NH/Vermont Routing assistance

[mdisher]

Unfortunately NOT on the bike. Have to take the family in the SUV up to a family get together in/near Merrimack NH.

Most routing apps want me to go Route 90 all the way to Boston then around 495 (I think I'd rather avoid that).

I'm thinking about bailing off 90 around Albany and running across 7-> 9 -> 101

that looks far more interesting. Is that road reasonable semi-scenic and/or a better choice?

-MD

 

[El Toro Joe]

Unfortunately NOT on the bike. Have to take the family in the SUV up to a family get together in/near Merrimack NH.
Most routing apps want me to go Route 90 all the way to Boston then around 495 (I think I'd rather avoid that).

I'm thinking about bailing off 90 around Albany and running across 7-> 9 -> 101

that looks far more interesting. Is that road reasonable semi-scenic and/or a better choice?

-MD

Matt, instead of taking 90 all the way across NY to Albany, take Rt 86 just east of Erie Pa to Rt 81 north up to Albany, it's still all highway...but much more scenic and no tolls.

 

[ionbeam]

...Have to take the family in the SUV...in/near Merrimack NH...want me to go Route 90 all the way to Boston then around 495 ...I'm thinking about bailing off 90 around Albany and running across 7-> 9 -> 101...that looks far more interesting. Is that road reasonable semi-scenic and/or a better choice?

Definitely don't do the Rt 90/495 ********. From Albany, NY to the NH border Rt 7 & 9 are scenic and give a good feel for New England and the Green Mtns of VT. If you are going on this trip during foliage season, be prepared for leaf-peepers, famous for slow & erratic driving. Rt 101 is the most effective W to E road to Milford, NH. After Milford you really want to avoid Rt 101A and the Nashua area and drive the final 6-8 miles via *any* other secondary road.

Rt 7 is a bit slow to clear of Troy but once clear it is a nice 40-50 mph road in good condition. Rt 9 will be a good ride through the mountains. Rt 9 is a quick ride from Brattleboro, VT to Keene, NH where you will eat a few traffic lights (and a new traffic circle that can be a mother...). After that 101 is a state road that zips right along.

You can have a really nice ride across NH on several alternative secondary routes, it's just that it will take a bit longer. Details on request.

If you tip us off to the date and timing of your trip I'm sure we can have a long line of FJR waiting to greet you. Whereupon we will all point and laugh as you go by in your YUPPIE bus.

 

[mdisher]

This will be a put the kids in the car at 9pm and drive straight through the night to get there. No screwing around kind of trip.

I have an easypass so the tolls don't bother me, making time is what I'm after, but thought the last 150 or so miles of scenic might be a nice change.

I'm still working on the wife, maybe trailering the FJR for maybe a one day run to Maine for some Lobster. We'll see, doesn't look good right now, but this trip will earn me unlimited passes for next year.

On second thought having a bunch of guys on FJR's stop by the hotel to ask her if I can come out and play might, just might impart enough grief that sympathetically I might get 2 summers worth of passes.

Awe cmon honey, all the guys are here?

 

[BkrK12]

If making time is the issue, they gave you the best route. You hit 495 about 30 miles before you get to Boston, so Boston shouldn't be a problem. The only real heavy traffic you might hit on that route/time schedule will be along 495, up to Lowell, MA. But, epending on driving speed, you might not get there until after rush hour. With a car full of family, staying on the main routes will give you access to services that might not be available very, very early in the morning, on the prettier roads. Looks like a substantial portion of your trip will be in the dark, obviating the scenic part.

Dan

 

[mdisher]

If making time is the issue, they gave you the best route. You hit 495 about 30 miles before you get to Boston, so Boston shouldn't be a problem. The only real heavy traffic you might hit on that route/time schedule will be along 495, up to Lowell, MA. But, epending on driving speed, you might not get there until after rush hour. With a car full of family, staying on the main routes will give you access to services that might not be available very, very early in the morning, on the prettier roads. Looks like a substantial portion of your trip will be in the dark, obviating the scenic part.
Dan

We should hit Albany around 9-10am I suspect, certainly the last few hundred will be during daylight.

Or at least that is the plan.

 

[Fred W]

If you are leaving at 9PM and driving through the night, there is no advantage to riding through the scenic areas of Vermont and New Hampshire as you won't see a thing. It will take you ~ 3.5 - 4 hours from Albany going the scenic route and only 3 hours by the 90 / 495 way.

OTOH, during the day I always go through NH/VT rather than risk getting stuck out on the Mass Pike (I90). If you hit the back way at just the right time, and you don't get stuck behind any Grandmas, you can almost match the 3 hr highway time with a heavy right foot. Limited passing opportunities in a cage, especially in a minivan (snicker).

 

[mdisher]

If you are leaving at 9PM and driving through the night, there is no advantage to riding through the scenic areas of Vermont and New Hampshire as you won't see a thing. It will take you ~ 3.5 - 4 hours from Albany going the scenic route and only 3 hours by the 90 / 495 way.
OTOH, during the day I always go through NH/VT rather than risk getting stuck out on the Mass Pike (I90). If you hit the back way at just the right time, and you don't get stuck behind any Grandmas, you can almost match the 3 hr highway time with a heavy right foot. Limited passing opportunities in a cage, especially in a minivan (snicker).

Eggcellent, we'll be there in daylight and will probably see how I feel and the kids are and choose accordingly.

Oh it's worse than a minivan, 12.2 MPG in the Excursion, but there will be 7 bodies aboard so it's all good.

 

[lnewlf]

NY 7 is nice-NY 2 is nicer if you want twisties and elevation change. Oh that's right-you're on four wheels-rats!