Monadnock Area (NH) Spider Tour?

[DUCeditor]

With Fall foliage season rapidly approaching I was wondering if any forum members would like to participate in a Monadnock area (Southwestern New Hampshire) ride.

Depending on the numbers we could meet up on a weekend morning, perhaps at the famous Peterborough Diner, do a circular tour of about seventy-five to one-hundred miles, and then, perhaps, go back to my place and throw some sausage on the grill.

Anyone interested can comment here and/or PM me.

-don

[markpink]

Don,

I am in for anything. Anywhere. I am easy that way.

Mark

[DUCeditor]

Hopin' you would be Mark. That makes two.

[markpink]

I suggest you set a date.

Mark

[Kevin1]

Keep me posted. I will pass along plans to some other Maine drivers that would be interested.
So, that's 4 . . .

[DUCeditor]

OK, the proposed date and time is Sunday, Sept 26th. Meet at my place in Peterborough at 11:00am.

So far we have seen interest from 4 Spider drivers, one Maserati driver and one Miata driver. None have definitely confirmed yet.

My initial intent was a moderate group of cars, not a large wagon train. This (to me) is a lot more fun. The focus in then on the drive not crowd control. Also, if the numbers are not to great, I can host a lunch afterward,

I'd say 6 cars is the max for this to occur. We'll accept 'reservations' on a first come, first served, basis.

I will PM address info to those who commit for the date.

Should be fun!

-don

[DUCeditor]

Some added temptation...

Experts expecting fabulous fall foliage

By ROGER AMSDEN
Union Leader Correspondent

WHILE SOME TREES are already showing signs of their fall colors, this year's hot and dry summer is unlikely to have much impact on the foliage season.

That's the view of Karen Bennett, a forestry specialist with the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Service, who says that there's little evidence to support some reports that the leaves may fall earlier than usual this year.

"Our foliage is brilliant and resilient and the peak for most of New Hampshire comes on Columbus Day weekend,'' said Bennett, adding that there are so many factors that play into the making of fall's colors that it is difficult to make a forecast.

"We are limited in our ability to be definitive when making predictions. The biggest factor in determining color quality and the experience of color is the weather during the foliage season itself. So even though some red maples may turn red sooner than others, that doesn't necessarily mean the rest of the foliage will be early,'' she said.

For Bennett, foliage is a convergence of chemistry, biology, physics and psychology.

The chemistry takes place as the days shorten and trees stops producing chlorophyll, the pigment that makes leaves green. That allows other pigments to become unmasked, though some pigments are produced during the autumn season as a result of the weather.

The biology involves a corky abscission layer that forms between the plumbing of the leaf and that of the branch. Once it forms, the leaf snaps off easily; dry summer weather may speed the development of that layer.

The physics comes into play on bright sunny days. Clear blue skies reflect light back at different wavelengths from those that strike the leaves. That wavelength difference produces the really bright fluorescent quality of the leaves on bright sunny days.

-don

[DUCeditor]

The leaves are really starting to turn. If weather cooperates Sunday's drive should be breath taking.

I've planned a route of about 75 miles, all traffic and traffic-light free back roads.

Woohoo, gonna be fun!



-don

[DUCeditor]

We presently have four likely participants in this Sunday's drive. We could still welcome up to two more. If you are interested please PM ASAP.

-don

[kmead]

Have a great time. Make sure to drive the stretch from Fitzwilliam to Richmond. Some great turns along there on to the Connecticut River. Of course coming up from Richmond to Swanzey is a fine drive. Wish I could be there, I miss driving around New England and the Keene area.

Is the MG Museum still open?

[DUCeditor]

Several issues with cars and conflicting commitments has made it necessary to postpone this event.

Stay tuned for details.

-don

[Kevin1]

Good luck getting the car running again. We'll have to do this another time!