Northeast - Foreigner (Oklahoman) needs route advice

Hi all,
I hope this an appropriate topic for this forum. I'm planning my first coast to coast bike tour this summer and am planning my route. I've never been to your part of the world so i'm in the dark as far as road/traffic conditions. We will begin in Maine on the ACA northern tier route but will quickly deviate and strike out on our own. I would appreciate someone taking a look at my proposed route and give me some feedback concerning suitability for bicycles along with any "must sees" along the way. Thanks in advance.
Keith
ME, NH, VT:http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=210381330892239424788.00049b1bc0ddb59280b9f&z=7

NY, ON, MI: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=210381330892239424788.00049b4231c165f91a71e&z=6

while in NY, you're going to be going through/over/around the high peaks so that will be pretty much enough to see along the way. Saranac Lake & Tupper Lake are beautiful areas. If you want to take the time, you can see the Olympic complexes while in/around Lake Placid. By the time you get to Watertown, the terrain is mostly flat and there is less in terms of scenery. All of it is pretty thinly populated so aside from some tourist traffic while in the Adirondack Park, you shouldn't have to contend with too much.

My god, that looks beautiful. I'm so envious!

Did some of the VT portion last year. Careful getting to the start of the Rochester Gap climb. Rush hour traffic around Bethel can be bad. The climb itself is brutal in places. Two people with GPS devices said the grade maxed out at 30%. Traffic was not bad. Middlebury Gap is easier. Only the last mile or two is really steep. The good news is that they paved the west slope last summer. We rode it while paving was going on. It should be great now. I would check with the VT highway department to see if the are doing the east side this summer.

Good stuff! Keep it coming. Noglider, this is a trip of a lifetime for me. I'm already so excited i'm not sleeping much (and the trip is still 3.5 months out). Comments like yours are just like gasoline on a fire right now :-) Thanks!

Forgot to mention that VT 113 between Goose Green/Chelsea Rd. and the tow of Chelsea was also freshly paved last year just before we rode it in August. It a great descent that was as smooth as glass. But you will have to do some climbing to get there. Chelsea/Goose Green Rd. is pretty with very little traffic.

Be careful going through Middlebury. I would not stay that long on U.S. 7/VT 125. Lots of traffic. Shortly after you merge with U.S. 7, bear right onto Lower Foote. Take that to Foote, bear left on Seminary then left on Washington. That will take you to the same place with much better riding conditions.

Previously I mentioned traffic near Bethel. It was VT 12 that had a lot of rush hour traffic.

When i was drawing in your route suggestions, the Middlebury Inn popped up as a great place. Do you agree?

Forgot to mention that VT 113 between Goose Green/Chelsea Rd. and the tow of Chelsea was also freshly paved last year just before we rode it in August. It a great descent that was as smooth as glass. But you will have to do some climbing to get there. Chelsea/Goose Green Rd. is pretty with very little traffic.

Be careful going through Middlebury. I would not stay that long on U.S. 7/VT 125. Lots of traffic. Shortly after you merge with U.S. 7, bear right onto Lower Foote. Take that to Foote, bear left on Seminary then left on Washington. That will take you to the same place with much better riding conditions.

Previously I mentioned traffic near Bethel. It was VT 12 that had a lot of rush hour traffic.

One last thing i failed to mention. This trip is becoming a sort of "ice cream odyssey" for my travel partner. Any top notch ice creams places close to the route?

You won't all that far away from Ben and Jerry's in Vermont in the Stowe area. A visit to their plant may be worth a relatively short diversion. It's all very pretty country.

There's a lot of Rt. 1 in Maine. Lots of traffic. It's doable, but best to avoid the weekends. You'll be crossing the Kankamangus Hwy in the White Mountains of NH-a serious, but beautiful climb. I was under the impression that Brandon Gap (Rochester, VT) was a little easier than Middlebury Gap. Both are tough, but doable. +1 for avoiding Rt. 7 in VT. There is usually some shoulder, but traffic is fast and can be heavy. There are smaller parallel roads you can take. Have a great trip-you'll be going through some very pretty country!

