If cycling had the same panache as golf the rural roads of Kittery, Eliot, and York Maine would be Augusta National and riders would flock from all over the world to enjoy the great riding, fabulous scenery, quiet moments and fun things to do after the ride.
On a more practical vein they’re a safe haven for bike riders because they’re lightly used by cars that live in the neighborhoods and go slow. Still it’s playing in traffic and we’ve all heard about that before.
The overall condition is excellent but they’re maintained for cars and there are rough spots that wait for repair until they pose a “real” problem.
We'll also take comments from riders of local roads for obstructions and constructions et al. Please send your road condition notes to feedback@signatureride.com |
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| As of September, 2006 the following roads on the Kittery, Eliot and York map can pose real problems for bikes and here’s the list that will be updated as required. |
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Also sections of Wilson and Goodwin Roads (purple/green line) are torn up prior to resurfacing. |
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Miller Road Kittery—Broken tarmac and in shady areas hard to see the potholes that have surfaced. As of this date none are deep enough to swallow a wheel but hit the wrong way could bend or break a wheel. |
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| Frost Hill Road York—A bridge was washed out by recent rains and the road surface has been repaired by fill of packed sand and gravel. The gravel is loose in spots and the surface is deteriorating with bumps and ridges throughout. The approach from either direction is downhill and fast with limited line of sight. It’s almost on the rider before it can be seen. At high speed this is a dangerous traverse. Slow down and choose a line carefully. |
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Route 103 Eliot just past Great Cove Boat Club—The uphill section heading East that goes under route 95 has cracks and wheel swallowing gaps that resemble train tracks. It’s really dangerous for the unsuspecting. It’s important to be extremely aware of what’s behind as the only way to avoid it is to ride the middle of the road or the extreme right that’s just been marked with a fresh white line but no repair. That’s not surprising as it’s been that way for years. There’s no shoulder. Ride straight. |
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| State Road Eliot heading Southeast—Approaching Eliot Center the road is severely broken in spots. Run off from bordering hillside driveways are a destructive force and this area is always rough to ride. |
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South Side Road, York — Portions of the roads were washed out by heavy rains and while repaired there are still rough spots that require a high level of awareness to avoid problems. Heading east after crossing U.S. 1 is a downhill grade and the road is shady where the broken tarmac is at its worst and hardest to see. |
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| Betty Welch heading north begins with a quick downhill off Cutts and has broken pavement that if hit at speed can be destructive. One brief section has wheel swallowing holes. |
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Memorial Bridge, Portsmouth
There is a sign on the approach to both sides of the bridge stating, "All Bicyclists MUST Walk Bikes on Sidewalks." During the last few days, police have begun ticketing those not walking their bikes on the sidewalks. Take a break, walk your bikes and save a few dollars! |
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