Happy Trails

The Cat is open, see you on the slopes!

North Fryeburg to Hemlock Bridge

Last Call!

Let's meet at the No. Fryeburg Fire Station at noon to ride the roads (paved and dirt) of North Fryeburg.  The views should be spectacular.  We can figure out which route we want to take at the fire station.

Pine Barrens

NOTE: we are starting the ride at 1:00pm to get the best weather conditions.  Please let me know, by tomorrow  by 10:00am if you plan to join us.

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 will be a couple of trail segments that are more like simple single track than the main wide trails. There may be a section of the West Branch Trail that is wet so expect a bit of mud and a walk through this area.

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. 

Rob Brook Road

CANCELED.  Where'd this rain come from?


The Rob Brook Road Loop is a valley classic.   This is a rolling 12 mile ride, suitable for all abilities, mostly on a winding dirt forest road with the last few miles on the Kanc and Bear Notch Road. There are small hills to climb and even though it's one of our shorter rides. you (and your gears) will get a good workout on this ride.  

Marty Basch describes this ride in his White Mountain Ride Guide as follows "The road winds by streams and huge boulders. Spotting signs of moose and deer are common. A few quick climbs are rewarded with refreshing downhills."

Plan on getting your feet wet as you need to cross the Swift River to get to the Kanc. You may want to bring an extra pair of shoes to get you across the river.  Just after you cross the river look slightly right and follow that path a short way to the Kanc. Go left (east) on the Kanc.   

A good lunch spot is at The Russell Colbath House (on The Kanc) where there are picnic benches by the barn. After lunch continue eastward on the Kanc until Bear Notch Road appears on the left.

The Trail Head and parking are on the west side of Bear Notch Road .75 mi north of the intersection with The Kanc. Meet at the trailhead at 10:00am. 

Please let me know if you plan to join us.

Tour de North Conway ???

There's not many more biking days left in the year so I'd like to get a ride in tomorrow.   Also the rest of this week looks pretty dreary.

Tour de North Conway is one of our shortest rides and we won't be too far from our cars.  See the 10/7 write up for a description.

Let's play it by ear.  Contact me if you think you might ride.  If it's a go I'll email you in the morning.

Stone House Loops

This is one of our top three rides it is sooo... beautiful.  Every year the foliage is magnificent and the scenery is spectacular!  Don't miss this ride!!!

This route first loops around Deer Hill on; route 113, Stone House Road, Shell Pond Trail, a bit of Shell Pond Loop Trail and Deer Hill Road. Most of the loop will be on dirt roads or trails. There will be one trail segment that is a bit rough but doable (and quite walkable for those who choose to) especially where we will link up to Deer Hill Road from the Shell Pond area. Then we'll make another loop as we head up to the Bricket Place and on to The Basin for a lunch amid the eye popping scenery. And then it's back to our cars via route 113.

We’ll start the ride at the Forest Service parking lot which is about .10 mi north of the AMC Cold River Camp entrances on the right side of route 113. Meet for car pooling at the Scenic Vista parking lot in North Conway, at 9:00. We should be ready to start the ride at about 10:00am. 

Please contact me if you plan to join in the ride.

Tour de North Conway

IT LOOKS LIKE A RAIN OUT.  NO RIDE TODAY.

 The forecast is pretty iffy but we may be able to ride.  So check back  after 8am to make sure it's still on.

Let's  meet at the Scenic Overlook in North Conway. We'll ride through the fields near the Saco on dirt roads, trails and a bit of route 16 to downtown North Conway. Then we'll explore Whitaker Woods before taking a trail along the scenic railroad tracks back to our starting point. As I recall it's a shorter than usual ride of  6ish miles.  We can make it longer by adding on a loop to the trails at the Theatre in the Woods property.

Please let me know if you plan to ride.  Thanks

Meet at 10am. See you there.

Pondicherry - The Foliage Tour

The colors have really popped in the last few days.   So now is the time to visit the gorgeous Pondicherry area.