My suggestion: instead of going over the Thousand Islands bridge, ride to Cape Vincent, take the ferry over to Wolfe Island (it's $5 for bikers), ride across Wolfe Island, then take the free ferry into Kingston. It's a beautiful ride, you avoid the very very narrow walkways on the bridges; you avoid the long lines at the border (the ferry to Wolfe Island holds maybe 10 cars at the most, so the border crossing goes quickly) and while you wait, instead of being stuck in long lines of cars, you are right at the river's edge; and you save yourself something like 40 miles:

Black River NY to Kingston ON via ferries (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Black+River,+NY&daddr=44.04248,-75.8946+to:44.01779,-75.9579+to:44.08621,-76.26106+to:44.15478,-76.41646+to:44.19033,-76.44142+to:44.2055072,-76.4541657+to:44.22737,-76.48391+to:King+St+W&hl=en&geocode=FRSUnwIdQXh7-ykXW6lAcHzYiTFk9-FDsQSNzQ%3BFfAIoAIduPB5-ynt5N2HA3rYiTGJ6uQ398JSNA%3BFX6onwIddPl4-ynnpPCPB3HYiTFnaC5loJHoWw%3BFcKzoAIdPFl0-ymp6EwjRQ_YiTFLGlU1OvemCA%3BFZy_oQIdNPpx-ymDiZE6VQDYiTEBkkvkwrzXgg%3BFXpKogIdtJhx-yn7kEuVDQDYiTFQ9OCjhOh_sA%3BFcOFogId62Zx-ylF6oR2l6rSTDG7NL9j-d481Q%3BFSrbogIduvJw-ymR9wki_KrSTDEL7IO_Lna0jQ%3BFTzJogIdps9w-w&mra=ltm&via=1,2,3,4,5,6,7&dirflg=b&sll=44.118156,-76.135254&sspn=0.323373,0.837021&ie=UTF8&ll=44.119634,-76.143494&spn=0.323365,0.837021&z=11&lci=bike)

Here's a link to Info on the ferry from Cape Vincent to Wolfe Island (http://hornesferry.com/location/schedule/)

ANd the ferry from Wolfe Island to Kingston (http://www.wolfeisland.com/ferry.php)


Looks like a great trip!

Re: Ice Cream: If you do take your original route, you will go through Gananoque. Down on the waterfront, just a few blocks from Rt 2, is an excellent ice cream place.

Brandon Gap vs. Middlebury Gap going east to west:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/MIDDLEBURY-GAP

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/BRANDON-GAP

(Select "Show" to see the elevation profiles.)

Brandon is more gradual, but also longer. it also dumps you way south of Middlebury. Look closely and the elevation graph for Brandon Gap where it starts to descend. The first part is super steep. I rode it in the other direction (west to east) when crossing the country. It was the only pitch I almost had to walk.

reed523, your route is spectacular, and I'm sure you'll see a great variety of scenery, and I'm sure much of it will be very different from what you've seen so far. This may be a can of worms, but are you sure you want to skip cities entirely? I know how difficult it can be to cycle through cities, especially when you have a loaded bike, but it can be worthwhile.

Valid point. Even though we will begin with a completed route, we will not hesitate to adjust if the mood strikes. Toronto may very well end up being one of those diversions. Thanks.

Also appreciate the good bridge/ferry advice. Not something we tend to think about in our part of the world.

reed523, your route is spectacular, and I'm sure you'll see a great variety of scenery, and I'm sure much of it will be very different from what you've seen so far. This may be a can of worms, but are you sure you want to skip cities entirely? I know how difficult it can be to cycle through cities, especially when you have a loaded bike, but it can be worthwhile.

As a native Texan, it makes me want to retch to say that I'm jealous of a Sooner -- but I am. I hope you really enjoy the ride -- it sounds like a great time.

