Looking for some vague route recommendations, VT, NH

[schuitz]

It seems I may have succeeded in persuading my wife to come along on a brief tour of Vermont and New Hampshire (and maybe Maine) during the September 21st week, which I'm guessing is probably busy leaf season. 2-up on the Bonneville, I think camping is probably out:(. Unless I have a serious packing revelation.

Based on what I saw in May, I can't really go wrong if I stay off the interstates, but my chances are much improved if any of you folks could kindly recommend any places you like to aim for around this time of year. I realize that's pretty broad. As it is, I'd prefer not to book ahead anywhere, but this is probably busy time.

Meanwhile, I'll sift through ten million google hits to try and whittle it down a bit. Alas.

[schuitz]

So to narrow things down, this is my first draft:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?doflg=pt ... .13562&z=8

I managed to include Kancamagus HIghway and Rte 108 Smuggler's Notch from Stowe before google revealed to me that these were must-rides. Love the google maps terrain feature

[mark]

I've made a new map with a few route changes that I highly recommend:
http://tinyurl.com/l33xmq

There was one road that Google wouldn't let me route over for some reason -- zoom in on North Conway, NH. See where the route goes onto Hurricane Mountain Road and then backtracks and goes around to the south? Ignore the backtracked part, just go over Hurricane Mountain Road to the other side. This road is enormously fun.

--mark

[schuitz]

Mark, that is fabulous, thanks a million. It even dips into Maine, which I'd like to check out more if there is time. Stoked!

Think I'll swap off the M-bars before this ride though. M-bars and I have reached detente for lengthy solo riding, 2-up not so much.

[schuitz]

Just trying to get a sense for motel vacancies; in these parts is it busy, Busy, or BUSY at this time of year? For flexibility, I'd rather not reserve ahead unless things are typically chock full. Traveling during the week should help. A local point of view would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[mark]

Sept 21 is getting pretty busy with leaf-peeper season, but I don't know if it's universal-sell-out busy. Might be worth making a reservation somewhere for the first night, and when you do so ask them how busy they usually are at that time of year.

--mark

[bennybmn]

The end of that week will probably be the busiest. I know columbus day is usually the busiest in southern VT, altho it's late this year, so the first weekend in october will probably be a nightmare. You're going just early enough that you'll probably see some spots of color, and not that much traffic hassle. Good timing!