Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Thanks to all of our intrepid Ride Leaders, and to all who came out on our rides even in less-than-ideal conditions, and to everyone who helped host or organize a post-ride gathering. Thanks to you, 2015 was a great year, and we look forward to 2016!
Stay tuned for our annual ride planning meeting sometime next month. Our next anticipated ride will be on February 29 - Leap Day!

Happy Holidays!

Best Wishes for the Holidays to all of you! May you all have another great season of cycling ahead!

Over Hill and Hall-Dale

So, you know, Winter doesn't officially begin until December 21st, and it looks like the weather gods have decided to do things officially this year.  Which means we have more mild weather in store for this weekend - partly sunny and temperatures near 50 degrees - two weeks running!  Can't turn up another opportunity to ride in beautiful late-season weather.  Let's meet Saturday morning in Hallowell at the Hall-Dale Elementary School for a 23-mile ride to Slate's Bakery - a possible preview of the Leap Day Ride next Feb. 29.  Think it'll be 50 degrees in February?  At this rate, you never know, but we'll take advantage of it while we can.

Saturday, December 12 - HALLOWELL

"Over Hill and Hall-Dale" - a December ride through Hallowell, Litchfield, and West Gardiner.

START: 10:00 am at the Hall-Dale Elementary School at 26 Garden Lane off of Winthrop Street in Hallowell.

DISTANCE: 23 miles.

TERRAIN: rolling with some good climbs; flat along the rail trail.

HIGHLIGHTS: riding in December with only a few layers; the Kennebec Rail Trail; possible stop at Slate's Bakery.

LEADER: Jim Merrick.

LINK TO RIDE MAP: http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6763231

Yuletide by Lakeside

It's December in Maine, and for this Sunday the forecasters are predicting sunshine and temperatures nearing 50 degrees with light winds - better than most of our rides in November!  Well, who are we to argue with gifts in December?  Lets take advantage of the mild weather and meet in Manchester at the Elementary School this Sunday.  Hope you can join us!

Sunday, December 6th - MANCHESTER

"Lakeside Yuletide" - a late season tour from Manchester to Wings Mills.

START:  10:00 AM, at the Manchester Elementary School parking lot on Rt. 17, near the junction of Rt. 17 & Rt. 202.  The school is on the left just after you turn off Rt. 202 onto Rt. 17 West.

DISTANCE:  23 miles.

TERRAIN:  moderate, with one long hill.

HIGHLIGHTS:  We'll ride past Lakeside Orchards over back roads along some streams in and out of Wings Mills and take in some December hilltop views.

LEADER:  Jim Merrick.

 

Messalonskee Meander

There has definitely been a chill in the air lately, but that didn't stop us from having a fun ride last Saturday in Farmington.  Lets try for another ride this Sunday in Oakland and Sidney - if it is raining at the ride start the ride will likely be cancelled, although there will be an option to meet an hour or so before the ride for breakfast at the Early Bird Cafe in Oakland.  Lets hope the rains hold off and we can get another ride in!

Sunday, November 22 - OAKLAND

"The Messalonskee Meander" - a backroads tour through Oakland and Sidney.

START: 10:00 AM at the Oakland Post Office at the corner of Oakland Road and East School Street.

DISTANCE: 25 miles.

TERRAIN: flat to rolling, a short section of unpaved surface.

HIGHLIGHTS: quiet back roads along the shore of Messalonskee Lake and the Kennebec River.  Possible pre-ride and/or post-ride get-together at the Early Bird Cafe in Oakland.

LEADER: Jim Merrick.

LINK TO RIDE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6753840

NOTE: in case of wet and cold weather conditions, the ride may be cancelled.

A Little Bit of Everything

We had a rather blustery ride last Saturday in Belgrade Lakes, but despite it being a bit colder than expected, we had some great tailwinds and a really nice ride. Most folks seemed open to riding again if the weather stayed favorable - this weekend looks cool and dry, so we'll meet in Farmington for a ride that will cover a little bit of everything: some hills, some back roads, maybe some short sections of gravel along the Sandy River and the Whistlestop Rail Trail. We'll also have the option of stopping for a bite to eat or just to warm up in Farmington near the ride's end.  Hope to see you then!

