There is too much snow / ice / sand, tree limbs, downed power lines, etc. to do any biking around here. I checked out the Minuteman Bikeway, but it is snow / ice / leaf / branch covered from Bedford to Lexington at least. So, let's do a coast ride from Hampton North Beach to Portsmouth. Although I didn't personally check it out, the attached snow cover map indicates that it is clear.
The forecast for Portsmouth calls for SUNNY, little wind, and 40 degrees to begin and 46 when we get back. Not bad for November!
On Wednesday, November 2nd - Portsmouth
Although its an hour drive each way, this is a good route to accumulate miles without hills and with marvelous scenery. We won't have to pay for parking or entrance fees, and there's NO SNOW at the coast.
RSVP if you are planning to come with us. We can meet at Shaw's in Groton to carpool, or meet at Hampton North Beach.
We can meet at the Shaw's parking lot at 4 corners in Groton to carpool. Here is a meeting place map.
We will meet at the Hampton North Beach Parking. Here is a starting point map.
- The Exploration Ride will ride along the beautiful NH seacoast to New Castle and then to Portsmouth. Along the way we will stop at Rye Harbor State Park, O'Diorne State Park, Fort Constitution, ... Since we have experience with afternoon headwinds on the coast, I have mapped out an inland route on the way back if necessary.
- The route is about 31 miles and mostly flat. Here is a route map. Its all on road, so I plan to bring my road bike. I promise not to ride as fast as I did on the Seacoast Century.
AR Index is roughly equal to 31 flat, smooth miles.
We have many choices for lunch in Portsmouth. Here are a few suggestions:
- Lunch on the deck overlooking Portsmouth Harbor at River House Restaurant.
- Pub lunch with fresh microbrew beer at the Portsmouth Brewery.
- Lighter fare at Popovers on the sidewalk in bustling Market Square.
Here is the schedule:
- At 9:00 AM - Meet at Shaw's to carpool.
- At 10:00 AM - Meet at Hampton North Beach parking lot.
- At 12:30 PM ish - We will have lunch.
- At 3:00 PM - We will be back to Hampton North Beach.
On Friday, November 4th - Hills of Harvard
Hope to see you there,
Bill and Carole