Acadia National Park, Maine - bike question

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2008-08-28 3:06 PM

Subject: Acadia National Park, Maine - bike question

OK, I realize this is probably a long shot, but can anyone tell me what the carriage roads in Bar Harbor's Acadia National Park are like?  Specifically, are they too rough for a road bike?

We can only bring two bikes for the trip.  My man has a cyclocross bike, so he's fine, but I have to choose between either my road bike or a mountain bike.  For speed and versatility reasons, I'd prefer the road bike if at all possible.  I don't mind beating up on it a little bit since it needs some new components anyway, and I wouldn't mind switching tires to something more appropriate (assuming this type of tire exists).  I do have a pair of slicks on my MTB right now that would probably work if all else fails.

Opinions?



Edited by DMW 2008-08-28 3:08 PM

2008-08-28 3:29 PM
in reply to: #1635651

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Subject: RE: Acadia National Park, Maine - bike question

A huge caveat, I've only been there once, when I ran 20+ miles on the carriage roads in Accadia (one of my favorite runs EVER!). 

 That said, my guess is that the "carriage roads" (e.g., trails) would be too rough for a road bike.  A mountain bike would handle them easily.  I do believe there are mountain bike rentals if you wanted to go that option, but of course I can't speak to the quality of those bike.

 Have fun!

2008-08-28 5:18 PM
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Subject: RE: Acadia National Park, Maine - bike question
For safety sake I'd take the mountain bike unless you plan on racing each other. One of the coolest places I've ever been. The hike around Jordan's Pond was one of the most memorable treks of my life. Can't wait to visit again.
2008-08-28 5:22 PM
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Subject: RE: Acadia National Park, Maine - bike question
2008-08-28 5:25 PM
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Subject: RE: Acadia National Park, Maine - bike question
I have done most of my riding in the park.  The carriage roads are absolutely beautiful!  A mountain bike is your best bet.
2008-08-28 9:32 PM
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Subject: RE: Acadia National Park, Maine - bike question
I concur about the MT bike. the carriage roads a great to ride on.

2008-08-28 11:46 PM
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Subject: RE: Acadia National Park, Maine - bike question
Go mountain bike, for sure. You'll want the granny gears if nothing else, and you'll want the everything else, too. As mentioned, you can rent bikes, and they are quite nice. Not top of the line, but new and well maintained. I can try to dredge out of my memory what rental place we went through, but they are so competitive that they are all essentially the same.

Remember the cost of gas when figuring the cost of rental.
2008-08-29 8:55 AM
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Subject: RE: Acadia National Park, Maine - bike question
Def go with the MTB. Im heading up there in the end of Sept and Ive been blowing the dust off of my MTB.
2008-08-29 9:28 AM
in reply to: #1635651

Subject: RE: Acadia National Park, Maine - bike question

I can't believe my obscure question got so many responses!  Thanks all.  Steve is faster than me on bikes to begin with, and even more so with a cross bike vs. MTB, so we might just throw my MTB in the back since it's so tiny and then rent a bike for him. 

I lose about 5-7mpg with bikes on the back of my dirty hippie Prius, which will add up over the 1000+ miles we plan to drive.  So renting might work out well.



Edited by DMW 2008-08-29 9:30 AM
2008-08-29 12:31 PM
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Edited by wgraves7582 2008-08-29 12:34 PM
2008-08-29 1:36 PM
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Subject: RE: Acadia National Park, Maine - bike question
I lose about 5-7mpg with bikes on the back of my dirty hippie Prius, which will add up over the 1000+ miles we plan to drive.  So renting might work out well.



So you'll only get 55 mpg?

Sorry, couldn't resist.


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