The Lupine Ride 10:00 am from Pinkham B in Randolph

Tuesday, June 17, 2019

Ready to Ride at 10:00 am

The Lupines:  They are in bloom!

Start:  Pinkham B Road in Randolph (western end of Pinkham B), parking area at the Presidential Rail Trail Crossing.

The Ride:  This route in Randolph and Jefferson goes by some of the best displays of panoramic scenery and lupine fields in the area. The ride includes the entire length of Valley Road, a hidden treasure, running in the valley parallel to Route 2 and parallel to the Presidential Rail Trail.  Lunch and snack stop will be at the Israel River Campground.

Start from Pinkham B, go up Durand Road all the way to the end, then out onto Route 2 for just over a mile to a left on Valley Road. Enjoy the view and lupines. Take a left onto Route 115 and head up to 115A and take a right. Go past the Railcar home and take a right on Israel River Road and stop at the campground for snacks and ice cream bars and cups. Head back to Valley Road, enjoy Presidential Range views, then get on the rail trail at Jefferson Notch Road and enjoy the rail trail all the way back to your car at Pinkham B Road. The rail trail is in good shape and is a hoot with a long fun downhill all the way from the Castle Trail parking area!

Start time: 10:00 am ready to ride in Randolph at the parking lot on the west end of Pinkham B Road at the rail trail crossing. 

Carpool: Meet at the Jackson Ski Touring/Wentworth Golf Club parking area across the street from the J-Town Deli at 9:10 am.

Ride length: 23-28 miles; a few out and back spurs for more views gives the extra few miles. 

I am completely disappointed that I cannot join in on this ride, I am in CT, one of my Mom's best friends died and I am the one who is doing all of the arrangements, financial issues, house issues, etc. I WILL be back for the Thursday ride.

Directions to the start: 

Driving Pinkham B's “dirt and "pavement" was not too bad recently, the pavement parts at the Randolph end were potholed. If you aren’t sure it is best to avoid that route to the ride start. Instead, drive Route 16 north to Gorham, follow it towards Berlin and take a left on Route 2 at the traffic light. Go up the big hill and down the other side. Just after the hill flattens, Pinkham B Road will be on your left. Take the left and drive about 0.5 mile to the parking area on the right at the rail trail crossing right near the Randolph town maintence facility.

Map:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27770259