9 replies to this topic

[rickzach]

We went north to Rangely, Maine just to compare. Friends invited us to their cabin, then we did an overnighter in an inexpensive trailside motel.

It was very nice, they had 20" of fresh snow on Monday, but frankly, I think that the Lakes Region offers more varied and interesting terrain. It was a long drive, I'm very glad that we went but we have a new appreciation of what we have in our home turf.

Edited by rickzach, 30 December 2010 - 08:54 AM.

[kenpaul]

Pittsburg NH is where its at!

[rickzach]

kenpaul, on 30 December 2010 - 10:18 AM, said:

Pittsburg NH is where its at!

I happen to agree with you. My list:

#1 Quebec (excellent signage, grooming, typical snow conditions and... just because)
#2 Pittsburg/Colebrook, NH (due to typical snow conditions with great signage as well)
#3 Lakes Region, NH (due to excellent diversity but wildly varying signage quality... mostly very good signage... ie Wolfeboro, Squam, OVSC)
#4 Rangeley, ME (still very nice but a haul to get to)

[laker]

rickzach, on 30 December 2010 - 08:48 AM, said:

We went north to Rangely, Maine just to compare. Friends invited us to their cabin, then we did an overnighter in an inexpensive trailside motel.

It was very nice, they had 20" of fresh snow on Monday, but frankly, I think that the Lakes Region offers more varied and interesting terrain. It was a long drive, I'm very glad that we went but we have a new appreciation of what we have in our home turf.

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You post some decent pics.

When do ya' think Winni will be safe to ride???

[rickzach]

laker, on 30 December 2010 - 09:31 PM, said:

You post some decent pics.

When do ya' think Winni will be safe to ride???

When we launch the boat or late January. Which ever comes first.

[dunphy11]

All those areas are great, but in my opinion if you want the varried terrain , excellant trail mappings and markings along with frequent grooming and trail maintenence you`ld find it hard to beat VT`s Vast system.

[rickzach]

dunphy11, on 31 December 2010 - 07:58 AM, said:

All those areas are great, but in my opinion if you want the varried terrain , excellant trail mappings and markings along with frequent grooming and trail maintenence you`ld find it hard to beat VT`s Vast system.

I've ridden the southern parts of the VAST trail system for many years as that is where my parents still live and ride (my Dad is age 82). By NH standards, it wasn't nearly as much fun. Far too many drunk CT/New Yorkers as this is their first destination over the Mass border often tearing up the trails at high speed and not being very familiar with the area or caring. Perhaps it is much better up north. I hope so.

[tbeaton]

my problem with the lakes region is that the lakes have to be frozen, there has to be snow. there is not enough snow to really ride off trail and go explore. your confined to the tight trails. its so close that everyone rides there when there is snow.

[rickzach]

tbeaton, on 03 January 2011 - 04:46 PM, said:

my problem with the lakes region is that the lakes have to be frozen, there has to be snow. there is not enough snow to really ride off trail and go explore. your confined to the tight trails. its so close that everyone rides there when there is snow.

Absolutely correct. But the terrain is still very nice.

[iinsure]

rickzach, on 03 January 2011 - 04:47 PM, said:

Absolutely correct. But the terrain is still very nice.

I rode the lakes region the last 3 days on my 2 up with my 13 year old on his own. (shudder). We did Red Hill via center harbor day 1. Power lines (15s) down to meredith via center harbor and then winnipeasaukee out to weirs took a left and came back up to leavitt park and center harbor on day 2. and finally day 3 today we took 15n to castle in the clouds, rode to the top and back to center harbor 15s and on the lake back to leavitt park.

Not sure how the broads are doing but all the bays are pretty thick. Lots of bob houses and 4 wheelers and way too many sled tracks to count... Very excited for good riding at this time in January....