Saturday, November 14th - FARMINGTON

"The Everything Bagel Ride" - a tour featuring, well, a little bit of everything.

START: 10:00 AM at Hannaford's Plaza, Rt.s 2 & 4 in Farmington.

DISTANCE: 22 or 26 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate to moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: back roads along the Sandy River (possibly a mile or so of unpaved surface), the scenic ridge on Cape Cod Hill, possible stop in Farmington for lunch or a bagel, and maybe a stretch on the Whistlestop Rail Trail.

LEADER: Jim Merrick.

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

November Lakes

We had a really fine ride last Saturday in Wayne, making the rounds of the round cemeteries.  The weather was quite pleasant, and the forecast is for more of the same this Saturday!  Let's meet at the Belgrade Community Center in Belgrade Lakes for a tour around Great Pond and the Kennebec Highlands.  We may get together afterwards for lunch in the village.  There may even be some fall foliage left on some late-turning trees.  Hopefully we can keep turning out this late in the season ourselves.  See you Saturday!

November 7th, Saturday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"The Lakes in November" - a tour around Great Pond through Belgrade, Rome, and Smithfield.

START:  10:00 A.M., at the Belgrade Community Center on Rt. 27, a half mile south of the Village of Belgrade Lakes, on the right (northbound) just past the Great Pond Marina.  Park in the community center parking lot nearest the street (just as you turn in).

DISTANCE:  23 or 30 miles, with a short option of 15 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to "moderately" hilly (translation: there are hills on this ride).

HIGHLIGHTS:  post-peak foliage views of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Castle Island, and Blueberry Hill.

LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.

 

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

Wicked, Wicked Wayne

The Fall is still with us! We had a splendid (if chilly) ride last Saturday in Smithfield, with lots of bright sunshine and even brighter foliage. Don't know if it will continue this weekend, but we'll plan for a grim & ghoulish Halloween ride even if the roadsides look like something out of a Land's End catalog.  We'll meet in Wayne at the Elementary School and work our way past the historic "Wing Ring" cemetery and up to Kents Hill, scene of an unsolved murder many years past, and make a likely stop at the Apple Shed.  Costumes optional - we'll see you then!

 

Saturday, October 31st - WAYNE

"Wicked Wayne" - a Halloween ride featuring some historic cemeteries along some quiet back roads (maybe too quiet).

START:  10:00 AM at the Wayne Elementary School, 48 Pond Road, Wayne.

DISTANCE:  about 20 miles.

TERRAIN:  moderate, creepy in spots.

HIGHLIGHTS:  the Wing family cemetery, the Kents Hill orchard, perhaps a notorious historic crime scene, and other local haunts.

LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com, 293-3784.

 

For more information about the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, 293-3784, or check out the club's Facebook page.

Smithfield - Looping the Lakes

While waiting in the rain at the start in Smithfield last Saturday, I was somewhat surprised to see the rain taper off and the clouds start to break up, and at precisely 9 am I'll be darned if the sun came out. Unfortunately no one else was there to see it, so the ride was postponed to this coming Saturday instead. This time we'll try for a 10:00 am start, considering how frosty the mornings have been this week. Hope you can come out and join us while we are still on Daylight Savings Time. See you Saturday!



Saturday, October 24th - SMITHFIELD
"Looping the Lakes" - a scenic tour through Smithfield, Belgrade, Rome, and Mercer.
START:  10:00 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 with Fall foliage.
LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.

Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club rides are open to members and to the cycling public.  Helmets are required of all riders at KVBC events.  It is also recommended that you bring with you on KVBC rides:  a map of the area in case you stray off route; tools for simple roadside repairs, especially a tire pump, spare tube and/or patch kit; water bottles or hydration systems; personal ID and a small first aid kit; and money for purchasing snacks & drinks en-route.  In case of severe weather, scheduled rides may be postponed or designated as "show & go" rides at the discretion of the ride leader.

We welcome suggestions for improving our rides and encourage active participation of all members.  For more information, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, and check out the KVBC Facebook page.

