Shady Presidential Rail Trail, Gorham to Jefferson. 8:45 am
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Looks like we might be OK for a ride in the predicted hot and humid weather if we leave early and stay in the shade. I think the shadiest ride and relatively easy one would be on the Presidential Rail Trail from Gorham to Randolph and Jefferson. Let's therefore meet, ready to ride at 8:45 am.
This 22.5 mile 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 onto the dirt road and recreation path near the airport, popping out on Route 2 at the ATV parking lot. We head west towards Randolph for about 5 miles, gradual uphill, coming out at Pinkham B Road. Here we can stay on the rail trail in the shade, or opt to get back onto pavement to head over to Durand Road and up to the Castle Trailhead. We can go further if we want, there are some interesting active beaver ponds a few miles further. We turn back for the fun downhill cruise on the hardpacked dirt rail trail, which is in good condition for a spirited downhill cruise. We can take a short side trip to Rolo Falls for our snack stop.
On the way back, perhaps, a stop for ice cream at air conditioned 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.
There is a bathroom at the visitor info center in the park, located on Route 2/16.
Which Bike to Use?: A mountain bike is OK for this because we don't have far to go on the pavement. A hybrid or gravel grinder is ideal. The key is to have wider tires than your road bike to enjoy the hardpack dirt and cinder rail trail.
Time: Ready to ride at 8:45 am
Mileage: About 22.5, can be more if we want.
Map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27951573
Looks like we might be OK for a ride in the predicted hot and humid weather if we leave early and stay in the shade. I think the shadiest ride and relatively easy one would be on the Presidential Rail Trail from Gorham to Randolph and Jefferson. Let's therefore meet, ready to ride at 8:45 am.
This 22.5 mile 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 onto the dirt road and recreation path near the airport, popping out on Route 2 at the ATV parking lot. We head west towards Randolph for about 5 miles, gradual uphill, coming out at Pinkham B Road. Here we can stay on the rail trail in the shade, or opt to get back onto pavement to head over to Durand Road and up to the Castle Trailhead. We can go further if we want, there are some interesting active beaver ponds a few miles further. We turn back for the fun downhill cruise on the hardpacked dirt rail trail, which is in good condition for a spirited downhill cruise. We can take a short side trip to Rolo Falls for our snack stop.
On the way back, perhaps, a stop for ice cream at air conditioned 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.
There is a bathroom at the visitor info center in the park, located on Route 2/16.
Which Bike to Use?: A mountain bike is OK for this because we don't have far to go on the pavement. A hybrid or gravel grinder is ideal. The key is to have wider tires than your road bike to enjoy the hardpack dirt and cinder rail trail.
Time: Ready to ride at 8:45 am
Mileage: About 22.5, can be more if we want.
Map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27951573
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