We’ll start at the western terminus of The Presidential Range Rail Trail and pedal through almost four miles of The Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge where the views are absolutely magnificent. Then we’ll head for more open vistas on three miles of paved country road and another three plus miles on the dirt Valley Road. When we reach Jefferson Notch Road we will return to Pondicherry on The Rail Trail. In all we’ll cover about 18 miles with breath taking  mountain views and the panoply of wild flower filled fields.

The rail trail has a pretty firm surface and is a combination of dirt, gravel, stone, cinder and ballast. This is a relatively flat route with no major hills. It’s just a wonderful cruise through a beautiful area.

Directions: Take route 302 through Bretton Woods and at the traffic light go right on route 3 for 1.9 miles. Then take another right on route 115. In 4.4 miles Hazen Road will be on your left, take it. In another 1.4 miles you will see a sign on the right that says Trail Parking. Go right into the small parking lot. We may have to do some creative parking to fit us all in here.

Carpooling is a must due to the small parking lot at Pondicherry. Meet at 9:00am at the far west end of the Attitash

Click here for a map of this ride.
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/11313897 

Tour de Gorham

This perennial favorite is about a 14 mile circumnavigation of Gorham on mostly dirt roads and trails with a bit of paved road thrown in too. Starting by the common in downtown Gorham. We'll head north to the Gorham Emergency airport toward the rail trail.  This trail leads to Hogan Road east for about 5 miles on the virtually untraveled north side of the Androscoggin River where there will be awesome views of the river and several power dams. Here we'll start to head back to Gorham Center with a short ride on Route 2 to the pipeline trail in the woods.   Most of this ride will be on pretty flat and smooth trails and roads. The pipeline trail and Hogan Road do have some manageable hills.

For those of you who want to carpool meet at The Old Town Hall in Jackson, across the road from the post office at 9:30.  Let's start the ride at 10:00am. 

Please let me know if you plan to ride.  Don't forget to bring your lunch.

Directions: Drive north on route 16 to Gorham. Just before the T intersection with route 2 there will be railroad tracks. Immediately after crossing the tracks turn left onto Railroad Street. Hook a U turn and park on the other side of the road across from the Common.

Gale River and Forest

Last year was our first ride on this route.  Afterwards Bob declared it "a keeper".  So let's do it again! This trail starts off with a ride on the rail bed of the Gale River Lumber Company which now is a little known rail trail that parallels Trudeau Road in the National Forest in Bethlehem. Then we’ll head farther into the National Forest on a loop trail that leads to Route 3 at Five Corners.  Across Route 3 is the Gale River Loop Road an active forest service road which will lead us back to Route 3 and from there to the rail trail and our cars at Pierce Bridge.  

So put them together and what do you get? A13 mile route which goes through the forest, along a portion of the Gale River and by scenic beaver ponds with great mountain vistas and river views. Not a bad combo eh? The surfaces vary from dirt to grass with some sections of gravel. This ride is not for novices but it is on the "harder side of easy" mostly due to the uphill portion of the forest loop.  The uphill is worth it though, as the next couple of miles are really fun.  We may also encounter some tree debris across one section of the trail.

The forecast is for temps in the mid 80s. It should be cooler in the woods. We will start the ride at 9:30 am.  Please let me know if you plan to ride and where you plan to meet the group.  Bring lunch, bug spray, sunscreen and water.

Carpooling - Meet at 8:45 am at the western most section of the Attitash parking lot across the street from the lift.

Directions - Take route 302 to Twin Mountain. Continue 5 miles north of the intersection of routes 302 and 3. Just past The Wayside Inn and the now defunct Pierce Bridge (on the left) is Muchmore Road. Go left and follow Muchmore Road for 0.1 mi as it bends around to the south. When the road pavement ends hook a U turn to park on the opposite shoulder by the old and closed bridge over the Ammonoosuc River. Park just south of the yellow fire hydrant.

