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As
you are probably aware, busy roads make for less than ideal
conditions for bicycling, and in the summer, busy roads are often
a staple of the Lakes Region. There are no officially maintained
paths in the immediate Weir Beach area, and it's just too busy to
safely bike along the main roads, which have no shoulder. You
don't have to travel far to get to some better spots, which we
will outline below. Like everything involving outdoor recreation,
weather is one of the most important things that you should pay
attention before heading out. It's not a bad idea to bring along a
poncho, even if the chance of rain is limited to the standard
twenty percent risk of an afternoon thunderstorm. Bring
along plenty of water, depending on which ride you take, the
nearest store may not be just around the corner, and keeping
yourself hydrated is important. It's a good idea to left someone
know where you are going, what route you plan to take, and about
when you should be back. Should you suffer equipment failure, it's
nice to know that someone will come looking for you if your not
back by sunset.
Belknap Point Road
Map
of Location
A reasonably long road, much of which is flat. This road is
probably one of the best to go on if you happen to be looking to
bike along the edge of Lake Winnipesaukee with stunning mountain
views in the background. This road ends (or starts) at Ellacoya,
which is New Hampshire's state beach. You'll probably want
to end there, if it's a hot July day, there is almost always some
breeze at Ellacoya.
Governors Island
Map
of Location
Take your bike around one of Lake Winnipesaukee's largest islands
and see some home we all can only dream of someday owning.
It's a ride of moderate difficulty, as this is no flat island,
you'll find yourself climbing upwards a lot more than you would
expect. As you head over the bridge to the island, just bear to
the right and follow the road, it will take you around the entire
perimeter of the island.
Scenic Road &
Rollercoaster Road
Map
of Location
A short ride, but one with many ups and downs, some steep
enough to make you have to get off your bike and walk. We'd
recommend starting off at the Rollercoaster road end of this ride,
in Meredith, off of Parade Road. At the half way point, you'll
come up to an intersection, continue on straight, and the road
becomes Scenic Road. Once you reach the end, you'll be at Weirs
Beach, where you can rest in the company of good food and nearby
restrooms. Until you reach Weirs Beach, you will not run into much
traffic.
Gunstock Mountain Biking
Map
of Trails
Gunstock offers several miles of mountain biking trails which
are well maintained of varying levels of difficulty. Some trails
offer excellent views of Lake Winnipesaukee. Some of their
trails used for biking are also used for Horseback Riding.
There is a $5 trail fee, which allows you a full day on the trails
along with usage of their pool and campground showers. Bike
rentals are available for 2 hours or a full day. Rates as of
the 2001 season were $16 for adults and $10 for juniors for 2
hours, $30 for adults and $20 for juniors for a full day.
Rental prices include helmet.
Other Short Rides
General
Area Map
These are quiet roads and areas where you may want to consider
bringing your bike. Some of these roads are short, and are
good for just a simple warm up. Try out Hilliard Road, located
about 300 feet north of Weirs Beach off of route 3. It
parallels the western shore of Paugus Bay. White Oaks Road is
about 3 miles long and is pretty quiet, not the most scenic,
though. The town of Meredith is located about 5 miles north of
Weirs Beach on Route 3. There are many quiet roads behind
the Mills Falls area which are great for biking.
Not Far Away
General
Area Map
The White Mountains have some of the nicest paths in the northeast
and are only about 45 minutes away. Many of the paths are very
scenic and are well maintained or paved. You should give
consideration to heading up north if you really want to do some
heavy duty biking.
