Thinking of doing a 5-6 day ride in Maine this summer. Has anyone done this? Looking for a large loop averaging approximately 75 miles per day.
Maine bike routes
Thu, 03/23/2006 - 6:37am
Thu, 03/23/2006 - 7:55am
#1
Don't miss Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mtn
I can't give you a full loop, but I have ridden on the hard packed dirt trails and paved roads of Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park and up and down Cadillac Mountain (as I recall, a doable 6-7 percent grade for 2-3 miles) and strongly recommend that any loop include that area.
Thu, 03/23/2006 - 5:23pm
#2
Acadia NP
"Chris, the trails, actually ""carriage roads"", in Acadia National Park are absolutely a 'must' if you make the trip to Maine. You'll need more of a fat-tired bike to do that (rentals available in Bar Harbor), but you can certainly ride in excess of 50 miles in a day. Make sure to stop at Jordan Pond and have pop-overs... they're incredible!!
As for more traditional road biking, the loop road thru the park and the climb up Cadillac Mountain are certainly worthwhile, although the loop road is rather heavily travelled. I would think that you would find many other roads throughout Mt Desert Island, including a ride to Schoodic Point and Northeast Harbor to pile on some of the most scenic miles in the USA (in my opinion).
I've been to Acadia six times and have never been disappointed.
I may have some old maps lying around my basement. If interested, send me an e-mail and I'll see if I can come up with anything.
Cheers,
George"
Sun, 03/26/2006 - 4:32am
#3
Agree completely, but would note . . .
FWIW, I've had no trouble navigating the Carriage Roads with 30mm lightly-ribbed touring tires (PRacer Paselas labelled 32).
This may or may not matter to you, but be warned: Although the Carriage Roads make for spectacular woodland cycling, Acadia's hiking TRAILS are closed to bikes (they are some of the most heavily traveled trails in the country). Mtn bikers looking for tricky technical terrain might do better elsewhere.
Peter Storey
