Great gravel ride area - central southern NH

[merlinmurph]

I've been meaning to post this since I did this ride a few weeks ago. I was searching around for a gravel route in southern NH and found the Rose Mt Rumble (http://www.rosemountainrumble.com/) starting in Lyndeborough NH. OK, I've been all around NH, but had never heard of Lyndeborough. so I picked out the 40-mile route and headed up there mid-week with the gravel wheels on.

This was one fantastic ride. No cars, gorgeous roads, lots of dirt, no cars, great scenery, and no cars. Did I mention no cars? And I'm used to very little traffic where I live anyway.

If you live in the Boston area and are looking for some nice roads to ride that aren't too far away, this ride and area is worth a look. When you go, keep in mind that stores are scarce as I didn't see one until I was almost done. The website has routes for 20, 40 50 and 60 mile rides.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48963918903_4e64a1b023_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hALTdk)IMG_20190925_111520955_HDR_x (https://flic.kr/p/2hALTdk) by Dan Murphy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/140890638@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48964649187_99c66b070a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hAQCir)IMG_20190925_120830655_HDR_x (https://flic.kr/p/2hAQCir) by Dan Murphy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/140890638@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48964470541_d48726259b_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hAPHck)IMG_20190925_130357023_HDR_x (https://flic.kr/p/2hAPHck) by Dan Murphy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/140890638@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48963919473_867b5c4c60_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hALToa)IMG_20190925_133718713_x (https://flic.kr/p/2hALToa) by Dan Murphy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/140890638@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48963919738_b65d9575e0_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hALTsJ)IMG_20190925_144107340_x (https://flic.kr/p/2hALTsJ) by Dan Murphy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/140890638@N04/), on Flickr

[AngryScientist]

nice murph, that does look GOOD.

we are really lucking out here in the northeast with mild temps continuing even to the end of Oct. It was 62F here today, which is really picture perfect fall riding. Keep it coming i say!

[dustyrider]

Ahh the old the stomping grounds. I grew up in Greenville, NH. Lots of old roads and railroads to explore. Thanks for sharing your adventure!

[sonicCows]

I've done parts of the route and the event's been on my list, couldn't make it this year. Did you pass the "Your GPS is Wrong..." sign? That one's classic.

Just out of curiosity, where did you end up parking your car?

[sparky33]

RMR is on the list, but it hasn’t happened for me yet.

Perhaps this is worth a mid-week sneak before winter closes in. You got me thinking....

What is the range of surfaces? Looks smooth in pictures. Is any of it rugged rough etc?

[Ruckusdog]

Welcome to Lyndeborough! As one of the organizers of the RMR, I glad you liked the route. The event will be back again next August. Rosemountainrumble.com

As far as the surface - I ride these most of the year on Compass Babyshoe Pass. The gravel and dirt is smooth. In the Spring, after road grading, knobbies can be nice.

There are a lot of class VI town-maintained, dirt roads in this area that are great riding. Elevation gains average 1000’ / 10 miles.

I’m happy to answer any questions or offer route suggestions.

[Ttx1]

I haven’t ridden in the event, but I’ve registered twice to kick in $ for a good cause and to recognize the work that goes in to preparing the routes for folks who cross NH’s southern border, like me.

A+ riding, imho

[Ruckusdog]

I've done parts of the route and the event's been on my list, couldn't make it this year. Did you pass the "Your GPS is Wrong..." sign? That one's classic.

Just out of curiosity, where did you end up parking your car?

The best place to park anytime is Lyndeboro Town Hall on Center Road. It’s also the usual start of the event.

[buddybikes]

What's up with that red bike in the picture or have my eyes gone crazy?

This gravel phenom is so wonderful for our sport, I wish that I was 30 years younger!

[merlinmurph]

I've done parts of the route and the event's been on my list, couldn't make it this year. Did you pass the "Your GPS is Wrong..." sign? That one's classic.

Just out of curiosity, where did you end up parking your car?

I parked where Rukusdog suggested, at the town hall. There's a dirt lot there, and not much else.

Stats for the 40-miler: 42 miles, 3691 ft
Roads are maintained dirt roads, so nothing gnarly this time of year. I use 40mm tires regardless.

If you do ride one of the routes, consider making a donation to the Piscataquog Land Conservancy (https://plcnh.org/), the organization that receives the proceeds from the RMR (http://www.rosemountainrumble.com/).

Hey Rukusdog: How does one pronounce Lyndeborough?? I was pronouncing the "y" with a short "i", like "win". But then I met a couple that pronounced it with a long "i" like "Blind". I have a neighbor that owns a place in New Boston that just laughed and said you'll hear both ways.

Did you pass the "Your GPS is Wrong..." sign? That one's classic.

I love those signs. You know you're on a good route when you pass one of those. Well, except for the time I hit Hunt's Mt in NH and didn't realize what I was in for...

[Ruckusdog]

What's up with that red bike in the picture or have my eyes gone crazy?

This gravel phenom is so wonderful for our sport, I wish that I was 30 years younger!

Don't let age stop you. I'm 74 and I'm on dirt roads every week. Age may slow me down but it doesn't keep me off the roads.

I do wonder about that red bike.

[Ruckusdog]

I parked where Rukusdog suggested, at the town hall. There's a dirt lot there, and not much else.

Stats for the 40-miler: 42 miles, 3691 ft
Roads are maintained dirt roads, so nothing gnarly this time of year. I use 40mm tires regardless.

If you do ride one of the routes, consider making a donation to the Piscataquog Land Conservancy (https://plcnh.org/), the organization that receives the proceeds from the RMR (http://www.rosemountainrumble.com/).


Hey Rukusdog: How does one pronounce Lyndeborough?? I was pronouncing the "y" with a short "i", like "win". But then I met a couple that pronounced it with a long "i" like "Blind". I have a neighbor that owns a place in New Boston that just laughed and said you'll hear both ways.


I love those signs. You know you're on a good route when you pass one of those. Well, except for the time I hit Hunt's Mt in NH and didn't realize what I was in for...

Thanks for the kind words about the PLC. The land conservation efforts help preserve the watershed by saving local forests and agricultural land. Our routes go through and around many of our conserved properties.

All the locals say Lynde as in "blind". Named after Benjamin Lynde, the first governor of NH.

[kingpin75s]

What's up with that red bike in the picture or have my eyes gone crazy?

This gravel phenom is so wonderful for our sport, I wish that I was 30 years younger!

New SoftCore rims for gravel riding. The ultimate in vertical compliance ;)

Never to old to ride dirt!

I will be back again next year for the RMR.