Sunday, October 28, 2012
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Sweet Success
The circumnavigation of Success Pond is another great ride. Our starting point will be at the Goose Eye Trailhead on Success Pond Road which starts on the east side of Berlin. The first part of the ride is on Success Pond Road which is dirt and mostly flat with occasional brief minor hills. The best part of the road is that it is surprisingly open which will give us panoramic views.
Next we'll pedal into Success Pond for an exploration around the east side of the pond. Then we’ll go left on Black Strap Road and take the second trail to the left after crossing the brook. There is a sign here that prohibits ATVs. We’ll follow this trail back towards the pond. As we head back to Success Pond Road we will encounter one long uphill that's quite a workout. It is however quite walkable.
Let’s meet at the old Jackson Town Hall at 9:30am. We’ll then drive to Berlin on route 16 and cross over to the east side of The Androscoggin on the Unity Street Bridge which diverges to the right a little bit before downtown Berlin. Continue north on Hutchins Street towards the site of the old paper mill which you will pass on the left. As I recall Success Pond Road will be on the right just after the Berlin Dumpsite.
In all we’ll cover about 18 miles on dirt roads and snow mobile trails. Expect the unexpected: wet areas, mud, moose, etc. The plan is to start the bike ride at 10:30 at the Goose Eye Trailhead on Success Pond Road. Don’t forget your lunch.
Please let me know if you plan to ride with us on Tuesday.
Next we'll pedal into Success Pond for an exploration around the east side of the pond. Then we’ll go left on Black Strap Road and take the second trail to the left after crossing the brook. There is a sign here that prohibits ATVs. We’ll follow this trail back towards the pond. As we head back to Success Pond Road we will encounter one long uphill that's quite a workout. It is however quite walkable.
Let’s meet at the old Jackson Town Hall at 9:30am. We’ll then drive to Berlin on route 16 and cross over to the east side of The Androscoggin on the Unity Street Bridge which diverges to the right a little bit before downtown Berlin. Continue north on Hutchins Street towards the site of the old paper mill which you will pass on the left. As I recall Success Pond Road will be on the right just after the Berlin Dumpsite.
In all we’ll cover about 18 miles on dirt roads and snow mobile trails. Expect the unexpected: wet areas, mud, moose, etc. The plan is to start the bike ride at 10:30 at the Goose Eye Trailhead on Success Pond Road. Don’t forget your lunch.
Please let me know if you plan to ride with us on Tuesday.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Harmon Notch
It's time to try out the newly extended rail trail in Fryeburg and have a really pretty ride through a notch that most of us
have never heard of. Harmon Notch is located between Peary Mountain and Frost
Mountain. The best part is that it’s only a 175’ elevation gain.
The starting point for this ride is at The Maine Information Center on route 302 in Fryeburg. We’ll head east on the rail trail to Porter Road and then ride south to Farnsworth. Soon after we’ll hop onto a jeep track that crosses the Little Saco and then head to Haleytown Road.
At Hampshire Road we’ll go left and head in the direction of a dirt road called Peary Mountain Road which morphs into Harmon Notch Road. After the last house this road gets narrower and towards the notch area there is about a mile of jeep track that could benefit from better drainage, fewer rocks and some smoothing out. Don’t let this “spook” you it’s no harder than other rides we’ve done and you can always dab and walk. After going through the notch the trail heads downward to a different section of Farnsworth Road and then we will head west. Then we’ll head north on Porter Road and take a right onto Clay Pond Road toward the airport and just beyond we'll connect to the new section of the Mountain Division Rail Trail in Fryeburg and head back to our starting point. In all we'll cover about 18 miles and get a really good workout.
Carpooling – Meet at the scenic overlook in North Conway at 9:30am. We’ll start the ride at 10am from the Maine info center. Don’t forget to bring a lunch.
Please let me know if you expect to do this ride. Several of our regulars are away and it could be cancelled due to lack of participation.
The starting point for this ride is at The Maine Information Center on route 302 in Fryeburg. We’ll head east on the rail trail to Porter Road and then ride south to Farnsworth. Soon after we’ll hop onto a jeep track that crosses the Little Saco and then head to Haleytown Road.
At Hampshire Road we’ll go left and head in the direction of a dirt road called Peary Mountain Road which morphs into Harmon Notch Road. After the last house this road gets narrower and towards the notch area there is about a mile of jeep track that could benefit from better drainage, fewer rocks and some smoothing out. Don’t let this “spook” you it’s no harder than other rides we’ve done and you can always dab and walk. After going through the notch the trail heads downward to a different section of Farnsworth Road and then we will head west. Then we’ll head north on Porter Road and take a right onto Clay Pond Road toward the airport and just beyond we'll connect to the new section of the Mountain Division Rail Trail in Fryeburg and head back to our starting point. In all we'll cover about 18 miles and get a really good workout.
Carpooling – Meet at the scenic overlook in North Conway at 9:30am. We’ll start the ride at 10am from the Maine info center. Don’t forget to bring a lunch.
Please let me know if you expect to do this ride. Several of our regulars are away and it could be cancelled due to lack of participation.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Stone House Loops in Evans Notch
This is Bob's favorite ride and with good reason . Every year the foliage is magnificent and the scenery is spectacular. We will have Evans Notch pretty much to ourselves with hardly any traffic.
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. If you plan to drive right to the trail head please let me know. Thanks
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. If you plan to drive right to the trail head please let me know. Thanks
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Rob Brook Road Redux
If the weather cooperates how about a ride on Rob Brook Road? Two weeks ago this ride was posted, but Fred was the only one to show up. Kudos to Fred! So let's try to do it again. Check back Tuesday around 8am if the weather looks iffy.
The Rob Brook Road Loop is a valley classic. This area has a reputation for being buggy. Three years ago when we rode this route in July it lived up to its reputation. But the bugs have left us for the most part and its time we got out there for a very pleasant ride. 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.
The Rob Brook Road Loop is a valley classic. This area has a reputation for being buggy. Three years ago when we rode this route in July it lived up to its reputation. But the bugs have left us for the most part and its time we got out there for a very pleasant ride. 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.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Pondicherry
The weather forecast looks great for Tuesday September 25th! Let's do an amazingly
scenic ride in Jefferson and check out the fall colors.
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 views and the fall foliage colors.
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 saying Presidential Recreation Trail Pondicherry. 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 be ready to ride at 10:00am.
Click here for a map of this ride.
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/11313897
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 views and the fall foliage colors.
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 saying Presidential Recreation Trail Pondicherry. 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 be ready to ride at 10:00am.
Click here for a map of this ride.
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/11313897
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Rob Brook Road
If the weather cooperates how about a ride on Rob Brook Road? I'm still on The Cape so I won't join you until next week. Here's the description.
The Rob Brook Road Loop is a valley classic. This area has a reputation for being buggy. Three years ago when we rode this route in July it lived up to its reputation. But the bugs have left us for the most part and its time we got out there for a very pleasant ride. 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 hills to climb but they are quite doable.
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. 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.
The Rob Brook Road Loop is a valley classic. This area has a reputation for being buggy. Three years ago when we rode this route in July it lived up to its reputation. But the bugs have left us for the most part and its time we got out there for a very pleasant ride. 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 hills to climb but they are quite doable.
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. 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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