Ammonoosuc Rail Trail

Last year I don't think we got to this ride which is a shame since it is goes through such beautiful countryside.  This is a well drained trail which we will need after today's rain finishes.  It is a multi-use rail trail that runs about 20 miles between Woodsville and Littleton along the Ammonoosuc River. Tomorrow we'll ride the northern half of the trail from Littleton  for up to 20 miles out and back, on this almost flat route which wends its way through bucolic woods and farm lands by the Ammonoosuc River.  If you are so inclined, you can cool off in the Ammonoosuc after the ride at the very scenic swimming hole next to the lot where we’ll park our cars.

Littleton is 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 "world’s longest candy counter". Even if you’re not a big candy fan it is quite a sight and worth a visit. Other historic points of interest include Thayers Inn which was built in 1850.

Bring: plenty of water, sunscreen, and lunch.

Carpooling:  Meet at 9:00am in the Attitash parking lot at the very west end far away from where the Attitash summer patrons usually park their cars.  We will start the ride by 10:00am.  Please let me know if you plan to ride and where you plan to meet the group so that we don’t start without you.

Directions: Take route 302 northwest to Bethlehem and get on route 93 northbound. At exit 41 head north on route 302 towards downtown Littleton. In about ¾ of a mile 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.

Presidential Range Rail Trail

GORHAM TO RANDOLPH

It's going to be sunny and hot tomorrow so a gentle trail with shade would be a good fit.  The Presidential rail trail will be mostly downhill for the second half of the ride and that's when it will be hottest.

This gentle rail trail, on the old B&M rail bed, follows the Moose River through lovely woods with beaver ponds and meadows and some beautiful mountain views. From the Route 2 trail head we'll ride the old rail bed to the intersection of Pinkham B Road. Then we'll switch to Durand Road and take that to the rail trail's height of land at the Castle Trail in Bowman (Randolph).  The ride back from Bowman on the rail trail is a blast as it is ever so slightly downhill. In all we'll cover about 20 miles. The surface of the trail is mostly dirt with some ballast and an occasional sandy spot.

Directions: Go north on Route 16 to Gorham. When route 16 meets route 2 at the T intersection turn left. Go through Gorham on Routes 16 and 2 until Route 2 diverges to the left at the traffic light . You'll see the trail head parking lot on the right about .8 mile after you turn left on Route 2.

Carpooling: Meet at the Old Jackson Town Hall at 8:20. We should start the ride in Gorham by 9:00am to take advantage of the cooler morning air.  

Bring sunscreen (?), plenty of water and a snack (or lunch).  Please contact me Monday if you plan to ride so that we don't start the ride without you.  Thanks.

Gorgeous Lovell

It’s the height of the tourist season. Has anyone else noticed the epic backups going into and out of North Conway? So tomorrow we need to get far from the madding crowds. And there’s nowhere more remote and scenic as the Kezar Falls Gorge /Five Kezar Ponds area out of Lovell, Maine. You’ll be surprised at the remoteness of the second half of the ride.

We'll start out at the Lovell Historical Society and take Old Waterford Road to Kezar Falls Gorge, which Delorme rightly describes as a unique natural area. Then the route will take us to the Five Kezar Ponds where we’ll take a path around one. Next we’ll retrace our tracks back down Old Waterford Road to a dirt road and head out to the Dan Charles Pond area and then after a series of dirt roads (with a couple of sandy spots) we’ll come out on Fern St which will lead us back to Old Waterford Road and the Historical Society. 

There are a few hills, primarily at the beginning of the ride so we’ll get our most aerobic exercise during the cooler part of the day. Otherwise the terrain will be relatively easy to cover. The surface will be pavement, pavement reverting to dirt, dirt and packed sandy soil. We should cover a bit over 19 miles.  Bring lunch, water and sunscreen.

Added Bonus: The Historical Society will be open Tuesday so you can nip in there for a look see at the exhibits after the ride.

