Swanzey Covered Bridge Ride

It was a beautiful day, but chilly, when we met up at the Keene Dillart-Hopkins Airport parking lot around 10AM.  There was myself, Lew, Jim, Rick and the 2 Kevins.  We got organized and set out for 36-37 mile bike ride.  I had done this trip a year ago as an AIDS ride, but it was modified to make it a more interesting ride and include the two bridges in the Winchester/Ashuelot area.  The initial portion of the ride headed south along the airport property and then heading down to the first of the six covered bridges...this was the Carlton Bridge, built in 1869.  We continued south along back roads, turning onto a "road" known as Rabbit Hollow Road.  There was a sign noting that this was a Class 6 unmaintained road, but we did not expect what we discovered.  The road was alright for the first mile or so and then it just disappeared, having been washed away by runoff with a deep 1-3 feet cut in the earth where the road had once been.  At one point we had to walk our bikes through the open woods and around a missing bridge.  At the other end of this "road" there was a sign, which stated "Wheeled vehicles prohibited - walk in only".  Well, we did alright in any case.  The road got a little better after this, but it was still a Class 6 road.  It was shortly after this that I discovered that my left peddle was loosening up, so I tightened it up (luckily, Lew had a small crescent wrench).  A little further, it was loosening up again and would not tighten down again.  It eventually fell off!  Well, I figured I could still continue, creatively using one pedal.  Anyway, we reached pavement again after getting off Rabbit Hollow Road and turning onto Forest Lake.  After reaching a crest in the road, it started a long run downhill and this is where I lost my balance (with only one pedal) and went down hard in the road.  Besides bruising me up, the fall also bent up my rear wheel...it was obvious it was warped as I rode.  At this point I felt a little like Eric Idle (the bike rider) in National Lampoon's European Vacation!  We continued on and at the end of the road we turned south on Rt. 10 in Winchester.  Shortly after this we ran across the Blue Bird Restaurant, where we decided to have lunch.  This also let me clean up my wounds alittle.  It was about 1:30PM.  We enjoyed the lunch break for about an hour.  After lunch, we talked about the situation and we decided that the group would continue on without me, so they could enjoy the whole ride (I decided to head back so as not to slow them down).  Lew, Rick and the Kevins took my directions and continued south towards the Aschuelot Bridge...a beautiful lattice truss built in 1864, which is also the longest of the bridges.  After this they headed back north along side roads taking in the Coombs Bridge (1837) just before crossing Rt. 10 and heading into West Swanzey.  Meanwhile, Jim and I were heading north on Rt. 10 towards West Swanzey, taking the same route, so that we'd run back into each other.  I figured this would be likely, since it was rather slow going for Jim and I (well, me...Jim didn't want me going back alone, so he cut his trip short as well).  En route back to the airport parking lot, we stopped by the Slate (rebuilt 2001), Thompson (1832) and Cresson (1859) bridges.  Even hobbling along the rest of the group never caught up.  Jim and I made it back to the parking lot by 4:30PM.  We waited for a half-hour and then drove back along the route to find them.  Driving all the way back to Winchester, there was no sign of them.  About 5:30PM we got a call that they were all at the parking lot about the same time we were turning back down the airport access road.  The four of them modified the route after they passed the final bridge (Cresson Bridge) and continued on Sawyers Crossing Route back to Rt. 10.  They returned to the airport heading north to Keene and then headed south back along Rts. 12/32.  Anyway, we all caught up and decided to head out for a drink and appetizers in Keene at Vendetta Bar to cap the day off.  This was wonderful way to end a mostly great day with a great group of guys.

Aside from my own personal misfortunes on this trip, it was a wonderful day and it went well.  Thanks to Jim, Lew, Rick and the Kevins for joining me on this ride.  Also, thanks to Rick for taking pictures on the portion of the trip that Jim and I missed.  Thanks to Jim for accompanying me back for the return trip.  After I get my bike fixed, I look forward to being back on the road again!

Join me for this 36-37 mile bike ride through the Swanzey and Winchester countrysides, where we will visit six covered bridges which span the Ashuelot River.  These include the Ashuelot, Coombs, Slate, Thompson, Cresson and Carleton Bridges.  The bridges were constructed between 1832 and 1869. This ride will be a loop and for the most part travel will be along secondary streets.

Meeting Point:  We'll meet at the terminal parking lot for the Keene Dillant-Hopkins Airport.  This is on Airport Road off of Rt. 32, south of Keene.  Coming into Keene either from the east or west using Rt. 101, turn south at the Rt. 12 junction.  In a few miles turn onto Rt. 32 South and make a right onto Airport Road.  I've confirmed that we are permitted to use this parking lot with the airport director, but we are asked to park away from the construction that is going on and near the outer guardrail...so look for me there.

What to Bring:  Typical summer gear should be appropriate:  shorts/biking shorts, helmet and a windbreaker/raingear (just in case, depending on the forecast).  Also bring along lunch, snacks and plenty of water.  Optionally, sunscreen and anything else that you may require.  NOTE:  There will be opportunities to pick up food/drink along the route.

Afterwards:  We should be completed with the ride by 3 or 4PM.  If there is sufficient interest, we'll cap the day off with snacks/dinner/drinks in Keene afterwards.