Season's Greetings!

 

Best Wishes to All of You and Yours

for the Holidays and the Year Ahead!

A Ride to Father Rasle's

Kennebec River near Old Point, Madison

We have a special tour on tap for this Saturday in Smithfield, partly in keeping with our Halloween tradition of cemetery rides. On this last ride of the year during Daylight Savings Time, we will visit the site of the Battle of Norridgewock, the climax of Father Rasle's War in 1724.  We hope to time our arrival to coincide with a site tour and interpretation led by Colby History Professor Daniel Tortora.  The ride will also explore some back roads in Smithfield and some quiet riverside roads in Norridgewock and Madison - there may be some short stretches of gravel to contend with, but we expect to bypass the Rt. 8 construction project.  If you plan to attend please let me know, as I'd like to get a rough head count for our hosts.  Hope you can join us!

 

Saturday, November 2 - SMITHFIELD

"Monuments, Missions, and Massacres" - a scenic and historic river tour through Smithfield, Norridgewock, and Madison.

START:  9:00 AM, at the new Smithfield Fire Station on Rt. 8 in Smithfield, about a quarter-mile north of the junction of Rt. 8 and Rt. 137.

DISTANCE:  approx. 27 miles.

TERRAIN:  moderate to moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS:  a tour of the Norridgewock Village Historic Site, an eighteenth century Abenaki Indian settlement and a French Catholic Mission wiped out by British soldiers in 1724.  Now a tranquil spot on the riverside, we will explore the site and its history, as interpreted by professional historians.

LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.

 

Also, don't forget there will also be a special fundraising event for Leeann Smith in Palermo on Sunday.  Please note that these times below are Eastern Standard Time - don't forget to turn your clocks back an hour on Sunday AM or you'll be an hour late for the rides:

 

Fundraiser for Leeann Smith.
Sunday November 3, 2013.
VFW, Turner Ridge Rd., Palermo, Me.
2 pm - Benefit Bike Ride (three separate speed rides). $20 donation to ride (all funds go directly to Leeann).
4:30 to 6:00 pm - $10 Spaghetti Dinner - Open to Public.
4:00 to 5:30 pm - Silent Auction.

Additional donations welcome!  For more info, call Richard Golden, 485-4088.

 

Fall Foliage Bike & Hike

Norcross Hill, Mount Vernon

We had a very scenic ride last Saturday around Wayne, Leeds, and Monmouth on the Tour de Lacs.  Lots of great views and Fall foliage.  Many thanks to the ride originator, Ray Giglio, who was unable to join us - Get Well Ray!  There is still a lot of Fall cycling in store, so this Sunday we will reprise the Mount Vernon ride, featuring the Chesterville Esker - the roads that were torn up earlier this summer have been repaved, and the route should be much improved (promise!).  Jeanine has also offered to lead a short hike in the Kennebec Highlands following the ride to fully take in the seasonal foliage.  Bring along some trail climbing shoes.  See you Sunday!

 

Sunday, October 20th - MOUNT VERNON

"Fall foliage bike & hike" - a bike tour past many of the hidden ponds and lakes in Mount Vernon, Fayette, Chesterville, and Vienna; and a scenic hike in the Kennebec Highlands.

START:  9:00 AM, Mount Vernon Post Office, just off Rt. 41 on Main Street in Mount Vernon.

DISTANCE:  14 and 29 miles.

TERRAIN:  Rolling with a few good hills.

HIGHLIGHTS:  rural back roads winding through many small ponds and lakes, and across the top of the Chesterville Esker at near peak foliage.  Optional post-ride hike up Round Top or French's Mountain in the nearby Kennebec Highlands.  Possible get-together afterwards at the cafe in Mt. Vernon village.

LEADERS:  Jim Merrick and Jeanine Libby.

 

Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club rides are open to members and to the cycling public.  Helmets are required of all riders at KVBC events.  In case of severe weather, scheduled rides may be postponed or designated as "show & go" rides at the discretion of the ride leader.  For ride updates and reports, follow the KVBC blog or check out our Facebook page.

