Great report. I'd like to commend #7 on the details of the towns travelled through but more than anything, I loved that he named a couple of the black diamond trails that adorn the lower face of Cannon ski area. I must confess, in that moment of the ride report, I actually felt more of a desire to ski than to sled. Ya.
Well done to #1 and E, sounds like you guys are ripping it up out there now. Well done!
I am definately jealous that you guys rode the bike trail through the notch with conditions excellent. That is about as good as it gets in that part of the Whites.
On a brisk morning in early February, 5 WPR riders began the day from Rumney, NH.In attendance were: #s 1,2, 6, 7 and E.We departed shortly after 9am heading north along the powerlines with #6 leading in his familiar area.#6 wanted to go to Franconia Notch area on this day, but we were willing to go where the best conditions would be.
We took corridor 8 past the Baker River Clubhouse.It was cold and E was having problems with her glasses and windshield fogging/freezing. The conditions were great for this time of year. The first thing of note was the advanced skill level of both #1 and E.The last time I had ridden with them was like night and day.Both were up to the task all day. Both were equally impressive.We cut over to corridor 5 toward Shawnee's store.It was beginning to warm up a bit making things near perfect.
At the crossroad of Corridor 5 and Corridor 11, we decided to take 11 north toward Woodstock.At first it was bumpy and ungroomed, but still soft and manageable.We talked about another route at one point, but luckily decided to push on.Before long we were on perfectly groomed twisting and turning trails.I was leading at this point and having a grand ole time.
#2 decided to make the video of me and #6 coming up behind him and passing him.The trails weren't terribly wide, but the riding was fantastic.Before long we were riding with a view of ski trails off in the distance.We crossed underneath route 93 and into Woodstock for some gas and candy bars.We discussed the rest of the trip everyone wanted to continue on.
Next, we were on the Bike Trail in Franconia Notch.It was pretty cool riding on the trails that we always see from the highway as we go to Nash Stream.The giant peaks were on both sides of these trails. #2 had told some old war stories of giant whoops the last time he had ridden this spot.On this day it was perfect and not one whoop.You could look at Cannon Mountain ski area on the left. We stopped to watch some kick ass skiers shred Zoomer and Avalanche right in front of us.After that we stopped around the corner on the bridge just past Cannon.Behind us was the giant white peak of Mt. Lafayette. In front of us was a clear view of Vermont's green mountains off in the distance.Underneath us was a flowing river. It was a beautiful and majestic sight.The snow was so high on this bridge that the railings were only waist high.#1 did not think it was funny when #6 pretended to push him towards the rail.
Before long we were headed towards Littleton and some more gas and a bite to eat. The only restaurant we could find was a little coffee bar called Maia Papayas. It was hippy vegetarian heaven. E was beside herself.They did not have meat-boooooo.Everything on the menu had sprouts on it. It still hit the spot.
It was past 2pm and we were a long way from our drop point.We knew there was a snowstorm in the forecast so we decided to take the shortest route back.That was taking 104 and following #2 and his GPS through a familiar area to him. Apparently, many years ago #2 and Mrs #2 had got stuck on some big hill.Somehow, E and her unspiked and fan cooled 380 had no trouble climbing this steep hill overlooking Littleton.I told you she could ride.
Next #2 guided us successfully to corridor 5 and a clear path home. It was suddenly dumping tons of snow on us and the natural light was fading.Corridor 5 is a mostly straight shot home. We traveled through Lisbon, Woodville and Warren before we made it back to the familiar Shawnee's store.
It was dark and getting colder as we blasted the day's beaten trails the same way we came through corridor 8 and the powerlines.We were all tired and fatigued from a full day of riding.When we got back to #6's camp, I dont know what the others did.I loaded up for the unexpected 4 hour ride home. The snow, sleet and rain made the normally 2.5 hour ride much longer.
It was a fabulous day of riding. I totaled 140 miles.
I look forward to the next one.
Thanks to the other 4 riders.
#7
-- Edited by Caboose on Sunday 6th of February 2011 05:50:38 PM
