MMR - Monday Morning Ride: Belmont - Around Winnisquam

A moderately challenging, 23 mile ride around the northern section of Lake Winnisquam. The ride passes lakefront homes new and not so much, farms, residential areas, woodlands, marshes and ponds, beaches, and near downtown Laconia.

It utilizes portions of the Winni and WOW paved trails; mostly rural roads; short stretches on larger roads with wide shoulders, mostly; and one stretch of packed dirt road, mostly. A short stretch on Green St / Right of Way with dubious asphalt passes through the former Laconia State School and Prison.

The ride has a couple of not insignificant rises, but only one has "Hill" in its name. It's not overly steep; it just seems there's no summit. A park in Meredith Center about mile 13 makes a good rest / snack stop.

There is a fairly new coffee shop, Tilly's Market Cafe, located in the Belknap Market place. Seems worthy of trying after the ride.

• Expect a 11-12+ mph average ride pace and 12-14+ mph level ground rolling speed ... plus or minus with hills and wind.
• While the ride is considered "no drop," riders are expected to make a reasonable effort to maintain the published pace to avoid significantly disrupting the group flow.
• Bring water, snack, and of course your helmet, lights, and Road ID.
• Rain cancels.
• Plan your pre-ride rest stop on the way in. There are no known restrooms available on site.

Safety First!!

• Consideration. Consistency. Communication.
• Ten Tips for Safe Group Riding

Planned Route:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42509262

Parking is at the Belknap Mall right end, opposite Ollie's, formerly Big Lots. Leave the lot on the sidewalk adjacent to the inbound lane to head downhill to the junction with the Winni trail.