Le Tour de Lacs

Passing the base of an early windmill on Morrison Heights

 

 

We had a great ride in Freeport on Saturday, despite the overcast and cool weather.  The roads were first rate and the traffic was light (except for Rt. 1 in Freeport on the return, although not as bad as in mid-summer).  We had a nice, long, flat run out to the end of Merepoint, and some great ocean views with fall foliage along the way.  Many thanks to Ken Louis for setting up the joint ride with MOAC.  This week we will return to Wayne for the "Tour de Lacs" with a great climb up Morrison Heights - ought to be great for foliage views!  Hope to see you Saturday!

Saturday, October 12th - WAYNE

"The Tour de Lacs" - a loop of Androscoggin Lake, with a couple detours for special Wayne sights. 

START: 9:00 AM, at the Wayne Elementary School, Pond Rd (turn north from Rt. 133, just west of Wayne village; go 1/4-mile, park in lot at north end of bldg.)

DISTANCE: 26 miles

TERRAIN: Moderately hilly

HIGHLIGHTS:  beginning loop goes by the Wayne Ring cemetery (Pond Rd) and the Wayne Desert (Berry Rd).  Great views eastward in Leeds (Rt. 106).  A detour near the end climbs Morrison Heights for a beautiful view westward over Lake Androscoggin.  Food and ice cream at Tubby's at the finish?

LEADER:  Jim Merrick.

 

For more information about the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com and check out the KVBC Facebook page.

 

Freeport Freewheeling

Courtesy Bicycle Coalition of Maine - Women's Ride, Freeport

My apologies to one and all for not coming up with a club ride on this beautiful weekend.  I have been out with a miserable cold and the weather is making it all the more miserable.  I hope everyone has been able to get out and ride in this wonderful weather, which looks like it is going to continue for a while.  Ken has put together a great ride in Freeport for next Saturday - a joint ride with the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club (MOAC).  The following Sunday is the Cadillac Challenge, and I believe a number of people have expressed interest in doing that ride as well.  The following weekend we will be in Wayne, and we still have a few openings as we head into late Fall.  If you have any ride suggestions for later in October, please let me know.  Meanwhile enjoy the fine weather and hope to see you next Saturday!

 

Saturday, October 5th - FREEPORT

"Freeport, Four Bays...and Food" - a coastal tour of numerous bays and inlets around Freeport, and their seaside eateries.

START: 10:00 AM at the information booth in the lower parking lot across from L.L. Bean's Outlet Store.  Turn onto Bow Street in Freeport Center (across from L.L. Bean's Main Store) and then right onto Depot Street to the parking lot (free parking).

DISTANCE: 36 miles with a 26-mile option.

TERRAIN: Rolling with some moderate hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: Freeport, plus views of Merepoint, Maqoit, and Casco Bays, plus the Harraseeket River.  Lunch options at Harraseeket Lobster (cash only) or in Freeport.

LEADER:  Ken Louis.

 

Isleboro, Once More with Feeling

Islesboro

We had a really great ride Saturday in Farmington - nine people showed up despite less than 24 hours notice, and once the roads dried out the weather couldn't have been nicer.  Larry did a great job scrambling to get his scheduled rides switched, and hopefully this weekend we will reap the rewards as they are expected to have cleaned up all the storm damage on Islesboro and made the island rideable again.  We will now operate on the principle of "Let's try this one more time" and we hope you can join us (for sure this time) on our trip to Islesboro this Saturday (Sunday, if rain).

 

Islesboro is a pleasant island with about 30 miles of paved roads, and is a short ferry ride from Lincolnville Terminal, which is near the junction of Rt. 173 and Rt. 1, next to the Lincolnville Beach.  There is ferry service throughout the day, although most of us will be shooting for the 10 am ferry, with a return around 1:30 pm (or later).  There is some limited parking near the beach, and a paid-parking lot (a bit expensive) at the ferry, so many of us may park at the Bald Rock Trailhead (free parking) in Camden Hills State Park, about 2 1/2 miles away and ride to the ferry.  Don't miss the boat!  This is a ride you won't want to miss!

 

Saturday, September 21 - LINCOLNVILLE (ISLESBORO) [Rain Date: Sunday, September 22]

"Idyllic Islesboro" - a tour of one Maine's scenic off-shore islands

START: 9:45 am (for the 10 am ferry) at the Lincolnville Ferry Terminal, near the junction of Rt. 173 and Rt.1.  Many of us plan to park 2.5 miles away at the Bald Rock Trailhead lot in Camden at the Junction of Rt.173 and Youngstown Road, leaving no later than 9:30 am to catch the ferry.  More info below.

