Day 27: Lincoln to North Conway

2 km (45 miles) – Total so far: 2,449 km (1,522 miles)

It’s great when an evening surprises you as I was not expecting much. Some fine Tuckerman’s IPA in a sports bar, met some interesting people and watched the Yankees and the Red Sox. I asked about whether it was possible to watch the RWC qualifying game between Canada and USA tomorrow on TV. Apparently it should have been, but ESPN are covering the World Series of Little League between Iowa and Missouri instead. Also, the best wild camping so far of the course, a mile or so outside town in the forest, no mosquitos.

Amongst the conversations I had last night was one about the route today. I had said the Sawyer pass, which I came over yesterday, was steep in places. The guy I was talking to said today would be steeper. I knew I was heading up to 980 metres, from 200, and set off steadily on a fine morning, cool but would be mid 20s by early afternoon. A few switchbacks, and I kept waiting for the steep bit to come, and it never did. A bit of an anti-climax really. This part of New Hampshire is very busy right now, and so was the Kancamagus Pass. It is part of the Northern Tier bike route, but in places does not have much room for slow bikes ascending. This isn’t high season though, that is in Autumn when the colours of the trees bring many people here. For me the ascent of 780 metres was done in 90 minutes, just over 10 miles. A good climb, then 5 fast miles downhill, and another 16 more gradual.

Into Conway for lunch, and I was despite everywhere here being packed, I was told about a new B and B that had opened up about 40 minutes north, with space, and cheap. This is North Conway, with the White Mountains and all the activities they bring just to the immediate west. Struggling to find the place I asked in a nearby motel. They told me it was an illegal accommodation provider, and I shouldn’t use it as many bad things can happen (those were the guys exact words). On arrival I was given a cold beer by the old couple who run it, a big old house set back off the road, and made very welcome. I will await the bad things with trepidation (mind you, it was a Bud Light).

Distance 72 kilometres Max Speed 53.4 km / hr Ride Time 4 hrs Average Speed 18.0 km / hr Departed 9:45 am Arrived 2:45 pm