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
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