Crazy Eights

I'm told on good authority that the ride last Sunday from Norridgewock to the Wire Bridge in North New Portland was first rate in all respects!  Hats off to all who did the metric century in rather chilly conditions, and to Denise and Brian for leading the ride, and to Dianne who provided some refreshments midway through the ride.  This Saturday we have another popular Fall ride lined up in Smithfield - as always, we hope you can join us!  See you then!

Saturday, October 17th - 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 with lots of Fall foliage.

LEADER:  Dan Eccher.

BCM Calendar Link: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-route-8-figure-8

 

Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club rides are open to members and to the cycling public.  Helmets are required of all riders at KVBC events.  It is also recommended that you bring with you on KVBC rides:  a map of the area in case you stray off route; tools for simple roadside repairs, especially a tire pump, spare tube and/or patch kit; water bottles or hydration systems; personal ID and a small first aid kit; and money for purchasing snacks & drinks en-route.  In case of severe weather, scheduled rides may be postponed or designated as "show & go" rides at the discretion of the ride leader.

 

We welcome suggestions for improving our rides and encourage active participation of all members.  For more information, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, and check out the KVBC Facebook page.

Why A Bridge?

19th Century stereoscopic view of the Wire Bridge in New Portland, by E.F. Locke (N.Y. Public Library).

Fall is here!  We had a fine introduction last Saturday in Chesterville, thanks to John Lanoue and company, and we have more in store for this Sunday, starting in Norridgewock.  Sunday's adventure will be a special 70-mile ride along the scenic Carrabassett River, and will feature a crossing over the historic Wire Bridge in New Portland, one of my favorite spots in all of Maine.  You won't want to miss it!

Sunday, October 11th - NORRIDGEWOCK

"A (Wire) Bridge Too Far" - a Fall Foliage Metric Century plus, along the scenic Carrabassett River, through Norridgewock, Madison, Anson, New Portland and New Vineyard.

START: 9:00 AM at 434 Fredericks Corner Road, about two miles from the junction of Rt.2 in Norridgewock.

DISTANCE: approx 70 miles

TERRAIN: moderate with some hills

HIGHLIGHTS: Fall foliage along the Carrabassett River, and the historic Wire Bridge in New Portland, a civil engineering landmark built in 1866, perhaps the only one of its kind still in existence.

LEADERS: Brian Bowker and Denise Crowell.

BCM Calendar Link: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-a-wire-bridge-too-far

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

Peaks and Pontoons

We had a beautiful Fall day for the ride last Saturday from Winthrop to the Monmouth Apple Fest. Crisp temperatures, bright sunshine, and some superb apple pie, doughnuts, and other treats at the festival in Monmouth. And the ride wasn't too bad, either!  Hopefully we'll have more of the same this Saturday (if the weather cooperates) as John has another great ride in Chesterville planned for us.  Hope to see you Saturday!

Saturday, October 3rd - CHESTERVILLE

"Three Peaks and a Pontoon" - an early fall foliage tour of the ponds and ridges around Livermore, Fayette, and Chesterville.

START: 9:00 am at the Sand Pond Parking Lot; from Chesterville Center (by the "Chesterville Mall" at the junction of Ridge Rd, Dutch Gap Rd, and Zions Hill Rd) take Zions Hill Rd north for 1/4 mile, turn left on Borough Rd for approx. one mile, then turn right on Sand Pond Rd; the parking lot is about 1/2 mile in.

DISTANCE: 30-35 miles.

TERRAIN: moderately hilly with several good hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: some fall foliage viewpoints on scenic back roads including the famed Ridge Road along the Chesterville Esker, and a post-ride gathering at the ride leader's camp, followed by a potential pontoon boat ride on the lake.

LEADER: John Lanoue, john.lanoue@avid.com.

 

Here’s the route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/BRTWebUI/Course/728937

BCM Calendar Link: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-three-peaks-and-a-pontoon
 

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

Who Could Argue With Pie?