Oh, and Hook Em Horns. :D

Hey, Hook em Horns? You'll get no argument from me! Hart, Tx born and raised. Something just went terribly haywire a long time ago and i've been stuck here ever since. And as an OSU alum, you can call me lots of things, but sooner isn't one of them. Regardless, thanks for the encouragement.

As a native Texan, it makes me want to retch to say that I'm jealous of a Sooner -- but I am. I hope you really enjoy the ride -- it sounds like a great time.

Oh, and Hook Em Horns. :D

Toronto is a great city, but there ain't no city on earth like New York. If you want to visit New York City, I'll put you up, and I'll be your private tourguide. I love to show off my home town, and I've done it many times, often on bicycle.

What an offer. On first thought, i don't know how we could squeeze NYC into the trip, but that is quite a gesture. We're going to have to give this some serious thought. My son is preparing to audition at Eastman and Manhattan School of Music for Grad school and the results might influence our final routing. Don't be too surprised if we take you up on the deal!


Toronto is a great city, but there ain't no city on earth like New York. If you want to visit New York City, I'll put you up, and I'll be your private tourguide. I love to show off my home town, and I've done it many times, often on bicycle.

What highlights on your current route are mandatory for you? Maybe there are substitutes that would enable you to come to NYC.

What highlights on your current route are mandatory for you? Maybe there are substitutes that would enable you to come to NYC.

We are very excited about New England. Budget is also a concern as is the need to avg. 400 miles a week for 10-11 weeks. I've read alot about the improvements in bike friendliness to NYC but it's pretty hard to imagine riding a loaded touring bike right through the smack middle of the whole deal. Also, i think my travel partner kind of has her sights set on seeing the city as a marathon participant. But, as i said, it is intriguing so we are going to talk about it.

Re NYC, stay in new haven or west Chester and take the train into the city. Getting in and out of NY is difficult.

I agree the Wolfe Island route is more interesting.
Wells

Hey, this is a little off topic, but since it's my thread.... My son got his Eastman graduate school acceptance letter last night. He has been to Rochester a few times but always in the dead of winter. Does anyone who's ridden in the area have a few inspirational cycling pics from the area they could shoot my way so i could forward to him? keithreed60@yahoo.com.

Thanks again to everyone with all the help on the route planning. 74 days and counting!

There's a guy in the commuting section who rides year-round in Rochester. I don't remember his name.

When do you embark on your trip?

I have ridden a lot of those roads in Me and NH.

Let's start with Acadia. Lots of traffic.

I prefer Rte 230, and I take backroads getting to that point as much as I can.

However, last year we took the ferry from Winter Harbor to Bar Harbor. Wonderful cycling
on 186, if you decide to take the ferry over to Winter Harbor. Which we plan to do again as soon
as we can. Which would be a clever way to start your trip.

I am assuming you are camping, we usually stay at motels and B&Bs, I can suggest some nice ones,
if you want a change of pace.

At Lincolnvillle you want to detour off Rte 1 onto Beach Rd and then Rte 52. It adds about 4 miles, the road from Lincolnville to Camden is narrow and windy
and I won't do it on a bike.

Camden has a supermarket in the center, it's a nice market and they always have
a nice selection of fruit. Across the street on the corner is a descent seafood place, Cappy's Chowder House.
If they offer an exotic sounding seafood stew, jump all over it. Camden is my favorite town for a day off riding.
There is an ice cream place there, when you hit town, can't miss it.

You want to stop at Moody's Diner in Waldoboro. They have a website.
Old school food, and the ice cream is Round Top. Very good stuff.
My usual lunch there is a crab roll, chocolate shake and walnut cream pie.
Yes, getting back on the bike is.... interesting, after that.

Take the Rte 1 Alt into Damariscotta and stop at Round Top ice cream. You'll love it.