COSTS: $18.50 per rider, round trip on the ferry with bicycle (additional $$ if dining out in Lincolnville at ride's end) - more info below.

DISTANCE: 19 or 30 miles.  Map links below.

TERRAIN: rolling

HIGHLIGHTS: Ocean views!  Salt air!  Beaches!  Lobster shacks!  A ride on the Ferry!  (You know, seashore stuff.)

LEADER: Larry Childs, lrchilds@roadrunner.com, 207-557-3984 (cell)

 

For planning purposes, here is some information for the ride on Saturday, September 21 (rain date: 22)

-          To avoid expensive parking at the Lincolnville Ferry Terminal, we’ll plan on parking at the Bald Rock trailhead which is at the intersection of Rte. 173 (Beach Rd) and Youngtown Rd in Lincolnville. It’s about 2.4 miles to the Ferry Terminal, so less than 10 minutes to bike there.

-          Mainland departures are on the hour (except 12:00) starting at 9:00 AM and island departures on half hour (except 11:30) until 4:30 PM.

-          We will plan for the 10:00 AM ferry departure so we should leave the Bald Rock parking area by 9:30 at the latest to give people time to purchase tickets. They board bicycles at about 15 minutes before the hour. You can purchase tickets ahead of time, if desired, by calling the terminal at 789-5611. Each passenger is $10 plus $8.50 per bike for a total of $18.50 per rider. Tickets can be used at a later date and for any ferry. Ferry Service website at http://www.maine.gov/mdot/msfs/index.htm .

-          The crossing takes about 20 minutes so we’ll be starting the ride on the island about 10:30.

-          Optional 19 and 30 mile routes can be seen here: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/260119315 , http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/260114385 .

-          We’ll do a brief rest stop at Pendleton Point beach with nice views at about 9.5 mile point. There are three stores evenly spread along our route.

-          Most riders doing the 30 mile route probably will return on the 1:30 ferry but three later returns are available for those wishing to explore the island more.

-          Some of us may partake of a meal at the Lincolnville Lobster Pound after returning to the mainland so bring $$. It’s right next to the ferry terminal.

Hoping for good weather and a good turnout for a fun outing.

Larry

ISLESBORO POSTPONED - FARMINGTON INSTEAD!

Metal Sculptures on the road to Industry

KVBC RIDE TO ISLESBORO POSTPONED ONE WEEK -- KVBC FARMINGTON RIDE TOMORROW INSTEAD!

 

Due to severe storm damage on Islesboro we will be postponing tomorrow's scheduled KVBC ride to the island until NEXT week - Saturday, September 21 (Rain Date Sunday, September 22).  We've been informed that roads are still closed on the island while they clear away downed trees and washouts, and hopefully they will have everything cleaned up in another week.

 

Larry has offered to switch his two rides, and we will be meeting TOMORROW in Farmington instead, where the weather looks nice for an early Fall ride to Industry and Clearwater Pond.  We apologize for the last-minute notice, and we hope you can join us!

 

Saturday, September 14th:  FARMINGTON

"The Ups and Downs of Industry":  a ride through the picturesque hills and hollows of Farmington, New Sharon, and Industry.

START:  9:00 A.M., at the Hannaford Plaza on Rt. 4 in Farmington, about a mile south from the junction of Rt. 4 and Rt. 27, towards Wilton.  Park near the entrance to the shopping plaza.

DISTANCE:  25-30 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to hilly - includes an optional short (1/4 mi.) section of hard-packed dirt road, which can be circumvented by adding a mile to the overall route.

HIGHLIGHTS:  quiet back roads along the Sandy River, spectacular panoramic views from the ridgetops of New Sharon & Industry, Clearwater Pond at Allens Mills.

LEADER:  Larry Childs, 557-3984, lrchilds@roadrunner.com.

 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club and its rides contact Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com, or check out the KVBC Facebook Page.

