Today’s ride was blessedly short. To make it even better some last minute rerouting avoided some climbs. New Hampshire and not climbing hills - hmm - maybe I am in dreamland.
After a swim, a pleasant evening, suppa' with Harry and Emily, and a restful night at the Follansbee Inn, a comfortable old style New England inn, I pushed off about 9 AM.
The ride was mostly on backroads, with classic New England views. I did of course have a Dunkin Donut Stop!
Notice removed dam in this pic
After my success yesterday on the Great Northern Trail I opted for the Peterborough-Hillsboro Trail. Big mistake. I got about a mile onto it and the trail surface got too deep with soft sand to ride. The mosquitos took advantage of my misfortune and attacked with a vengeance. With one hand pushing my bike and the other swatting mosquitos I stumbled on until the next road crossing, rode superfast for a bit too escape the bugs and then rerouted. (My bug spray was somewhere at the bottom of my panniers and I did not want to stop to dig it out.)
Fortunately the rain held off, though the clouds lingered. Eventually I arrived at Harry & Nina’s (uncle and aunt). Another lay-day tomorrow, Friday; next post Saturday.
By the numbers:
Dist - 37.5 miles
Elev Gain - 1,732 ft
Elev Loss - 1,731 ft
Moving Time 3:19
Total Dist 3,733
Est miles remaining 32 - Actually about 200 +/-.
Beautiful countryside Perk! Sorry that the bugs took such a liking to you. Any chance of a visit to Squam?!? Ride safe. Tim
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ReplyDeleteWow, Warren. Over 100,000 vertical! Impressive! And down to the last 200 miles. Stay safe on the home stretch!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a couple of pleasant, not too strenous days. The gravel trails seem to make up in peace and quiet what you ride in longer distance. Pretty scenery, too. Except for the bugs, the ride looks fine. It's nice that you were able to avoid some hills, especially in NH. But it looks like you are following some rivers, too, and maybe some valleys.
ReplyDeleteCovered bridges and Dunkin Donuts -- a real New England fusion.
On the soft trail and mosquitos, there are some pitfalls you just can't avoid. There is no way of knowing about the sandy trail until you are committed. I'm glad you had a chance to get off fairly soon. But I am glad there are a lot of trails and that the gravel surfaces are easy to traverse. The Surly is good for those things. As a good touring bike, it would be.
With all the friends and relatives you are visiting, you will probably hit Maine sometime before Halloween, well, it may take as long as North Dakota, but a lot more fun. As one other said, keep safe as you get close to the end. It's too easy to let up ... Each day is a new effort.