VC-1-3-5-4-2-1-VC, Our First Bike Ride ;o) – Sunday – July 7, 2013

Early this morning, we loaded 7 bikes &  7 people into two cars

then headed to Acadia NP Visitor Center.

 

Gin, Syl, Pam (Gin’s cousin), Dan and Tricia rode in G&S’s Suki.

They carried 2 bikes on the back of the car.

 

Bill and I rode in our Tahoe with 3 bikes inside and 2 bikes on the back!!

 

Unloading and preparing all the bikes to get ready to roll :o))

 

 

First, let me explain what “VC-1-3-5-4-2-1-VC” means?!?

 

There are 51 miles of carriage roads and these road intersect at 38 different places.

 

Each intersection is marked by a post with a number on it.

 

On the map, these numbered posts are represented by a triangle with a number inside.

That means you can plan an amazing number of rides of varying length!!

 

Our 5.2 mile ride will start at VC (Visitor Center),

then .5 miles to Post-1, .9 miles to Post-3, 1 mile to Post-5,

1 mile to Post-4, 1.1 miles to Post-2, .2 to Post-1,

then .5 miles back to the VC :o))

 

What it doesn’t show is the elevation but we will learn about that real quick:o((

 

 

This is the start of the connector trail which will get us to Post 1.  

The connector trail is a narrow version of the carriage roads.

 

Description of the Carriage Roads

 

 

Leaving the Visitor Center and heading out the connector trail…

 

In less than 1/4 mile, we went around a bend

 

and

 

the connector trail went UP… UP… UP:o((

 

 

It was so steep that most of us had to walk!!

 

 

Eventually…. we all made it to the REAL carriage roads at Post-1 :o)

 

We still had some good hills to manage, but nothing like the first one!!!

 

 

We hung a left toward Post-3.

 

Enjoying the lovely morning and the wonderful views.

 

 

The granite rocks (Rockefeller Teeth) that line the carriage roads

make a great place to take a rest!!

 

 

At Post-3, we stayed to the left toward Post-5.

 

 

Our first view of Witch Hole Pond

 

 

From the pond, we had a pretty steady climb to Post-5 and our first Carriage Road Bridge!! 

 

 

This is a triple arch bridge built in 1929 and reminds me of a castle:o) 

You can see the Prince and his Princess;o))

 

 

The construction is amazing including the steps down to the stream below!!  

 

 

 

As we left Post-5 toward Post-4, we did have a good down-hill stretch.

 

Pam was enjoying the ride;o))

 

 

At Post-4 we stayed to the right toward Witch Hole Pond and Post-2.

 

 

We passed a couple small ponds before reaching Witch Hole Pond.

 

One pond was covered with Water Lillies.

 

 

 

We got a photo of everyone in front of the second pond.

 

 

Another uphill stretch on the way to Witch Hole Pond.

 

 

It is amazing how these roads were constructed!!

 

They really do blend in with the nature around them:o))

 

 

After our final view of Witch Hole Pond,

 

we reached Post-2.

It was .2 miles UPHILL to Post-1 and the connector trail back to the visitor center:o((

 

 

So why are these crazy folks smiling?!?!?

 

They were about to embark on that really tough uphill connector trail.

 

However, this time it would be ALL downhill and very fast :o))

Everyone arrived SAFELY back to the cars!!!

 

 

Now it was time to find a great spot for lunch!!

 

From the visitor center,

we traveled the red Park Loop Road to a parking area just past Sand Beach.

 

 

Riding the Loop Road is always a beautiful ride!!

 

 

 

We walked from our parking area to the Ocean Trail.

 

 

Now this was the perfect lunch spot!!!

 

 

Gin and Tricia wore their Vietnamese Boat People hat for some sun protection.

 

I believe these are the Minnie Pearl version… see the tag hanging from Tricia’s ;o)

 

 

The views and the pink granite were amazing!!

 

 

 

 

After we finished lunch, we drove down to the Thunder Hole parking area.

(click on any photo to enlarge)

 

 

 

The Ranger Station has been converted to a gift shop. 

 

 

Across the road is Thunder Hole.

 

 

 

 

We continued along the the loop road on our way back to the campground.

 

 

Approaching South Bubble Mountain

 

 

 

As we passed, we could see “Bubble Rock!”

We hope to get a lot closer during a future hike;-))

 

For now,

 

we will just savor this great day with good friends:o))