Idyllic Islesboro

Islesboro (1943 USGS Castine Quadrangle) UNH Dimond Library

We are a week away from our Island Adventure on Islesboro!  Islesboro is a pleasant island with about 30 miles of paved roads, and is a short ferry ride from Lincolnville Terminal, which is near the junction of Rt. 173 and Rt. 1, next to the Lincolnville Beach.  There is ferry service throughout the day, although most of us will be shooting for the 10 am ferry, with a return around 1:30 pm (or later).  There is some limited parking near the beach, and a paid-parking lot (a bit expensive) at the ferry, so many of us may park at the Bald Rock Trailhead (free parking) in Camden Hills State Park, about 2 1/2 miles away and ride to the ferry.  Don't miss the boat!  This is a ride you won't want to miss!

 

Saturday, September 14 - LINCOLNVILLE (ISLESBORO) [Rain Date: Sunday, September 15]

"Idyllic Islesboro" - a tour of one Maine's scenic off-shore islands

START: 9:45 am (for the 10 am ferry) at the Lincolnville Ferry Terminal, near the junction of Rt. 173 and Rt.1.  Many of us plan to park 2.5 miles away at the Bald Rock Trailhead lot in Camden at the Junction of Rt.173 and Youngstown Road, leaving no later than 9:30 am to catch the ferry.  More info below.

COSTS: $18.50 per rider, round trip with bicycle (additional $$ if dining out in Lincolnville at ride's end) - more info below.

DISTANCE: 19 or 30 miles.  Map links below.

TERRAIN: rolling

HIGHLIGHTS: Ocean views!  Salt air!  Beaches!  Lobster shacks!  A ride on the Ferry!  (You know, seashore stuff.)

LEADER: Larry Childs

 

For planning purposes, here is some information for the ride on Saturday, September 14^th  (rain date: 15^th)

-          To avoid expensive parking at the Lincolnville Ferry Terminal, we’ll plan on parking at the Bald Rock trailhead which is at the intersection of Rte. 173 (Beach Rd) and Youngtown Rd in Lincolnville. It’s about 2.4 miles to the Ferry Terminal, so less than 10 minutes to bike there.

-          Mainland departures are on the hour (except 12:00) starting at 9:00 AM and island departures on half hour (except 11:30) until 4:30 PM.

-          We will plan for the 10:00 AM ferry departure so we should leave the Bald Rock parking area by 9:30 at the latest to give people time to purchase tickets. They board bicycles at about 15 minutes before the hour. You can purchase tickets ahead of time, if desired, by calling the terminal at 789-5611. Each passenger is $10 plus $8.50 per bike for a total of $18.50 per rider. Tickets can be used at a later date and for any ferry. Ferry Service website at http://www.maine.gov/mdot/msfs/index.htm .

-          The crossing takes about 20 minutes so we’ll be starting the ride on the island about 10:30.

-          Optional 19 and 30 mile routes can be seen here: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/260119315 , http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/260114385 .

-          We’ll do a brief rest stop at Pendleton Point beach with nice views at about 9.5 mile point. There are three stores evenly spread along our route.

-          Most riders doing the 30 mile route probably will return on the 1:30 ferry but three later returns are available for those wishing to explore the island more.

-          Some of us may partake of a meal at the Lincolnville Lobster Pound after returning to the mainland so bring $$. It’s right next to the ferry terminal.

Hoping for good weather and a good turnout for a fun outing.

Larry

Smithfield Figure 8

Heading Out Rt. 8 in Smithfield

 

We have had some exceptional riding weather of late.  Sunday's ride in Albion was clear, cool and dry, and Jeanine had mapped out a fine route with lots of new pavement and some great ridgetop vistas, ending with a great ice cream stop.  Thanks, Jeanine!  Fall is on the way, and this Saturday we will be meeting in Smithfield for a great double loop around North and East Ponds with some great lakeside runs, followed by another nifty ice cream stop.  Hope you can join us!

 

 

 

Saturday, August 31st - SMITHFIELD

"Route 8 Figure 8" - a scenic tour through Smithfield, Belgrade, Rome, and Mercer.

START:  9:00 AM, at the new Smithfield Fire Station on Rt. 8 in Smithfield, about a quarter-mile north of the junction of Rt. 8 and Rt. 137.

