3 miles to the intersection of Wild River Road. Go right again and you'll see the parking lot. This a fee parking area if you don't have a parking permit you can leave the day fee or park on route 113 just north of Wild River Road. For some of you it may be more convenient to pick up route 113 in Fryeburg and take it to our starting point. If anyone wants to carpool meet at the Jackson Old Town Hall parking lot across from the post office at 8:20am.
The forecast for tomorrow is iffy (what's new) so be sure to check this blog at 8:00am if the conditions look sketchy.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Are You Ready for a Little R & R ?
August 4th Ride
R & R stands for Rec Path and Redstone Quarry. We'll do the Conway Recreation Path loop and then explore a bit of the Redstone Quarry. The Rec Path saunters along the Saco River and then heads through the woods to The Mineral Springs site where the new high school is located. We can do a lap around the football field, visit the Mineral Springs Pagoda and then hop on the path down to route 302 by the old quarry barracks.
Next we'll bike the length of Mountain Street and enter the trail network leading to the quarry. Here we'll see old structures and machines that the woods are reclaiming. We'll also walk up a path and get great views out over the piles of quarry reject rocks. Depending on the bug and mud factors, we can explore some of the trails near the quarry or go back down by the Saco to extend the ride and have lunch by the rushing waters.
The main surface will be dirt and there are tree roots in a couple of places. Also we'll ride over one short section of loose gravel by the railroad tracks which our route will parallel briefly. This ride is suitable for all abilities.
Meet at the canoe launch parking lot at the end of the road behind the Conway Police Station which is located at the intersection of Route 302 and East Conway Road. We'll start the ride at 9:30am.
See you there for a little R & R.
R & R stands for Rec Path and Redstone Quarry. We'll do the Conway Recreation Path loop and then explore a bit of the Redstone Quarry. The Rec Path saunters along the Saco River and then heads through the woods to The Mineral Springs site where the new high school is located. We can do a lap around the football field, visit the Mineral Springs Pagoda and then hop on the path down to route 302 by the old quarry barracks.
Next we'll bike the length of Mountain Street and enter the trail network leading to the quarry. Here we'll see old structures and machines that the woods are reclaiming. We'll also walk up a path and get great views out over the piles of quarry reject rocks. Depending on the bug and mud factors, we can explore some of the trails near the quarry or go back down by the Saco to extend the ride and have lunch by the rushing waters.
The main surface will be dirt and there are tree roots in a couple of places. Also we'll ride over one short section of loose gravel by the railroad tracks which our route will parallel briefly. This ride is suitable for all abilities.
Meet at the canoe launch parking lot at the end of the road behind the Conway Police Station which is located at the intersection of Route 302 and East Conway Road. We'll start the ride at 9:30am.
See you there for a little R & R.
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