Kanc - what's the road surface like right now?

[xxaarraa]

Hey guys,

Last I was up at the Kanc was in April and the road was shitty then with frost heaves and what not. What's it like right now (10/12/12)? Thinking of sprinting up there for this weekend, thanks in advance for the tips.

A.

[G21forme]

Well it's not getting any better... My girl lives up there and the leaf peepers are out in full force. you'd be alright on a weekday but forget about trying a kanc run on a weekend in october.

[nhbubba]

I think the road surface is in pretty good shape as of like 2-3 weekends ago.*

* I've been told that those who ride 'adventure' bikes are lousy judges of road conditions. I also think 113 through Evan's notch and 118 west of the Kanc are quite ride-able.

I will confess that 113 from Ossipee to Holderness is getting pretty bad.

[fineout]

I'm going leaf peeping with the gf this weekend, any roads to check out that wont be mobbed?

[G21forme]

I'm going leaf peeping with the gf this weekend, any roads to check out that wont be mobbed?

I can ask the womanz for you tonight, if you have time stop by greens and beans or moulton farms for some hot cider and corn mazes and if you are going to be there at night morbid mountain.

[xxaarraa]

I am prepared for the Kanc to be a total shit show, as long as there are other salvageable rides nearby to make up for it. I'll do 118, thanks for the tip bubba. Anyone know the road condition and/or traffic situation on 16 North to Gorham? How about 113 down from Gilead/Route 2 to Chatham? I am not going anywhere near Winni area, those roads are known to be horrendous.

[GingahNinjah]

i am gonna bet that the kanc is covered in slippery wet leaves and packed with morons not watching where they are going rite now... bad time of year for riding up there.

[nhbubba]

I did that stretch of 113 twice earlier this year. Pavement is not perfect, but perfectly ride-able in my book. The stretch of 113 north of the lakes on the other hand is starting to get to be a bit much.

What are you riding? I've had this conversation with a couple sport-bike types lately. Their definition of 'bad' is my definition of 'just fine'. My bike is a little better setup for so-so pavement. I also don't ride that fast or hard.

[xxaarraa]

I did that stretch of 113 twice earlier this year. Pavement is not perfect, but perfectly ride-able in my book. The stretch of 113 north of the lakes on the other hand is starting to get to be a bit much.

What are you riding? I've had this conversation with a couple sport-bike types lately. Their definition of 'bad' is my definition of 'just fine'. My bike is a little better setup for so-so pavement. I also don't ride that fast or hard.

Thanks. I ride an 848 corse, which has suspension so hard and a dinner plate for a seat that I have to ride with my mouth open to keep my teeth chattering (And yes, I dial out / soften the suspension as much as it will allow and it's still hard as a rock).

I won't be riding too hard, as long as its not a constant jarring, I will be fine!

[nhbubba]

Cheese, one of the guys I've had this conversation with, is on an 848.

Maybe you want to avoid 113 and 118. Or at least get a 2nd opinion.

[SRTie4k]

118 is in absolutely no condition to be ridden on a sport bike. Actually it really shouldn't be ridden on any bike, period. Believe me, you will hate your life if you even come near that road this year.

[xxaarraa]

118 is in absolutely no condition to be ridden on a sport bike. Actually it really shouldn't be ridden on any bike, period. Believe me, you will hate your life if you even come near that road this year.

Oh man. This rules out the 118, Kanc is a write-off anyway. Maybe I'll just take 16 up all the way to Rangeley and 17/2/113 back down. Will keep you guys posted on what its like, thanks for all the tips.

[RandyO]

i am gonna bet that the kanc is covered in slippery wet leaves and packed with morons not watching where they are going rite now... bad time of year for riding up there.

The Kanc won't be littered with leaves, the tree canopy is cleared back far enuf that its very unlikely, Evens Notch, different story

[nhbubba]

Like I said, 2nd opinion.

Although I maintain that I can still get my jollies off on 118, I can understand why sport-bike types would feel otherwise. Ya'll need yourselves some 19" front wheels and some real suspension travel.

[shortbus]

118 has about 1 mile of crappy condition road towards the end as you approach 112, the rest can barely be considered a road. It would be a dream if it was freshly paved though.

Didn't stop us from going a little too fast through it but its bumpy and very sketchy, and my buddy crashed off the side last time I was there.

[xxaarraa]

Due to 80% chance of rain near the Kanc for Sunday, I didn't go up. Went to southern NH instead and rode 101/122/47/137 etc. Road surfaces were excellent, traffic was light, the leaves were gorgeous. Not an aggressive/fast route at all, but great for a relaxed cruise in case anyone wants to squeeze out a few more rides before winter.

[xxaarraa]

Not sure anyone cares but I figured I'd share. Did many roads east of Kanc this past weekend and they were GREAT! 16 was freshly paved a little past Gorham all the way to Maine. 26 was excellent leading to Errol and back. Plan to go back this weekend to get some more riding in, it was a blast.