Please let me know if you plan to ride tomorrow in case the ride plan changes.

Be ready to ride at 9:30am. Park in the lot/field which is on the left, just across from the historical society building which is 1.5 miles past the intersection of routes 93 and 5 in Lovell. To get to Lovell take route 5 north out of Fryeburg, Me.

Carpooling: Meet at the Scenic Overlook in North Conway which is conveniently located across the street from Trails End Ice Cream Shop. Meet Time 8:30am

Believe in Books

Bob will be leading the group this week and he has outlined it below.  Have fun!

BELIEVE IN BOOKS INTERMEDIATE LOOP

Start at Whitaker Woods
Ride goes down the power lines, toward the police station.
The rec path along the Saco
Past Davis Park
Up Pasaconway Road
High Street to the forest Road to Hales
Roads back to the beginning

Total about 20 miles, some single track, a hill or 2

Meet at Whitaker Woods at 930

Dam and Dummer

This fabulous ride starts across the street from the Berlin Airport. First we'll pedal north on the rural and quiet East Side River Road which closely follows the Androscoggin River and has wonderful views. Next we'll turn right onto Hill Street, a dirt road which gently rises through woods and farm lands and takes us on a loop with great southern views.  Then we rejoin East Side River Road. From here we'll ride to dirt roads which parallel a hydropower canal before getting us to the seldom visited east side of the Androscoggin River. Before starting our return on East Side River Road we'll stop for a water front lunch at either the dam or the hydro station south of the dam.

To see the map of this 18 mile part paved country road and part dirt road ride click here: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/17313468.

Driving directions:Take route 16 north through Berlin. About 3 miles past the Nansen Wayside Park (old ski jump on the left and waterfront park on right), Bridge Street will be on the right. You should also see an airport sign pointing right too. Cross over the Androscoggin River and at the end of Bridge Street pull into the ball park lot on your left.

There is, at this time, a slight chance of rain.  So, let's all meet up at the Jackson Historical Society parking lot which is across the street from the Post Office at 9:00am in case we need to change the ride plan.  Also please let me know if you plan to ride tomorrow.  See you tomorrow.

Pondicherry - The Wildflower Tour

The weather tomorrow looks good and the lupines and other wild flowers are in full bloom.  So now is the time to visit the gorgeous Pondicherry area.

We’ll start at the western terminus of The Presidential Range Rail Trail and pedal through almost four miles of The Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge where the views are absolutely magnificent. Then we’ll head for more open vistas on three miles of paved country road and another three plus miles on the dirt Valley Road. When we reach Jefferson Notch Road we will return to Pondicherry on The Rail Trail. In all we’ll cover about 18 miles with breath taking  mountain views and the panoply of wild flower filled fields.

The rail trail has a pretty firm surface and is a combination of dirt, gravel, stone, cinder and ballast. This is a relatively flat route with no major hills. It’s just a wonderful cruise through a beautiful area.

Directions: Take route 302 through Bretton Woods and at the traffic light go right on route 3 for 1.9 miles. Then take another right on route 115. In 4.4 miles Hazen Road will be on your left, take it. In another 1.4 miles you will see a sign on the right that says Trail Parking. Go right into the small parking lot. We may have to do some creative parking to fit us all in here.

Carpooling is a must due to the small parking lot at Pondicherry. Meet at 9:00am at the far west end of the Attitash parking lot.

Please note: I won't be riding with you tomorrow so here's a more detailed description of the route.

From the parking lot take the dirt road at the north end for about 1.5 miles. As you approach Cherry Pond the rail trail will diverge to your right.  Take this past the pond and marshes until you reach route 115a.  Go left and when you reach Israel River Road in 0.6 mile go right.  In a few miles cross route 115 onto Valley Road.  In another few miles you will reach Jefferson Notch Road.  Turn right and almost immediately you will turn right again onto the presidential rail trail.  This will take you back to Pondicherry.  Here you can have lunch on the viewing platform at the pond.  Please make sure you meet up with the group at Attitash to confirm the ride plan.