DISTANCE:  15 and 28 miles.

TERRAIN:  moderate to moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS:  many scenic lake views and back roads, and an ice cream stop.

LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.

 

 

On to Albion

"Cyclists and Yellow Field" by Andrew Macara

 

 

We had splendid weather for our end-to-end ride on the Whistle-Stop rail trail last Saturday, and despite some rather deep sand on parts of the trail we did manage to ride the entire distance.  Had a great stop at Dutch Treat in Wilton on the return trip, too - where the topic of an open date in this weekend's calendar came up - and Jeanine stepped up to remedy this situation.  Thus we will meet in Albion on Sunday for what promises to be a great ride.  See you then!

 

 

 

 

Sunday, August 25 - ALBION

"On to Albion" - a pretty country ride through Albion, Benton, and East Winslow.

START: 9:00 am at the Albion Town Office building on Main Street (Rt.s 9, 137,and 202)

DISTANCE: 30 Miles.

TERRAIN: moderately hilly

HIGHLIGHTS: hairy cows, ice cream, and home grown veggies (perhaps not all at once)

LEADER: Jeanine Libby.

 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club and its rides contact Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com, or check out the KVBC Facebook page.

 

The Whistle-Stop's Here

We had beautiful clear dry weather for Ken's 5th Annual Hot Dog Ride from Wings Mills on Saturday.  The post-ride hot dogs were great - as were the surprise commemorative t-shirts!  Our thanks to the Louis's for another fine event and for graciously welcoming us to their home.

 

This Saturday's ride will explore the Whistle-Stop Rail Trail from Jay to Wilton to Farmington.  The trail is unpaved, so mountain bikes or hybrid bikes are recommended.  The trail has some great scenery and is well worth exploring!

 

Still looking for a ride leader for August 24-25.  We also have some open dates in September and October.  If you missed your chance to lead a ride earlier in the year, step right up - you can still lead a ride with Fall on the way!  Just contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com.  Thanks!

 

Saturday, August 17th - JAY

"The Whistle-Stop's Here" - a tour of the Rail Trail from Jay through Wilton to Farmington.

START: 9:00 am at the French Falls Park Trailhead in Jay:

Directions to French Falls Park Trailhead:

From South: From the intersection of ME Routes 4 and 17 in Livermore Falls follow ME Routes 4/17 north 1.6 miles, turning left onto French Falls Drive just after the Jay Elementary School. Follow this road past the Whistle Stop Trail entrance and park in the lot at the end of the road next to the baseball field.

From North:  From the intersection of ME Routes 4 and 17 with ME Route 140 in Jay, follow ME Routes 4/17 south about a mile. Turn right onto French Falls Drive just before you reach the Jay Elementary School. Follow this road past the Whistle Stop Trail entrance and park in the lot at the end of the road next to the baseball field.

DISTANCE: 28 miles or less

TERRAIN: most flat and unpaved; some southern sections of the trail have been quite sandy in the past, but have been improved recently.  Mountain bikes or hybrid bikes with good tires are recommended.

HIGHLIGHTS: scenic, quiet touring along the old Railway right of way; wooden trestle bridge over Wilton Stream; possible ice cream stop in Wilton.

LEADER:  Bud Newell.

Whistle-Stop Rail Trail Trestle over Wilton Stream

Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Dog!

We had a great ride in Livermore and Leeds on Saturday, despite getting off to a rainy start.  By the time we got to the general store in Chesterville, the sun had broke out and the roads were drying up, and we had a fine stretch along the Chesterville Esker.  It was great to see some familiar faces appear for the ride (and breakfast!).  Next week's ride will also feature some culinary delights as we explore the roads around West Mount Vernon and Wings Mills on Ken's Fifth Annual Hot Dog Ride.  If you've missed it the last four times you won't want to miss it now.  Hope to see you Saturday!

