Getting closer and closer

Written by Joe Dambach
To train for the Newton’s Revenge bicycle race up the Mount Washington Auto Road, I would drive to the base of Mount Kearsarge in Warner, New Hampshire. On an early Saturday morning in June, I was the first one on the mountain. The summit road ascends 3.5 miles through the park's 5,000 thickly wooded acres.

A half mile into my ride I noticed something on the road. As I looked at it, my thoughts shifted from deer to coyote to dog to…? The animal was walking---traveling the same direction---up the mountain. Sitting on my road bike, I was a quiet rider, making virtually no noise at a steady 4.5 mph pace. I was not far enough into the ride to be breathing heavy.

After staring at this animal for a few seconds, I realized it was a large cat. A mountain lion (also known as cougar). His body had a uniform tan-brown color and a long tail. The tail sagged down and then curved back up, creating a smiley face arc. I continued to pedal in awe, maintaining my cadence, when I realized I was closing the gap. I was getting closer and closer.

Then it dawned on me, if I got too close, he could turn and attack. If so, I'd be defenseless. First, my feet were clipped into the pedals, practically locking me to the bike. Second, the road was so steep, it would take me several seconds to maneuver a u-turn (without falling over). By that point, the mountain lion would have leapt onto my back, his jaw biting and then snapping my neck. He was certainly large enough to take me down, like a scene from an African wildlife show where a lion takes down an antelope---with ease. I imagined him dragging me off into the woods, bike in tow.

So I did the only thing I could think of, I yelled, a deep roaring AHHH! The mountain lion jumped into the air, while turning his head to see what just spooked him. He leapt several feet off the ground, landed, and then took off into the woods with two long cat hops. As he ran into the woods, he stole one last glance at me, with a look on his face like: what the bleep was that? I continued up the mountain without breaking stride, albeit looking over my shoulder often.

Joe Dambach lives in Hooksett, NH

Rte 118 - Woodstock to Warren

Route 118 between Woodstock and Warren NH is one of the most popular scenic roads in the White Mountains. Starting from the Lost River Road in Woodstock or Rte 25 in Warren. If you are looking for a round trip route you can return via Rte 112 from Bath or go south to Plymouth and north on Rte 3.
Map Link
Read more for motorist and bike information.
For Road Warriors:
Beginning in the Center of Woodstock at the Junction of Rte 3 and the Kancamaugus Highway follow the signs to Lost River Road, Rte 118 and Rte 112. Rte 118 bears left off this road at about 3 miles and winds its way through hardwood and then boreal type forests. Don't be surprised if you see a moose or two along the way, especially around dusk or dawn. Just before the junction of Rte 25 in Warren you will see a pulloff that is well used. Make a point of stopping here and viewing the Warren Gorge where locals and visitors alike gather to swim and cool off on hot summer days.

For Bicyclers:
Paved
Skill Level Intermediate to Advanced
Tour or Mountain Bikes
Parking: There is a pulloff to the left just before Rte 118 leaves Rte 112 (Lost River Road).
The Bike trail along Rte 118 is winding and steep but well worth the trip. There is no short loop so plans should be made for a pickup vehicle or a very long trip. To make a loop, continue north on Rte 25 after reaching Warren and then North on Rte 116 to the town of Bath where Rte 112 will take you back to Rte 118.

Photo by Andrew Thompson

Moose Alert!
This road may be populated by extremely large and beautiful creatures!

Franconia Falls, The Wilderness Trail, Lincoln NH

Long considered one of the best swimming spots in America, Franconia Falls is a 7 mile round-trip hike or bike through a piece of New Hampshire history. The hike is an easy one, beginning with a walk over a suspension bridge and along an old railroad bed that once carried logging trains in and out of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. For the adventurous hiker or biker there are the last remaining signs of an old logging camp at a discernable clearing on the left about 1 mile from the trailhead.Stop and explore and you may just discover a treasure or two. Take the 3.5 mile trip by bike or on foot along the old railroad bed of the Wilderness Trail or the newer access trail along the north side of the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River.




What makes Franconia Falls so special? Start with the trip into New Hampshire history. Then add a section of Franconia Brook that the waters of the millenia have carved into the rocks forming graceful rounded patterns and the best natural slide around. Just up the river about 200 yards from the flume is a quiet pool with cliffs for jumping, dive at your own risk!


Hikers and Bikers:
Skill Level: Novice to Intermediate - Only the last 1/2 mile is moderately difficult. We recommend that all but the most experienced cyclers leave their bicycles at the junction of the Wilderness Trail and the Franconia Brook Trail and hike the last half mile.
Surface: Old railroad bed, Mountain bikes recommended but not absolutely necessary. Smoother biking on the access road north of the river.

Round Trip Distance: 7 miles
Park at the Wilderness Trail parking lot 3 miles north of Lincoln along the Kancamagus Highway. National Forest stickers required and available on site.


Ratings:
Cleanliness: 4 Swimmers and hikers are conscientious about cleaning up but this area gets heavy use.
Clarity: 5 Just as pure as it gets and cold!
Kid Factor: 5 waterslide, cliffs, pools.
Beauty: 5 Just plain spectacular.
MapSearch
Lincoln Woods, Rte 112 Kancamagus Highway Lincoln
NH
03251
Grafton USA

Kancamagus Highway Rte 112

Known affectionately to local folks as the "Kanc", this road offers some of the most stunning scenery in all of New Hampshire. So that you won't immediately be tagged as a visitor the correct pronounciation of the road is: "Kank - uh - mog - us". The road winds from the town of Lincoln on the southern end to Conway on the north with many lookouts in between.

If you are traveling to Bartlett or looking for a road that will take you over into the Crawford Notch region, Take the Bear Notch Road which diverges north in Passaconaway and bear left onto Rte 302 in the town of Bartlett ( Bear Notch Rd. not maintained for winter travel).

For Bicyclers:
The Kancamaugus is not for the faint of heart. Long steep upgrades and downgrades will have you panting with exertion and yelling with glee but don't forget that a lot of folks drive this route and chances are they are paying more attention to the scenery than they are to the road so be cautious.

Moose Alert!
This road may be populated by extremely large and beautiful creatures!