Rochester, NH to New London, NH

June 29, 2015

Lazy morning! But progress was made! Overcast with bits of sunshine but warmer! Breakfast at the Pink Cadillac Diner next door (food was very convenient to the Greenwood Inn), and I was on my way. Even if it was 10:20 already.

Today's ride to New London

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So slugging it out on NH-11 was OK, I guess. Lots of traffic but very wide shoulders. Almost as wide as a travel lane. I was impressed.

The sun was trying to show its stuff. Wide (and I mean really wide) shoulders.

But that only lasted about nine miles before I turned off onto Valley Road, a road with a very welcoming name and matching context!

Good pavement, lots of trees, and rolling terrain.

Of course, the rolling terrain was deceptive. I was climbing and would be for a good part of the day. But I knew that already, and right now it was a gentle, beguiling climb. The kind you don't really notice. And I really didn't want descents. I had the Green Mountains somewhere up ahead, and any descent meant more climbing!

RWGPS did a good job for me today. These early roads were generally quiet and very rideable. Even when I turned onto NH-140, it was a good ride. Up until Belmont where I stopped for a Gatorade break at NH-106 and noticed the increased traffic headed west. Getting back on NH-140, I continued my ride, but on a road with no shoulder (as it is east of NH-106) but a lot more traffic in both directions. I was passed closely by heavy trucks waaay too often even for me, but after about two miles was given a shoulder to ride.

Shortly thereafter, I was back on old reliable NH-11 with its wide shoulders. But not for long. When I reached Northfield, NH, I had the option of using a rail trail. The start was auspicious, and I wasn't sure this was for me, but it soon turned into a fine trail, and I rode it all the way to Franklin, NH.

The Northfield Rail Trail, which is known officially as the Winnipesaukee River Trail.

The Winnipesaukee River Trail ends in Franklin at Trestle Park, named after the overhead railroad trestle. There is also a monument and park celebrating the textile industry made possible by the roaring waters nearby.

Part of a steam turbine, the railroad trestle, and the Winnipesaukee River Trail terminus in Franklin, NH.

But it was not long before I was on a second rail trail after passing through Franklin. This trail is known simply as the Northern Rail Trail, and I rode about 14 of its 48 miles. It is unpaved but ridable at a pace of between 8 to 11 mph. I had already made a hotel reservation in New London and was only about 20 miles away, so I was comfortable taking the time to ride this trail.

The Northern Rail Trail is firm and surfaced with cinders and small pebbles.

And even passes a covered bridge. This occurs at a very odd intersection with the railroad alignment. I'm sure there are some stories here to be told.

This second trail was a nonstop climb. It ended about eight miles shy of New London, where I had to exit onto NH-11 to continue my route, still climbing, mind you. All told, I climbed 3,460 feet today, knocking out two major climbs on my route. Only 85 miles remain to my destination point: Sunderland, VT!

Today's ride: 61 miles (98 km)
Total: 3,387 miles (5,451 km)

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