We are planning a weeklong trip to NH in early September to see the fall colors. We are staying in the Concord/Webster area and are looking for some great road trips. We hail from Colorado and are accustomed to the climbs, so don't think that will be to much of an issue. Can you recommend any 40 to 70 mile trips? We have heard the Kangamangus is pretty amazing in the fall, but we're not sure about the traffic and shoulder conditions. Any recommendations you may have would be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to seeing the covered bridges and fall foliage.

Well, I live in the Concord area and can recommend several dozen rides that meet your needs. Depending on what you want to do and what you want to see. Do you want to do loops or is a point to point a possibility?
The Kanc is a good ride. Especially if you park down at the Info Station in Lincoln. Climb the Kanc to Bear Notch Road, take BNR to route 302 and head into N. Conway and back to the other side of the Kanc and climb back up what you missed and then descend the same way you climbed.
There is also the route out from Lincoln, follow 112 towards Sandwich Notch. Take 118 over the shoulder of Mt Moosilauke. We call this Gonzo Pass and descend to Route 25. Head east back towards Plymouth and there are a few side roads that can take you off of 25 for more of a country feel/leaf peeping scenery.
You could also head out to the beach from Concord which is a nice ride.
Just a few thoughts on Leaf peeping though. Depending on what time of September you come, the leaves may have not fully changed yet. You're best bet is late September and not early. We can still be in the heat of "summer" in early September.
The Kanc can be busy with traffic, your biggest problem will be slow drivers clogging up the road or parking in foolish spots as opposed to cars speeding by you. This can be lessened by doing this ride during the week as opposed to doing it on a weekend.
If you do the Kanc ride there are dozen's of good places to eat in either Lincoln, Woodstock or N. Conway. Plus Glen and Jackson.
I'd gladly supply you with more routes if you are interested. I can get you far away from Main roads and into "real" NH scenery if you want.
hope this info helps a little.

(Dammit I've got to get less snobby)

And go to www.redjersey.com to contact them. They are awesome. There is so much riding up that way that it's sick. The Kanc mid-week would be awesome, take the route the other dude suggested. It's no leg breaker by any means, but still a nice ride. Personally I'd probably head more north east, towards Lebanon. You get covered bridges, the CT river and rolling hills. You can even cross over to VT. Have fun in my State. Spend lots of money please. I was in CO over Memorial Day and dumped a bunch in yours.

BT