Any day of riding is a good day, I'll start there. The conditions were as good as they ever are in southern NH. Most all of the trails were groomed very well. I will go on the record and say that I officially never want to do more than 60-80 miles on what I would consider a local ride.
When we got to gas at 80 miles, I had had enough. Again, great to get out, 146 miles is just too much of that type of riding. This was caused because some junctions are very well marked, with club maps and "you are here" indicated, towns, gas, food, and sometimes even distances provided on signs. And other junctions literally nothing. Just an intersection with not a single sign. These even had "junction ahead" signs posted as you approach. Unbelieveable. We rode 8 hours straight.
The 9 year old Polaris turned 8K miles yesterday and has never felt better. She is ready to cart me around the Gaspesie again this year. #388 and I had a lot of fun yesterday. We were very pleased with our excursion. The scenery was beautiful. Here is an abridged ride report:
Put kids on bus at 8:10am. Arrived at #388's house at 9am right on time. Checked out the awesome barn and wood furnace which was fully stocked and humming along nicely. We gassed the sleds and parked just off where Routes 101,12,9 and 10 all come together just south of Keene center proper. On the trail by 10:30. Found Corr. 4W to 5N. Riding through the ice cliffs was impressive. There were ice climbers just starting their ascent. Somehow ended up off 5 (we were headed to Claremont) but found a nice trail 192, and gained some elevation.
We met up with a local yokel on the trail that had a map and he was telling us this trail was closed, and then the next sentence saying it was another trail. When he did this a third time we knew it was time to go (he said he has a camp nearby and has been riding the area for years but was lost - it reminded me of someone I know). We tried to get gas in Goshen, and somehow missed that town alltogether. So we planned to go straight to Claremont and ended up following tracks into a guy's front yard. He told us we could use a very small trail through a campground and then onto a railbed that leads back to Corr. 5. The trail he put us on was the most freeriding I've ever done. I was breaking a foot of fresh snow in what was the equivalent of the Romaniacs challenge (dirt biker reference). But! We did, using GPS and old buried tracks, make our way indeed to a nice flat, wide, perfectly groomed railbed and blasted our way up the Claremont.
A quick stop at Crazy Ed's and then to gas/snacks as #388 has indicated. We rode hard with little to no talk for the 2.5 hour push back to the truck. My kids have officially told me I am not allowed to do day trips anymore. I am a bad father, the 10 voicemails asking where i was and why haven't I called were hard to listen to. But my better half stepped up and came over to keep them company. I am grateful.
A good day. Better planning next time. Need more GPS training. Can't wait to see the map when #388 gets a chance to post. Thanks!
Yes we still rode. We switched to riding out of keene instead. 146 miles logged! Conditions were very good. We rode like 2 pro WPR members. 1 Gas stop, no lunch, just water and crackers. No time for pictures either. Fun ride, but 30-40 miles too long.
Thanks for throwing out the invite, however I am not yet ready. Snow is here and I haven't been ready to ride yet all season. Started some work last night and will be ready for some local trips very soon.
Have Fun Boys!
Jealous also!
#10
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I'll be looking back for ya on the White stuff. :-) Keep the rubber side down! #10
I can't get out of work for it. You guys will have a fantastic time. I rode there with #13 a couple of years ago. We made it from Twin Mt to Groveton in a round about way and made it back by late afternoon. We about logged about 135 miles.
Corridor 5 get beat up pretty good. It takes you right through Lancaster and up to Groveton. I liked the trails East and North of Twins. Check the maps, that route was pretty good.
It looks like 3 plug Doug and gang are riding out of Twin Mtn this Thursday fir a day trip. Departure time is 5am. Myself and #5 are scheduled to to go but will confirm tomorrow. I was in the White Mountains for New Years before the storm and there was plenty of snow. They have since received over a foot. I haven't rode from Twin in over 6 years and am looking forward to the 45min-1hr less drop off time vs. Diamond Pond. Anyone else interested in going?
