Is it a Gap, Pass, Notch or a Summit!

I’ve biked over Galena, Banner, and Aldape Summits in Idaho. Lost Trail and Lolo Passes in Montana. Now Middlebury Gap in Vermont and Kinsman Notch in New Hampshire. Other places they may refer to a “saddle”. In Europe these features are referred by the French word “col”.  What is the difference? They all refer to a ‘navigable route’ through the mountains. The differences may actually be geological. But more likely they are geographically cultural nuances. 

Vermont likes their gaps. Especially when organizing rides. They will have a 3 gap or 4 gap ride completed in either a single or multiple day event.  A gap is similar to a pass but is considered more rugged. In fact I found these gaps to have steeper grades than my home passes. 

Today we climbed over the Kinsman Notch in New Hampshire. A notch usually refers to a pass that has steep cliffs on either side. The Kinsman would qualify. They like their notches in New Hampshire. 

It could have been that today’s Kinsman climb done in 59 degrees versus the 90 degree heat climb up the Middlebury Gap that gives an unwarranted favorable opinion of the Notch. 

I’m sure my geologist friends would offer a more comprehensive study on the differences between these. I’m just fascinated by the cultural and  geographical usage of a term referring to the high point I have to pedal before I earn the downhill. 

Before we started the proper attack of the Kinsman Notch, we found the Windy Ridge Orchard and Cider House Cafe. This would be our halfway point of the day and only food source. No other services would be available as we climbed and then descended the Kinsman Notch. 

The Fabrizio family bought the farm in 1967 and planted their first orchard the following year. They now offer tours to kids of the cider and farm animal business. Daughter Fabrizio started and operates the cider house cafe. Very tasty grilled sandwiches. Ours was the Empire with ham, turkey, provolone and garlic roasted balsamic vinaigrette. Mine on sourdough. And because of the earlier misty rain and low clouds I needed another hot cup of coffee. 

After lunch we were gearing up when this deep New England accent said “were did you ride from?”  Well I think that’s what he said. I’m pretty sure. Ok, I guessed. I don’t speak New England very well. The old gent wore dungaree shorts, boots, cap and three layers of plaid shirts of various colors and rips. He did have one of those big smiles. So I answered like I have so many times during the past two months. Of course we weren’t his first cyclist. 

Mr Fabrizio was very interested in our route, where we started and of course expressed approval in our destination of ‘Ba Habr’. He was excited to learn I ate my first lobsta yesterday and encouraged me to try more once I get to Maine.  As any farmer does, he talked fondly of the landscape and not so much of the weather. He shared an interest in Rhonda’s teaching profession, having a wife who taught French then 2nd grade for 18 years. 

As we straddled our bikes he looked up and said in that thick accent, “you shouldn’t need to worry about the rain crossing the Notch. I think it’s over for the day.”