Walpole, NH to Gardner, MA

This ride is an all-time favorite, with really beautiful stone railroad infrastructure. The course is 51 miles of mostly unpaved rail trail through beautiful countryside. As rail trail, the whole ride is quite flat though we will pass through steep terrain. Part of the trail is abutting Pisgah State Forest. Some of the trail surface gets a little rough at times. There are sandy spots, rocky areas, and there may be fallen trees across the trail. This ride is not suitable for road bikes. Cross, MTB, or fat bikes can all work with this.

We will stop for lunch (bring your own) on a causeway across Rockwood Pond in New Hampshire's Rhododendron State Park with a nice view of Mount Manadnock. About 15% of this ride is paved rail trail, mostly at the end. We will finish back at the Gardner Ale House where we can enjoy food and beverages (buy your own).

Highlights include deep canyons cut through the hard rock, along with tall viaducts between the higher elevations, and the stone arch bridge outside of Keene. Including food and photo breaks, this 51-mile ride can take up to 7 hours.

PLEASE NOTE: We will be out in a rural area with no bike shops, and little cell coverage. Make sure your bike is in good working order. Bring your spare tube(s) and basic tools for fixing a flat, etc. Carry all the food and water you will need. If you have a major mechanical or just run out of energy, the SAG van will be shadowing the ride to provide assistance.

LOGISTICS

Duration: Approximately 7 hours riding and 2 hours shuttling

Length: 51 miles

Elevation:

Timing: Aside from Meeting Points all times are approximate

• 7:00 Meeting Point 1: Adventure East Shuttle. Park at Sunderland Library, 20 School Street, Sunderland 8:00 Meeting Point 2: Gardner Ale House, Parker Street, Gardner
• 8:15 Depart from Gardner Ale House.
• 9:30 Arrive in Walpole and start of ride
• 5:00 End of ride at Gardner Ale House, optional dinner (not included)
• 6:30 Depart Gardner Ale House
• 7:30 Shuttle arrives in Sunderland