From
this point the path narrows considerably and the surface is very rough, with
stones and trap rock imbedded in the hard packed soil. This part of the trail
has always been bad and it looks like, in the four years since I last rode it,
things have not improved. As riders approached from the opposite direction, I
chose to stop, pull over, and let them by. I get too nervous if I feel I don’t
have sufficient room to navigate.
And,
here is a pile of horse manure! I have this thing about horses using a dirt
rail trail. Their hooves dig in and create little craters. When I ride over
these indentations, it feels like I’m riding a jackhammer. I particularly have
a large problem with these piles of manure (I’m trying to be a lady in my
description). I want an enjoyable ride without being shaken to pieces and
playing Dodge the Piles!
Mile
5.06, just crossed Wales Rd. and the path continues to narrow. As I cross Wales
Rd. there is a cacophony of barking dogs…sounds like mostly hunting dogs. The
funny part is, they suddenly stopped. Like a switch was thrown. I wonder if
it’s motion or sound activated noise to protect property.
As I
pass the 12-mile marker (I haven’t gone 12 miles…more like almost 6), I figure
it must be about another mile to the bridge.
Where
the trail parallels Route 6 in Andover (across from the library) the trail is
barely a fat tire wide (I’m riding a hybrid) and very rough. I can’t wait to
see what it’s like further down.
