Presidential Rail Trail, Gorham to Randolph 8:00 am + July 4th parade info

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

The 8:00 am you see in the title is not a typo. The idea is to try to get a ride in before it gets above 90 degrees. So if you are an early riser and need to get some biking in your day, an 8:00 start may be the best option.

Lots of this ride is in the shade, the green tunnel of the Presidential Rail Trail. This ride will cover yet another section of the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail. I have a goal that between Tuesday Dirt+Pavement and ThursdayBike we will have covered all 83 miles of the route in bits and pieces this season.

The ride starts in Gorham, from the parking lot next to the railroad cars at the park near the intersection of Route 16 and Route 2. We ride out for a short bit on 16/2 then head into the dirt road near the airport, popping out on Route 2 at the ATV parking lot. We head west towards Randolph, coming out a Pinkham B Road, then get back on pavement to head over to Durand Road and up to the Castle Trailhead. There we turn back for the fun downhill cruise on the handpicked dirt rail trail, which is in good condition for a spirited downhill.

On the way back we can stop for ice cream and/or lunch at Mr. Pizza in Gorham.

Start point: Parking area next to the train across from the park at the corner of Route 16 and Route 2 in Gorham. From Glen, take Route 16 north. BEFORE you get to the intersection with Route 2 you will cross a set of railroad tracks. Turn left immediately after the railroad tracks into the parking area and park facing the train tracks.

Time: Ready to ride at 8:00 am

Mileage: about 22

Map:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27951573

BARTLETT AND CONWAY PARADE INFO:

4th of July is THIS WEEK, Wednesday, wow, so here is information for you if you, your friends and family would like to proudly ride your bikes in a parade!! It is crazy, silly fun.. Dress up in red, white and blue bling, and enjoy!  Do Bartlett or Conway or both.

Information on the BARTLETT 4th of July Parade, marching with the Bicycling Club Banner:  Same routine as in the past:

If you have never been to the Bartlett 4th of July Parade, it is worth a trip. What a hoot!! It drips with small town charm. Lots of fire trucks (bring ear plugs...), old cars and "floats". Politicians and Miss Mt. Washington Valleys in tiaras perched in convertibles. It starts at 11:00. This is a big deal --- they actually close Route 302 for this event, causing a huge 4th of July traffic jam of confused, surprised and cranky tourists (and locals). But the show must go on! 

Best way to see this spectacle is by bike. Meet at the Attitash parking lot at 9:45 am, ready to ride, at the far west end of the lot, away from the lifts, in the shade. We can ride over to Bartlett Village before Route 302 turns into a linear parking lot of annoyed drivers. After the parade, get a bowl full of strawberry shortcake made by the church ladies and gents. 
By then the traffic should clear for our return to our cars at Attitash. 

Meet at 9:45 am, ready to ride at Attitash.


UPDATE FROM SALLY MCMURDO, TUESDAY JULY 3rd

Can you let people know that the time for Conway parade was changed to 1:30, not 1:00. Anyone who wants to march with the rec group should show up at Hillside Avenue around 1:00.

Information on the CONWAY 4th of July parade, marching with the Recreation Path Banner. Parade starts at 1:00 pm. Information below from Jill at the Gibson Center:

“July 4th parade information for Conway 2018

The parade will run from Hillside Ave (near covered bridges) to the Kennett Junior High School, and floats will dismantle by HAM Arena.
The parade starts at 1PM and will last for 20 minutes (that is all the time we are allowed since it is a State Road)   
People are welcome to line up, starting at noon.  But don’t wait in line too long without keeping cool, we don’t need anyone passing out (as has happened in the past).  All floats and vehicles need to be in place by 12:30.

We are allowed to hand items to people along the way, but not allowed to just throw stuff that might cause people to run into the street.

The Community Outreach Committee is planning on marching/riding, etc. in the Conway 4th of July parade to promote the Rec Path. We're looking for people of all ages and abilities to be in the parade behind our banner.
It'd be fun for people to" dress up" as rec path users- runners, walkers, bird watchers, roller skiers,  snow shoers (carrying their shoes of course), dog walkers,,  people with carriages, wheelchairs and the like. Bring a group and come join us! The more the merrier!”



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