 

Saturday, August 10th - WING'S MILLS (Mount Vernon)

"Hot Dog! - The Hot Dog Ride" (not because we'll ride like one but because we will want one) - a tour through Mount Vernon, Belgrade, North Augusta, and Manchester

START: 9:00 AM at 49 Marble Point Rd., Mount Vernon

      Directions to Start:

           From Augusta, take #27 North to Belgrade and turn left onto #135 (Christy's store and blinking light)
           Go 3 miles and right onto Wings Mill Rd; go 2.5 miles and right onto Marble Point Rd. which is just
           after crossing Belgrade Stream; it is a hard pack dirt road and we are the log home on the right)

           From Mount Vernon, Readfield: Take North Rd to Wings Mills Rd and go about 3 miles to Marble Point Rd;
           just after passing Bartlett Rd on the right, turn left onto Marble Point

           Delorme Maine Atlas Map 12; A-4. Just west and across the stream from the intersection of Dunn Rd and
           Wings Mill Rd. (Marble Point is not listed by name on the map).
DISTANCE: 29 miles
TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills
HIGHLIGHTS: Views of Belgrade Stream, Hamilton Pond, Stuart Pond, Messalonskee Lake, Doctor Pond, Silver Lake, Gould Pond, with a Hot Dog cookout lunch following the ride - swimming available also.  
LEADER: Ken Louis.

 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club and its rides contact Jim Merrick,  hjmerrick@gmail.com, or check out the KVBC Facebook page.

 

Livermore & the Single Chainring Tour

Heading Toward Chesterville on Valley Road

After our fine ride last Saturday from Gardiner to Bowdoinham (thanks, Joe!) this Saturday we will fill in an open date in the calendar with another great ride in Livermore through Leeds and Fayette - 25 miles, with an optional longer loop of about 41 miles, traversing the entire Chesterville Esker, out and back, as well as a extension into North Chesterville.  All of it on rather flat terrain, and the route has some great local eateries along the way, scoped out by the ride's originator, Frank Rosen.  Breakfast at the Lunch Pad restaurant is also optional: it's a nice little seasonal diner and ice cream shop - yep, you're covered pre- and post-ride - Frank thinks of everything.  We'd like to encourage those of our members who haven't ridden with us yet this year to come on out and join us.  Frank has moved to more temperate climes in Pennsylvania (everybody says "Hi" Frank!) so he's excused, but we'd like to see everyone else on Saturday!

Saturday, August 3rd - LIVERMORE

"Single Chainring Tour" - an exploration of the flatlands from Livermore to Leeds, through Fayette to the Chesterville Esker.

START: 8:30 AM at the Lunch Pad Restaurant (7:30 am if you want to join us for breakfast) at the junction of Rt.17 and Rt. 133 (Park Street) in Livermore, where Rt. 17 N comes into a "T" intersection just before downtown Livermore Falls.  Park in the Footware parking lot next to the diner.  We may have to shift parking into the nearby town park if the store is open, but we will figure that all out before the ride starts.

DISTANCE: 25 or 41 miles.

TERRAIN: mostly moderate with no big hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: Breakfast, beautiful roads and a nice flat run along the scenic Chesterville Esker.

LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.
 

For More information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, check out our Facebook page!

Gardiner to Bowdoinham

At the general store in Bowdoinham

 

We had a great ride Saturday in Rome - once we stopped counting the hills.  There were five of us who did the seven hills, and then some.  Fortunately most of the climbing was in shade, and the heat began to moderate a bit with a nice breeze - the harbinger of beautiful weather to start the week.  We have another fine stretch of weather ahead, by all accounts, and another classic ride to Bowdoinham coming up this Saturday.  Summer is definitely here, so get out and get on your bike and join us!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, July 27th - GARDINER

"Biking to Bowdoinham" - a tour of the southern Kennebec Valley through Gardiner, Richmond and Bowdoinham.

START:  9:00 AM, at the Laura Richards School, Rt. 201 in Gardiner, 1.5 miles south of the junction of Rt. 201 and Rt.s 126/9 (the junction near the A-1 Diner).  The school is a new brick building with a "spiked ball" sculpture, on the west side of Rt. 201, on the left past the Gardiner Armory (just as you enter the "thickly settled" area).  Park in the lot on the north side of the school.

DISTANCE:  40-45 miles.

TERRAIN:  Moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS:  quiet back roads along streams and farmland south & west of Gardiner.

LEADER:  Joe Renda.

 

 

For more information on the KVBC, contact Jim Merrick at  hjmerrick@gmail.com, and check out our Facebook page.