We had a great ride last Saturday to Boothby's Apple Orchard and beyond - thanks to John Lanoue - and with the weather turning cooler and more Fall-like, we have more apples and another apple ride in store! This Saturday's ride will mark our return to the Monmouth Apple Festival, and the ride has been highlighted as part of the Maine Outdoor Coalition's Great Maine Outdoor Weekend which may bring the KVBC a bit more recognition. In any case, let's hope for good weather (and even better pie) and we'll see you Saturday!

Saturday, September 26th - WINTHROP
"Monmouth a la Mode" - a tour through Winthrop to the Monmouth Apple Festival.
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... and the Monmouth Apple Festival: a great little small town festival devoted to celebrating all things pomological in one of Maine’s classic apple towns. The festival features lots of hot, baked apple pies and other apple treats, yard sales and open houses, fun and games, and self-guided tours of the Monmouth Historical Society’s many unique museum buildings and shops.
LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.
BCM Calendar Link: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-monmouth-a-la-mode
GMOW Link: http://www.greatmaineoutdoorweekend.org/event/monmouth-a-la-mode-bike-ride-winthrop-sept2015/
 
For more information about the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, or check out the KVBC Facebook Page.

Saturday Ride UPDATE - Starting in Livermore not Chesterville

UPDATE on Saturday's KVBC Ride: we will have a different starting location than previously announced.  We will meet at Pike's Corner Oasis in Livermore at 9 AM (not at the Sand Pond parking lot in Chesterville).

The club ride this Saturday which will stop at Boothby's Orchard in Livermore - there may be a support vehicle for transporting purchased apples back to the start - check with John. This will be the first of two back-to-back apple rides (Livermore and Monmouth) and we hope you can join us!

Saturday, September 19th - LIVERMORE

"Boothby"s Apple Ride" - a tour of the ponds and ridges around Livermore and Chesterville, with an apple orchard stop.

START: 9:00 am Pike's Corner Oasis at the junction of Rt.s 106, 133, and Campground Road in Livermore.

DISTANCE: 30-35 miles.

TERRAIN: moderately hilly with several good hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: great back roads with numerous scenic views, and a stop at Boothby's Orchard, a family-owned farm for seven generations going back to 1865.

LEADER: John Lanoue, john.lanoue@avid.com.

 

BCM Calendar Link: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-boothbys-apple-ride

 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club find us on Facebook, or contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com or 293-3784.

An Apple a Day

With the Maine Lighthouse Ride and Pedal the Penobscot now behind us (and kudos to all of those who rode one or both(!) of those rides last weekend)  we are now well into September and into the Fall and apple season. John has a new club ride this Saturday which will stop at Boothby's Orchard in Livermore - there may be a support vehicle for transporting purchased apples back to the start - check with John. This will be the first of two back-to-back apple rides (Livermore and Monmouth) and we hope you can join us!

Saturday, September 19th - CHESTERVILLE

"Boothby"s Apple Ride" - a tour of the ponds and ridges around Livermore and Chesterville, with an apple orchard stop.

START: 9:00 am at the Sand Pond Parking Lot; from Chesterville Center (by the "Chesterville Mall" at the junction of Ridge Rd, Dutch Gap Rd, and Zions Hill Rd) take Zions Hill Rd north for 1/4 mile, turn left on Borough Rd for approx. one mile, then turn right on Sand Pond Rd; the parking lot is about 1/2 mile in.

DISTANCE: 30-35 miles.

TERRAIN: moderately hilly with several good hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: great back roads with numerous scenic views, and a stop at Boothby's Orchard, a family-owned farm for seven generations going back to 1865.

LEADER: John Lanoue, john.lanoue@avid.com.

 

BCM Calendar Link: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-boothbys-apple-ride

 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club find us on Facebook, or contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com or 293-3784.

Take a Bow

This Sunday the KVBC ride heads back to Newcastle for another very scenic tour around Damariscotta Lake, followed by a stop at the award-winning Oxbow Brewery. This ride proved to be so popular last year that no one complained about the rain - at least, no one complained to me, and I missed the ride.  I don't plan to miss it this year, and neither should you, if last year's accolades are any indication.  Hope to see you Sunday!

Sunday, September 6 - NEWCASTLE

"The Oxbow Incident" - a scenic house & garden tour around Damariscotta Lake, followed by a local brewery visit.

