Took a flyer and drove up state to Sugarloaf ski area. John @ Kingdom Trails told me there was great riding there. Well, maybe if a local showed me the goods I would change my opinion. The Outdoor recreation trails are XC trails with a ST on it. I rode their mtn bike race course. I used less than a mile of ST, the rest on the XC trails that aren’t exactly cruiser trails. The short sections of ST would be hellish for a race as they are the tight rocky, rooty conditions. On the XC trails there were numerous bogs, some your bike would disappear in. Wasn’t feeling particularly spirited so i quit riding.

Drove further upstate looking for a ski town bar and conversation. Drove thru Straton that on the map appeared to be a large community. It was just spread out w/ nothing of attraction. Drove further N and stopped @ a XG looking for a shower. Closed for season. Sat there looking at my map figuring out next move. Guy in truck pulls up and tells me the XG is closed and offers a free camp site idea.

I follow his instructions and drive out on this beat up road to a campsite on Flagstaff Lake. Pretty spot right on shoreline. Lake looked almost tidal but it was from loss of h2o. Drove thru several mud puddles that fortunately were over hard ground but raised concern about getting stuck.

Quiet night. Overcast so it stayed warm. About 3:00 I was awakened by sound of rain on the roof. Up & out to cover bikes. Went back to bed and listened to rain. What if it rained sufficiently to make the puddles impassible to my Sprinter? I chickened out and bailed in the dark. I drove back to hard road & parked in in daylight was a snowmobile parking lot. OK. I slept unmolested.

Packed up & headed down to Acadia where there was to be lots of riding. Overcast day but pleasant drive.

Hit bike shop guy @ Sugarloaf told me of and asked about ST. He said not really, just old cart roads. A second bummer.

I walked around downtown Bar Harbor, just a tourist trap. Lots of restaurants serving lobster. I picked 1 & had a lobster special dinner. They serve lobster like hamburgers. Incredible amount of shell for such little meat. Tail is tough but the drawn butter was good. My taste favors Dungeness crab.

Found hostel in town & asked about shower. Host wanted $5.00 because it was something they don’t normally do. Another night w/o shower.

parked in back parking lot of bike shop w/o their permission. What will happen during the night?

Tomorrow I will visit Acadia and pay for a campsite w/ a shower.

Off back up town to Thirsty Whale for a beer and maybe conversation.

Maine is my 20th state to ride in.

Brian @ U- District said his eyes hurt after viewing my Speedo picture. I thought I was a sight for sore eyes and not a sight that caused sore eyes.

Maybe a dinner visit w/ Cal in Philly.

Slept way late. Chilly again.

Drove correct way to Red jersey cycling for ride info. Made it, guy very helpful sharing a ride idea. Bought map. Rode from shop. Rode Red tail Trail up. NEMBA did work on it making it mostly rideable for me. Roots & rocks but climb was still some walking. Really sweated up.

Where Red Tail trail joined into Connector the NEMBA work ceased allowing me to become a hike a biker. Some pretty nasty stuff. Good ride.

Woods have many old trails or remnants leading to several false starts down lower.

Rode back to Red Jersey & debriefed.

Headed back into town for shower at yesterday’s camp ground. Drove a little further & did wash.

Drove back to N Conway, hit grocery store for prepared dinner. And then drove back to Echo Lake camp spot.

Seems like NE still uses pay phones.

Why I did not attempt MT Washington:

Left knee is still bothersome.

Listening to Obama McCain debate. Listened to NPR prior to debate and learned that it is all so orchestrated.