Greg & Camille Go Bike

We decided to go to Six Flags Over White Mountain National Forest today where there is exactly one ride: a roller coaster featuring a 15 mile climb and a 15 mile descent. The price of admission (2 bikes, 4 poptarts, hard-working calves, lots of water, and lots of sweat) will get you a decent shoulder up a paved mountain. While the scenery was unmatched by any other view we'd seen thus far, the whizzing cars and motorcyclists tainted the experience. Nonetheless, we were excited about the red pigments increasing in the foliage as our path escalated and the sun beat down. We stopped at an overlook on the way up where some seasoned travellers shared tips about biking and places to visit in New Hampshire.

When we arrived at the top, a gorgeous view of the surrounding peaks met us. We celebrated with poptarts and peanut butter wraps. This seemed to also be the meeting location for a local motorcyclist group; just as we settled into our resting spot, dozens (hundreds!?!?!) of engines roared around us, announcing the bikers' presence. A few kids started helping the riders unload a grill from the back of a pickup truck, and the riders dismounted to join the swarm.

After we'd had enough of the scene and people watching, we began the descent, flying at velocities close to the posted speed limits. The breeze felt exhilarating amid the constant mountain view. As we approached the next town, we began to hear bagpipes. A local told us that the Highland Games were going on! Sadly, it was sold out, so we enjoyed the music from afar as we continued on to Gypsy Cafe for lunch (we'd highly recommend the falafel). We stayed in a cozy cabin for the night, grateful for a refreshing (although cold) shower.