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Ten of us met at Burger King on Sunday. Actually, 9 of us. Jackie was late so we waited!
We left at about 9:50 and took a route out of Derry, past Massabesic, and on to 107 through Candia, Deerfield and down the mtn into Pittsfield! From there we slabbed up 28 to the Alton Circle. We went round the circle, then proceeded north on 28 toward Wolfboro.
About a mile from the Alton we passed a minivan going about 40 and wicked our way north...a bit over the limit until we got jammed up by a couple cars which we followed all the way into town. I led the group through Wolfboro, past a couple LEOS having a conversation with a couple guys on cruisers.
After making the right off Main street we waited to be sure everyone was with us. Sure enough, we were one short! Someone thought that Terry (Squidboy) NHBusa had been pulled over!
I turned back and, yep, Terry was just finishing his discussion and was putting his helmet back on. We rejoined the group and Terry offered the Sweep slot to anyone willing! Apparently the women in the Minivan called the police and said she had been passed by a bunch of bikes going over 100mph and she was terrified. If anyone knows Terry, you can imagine the Officers being perplexed. After short friendly discussion he was sent on his way with the warning that Police Departments had been notified and were on the lookout for a group of hooligan riders.
(I will take a moment here. Those who have ridden with me generally acknowledge that, with a few exceptions, I lead a ride with an 'entertaining' pace, I don't ever like to talk about actual speeds since the raw number is meaningless with out the full context, and, as a rule, I make an effort to leave a 'positive' impression on the folks we enounter! The pass on the minivan was on a long view dotted line, we passed quickly as we must with a group that large, there was no on coming traffic to be seen, and the entire event was excuted cleanly and with no drama. The women was a nutbag, pure and simple. And yeah, I know, I "doth protest too much!")
So, back on 28 for the nice section between Wolfboro and 16. The weather was the same as it had been when we left Derry. A bit overcast and gray, but perfectly dry and warm enough that the heated gear wasn't needed!
CONGA LINE
We stayed on 16 right into North Conway, by passing lots of interesting roads in favor of getting to Hurricane Mountain and beyond in time for lunch. We were thinking of the advice from the LEO in Wolfboro and kept the speeds to legal. The traffic helped too!
Past Chocorua and into Conway where we picked up West Road to bypass the traffic of 16. Unfortunately, we got jammed up behind some guy who was bent on proving he could drive all the way into North Conway without exceeding the speedlimit by even 1/10. And in the process collected us and about 8 cars. Pity cus that's a nice little stretch to let it out a bit!
We gassed up and grabbed some subs in North Conway.
AT SUBWAY
After a brief description of what to expect, turned on to Hurricane Mountain Road!
I'll let others describe their experience here if they are so inclined! I love that road for the 'tickle in the groin' it gives me every time!
Safely through, we turned on to 113 and headed to Evans notch where we planned to stop and eat. The 10 miles to the White Mountain National Park entrance was fun but when we got there the entrance was closed. Apparently there is a bridge out...again?!
So, we stopped at the picnic area and ate, consulted a map, and opted to redo Hurricane Mountain Road! (HMR)!
APRES LUNCH
South again, then West back to North Conway, we arrived at the other side of HMR and headed north on 302 to Bear Mountain Road (BMR)!
We finally were able to let the RPMS creep up as we hammered BMR with enthusiastic grins! And what a treat. As we approached other cars they actually pulled over and let us by with a chuckle and a wave! Awesome!
Near the end, I had to stop and get this picture. No big surprise really, but the snow on the side was evidence that this really is early in the season!
BEAR MTN SNOW!
Obviously, at this point, we headed west on the Kanc. The traffic was light and passing was easy and without drama and we had a spirited romp to the summit!
THE KANC
While we were taking in the view two NESRs - Stiggy and Ninjajim - shot by going east! They looked at us and we looked at them. And we discussed the encounter later here... http://www.nestreetriders.com/forum/...anc-today.html
Ha...small world that got even smaller as we wound our way into Lincoln. Between Loon and the Pemi Wilderness trail, we passed a couple Leos running a field sobriety 'walk the line' test on some youngster. Bad day for him! When we stopped in Lincoln for gas and coffee, Terry told me one of the Leos was Nikon!!! Hey bud...you could have waved back at me! (Or maybe you ride a Harley!)
Refueled and with energy in reserve, we decided to continue the twisty fest and ran down 112 to 118. From there we hopped on Halls Brook Road and eventually skirted the east shore of Newfound Lake on 3a! We stopped for gas once more and I followed a lost loop of pretty nice roads that eventually hooked up with 103. We crossed 89, jumped on 113 and were soon in Goffstown!
On 101 riders began leaving the group to find there way home!
End of a terrific day.
Thanks to Terry for riding sweep and managing the occaisional LEO. And to everyone else for riding REALLY well and making this an awesome day!
Oh...and HOW good was this ride???
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...it was THIS good!!!
Later,
Dave