For anyone in/around New England:

I'm trying to decide if it's worth it to ride up to the Kancamagus some time in the next few weekends.  It'd be 2-3 hours each way for me, so I'm on the fence.  Has anyone got experiences that would be helpful?   I'm wondering if it gets congested up with tourist traffic during this time of year badly enough to make it not worthwhile.

So for anyone that's done it:  Is the potential butt-rot justified?

Well, I haven't done it enough times to speculate about traffic at any given time of year. I did it on a Saturday in August once, but I timed my ride to hit the Kancamagus about dawn, and I saw maybe 2 or three cars all the way accross. It isn't peak leaf season here yet, but when it is there will be a lot of traffic on that route for sure on a weekend. I will vouch for it being a breathtaking ride just about anytime.  You might consider riding up and staying over somewhere in Conway or Lincoln, and doing the ride super early in the morning, like I did. No traffic, and it's even more beautiful with the Sun just comming up. Very cold, though, this time of year.

Dave Geyer
Merrimack, NH USA

Hmmm...the family has a cabin near Sanbornville, but it's closed down for the winter.

Peak season is coming late this year.  There is pretty much nothing going on down here.  Not cold enough yet, I s'pose.  I may drive up to the Kanc with the wife, just to get some pics and have a nice weekend.

I'm thinking if I don't ride up to the Kanc before the season is out, I'll probably head out to the Berkshires for the day.  I used to live near Stockbridge, and there's some beautiful country out there, exponentially so during the fall.

Yes! I did the Mohawk Trail this past Saturday on the bike. Very pretty country out that way.  You can do a  nice loop if you come up through Bennington or Wilmington, VT and head back on VT 9 to NH 101.  If you feel like extending it a little, you can head up VT 100 out of Wilmington and go as far as you want, then head East on any number of beautiful routes, and head back VT 5, or NH 12. All good stuff. VT 100 is one of the best rides there is if you like New England scenic/quaint. We live in one of the very best parts of the country for riding. Doesn't get as much press as it should.

Dave Geyer
Merrimack, New Hampshire

Quote from: dhgeyerWe live in one of the very best parts of the country for riding.

Well, for 3 seasons anyway.