Hi all,
Turns out I can squeeze in a ride this week before jetting off to Europe, so please join me on one of my favrorite rides along the Cotton Valley Rail Trail all the way to the end in Wakefield.
WHAT: Cotton Valley Rail Trail
WHEN: 10:15 am map meeting; 10:30 ride
WHERE: Fernald Station, Route 109, Wolfeboro
LEADERS: Bennie DiNardo
Park at Fernald Station off Route 109 in Wolfeboro; that way, we miss the part of the trail with the most pedestrians and bikers. The round-trip ride is 18.1 miles, 464 feet of climbing, very gradual except for a few little hills as you approach Wakefield. There are no turns except at the end; after reading Turntable Park in Wakefield, it's a left turn onto 109 for a bit along the road to the Poor People's Pub.
Make sure your bike is ready to ride; my simple reminder to myself is to check ABC (air, brakes, and cables) before leaving the house. You should have a spare tube and be able to change your own if you get a flat; we can help with simple needs, but I am no bike mechanic. Helmets are required.
Please register if you are interested! Weather is supposed to be sunny and 70 degrees; I'll check in the morning and email those who have registered if we need to cancel.
If you've ridden the trail before, I'm sure you know that lots of people (including me) have had accidents crossing the rails. Please be careful, and dismount and walk at rail crossings unless you are sure you've approached the rail at the proper angle (i.e., perpendicular).
Poor People's Pub opens at 11:30, and is a terrific place for lunch or dessert. I'd love to have lunch before turning around and coming back, but we can see that morning how many participants want to do that and how many want to just ride.
If you want to download the ride to a Garmin or other device, here's a link to the Ride with GPS map. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46593859