Gravel Grinding the NH Northern Rail Trail

Goofing around on the Cannondale Slate 105.  Awesome Gravel Grinder.

So it's been almost a year since my last post!  I've thought many times about putting things up, but I've really been preoccupied with being in the woods.  I'm not "training" anymore.  I've decided that I don't need that kind of pressure in my life and it takes away from my enjoyment of being outside.  My new goal is to get outside every day for at least a few hours.  It's keeping me in shape my mind calm.

Yesterday, in preparation for a three day bikepacking trip, I decided to ride my first century (100 miles).   I picked the Northern Rail Trail to ride, as I wanted to be as far away from cars as possible.  I also had never seen the trail and was curious.  I loaded up my Cannondale Slate 105 and ended up starting later than I wanted, at 10:15.  I didn't care though.  I had zero time restrictions and enough gear to bivy overnight if I had too.   My goal was to ride 100 miles, for the first time.  I was determined to go slow, see the sights, and stop whenever I felt like it.  Here is my day in pictures.

Official Start time, 10:15

Coopers Cycle Supply in Franklin.  When I started NPD I bought a bunch of stuff here.  Love this place.

Pully Cart left from Railroad Days.

One of the many small bridges.

And one of the larger ones.

New England Covered Bridge.

Some tracks are still there.

Made me think of my brother Barry, who is a huge train fan.

There was zero pavement. 

Lunch at the Danbury Country Store.  Whoopee Pie and a Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar drink.

It's a very peaceful trail.

After a torrential downpour the trail was waterlogged for about an hour. 

There is almost zero elevation on this trail.  It feels flat as a pancake.

Artsy shot.

The tunnels were a bit hard to see in, but were fun.

I swear you can't make this stuff up.  I'll just leave that there.

Parking for lunch.  This is the "Old Tray Factory" from the 1700's.

I had no idea it was going to be this scenic.

Feels like being in the Whites.

Tunnel shot.

The Slate was built for this type of road.

Just more pretty scenery.

Stopped back at the store on the way back.  I had to eat a LOT to keep my energy up.  More than running.  The rear rack is from Portland Design Works.  Check it out.

Early train turntable.  Could only be used by very small trains.

The back of the train station you can see in Franklin.

A long day complete.  The longest I have ever ridden on a bicycle.