Brunswick has the Gelato Fiasco on Maine St, it's very good. You would have to reroute a bit to go there.

Camp near Conway, and spend some time in North Conway. It's a trip, there are (or were last year)
two cycling outlets, PI and Giordana.

Use this map website and look at the vertical gain on the Kancamangus Highway
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/new

Lots of climbing.

Middlebury is cool. Last time I was there they had 2 bike shops.
There's a great little restaurant close to the movies, down a little alley.
Over looks a river. Vermont is famous for it's pancakes.

Probably leave here June 1. Current plans are to drive to Maine.

There's a guy in the commuting section who rides year-round in Rochester. I don't remember his name.

When do you embark on your trip?

It is almost time. I went live with my crazyguy journal yesterday. Pretty big step. Thanks again all for the advice. http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/whenlife

I am curious, why did you decide to go into Canada?
Is it especially nice in that area?

Good luck!

Btw, Better World is sort of a hippie AAA, and they have
a pick up service if you run into trouble on a bicycle.
Of course, with my luck, the cell would be out of range.

I never been there and since we're in the neighborhood...

I am curious, why did you decide to go into Canada?
Is it especially nice in that area?

Good luck!

Btw, Better World is sort of a hippie AAA, and they have
a pick up service if you run into trouble on a bicycle.
Of course, with my luck, the cell would be out of range.

Ditto others that Rt 1 in Maine may well be awful. It's the primary tourist route in the summer and is jammed with cars.

Maybe head west out of Bucksport.

Also, when you get to Bar Harbor, plan on spending a day riding some of the Acadia Nat'l Park carriage roads. Totally doable on a 27mm tire or larger/touring bike and a lot of fun with terrific scenery.

I like the NY portion. Be aware that the western section of the ADK's from Tupper Lake west to Ft. Drum is pretty empty of civilization. LOTS of trees.

Steve B.

Great information. Especially about the ice cream. Thanks!

I have ridden a lot of those roads in Me and NH.

Let's start with Acadia. Lots of traffic.

I prefer Rte 230, and I take backroads getting to that point as much as I can.

However, last year we took the ferry from Winter Harbor to Bar Harbor. Wonderful cycling
on 186, if you decide to take the ferry over to Winter Harbor. Which we plan to do again as soon
as we can. Which would be a clever way to start your trip.

I am assuming you are camping, we usually stay at motels and B&Bs, I can suggest some nice ones,
if you want a change of pace.

At Lincolnvillle you want to detour off Rte 1 onto Beach Rd and then Rte 52. It adds about 4 miles, the road from Lincolnville to Camden is narrow and windy
and I won't do it on a bike.

Camden has a supermarket in the center, it's a nice market and they always have
a nice selection of fruit. Across the street on the corner is a descent seafood place, Cappy's Chowder House.
If they offer an exotic sounding seafood stew, jump all over it. Camden is my favorite town for a day off riding.
There is an ice cream place there, when you hit town, can't miss it.

You want to stop at Moody's Diner in Waldoboro. They have a website.
Old school food, and the ice cream is Round Top. Very good stuff.
My usual lunch there is a crab roll, chocolate shake and walnut cream pie.
Yes, getting back on the bike is.... interesting, after that.

Take the Rte 1 Alt into Damariscotta and stop at Round Top ice cream. You'll love it.

Brunswick has the Gelato Fiasco on Maine St, it's very good. You would have to reroute a bit to go there.

Camp near Conway, and spend some time in North Conway. It's a trip, there are (or were last year)
two cycling outlets, PI and Giordana.

Use this map website and look at the vertical gain on the Kancamangus Highway
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/new

Lots of climbing.

Middlebury is cool. Last time I was there they had 2 bike shops.
There's a great little restaurant close to the movies, down a little alley.
Over looks a river. Vermont is famous for it's pancakes.

You are more than welcome. We are doing a short tour in June. I'll be stopping at all the places I mentioned in Camden and points South.