START: 9 AM at the parking lot of the Oxbow Brewing Company on Rt. 215 in Newcastle, less than a quarter-mile east of the junction of Rt.s 194 and 215.  Look for the sign on the right of a owl carrying a cask.

DISTANCE: 28 or 50 miles.

TERRAIN: moderately hilly to hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: Damariscotta Lake, with many stately lakeside homes, and lots of great scenery.  Plus a post-ride stop at the Oxbow Brewery, where they have a tasting room that opens at noon, and picnic tables - it is suggested that folks may want to bring snacks, such as nuts, crackers, cheese, etc.  Non-riders who wish to join us after sightseeing and shopping in Damariscotta are welcome!

LEADER: Leanne Moll.

 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com, or follow us on Facebook.

Pedal the Penobscot

Registration is open for "Pedal the Penobscot" September 13 in Bangor! In past years we have fielded a KVBC team - you need 5 riders to qualify for the team registration discount of $35 per person. Team riders don't all have to choose the same ride distance - signing up for any of the rides will work. To register, you go directly to their online site and select "Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club" as your team (KVBC is already registered) when you sign up: http://www.bangorlandtrust.org/pedal-the-penobscot-2015.html 

Please drop me a line at hjmerrick@gmail.com so I know how many folks have registered. The ride supports the Bangor Land Trust, a bike-friendly non-profit that uses this event to promote cycling as well as raise funds for their conservation work.  Pedal the Penobscot is also a very well-run and fun event!

In and Out the Cellar Door

RIDE UPDATE: Please park on the left side of the road across from the winery store (They will be crushing grapes on the right). Also, the restrooms of the store will be open prior to the start.  If in doubt, follow the ride leaders' lead in parking.

Come join us this Sunday for a special Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club ride in Camden and Lincolnville.  This is one of several superb rides scoped out and led by KVBC member Ray Giglio, and it is part of our tribute to Ray that we continue to celebrate his many contributions to the club.  Described as a little bit of French wine country in mid-coast Maine, 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 Sunday!

August 30th, Sunday:  Lincolnville

“Out Through the Cellar Door” – a circuit of Megunticook Lake, including Camden and the Cellardoor Winery and vineyard in Youngtown (Lincolnville).  

START:  10:00 A.M., at the Cellardoor Winery, 367 Youngtown Rd, one mile east of Route 52.  Please park along the winery driveway leading up the hill across from the store, and not in the customer parking lot behind the winery store. 

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:  25-30 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 some of the road surfaces are showing wear although many have been resurfaced recently. 

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.

LEADERS:  Tammy Jones, tjjones@colby.edu, and Jeanine Libby, jjlibby13@roadrunner.com.

BCM Calendar Link: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-out-through-the-cellar-door

For more information about the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784 or hjmerrick@gmail.com, or follow us on Facebook. 

Coffee is Grown on Hills

We had a great ride from Richmond to Wiscasset last Sunday, despite the heat and humidity.  Due to the heat, we started promptly at 9 am, and took advantage of every shady thoroughfare on the route - splendidly scoped out by our leader, David Lipman.  We also got to ride over the new bridge on Rt. 197 which had some great scenic views of the river from the top.  David has another great route - and another fine coffee shop - in store for us this Sunday.  Hope you can join us!

Sunday, August 23rd - VASSALBORO

"Hills and Beans" - a scenic tour around China and Vassalboro.

START:  9am  at the home of David and Laura Lipman.  Condo is after Natanis Golf Course at 6 Arrowhead Drive heading north. (Not to be confused with Fairway Drive. Use Barrows Road on your GPS and we are the next road on the  left after that)  Please park after the garages in the large dirt parking lot after the condo buildings.

DISTANCE: approx. 25 miles.

TERRAIN:  Moderate to Hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: an assortment of fine back roads in China and Vassalboro, with a stop at a fine local coffee shop or two.

LEADER:  David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com

BCM Calendar Link: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-hills-and-beans

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com, or keep up to date via our Facebook page.

