We started the day early again (around 6:15 am) due to heat forecasted later in the day. It was very foggy when we started but cleared pretty quickly. The first 30 miles was all about climbing (my least favorite part of cycling) The steepest grades averaged 7-11%. I took very few photographs during those climbing miles. However, the next 23 miles was all trail – shaded trail to make it even more enjoyable. We rode on the Northern Rail Trail and I took quite a few photos. The trail was not paved, but it did have mostly good packed dirt, with some crushed gravel in spots. The Merrimack River flowed alongside us as we biked on the trail. I loved riding the trail today.
If you haven’t biked a ride like this, you should know that you eat lots of snacks along the way. A few of my friends have been stashing black cherries and eating them as they biked and leaving a trail of seeds in their wake. Maybe next year, there will be a few newly sprouted cherry trees!
Along the trail we saw quite a few historical signs, but I didn’t stop to read very many. There were also piles of discarded railroad ties from days gone by when the railroad lined this route. There is more narrative with the accompanying photos. Also, my new biking shoes worked out well.
We ended the day with dinner at the Makris Lobster & Steak House. It was the only restaurant for miles and the food was delicious.
Stats from the day:
Start city: Claremont, NH
End city: Loudon, NH
Miles: 64.56
Total miles to date: 296.56
Pedaling time: 5:31
Avg. speed: 11.7
Feet climbed: 2,434 (for some reason everyone else’s devices logged more elevation?)
Wind: start: calm wind; end SSW 4 mph
Temperature extremes: 68 (fog) at ride start, 88 (feels like 93) at ride finish
Started the day in the fog.
The old railroad station at the start of this Rails to Trails path.
Part of the trail with Fred riding in the distance.
A covered bridge that was next to the trail. We didn’t cross it, but it did make a great photo stop.
My friend Janet set up her camera so we could get this picture of the four us that have been riding together since I met up with them a few days ago. We are all wearing our Hawaii jerseys from our ride in early 2020 before all the Covid lockdowns.
More of the trail
Old supports along the trail from its earlier life as a railway line.
Hancock Falls. Site of the first Grist Mill dating back to 1764. A grist mill is a mill where grains are ground.
Discarded railroad ties along the trail.
These are remnants of a 19th century railroad turntable. Because it is located in hilly terrain, and no other documentation, the conclusion is that it was only used to reverse directions of the engines on the Bristol line.
The New London, NH Post Office. Thanks to Gayle for taking another photo from a different angle with the name on the building.
