Wapack trail traverse with return by bicycle?

[pedxing]

How gonzo would I have to be to position a bicycle at one end of the Wapack trail and then ride the bicycle back to my car at the other? Any unavoidable hills that I'd hate facing after a long hike?

 

[Pat T]

Really interesting idea...

Hi, Pedxing--

That's a really interesting idea. If you plan on doing this soon, I'm sure you'll check with knowledgeable folks about the condition of the trail. In the area around the Windblown XC Area, the trail was heavily damaged but Juniper, on this board, just posted a TR reporting that the trail is cleared from Watatic all the way to the Temple Road. The Wapack Trail runs right through Windblown and they have been hosting volunteers for ski trail clearing on weekends. Take a look at the Windblown "Conditions" link for more info.

Pat T

 

[smitty77]

How gonzo would I have to be to position a bicycle at one end of the Wapack trail and then ride the bicycle back to my car at the other? Any unavoidable hills that I'd hate facing after a long hike?

Depends on what kind of ride you're looking for and in which direction you want to go.

The most direct route from Watatic going north would be to go 119 E, left on Pillsbury Road in Ashby, left on West Rd / 123A, north on 123, follow 123 to the right at the intersection of 124 (near the Windblown XC area), and keep on 123 until it hits 101 and continue on it until it Sand Hill Road and make your way uphill to the northern terminus of the trail. IIRC, this route is a lot of back roads that see minimal traffic, but there is really no designated shoulder to ride on in most places, some sections were quite bumpy last time I drove it, and there's a lot of little up-and-down hills to contend with, including a nasty climb in New Ipswich after you pick up 123. Of course, heading south this wouldn't be a problem. Google maps lists this route at 18.2 miles from Mt. Watatic to Sand Hill Road

If it were me, I'd opt for the longer route of 119 West to Rt 202 north in Rindge, and follow 202 all the way to Peterborough. Lots of traffic on that road, but the shoulders are wide (except for a short stretch just before Peterborough), the pavement is in good condition, and the road has a more relaxed grade to it. Google maps give a distance of 22.4 miles from Mt. Watatic to Sand Hill Road in Peterborough.

I would have thought the second route was a lot longer, but considering it's "only" 4 miles, that's the one I would go with. Sounds like a fun hike-and-bike!

 

[bikehikeskifish]

I have ridden many of those roads and they are neither highly maintained nor are they flat. Especially as you cross to the north of 101, and also along 123 by Uncle Sam's House in Mason.

If you stay on 123A to route 45 (Senator Charles Tobey Hwy) it's much less hilly.

http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/nh/wapack trail return/697124152306813167


Tim

 

[pedxing]

Pat: Thanks for the alert on trail conditions. Actually it was Juniper's report which led me to double check the Wapack board and see their announcement that the trail clearing was complete. I'd been watching and hoping to find a window between when the trail was cleared and black fly season to get out and do it.

Smitty and bikehike... thanks for the route ideas and info.

 

[Woody]

I worked on a Wapack trail crew a few weeks ago through the Windblown ski area. The following week I hiked it from Route 119 in Ashby Ma (over Watatic) to the high hut at Windblown and back. Trail was in good shape.

 

[RoySwkr]

How gonzo would I have to be to position a bicycle at one end of the Wapack trail and then ride the bicycle back to my car at the other?

After I hiked the whole Wapack I wouldn't have wanted to bike anywhere

One idea might be to leave bike at S end and drive to middle. Hike to bike and when you get there you have a choice of biking to N end to do rest of hike or just biking to car

 

[Quietman]

After I hiked the whole Wapack I wouldn't have wanted to bike anywhere

I agree, but it's your ride. One of my knees was toasted.

BTW: Your black fly window is closing, as they are getting thick and starting to bite!

Depending on when you're planning on hiking, I might be able to give you a ride back to your car. Send me a pm if you're interested.