On Saturday, October 12, the Friends of the Northern Rail Trail in Merrimack County held its fourth bike ride in memory of the late Peter Crowell of New London. About 25 people gathered at the Potter Place railroad station.

The Crowell family was represented by Peter’s former wife, Francoise Crowell; his son Ben with his wife Abby and their children, Corbin and Hadley; and Abby’s parents, Doris and Mark Lefebvre from Chester.

Alex Bernhard delivered a thoughtful and affectionate tribute to Peter.

He remembered that Peter came to one of our meetings to see if we were really building trail and not just talking about it, and once he was convinced, he came on board with enthusiasm. He even bought a used grader and compactor to use on the trail. He was remembered as a fine person and a good man.

After cider and too many donuts, apples, and cheddar, the first wave of riders took off, led by Peter’s three-year-old grandson Corbin on his bike with training wheels. (He completed a round-trip of four miles, and Peter would have been very proud of him.)

It could have been sunnier and a bit warmer, but a good time was enjoyed by all … while remembering Peter’s contributions to the rail trail and also thanking Ben and his family for their continued support.

FNRT board members present included Craig Heim of Wilmot and Joyce and Ellsworth Morton of Sanbornton.

Bob Ward, FNRT President, reported, “Myra, Alex, Lee Carvalho, and I stopped at a beautifully scenic spot by Eagle Pond for a photo, and I ended up biking all the way to Danbury along with Chris Norris. A number of bikers from our group stopped for lunch at the Danbury Country Store. The bike rack out in front of the store was full! This event is a great FNRT tradition which reminds of where we have been and how we will get to the finish line!”

For information about the Friends and the Rail Trail, visit FNRT.org.