Bike and boat Lake Winnipesaukee

By Marty Basch

The mission was simple: Combine a bicycle ride with the M/S Mount Washington, which cruises to various ports around the state's largest lake. Bike some. Boat some.

Lake Winnipesaukee, ringed by the Ossipee Mountains, Sandwich Range, and Belknap Mountains, covers some 72 square miles and has over 200 islands. It is a summer playground filled with motorboats, sailboats, and jet skis. The beauty of the boat is seeing what was missed from a bicycle seat.

The start

With the goal of a 12:30 p.m. Weirs Beach boat 30 miles away, the cycling started early for Jan Duprey and myself from Wolfeboro's Back Bay and then Route 28 (Main Street). The moderately hilly route, with varying shoulder widths, was no place for novice cyclists, but fine for seasoned riders. Route 28 was wonderfully wide as it took us up to look down on the lake. But better vistas awaited.

Tiny shops made it easy to stop for cold drinks. And the 4 miles along the deliciously shaded Route 28A to Alton Bay were largely a downhill delight, though a bit bumpy at times.

Like Wolfeboro, Alton Bay was sleepy, but a few boaters entered the town docks near a gazebo and diner. Still hours from noon, it was too soon for the enticing waterfront tastes of french fries, seafood, or ice cream. Ahead, the road changed to Route 11 west with initial glorious vistas along the 5-mile arm of Alton Bay and out to the lake. Hikers were active as the parking area to 1,786-foot Mount Major was half filled with vehicles. The hike’s a Lakes Region must.

The scenery

Route 11's shoulder sometimes became a thin white line. Serious cyclists know about "riding the white line," an expression used for hugging a narrow shoulder. With traffic picking up, the road was a tad snug at times. But a mile diversion along Scenic Drive took us by the sandy beach of Ellacoya State Park, wide expanses of lake scenery, a postage-stamp-size rocky beach, and a host of bikers, walkers, and runners enjoying the lakeside road to Gilford.

Weirs Beach and its carnival atmosphere were ahead. But first it was time to tackle the steeps in granny gear before mellowing out on Dockham Shore Road before dropping down to the Weirs.

Boat time

With an hour to kill before the boat, a margarita beckoned before the M/S Mount Washington pulled in for the long line of camera-carrying passengers, including a wedding party. Cyclists boarded last, and the bicycles were easily stored in the bow.

As a jazz keyboardist tickled the keys and a buffet line emerged, we sat outside in the shade and enjoyed the hour-long voyage through the Eagle Island narrows, by islands, stunning homes and even a castle. We got off in Alton Bay for a 12-mile spin back to Wolfeboro for a 42-mile day.

One Tank Away

Wolfeboro is:

*115 miles from Mexico, Me.

*151 miles from Rutland, Vt.

*173 miles from Springfield, Mass.