Hampton, NH to Kennebunk, ME: June 6

June 6, 2015 by Dolly

The cue/clue sheet was for 46.5 miles, I rode 57.68 miles – and loved every one of them!

The morning started a bit cloudy and gray, but that didn’t affect my excitement at biking along the coast. The first 7 miles were in Hampton Beach and North Hampton, NH, before heading inland at Rye Beach. Part of that time we were in the midst of a bike race, so several of our turns were “protected” by the local police.

: Memorial to New Hampshire’s heroic war dead lost at sea

: Low tide, a bit cool, few people on the beach

: One of the many beachside motels.

: Headed to the beach.

: Morning yoga.

: Paddleboarding on the calm sea.

: Who knew such mansions could be found in N.H.?

: Luxury beach view.

: Great sign!

At mile 13, we entered Portsmouth, NH, and we followed suggestions to a local bakery – I enjoyed a delicious sticky bun. A couple on bikers who live locally made some sight-seeing suggestions, so I left my “cycle group” and wandered on my own.

: Recommended bakery.

: Moving memorial.

: Bridge across the Piscataguah River to Maine.

: Tugboats.

: North Congregational Church.

: Portsmouth Naval Yard.

: They repair nuclear submarines here.

: Leaving New Hampshire.

Of course, I was alone when I arrived in Maine, so had to take a selfie at the sign. Also noticed the Maine Sailors and Soldiers Monument.

: Entering Maine.

: Soldiers and Sailors Monument.

: Fort McClary at Kittery Point

: Constitution Light.

At mile 23, I entered York, where our SAG stop was at the Nubble Light House. I was the last to arrive, but sag driver Nancy I. knew I was dolly-gagging and was pleased to see me.

: This art was at a pocket park in York.

: Nubble Light House from across the bay.

As I pedaled on US 1 and US 1A, I took some fun beach shots.

: Serenity!

: Is this a Cialis commercial?

: St Peter’s Episcopal Church, only open June 7-Sept. 13.

: A real estate office.

: Beach panorama.

About 4 miles outside of Kennebunk, I ran into 3 of our riders who had stopped for ice cream – and naturally I joined them. Patricia from Colorado planned “to go rogue” and bike to Kennebunkport, an extra 7 miles or so – I too had such a plan so we went off together and enjoyed our explore.