(NH) Northern Rail Trail Bike Ride - Boscawen to Franklin

We gathered at Gerrish Station Depot, riding our fast vehicles north west, leaving Boscawen quickly, cruising through Franklin -- which featured FIVE train stops in its day, including the farm of Danel Webster, NH's prominent citizen of his day, stopping at East Andover.

On our return, we lunched on Webster Lake, later snacking in beautiful downtown Boscawen.

Encounted some light rain on our return, one rider demonstrated his rain gear.

Organizers are posting June ride soon, from East Andover to Danbury. Tune up your bikes, take some training rides, as this segment will be about 26 miles, round trip.

This moderate rail trail ride is part of a longtime goal of riding the complete (NH) Northern Rail Trail with some fellow bikers. I am listing the ride with GO to encourage others to join me, co-leader Neil Benjamin, and a group of our friends.

The NRT stretches 58 miles from Boscowen to Lebanon, NH. We'll ride about 20 miles round trip, starting from the southeastern trailhead in Boscowen. The asphalt surface of the NRT is generally quite smooth, so any type of bicycle is perfectly adequate. That said, a road or hybrid/city bike is best suited for this ride. There are hills on the NRT, but most are gradual. Anyone shy of a devout couch potato should be able to handle them!

New England weather is unpredictable, so check the forecast before you leave home. Layers that you can add/subtract are your best bet for clothing. Also bring sunscreen, a helmet, plenty of fluids (more than you think you'll need!), and a lunch and/or snacks.

**UPDATE SATURDAY AFTERNOON 5/15: THE TRIP IS ON! THERE'S A CHANCE OF SHOWERS TOMORROW AFTERNOOON, BUT BY AND LARGE, THE FORECAST LOOKS GOOD. TO BE SAFE, BRING A PONCHO OR RAINCOAT THAT YOU CAN PUT ON SHOULD MOTHER NATURE DECIDE TO RAIN ON OUR PARADE!**

Review "Friends of the Northern Rail Trail of Merrimack County' https://fnrt.org/ for additional information. [if you search for just Northern Rail Trail you may be directed to another northern section of the rail trail].

BRING YOUR CALENDAR - as we are planning to continue riding north/west on NRT this summer. We'll identify June-July-August ride dates.