Continuing our Fireworks of Fall series, you’re invited to join us for a revised version of The Notches of New Hampshire tour.  Captivating splashes of Fall Foliage can be seen as we traverse the White Mountain National Forest climbing over 4 of the famous 7 notches: Bear, Crawford, Kinsman and Pinkham, along with the Kancamagus Pass.  Views of the Presidential Mountain Range along with as many as 5 Federal Wilderness Areas, Covered Bridges, pristine lakes, waterfalls and wildlife await you on this challenging yet, rewarding tour.

The tour begins and ends in Concord, NH, the State Capital pedaling our way through many charming New England towns and villages throughout the trip.

 Day 1 – Concord, NH to Center Harbor, NH – 65 miles 3100 ft. of climbing 

Our first day takes us up through the Lakes Region of NH. With a sag stop at the Canterbury Shaker Village (www.shakers.org/),  we’ll then continue north to Squam Lake on our way towards our nights stay at the Center Harbor Inn (www.centerharborinn.com) on the shore of Lake Winnipesauke

 

Day 2 – Center Harbor to Lincoln – 60 miles – 4100 ft. of climbing

Continuing north towards the White Mountains National Forest we’ll go up and over Sawyer Hwy on our way to the Lincoln / Woodstock area where you’ll get to visit the Woodstock Inn & Brewery (www.woodstockinnnh.com), brewers of fine Craft Ales.

 

Day 3 – Lincoln to Gorham – 68 miles – 4200 ft. of climbing

Headed east the next day, we’ll climb up the Famous Kancamagus Highway.Then, over Bear and Pinkham Notches on our way to Gorham. Lunch stop in North Conway including Louis Garneau and Pearl Izumi Outlet stores.

 

Day 4, 5 – Gorham to Littleton – 65 miles – 3200 ft. of climbing

The following day, we’ll go back over Pinkham Notch into the Heart of the White Mountains proceeding over Crawford Notch on our way to Litttleton for 2 nights at the Historic Thayers Inn (www.thayersinn.com). A rest day here will give you a chance to explore this unique village with its numerous shops and eateries, or take an optional ride to the area north of Littleton. – 50 miles – 2237 ft. of climbing*

 

Day 6 – Littleton to West Lebanon – 70 Miles – 3064 ft. of climbing

Traveling south the next day you’ll be treated to the picturesque Connecticut River Valley and Hanover (Home to Dartmouth College) before stopping in West Lebanon for the night. Highlights include the communities of Lancaster, Jefferson ,Whitefield and the  Seven Barrel Brew pub near the hotel for some fine local ales.  

 

Day 7 – West Lebanon to Keene – 64 miles – 2700 ft. of climbing

Our next destination is Keene for our last night together but not before stopping along the way in Walpole to visit L.A. Burdick Homemade Chocolates (www.burdickchocolate.com/). Dinner included this night.

 

Day 8 – Keene to Concord – 57 Miles – 2400 ft. of climbing

On our final day, Sunday the 19^th, we head east through the Monadnock Region and Merrimack River Valley on a 60 mile route back to our starting point in Concord and  showers at end of ride!

 

Tour Leaders: Jim Bethell and Janet Reilly

For more information contact Jim or Janet @ 518-446-1766 or email jim@bikes5.com