Conference noted::bicycle

re:                       <<< Note 1609.0 by STAR::TANDON >>>
                            -< More bike routes ?? >-

I just picked up a book called "25 Bike Tours in New Hampshire" (or something
like that). It has 25 different routes from easy to hard with various lengths.
We took a 15 mile route in Swanzey that goes by 5 covered bridges. They also
have routes out by the seacoast but I don't have the book with me so I can't
give you the details. I bought the book at EMS, and they have other books and
maps but didn't look at them all.

Jenna

    
    	The Granite State Wheelmen document all of their rides
    throughout the state.  I have a number of the Southern N.H.
    rides (cue sheets) that originate in the Merrimack/Amherst/Nashua
    area ranging from 18 to 60+ miles.  I am willing to share
    those that I have and will give you instructions on how to
    go about getting some of the others unless the Pres. (Ed Fisher)
    is planning to catalog them for a future publication as
    a source of revenue for the club (He increased the dues this
    year).
    
    	If your interested in these please send me mail.  Also, I
    have some rides sheet around the MKO facility that I think were
    posted in here a couple of years ago if anyone is interested.
    
    							_Jerry

    Howard Stone's book, "Short Bike Rides in Greater and Central
    Massachusetts," has a number of routes.  Some you might be
    interested in:  Ashby-Ashburnham-New Ipswich, N.H.-Greenville, N.H.,
    Fitchburg, Ashburnham, Cathedral of the Pines Ride:  Winchendon-
    Rindge, N.H.  The book lists many more.  A similar book lists routes
    on Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket.  You can find the books
    in book stores or bicyle shops.

    The state of N.H. has an official bicycle map.  I picked it up
    at a state campground a few years ago.  It even has grades marked.

    I find that the "prepared" rides out of books tend to keep
    you busy trying to find the next turn.

    My technique for finding nice bike rides is to get lost.

    It's fun so long as your lostness stays bounded.  For example,
    I'd keep track of the fact that I'm North of rt 2, south of 495
    and east of Rt 3.  If I hit any of these unexpectedly, I break
    out the map.

    As an addendum to this technique, never chose a road with
    "Hill" in it's name. (Unless that's what you're looking for.)

    -Jeff Bell

RE .4

Can you tell us how to get this map?

Thanks,
Denis

    There are some narrow "roads" through Dunstable that are nice to cycle
    along (particularly if you have a cross bike). The hills are shallow,
    the scenery is good, and traffic tends to be slow and light. Crossing
    into Hollis and Nashua, the roads smooth out, but the traffic remains
    light with plenty of pretty scenery.
    
    -Paul
    

> Can you tell us how to get this map?

    The way that I got it was by biking up to the Ossipee NH
    state campground.  It was in the rack at the check-in.
    It only took me about 4 days round trip.  But that was 5 years ago.

    You might try asking at one of the tourist info booths
    at the state line.  If there is a state tourism department,
    they might have them too, although I'm not sure that they're
    still in print.

    -Jeff Bell

    According to 'The Cyclists' Yellow Pages', 11th Edition, 1990-91
    (BikeCentennial is a GREAT organization!):
    
    Publications: New Hampshire Bicycle Map. (New Hampshire Office of
    Vacation Travel, Box 856, Concord NH 03301. (603)271-2343.) Free.
    
    I haven't sent for one yet, but plan to. I assume they simply want a
    self-addressed, stamped envelope.
    
    	/Harry

I got my copy of the NH bike map from one of the rest area/information centers
on Rt 3.

John

    I've been told that the map is out of print and we (GSW) are actively
    seeking funding to get a new one printed.  You may find some new ones
    but the supply is being exhausted.
    
    ed