The Vineyard Tour

The Overlook at the Cellardoor Winery Vineyard in Lincolnville

Come join us this Saturday for a special Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club ride in Camden and Lincolnville.  The ride will feature a stop at the Cellardoor Winery, and some back roads in a area that we don't get a chance to ride in (as a group) that often.  Part of the route will trace part of the East Coast Greenway, and the ride will have other treats in store.  Hope to see you on Saturday!

July 13th, Saturday:  Camden

“Camden Vineyard Tour” – a circuit of Megunticook Lake, including Camden and the Cellardoor Winery and vineyard in Youngtown (Lincolnville).  

START:  9:30 A.M., at the Cellardoor Winery, 367 Youngtown Rd, one mile east of Route 52.  Park in the rear, behind the winery store, keeping in mind that they will have regular customer parking on a Saturday. 

DIRECTIONS:  From Camden, take Rt. 52 north for 5 miles and turn right onto the Youngtown Rd for one mile.  See the Cellardoor Winery website for map and detailed directions:  http://mainewine.com.

DISTANCE:  20-30 miles, depending if a loop from Camden to Rockport is taken and if we return to the winery via Rt. 52 or via Rts. 1 and  173.  The route is moderately hilly, and the road surfaces are showing wear.  

HIGHLIGHTS:  Visit the winery store and take a walk through the vineyards.  Numerous lake views during the ride.  Camden (& Rockport).  Part of the route is the official East Coast Greenway interim on-road coastal route. 

LUNCH:  The picnic tables outside the winery store are available for us to use after our ride.  We can bring a bag lunch, or they sell beverages, local cheeses, breads, and other goodies.  And of course, they sell wine and have wine tasting.

LEADER:  Jim Merrick.

For more information about the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, or follow us on Facebook.

Go Jump In a Lake

Heading into Monmouth Center

Dig out that sunscreen!  (If you can remember where you put it.)  The sun finally showed up for our Fourth-of-July ride, and we had a great turnout and a great ride.  Many thanks to Jim Putnam for offering to lead the ride twice in five days, and kudos to everyone who did it twice!  This Saturday will feature a classic ride from Winthrop to Monmouth from the shores of Lake Maranacook.  If the temperatures soar, we can beat the heat with a dip in the lake or a double dip cone - or maybe both!  We'll see you then!

Saturday, July 6th - WINTHROP

"Lakes and Orchards" - a tour through Winthrop and Monmouth.

START:  9:00 AM at the Winthrop Town Boat Landing on Maranacook Lake, near the gazebo on Coady Street, off of Memorial Drive.  If the boat landing parking lot is full, there are additional spaces around the corner on Summer Street, lakeside.

DISTANCE:  18 or 24 Miles.

TERRAIN:  Rolling, with a few stiff hills.

HIGHLIGHTS:  Back roads beside rolling orchards, lakeside summer camps, small hidden hamlets - post-ride swimming and ice cream options, too!

LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.

For more information about the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, or follow us on Facebook.

Go Forth on the Fourth!

The damp conditions at the start didn't dampen this turnout.

Well, our glorious Fourth-of-July ride last Saturday wasn't quite glorious enough, apparently, even though we had a respectable turnout of nine people in damp conditions.  For all those who missed it (and those who want to do it again!) we've decided to run it again this Thursday - a special holiday ride!  Hey, doing the Fourth-of-July ride on the Fourth-of-July - what a concept!  You can join us for the ride in the morning and still take part in whatever activities you may have lined up in the afternoon!  And we have an open weekend coming up with perhaps another ride in store - stay tuned!

 

 

Thursday, July 4th, SIDNEY:
"Go Forth on the Fourth" - a tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of a prime farming district & the middle of Fourth of July preparations.
START:  9:00 AM at the James H. Bean Elementary School on Middle Road in Sidney.
Directions to the Bean School:
From south: I-95 North exit #120. Turn right at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right.
From the north: I-95 South exit #120. Turn left at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean
School is approximately one mile on the right.

DISTANCE:  16 or 30 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely.
LEADER:  Jim Putnam.

 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, and/or follow us on Facebook.

 

It was foggy and damp on Saturday's ride, enhanced in this image by road spray on the camera lens.