Click here for a map of this ride.
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/11313897

Echo Lake and Moat Mountain Loop

 CANCELED -  It's raining now and the radar shows that more is headed our way.

It appears that the weather will be unsettled tomorrow.  Can we get a ride in?  We'll lets try and see what it looks like in the morning.  So a local ride and one where we are not far from our cars would be best.

The Echo Lake and Moat Mountain loop fits this bill nicely.  

The starting point is the parking lot just outside Echo Lake State Park in North Conway.  From there we'll ride south on West Side Road for about 3 miles and then enter The National Forest on a trail in the Cedar Creek Development.  After entering the Moat Mountain area we’ll take the old rail trail to the top of the quarry for some great views.  After retracing our way back to Forest Road 379A we’ll head in the general direction of Echo Lake.

Most of this ride is pretty flat and suitable for all abilities. So for those of you who are fairly new to fat tire riding this would be a great ride. We will cover about 4 miles of pavement and a similar amount on easy dirt forest trails.

Meet at 9:30am in the parking lot just outside and to the left of the gates to Echo Lake State Park in North Conway. Bring bug spray, a snack or lunch.  Please let me know if you plan to ride by 8:00am. And check back around 8:15am to see if the ride is a go.  

Dam, Dam, Dam, Dam and Hot Dam!

 

This favorite route, runs from the Gorham train depot to the Berlin eastern depot. It has a lot of variety, not to mention about five dams. We'll start off in downtown Gorham by the old train station and ride past the airport and then ride a mile through the back woods on the emergency access road which is closed to motorized traffic. After this we will be riding on the eastern end of the presidential rail trail to Berlin on the quiet and beautiful eastern bank of the Androscoggin River.

Along with getting great views of the Androscoggin we'll skirt a gravel pit, go over the very high trestle bridge across route 16 (this is always a thrill), bike by the hydroelectric powerhouse and dam on the canal adjacent to the Androscoggin, view the Cascade Flats complex and dam from the seldom seen east side and visit a waterfall, possibly for a lunch stop. This is probably the most beautiful fat tire cruiser lunch spot.

The changing surface of this easy, pretty flat ride consists of dirt, ballast, gravel and the occasional mud puddle.  This 17 mile out and back route is appropriate for all abilities. The ride will start at 9:30 on Railroad Street across from the Gorham Town Common.

Carpooling: Meet at the Jackson Historical Society aka the Old Jackson Town Hall, parking lot (across from the post office) at 8:45.

Directions: Drive north on route 16 to Gorham. Just before the T intersection with route 2 there will be railroad tracks. Immediately after crossing the tracks turn left onto Railroad Street. Hook a U turn and park on the other side of the road across from the Common.

Please let me know before 8:00 tomorrow if you plan to ride and where you plan to meet the group.

To view a map of this ride click below.
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/20611220

Harbor to Hemlock - Redo

Let's see if the weather is conducive to riding in beautiful North Fryeburg this week.  Please let me know if you plan to ride tomorrow.  Check back here around 8 am if the weather looks questionable.

See last week's write up below for details.

Harbor to Hemlock

CANCELLED  - it's going to be rainy

 This is a beautiful ride in North Fryeburg.  It will start across the street from the North Fryeburg Fire Station at 10am and go to The Hemlock Covered Bridge.  This easy out and back ride will cover about 15 very scenic miles on Fish St, MacNeil Rd, Old River Rd, Frog Alley and Harbor Rd.  You will ride on paved and dirt roads.

Park next to the Saco Valley Fire Station in North Fryeburg, at the corner of Route 113 and South Chatham Road. Do not park in front of the fire station, park on the side of the road next to the park.

Please email me if you plan you ride tomorrow.  Have fun and don't forget to bring a lunch.