BETHEL — A New Hampshire cyclist died Saturday on Route 113 in Evans Notch in the White Mountains National Forest when he went off the road, according to Oxford County Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Danielle Welch.
James Soroka, 69, of North Conway, New Hampshire, was going down the back side of Evans Notch toward Stow at an estimated 45 miles per hour when he apparently lost control and went off the road to the right, Welch said Sunday.
The death appeared to be accidental rather than a medical event, she said. Soroka had some head lacerations, but the cause of death has not yet been determined.
He was wearing a helmet, she said.
Soroka was found behind the guardrail, according to witnesses, Welch said. He died at the scene.
A cycling companion was riding ahead of Soroka, and when he did not catch up, the companion went back and found him, according to Welch.
The crash was reported at 11:55 a.m., Welch said.
Route 113 was closed for at time at both ends by the Gilead and Sacopee Valley fire departments, respectively.
At the Gilead end, Route 113 intersects with Route 2.
Maine Warden Service, Bethel Rescue and Fryeburg Rescue assisted at the scene.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