The carriage roads are nice. Another option is to rent a Mtn bike and ride the park on them. Which reminds me,
have lunch at the Jordan Pond House. Have the lobster chowder and popovers (with strawberry jam).
Trust me on this one, it's a must.
http://www.thejordanpondhouse.com/

When in Maine you MUST eat lobster chowder and popovers. I'm pretty sure it's a law. ;)

To be clear, lobster and chowder are pronounced lobstah and chowdah or nobody will know what you're talking about. Maine is a great down-home sort of place and you will love the rocky shoreline and interior Maine with local roads and people.

In a previous life I was a boat builder and sailor. I once read an article in a yachting magazine about Great Georgian Bay. The photos of the area were gorgeous. It looked remote and pristine. I'm jealous. It also looks like perfect mosquito breeding country. I'd bring lots of repellant and I mean not something in a squeeze bottle. I mean a small, packable flame thrower. This may be useful with bears also. Or, learn good bear territory camping practices.

Ay-ya (sp?).

Ay-ya (sp?).

It's spelled ayuh.

But thanks to TV and radio, you don't get much of an accent anymore.
We used to have several distinct accents, you still run across them from time
to time. But mostly it's watered down now, and I suspect it's disappearing.

I had a conversation once with a Downeaster, and I would say something, and
about a half hour later he would say something. At least, that's the way it felt.
He just lived at a slower pace than I did.

Btw, we have lots and lots of mosquitos. Bears are usually not a problem
outside Baxter State Park (which is my favorite place in the state). They
are mostly nocturnal and fear humans. The only time you'd have to worry
is if you get between a Momma and her cubs.

I hiked and backpacked for decades. Our paths crossed a few times, but
I never actually saw one.

But as a precaution, don't bring food in the tent.

I could never forget your mosquitos.

Ice cream stop: just before you cross from VT to NY at Crown Point, check out Goodies Snack Bar
http://www.yelp.com/biz/goodies-snack-bar-llc-vergennes

The blueberry smoothie with sparkling water is refreshing and delicious.

Depending on your timing, you can also camp nearby in DAR State Park.

I could never forget your mosquitos.

If you get into the deep woods you will run across mooseflys.

They are tiny scifi monsters. They are an irriescent green, big, and literally rip
a small hunk of flesh off. They are tough enough to rip arart moose flesh, you are like
candy to them.

And bug spray? They think it's like salsa on chips.

I think I remember them, too, though I might have blocked out the memory for a long time. I did go into the deep woods. I went to places only accessible by canoe and then foot.

Just a brief update. We are taking a rest day in Kingston Ontario. Loved the route you guys helped to create through Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Beautiful country. I'll definitely be coming back one of these days! The hospitality was amazing. Four days in a row of rain was a little tough but we won't hold it against you. I've probably already shared the trip journal link with you but here it is again. crazyguyonabike.com/doc/whenlife

Thanks again for all the help and advice.

Just a brief update. We are taking a rest day in Kingston Ontario. Loved the route you guys helped to create through Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Beautiful country. I'll definitely be coming back one of these days! The hospitality was amazing. Four days in a row of rain was a little tough but we won't hold it against you. I've probably already shared the trip journal link with you but here it is again. crazyguyonabike.com/doc/whenlife

Thanks again for all the help and advice.

Hey, glad you got do do the Kingston ferries! Looks like you've had an excellent trip so far. Have fun!

Did you get to try Round Top ice cream? I like their unusual flavors, like blueberry.

Sadly no. The cold rain kind of put us in a hole on the ice cream adventures. Hopefully we can make up for it as we go along.

Did you get to try Round Top ice cream? I like their unusual flavors, like blueberry.

Hey, where are you now?

tonite we are in Beaverton ON. Spend about 1/2 the day on Canada's equivilent of the Rails to trails route. I can't remember what it is called. Internet access has been pretty spotty for us, finding it difficult to keep everything current while on the road.
Hey, where are you now?