50 miles on the ElliptiGo

I wanted a longer ride on the Go since tomorrow might be a lost day with working the aid station at the USA mountain running championships.  I thought about a few options and settled on riding the Lawrence, Methuen, Salem, Windham, Derry, Londonderry, and Manchester rail trail.  With a loop around the Manchester airport it would come out very close to 50 and I could add some on at the end.

I headed out the door at 5:30 and was ready to head north at 6am.  It was 53 degrees and there was no wind.  I plunked a waterbottle onto the Go and a couple of Gels in my pocket.  After a couple of pictures I was off and riding.  The early hour meant little foot traffic and maybe as important very little road traffic for the parts I'd need to do on route 28.  The rail trail is not paved in Salem and a section in Derry.

I took my time and was cautious about going out too fast.  I was also very cautious on route 28 in Salem.  I had 3-plus miles to cover before getting back on the trail at the route 97 crossing.  Then it was great riding on the Salem and Windham sections.

As I approached the Windham Depot (and the Derry town line) the sun finally peeked through.  Finally, since my hands were still very cold.  I should have worn gloves!

It was still pretty early when I got to Derry and avoided any traffic on the section from route 102 to the Londonderry town line where the trail is dirt so I was off it in traffic.  The Londonderry section is a recent addition that is also very nice.  They have just started the final part from Mammoth road to the airport.  I ditched out to the road here.  I don't think I've looped the airport since the days of Mike Beeman's race from the Executive Health Club (early 1990's).  A LOT has changed since then!

The new section that should be done early next year.

There were some nice views while looping the airport.

The ride back was pretty uneventful.  No texting bikers and it was still early enough that the crowds weren't out in force. I thought I'd ride a bit faster over the last 10 miles but a 10 mph headwind slowed me down.  In all the 50 miles took me 3:34, I only lost about 30 seconds at one stop light.  I can definitely feel it in my quads after doing this, I probably should do more during the week (none this week) to get used to riding for extended times.