May 13, 2025
Day 2 - Danvers, MA, to Hampton, NH
Miles today: 42
Total Miles: 87
Average speed: 10.5 mph
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A good day, but with some complications.
It was stressful getting out the Doubletree in Danvers - going back under the Route 1 and I-95 cloverleaves during commuting traffic was not easy. But back on the route things went smoothly, for the most part.
The rail trails out of Danvers, into Topsfield, Boxford and subsequent towns were all good. The in between roads were very manageable - either side roads with low traffic or medium sized routes with a bit, but never too bad.
The first complication came I think close to Newburyport (don’t know exactly where I was). A bridge was out and no signed detour. But a quick check on RidewithGPS and it was an easy fix.
The scenery was beautiful. Lots of nice homes, situated on large lots, surrounded by pines. Some with great backyard views of ponds. Rolling hills, marshes (and some birds!) and pine forests. These towns are big too, meaning you spend many miles crossing them, unlike the smaller footprint cities closer to Boston. The twists and turns were simpler and Garmin was able to keep up, for the most part, but it did freeze once in a while and screen switching helped bring it back to life.
I had a brief coffee stop on the edge of Newburyport, close to the Salisbury bridge. The route did not go through the quaint center of Newburyport, but I’ve seen that many times before. Over into Salisbury, another very nice rail trail and eventually into NH. I’ve now doubled the number of states I’ve crossed since my last cross-country trip (attempt)!
But things were not all perfect. Before heading over the Salisbury bridge, I had to pass a maintenance truck on the rail trail leading to the bridge. I attempted to squeeze past the truck but my right rear pannier caught the edge of a bench and twisted off, breaking the hook that latches it on to the rack. Fortunately I have extra straps and was able to make a tactical repair. After reaching Hampton, finding a replacement part or better solution would be the priority.
I made it to Hampton Beach and the highlight of the day was meeting Michelle and Hank who moved here from the Cape about 2 years ago. Hank was very willing to help me fix the pannier issue. I called around to some local bike shops and Gus’ Bike Shop in Hampton said they sold Ortlieb panniers, my brand.
After checking in to the Janmere (just ok) I then noticed my back tire was deflated, so another issue. Hank swung by the motel and we headed to Gus’. While they didn’t sell the panniers or parts I needed, they could fix the flat. The owner (I assume Gus?) and his bike mechanic (Tim) were incredible. We exchanged biking stories for almost an hour. After Gus heard about my trip he said the flat fix was no charge - wow. And Tim was very diligent in diagnosing the tire (glass in the treads) and repairing the flat. It was a very, very positive experience, and I am very grateful for Gus’ Bike Shopand Hank’s help in making it happen.
Back at home, Ad was helping to solve the pannier issue. She located some spare parts I had that may work, but also picked up another set of panniers at Belmont Wheelworks just in case (don’t need two but they force you to buy a pair). The better solution would be to replace just the hooks but the part is hard to find in time for her planned trip to meet me tomorrow in Ogunquit. But she found the part in Portland and will drive there ahead of meeting up with me. It was a lot of research and trips she had not planned, taking up her whole afternoon. I’m lucky to have her by my side.
Dinner out with Michelle and Hank included very good company, conversation and food. I may see them tomorrow morning walking their dogs (Daisy and Wallace) along the beach.
Today's ride: 42 miles (68 km)
Total: 87 miles (140 km)
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