05 Third day – 2014-05-25 SUN – Back to the car and comfort (II)

The walking stage of the hike was closing to an end, and bike portion was fast approaching.

Crossing Saco river took about 15 minutes.  First, a test cross with only valuables, and then second crossing with 2 sticks in both hands and a backpack. Rain started again, I did not know what to cover – myself, or the bike, or the backpack.  I did not take a picture with backpack mounted on the bike, but it was an impressive site.

The only technical glitch that I encounter was the situation with the pump.  I was not able to fit the pump to the socket properly, and as a result back tire had relatively low pressure.  The ride itself was almost a pleasure.  Down all the time. After crossing the gate and entering Slippery Brook Road, I start to encounter some bikers, runners, and walkers.  Cellular signal also came back on my phone.

I even manage to stop a group of riders and one of the bikers managed to attach the pump properly, so I was able to pump the rear tire.  From this spot in the woods, I made a reservation in a motel right on my way to the car.  That way I would be able to take a short break, dump my heavy backpack and wash before continuing a long ride to the other side of the wilderness.

The most difficult portion of the ride was at the very beginning were I would have to climb over the steep elevation on Hurricane Mountain Road. I did not ride the bike here.  I walked the bike.  And while doing that, I was able maintain intelligent conversation with my wife over the phone.  I was OK hiking.  She was OK spending her long weekend at home.

At 17:19 I hit the turn near Robins Hill Road in Chatham, and Google now show that I had only 13 miles to go to reach my car.

Sometime after 6 ate hearty soup at the only business on route 113 – Stow Corner Store. That was 8.4 miles to go.

As it was approaching 7PM, I knew I was approaching the target at a very respectable time – about 1 hour before the sunset.

Finally, at 19:09, I was by the car, and the 36-hour program was now completed. I stared on Saturday at 7AM and returned to the car on Sunday at 7PM.  I went through Wild River Wilderness on foot to emerge on the other end midday next day. I have jumped on the hidden bike and continued for 28 miles to return to the car.  What a glorious weekend!

I requested an information about local vegetarian and healthy options in North Convey, NH.  My wife diligently sent me an iMessage with multiple options:

(01) Flatbread Company – Organic Salad or Vegan Flatbread
(02) Horsefeathers – Full Plate Salad ($9), Vegetable Prima Vera ($14) or Vegetarian Pad Thai ($16)
(03) Black Cap Grille – Mediterranean Salad, Grilled Portobello Sandwich or Homemade Veggie Burger.

Based on my appetite, I picked Horsefeathers and their Vegetable Prima Vera.  It was another excellent choice to top off the Sunday.

And hotel room could offer further delights: tea with croissants and browsing pictures of the completed trip.

Navigate through the List

1. 01 Crossing Wild River Wilderness - Planning and preparations (2024/02/01)
2. 02 First Day – Friday, May 23, 2014 – Hide the bike and walk away (2024/02/02)
3. 03 Second day – 2014-05-24 SAT - Into the wild with a plan (2024/02/03)
4. 04 Third day – 2014-05-25 SUN – Back to the car and comfort (I) (2024/02/05)
5. 05 Third day – 2014-05-25 SUN – Back to the car and comfort (II) (2024/02/06)