Day 5 Down Day in Lincoln, NH............ Day 6 Lincoln, NH to Norwich, VT - Tot: 232.2 miles

 Lincoln is at the cusp of Ski-season-is-over and Summer Season.  Many restaurants are closed, either spring cleaning or on annual vacation.  Happily Judd and John found a bagel place about a mile from the River Bank Cabins, within walking distance.  After breakfast, we walked along downtown until we found a RiverWalk Resort.  Our assumption that there would be a walk along the river was confirmed and we had a nice hike along a good trail, ending near the NH Information Center.  There was a neat topographical map of the White Mountains, so the riders could track their routes.

Nancy Beardsley headed our way from Maine and began biking at the Lower Falls of the Kancamagus at about 3pm.  John Williams thought it would be loads of fun to ride across the Kank twice, so Steve and Judd took him to meet Nancy.  Steve drove the truck back.  Judd drove Nancy's car and waited near the summit, but the riders were fine and went the entire way.  

Nancy and John at the summit of Mount Kancamagus

After a rest we all actually went by car to the restaurant El Charro, where our waiter David went above and beyond to make our dining experience a fabulous one.  Even giving us shots of Habanero tequila!

The ride from Lincoln to Norwich was the toughest so far.  Beautiful sunshine accompanied the riders across steep mountain roads and impressive vistas.  

Lunch was planned for Haverhill, NH, where John and Mary Benziger were scheduled to meet up with the riders.  Unfortunately Haverhill, North Haverhill and probably East Haverhill spans the top of a mountain, with orchards, hay covered fields and large farms, with no lunch spots, rest areas or shade.  As we consulted by the side of the road, Melanie Thompson arrived by car, and we heard from Mary, not far behind in the van.  Mary and John agreed to pick up gas stop sandwiches and catch up with us wherever we could find a stop.  Ultimately, we found a gas station with picnic tables and umbrellas AND a Gifford's Ice Cream shop!  Bliss!

On their way once more, the riders followed the Connecticut River south and crossed into Vermont at Norwich.

 For the bakers, Allane and Melanie stopped at King Arthur Baking Company's flagship store, a treasure trove of banking essentials and gifts.  Normally they have classes, cooking demonstrations, tastings, etc, but alas, no snacking today.  If Allane needed another tee shirt, she would have chosen the "At Yeast I Tried" version.

The Norwich Inn is a stately Victorian inn in Norwich Village. A long front porch with rocking chairs awaited, so Melanie and Allane got a beverage from the bar and rocked away for an hour or so until joined  by the riders.  John and Nancy jumped into Melanie's car and rushed back to Lincoln to pick up their car.  Not an easy ride by bike, these mountains were not an easy drive after dark, either.

Judd, Steve, Melanie and Allane rocked away on the front porch and visited Dan and Whit's next door, the "Hussey's" of Vermont.