Wild River Ride

 It's been almost a year since Irene ripped through the White Mountains and the Wild River lived up to it's name.  Last year we viewed the awesome changes that resulted from the deluge in the Wild River Valley.  One of the suspension bridges across the river was completely blown out, the other survived although it also was damaged.  The dirt Wild River Road was washed out in many places and the campground was not there anymore.  The Wild River Trail which went from the campground into the Wilderness Area was underminded and gouged out on the way to a gargantuan mass of trees and other debris which created an impenetrable wall that cut off the trail.

This Tuesday August 21st, let's revisit the beautiful Wild River Valley and see what The Forest Service and it's contractors have been up to in the last 51 weeks. The road has been rebuilt and the campground is back in action, but I bet that staggering mountain of trees and debris is still there. Check out the Forest Service's website which has before and after photos of  Wild River Road.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5382177.pdf

From the ride's starting point on Route 2 just before the intersection of Route 113 we'll ride about 3 miles up to Wild River Road. We may encounter a few cars on Route 113, but weekday traffic should be light. As we bike the almost 6 miles to the campground we’ll still get a sense of the force of the flood waters and the large scale repairs that have been made.  In all we’ll cover something like 18 miles on this out and back ride. This ride generally follows the old Wild River Railroad route into this area.  So the riding is pretty easy although it isn't flat and there are some hills.  As we go into the valley the road rises gradually and the return is a very fun downward ride. 

Directions: Go to Gorham on route 16 north. At the Route 2 intersection go right toward Maine. About 2 (I think it’s 1.9) miles beyond the Maine State line take a right onto a dirt road which leads to the site of the old bridge and a large parking area. If you get to the new bridge which is just beyond our turn off you’ve gone too far. And if you get to Route 113, on the right, just over the new bridge you’ll know you’ve over shot the starting point.

Let’s start the ride at 10:00am. It’s going to be a beautiful day and we can have a picnic lunch along the river. If anyone wants to carpool meet at the Jackson Old Town Hall parking lot across from the post office at 9am.  Don't forget to bring your lunch and some water.