Trick or Treats in Wiscasset

We had a nice ride with a great group last Sunday in Mount Vernon - mostly cool, dry, with little wind.  And many of us stayed after the ride for Lunch at the Post Office Cafe in the village.  That served as a two-fold warmup for next Sunday's ride which will travel from Richmond down to Wiscasset, where we will stop at Treats - another fine store with a superb bakery.  Hope you can join us!

Sunday, August 16 - RICHMOND

"Wheeling Down to Wiscasset" - a tour along the river through Richmond, Dresden, and Wiscasset.

START: 9 AM at the public landing in Richmond (also known as Fort Richmond Park or Peacock Beach State Park, depending on what map you're looking at) at the junction of Front Street (Rt.24) and Main Street (Rt.197). Park in the public lot next to the landing.

DISTANCE: approx. 35-40 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate with one or two significant hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: scenic views along the river and Wiscasset, with a possible stop at Treats in Wiscasset and the Richmond Coffee Shop at the ride's end.

LEADER:  David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com.

BCM Calendar Link: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-wheeling-down-to-wiscassett

 

Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club rides are open to members and to the cycling public.  Helmets are required of all riders at KVBC events.  It is also recommended that you bring with you on KVBC rides:  a map of the area in case you stray off route; tools for simple roadside repairs, especially a tire pump, spare tube and/or patch kit; water bottles or hydration systems; personal ID and a small first aid kit; and money for purchasing snacks & drinks en-route.  In case of severe weather, scheduled rides may be postponed or designated as "show & go" rides at the discretion of the ride leader.

 

We welcome suggestions for improving our rides and encourage active participation of all members.  For more information, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com or check out the KVBC Facebook page. 

Climate Ride Northeast - Bar Harbor to Boston

Hot enough for you? Maybe you should check out the Climate Ride! They are looking for another two dozen riders for the inaugural Climate Ride Northeast from Bar Harbor to Boston, coming up just six weeks away. Sounds like fun, and you likely get a chance to explore sections of the East Coast Greenway, too!

Climate Ride Northeast-Bar Harbor to Boston, a five-day 320-mile charitable bike-a-thon, is seeking at least 22 more riders to help fundraise and meet it’s $400,000 goal.... Climate Ride is a one of a kind ride that benefits hundreds of regional and national nonprofits across the country to raise money and awareness for the environment and bicycle advocacy.

Calling All Cycling Enthusiasts
Climate Ride Needs Your Help to Better the Environment
Inaugural Climate Ride Northeast – Bar Harbor to Boston
Thursday, Sept. 17 to Monday, Sept. 21
Are you passionate about the environment or are seeking safer cycling roadways? Take action and register now for the inaugural Climate Ride Northeast – Bar Harbor to Boston to raise money and awareness for regional and national nonprofits that work to create a more green and sustainable future. Use your bicycle as a vehicle to create change!
Set for Sept. 17 through Sept. 21, the five-day charitable bike-a-thon will take participants 320 miles down the scenic coast of New England to support more than 100 sustainability, cycling advocacy, active transportation and environmental causes. Climate Riders have the ability to direct the funds they raise to up to five beneficiaries of their choice. The event goal is to raise $400,000.

Climate Ride Northeast –Bar Harbor to Boston is a fully supported bike-a-thon that provides meals, snacks, bike support, luggage transport, and lodging for participants along the route. On the road, the Climate Ride support team will assist riders to each day’s final destination, exploring the beautiful national parks and the outdoors they are helping to protect along the way. At night, business, policy, public health, and environment experts will engage in conversations with riders. “Ignite Nights,” a networking opportunity with representatives from some of Climate Ride’s 2015 beneficiaries, will be available to riders this year.
Climate Ride is the first adventure travel nonprofit to raise funds for environmental causes and awareness about the importance of bike advocacy and active transportation that will dramatically reduce the carbon emissions that plague the environment. To date, Climate Ride has raised and contributed $2.28 million.
For more information, to register to ride or to support a cyclist of team, visit www.climateride.org or call 406-552-0708. Participants can enter the discount code climateride2015 for $25 off their registration fee

Ponds and Eskers

Weather is warming up nicely for August - with some storms thrown in - but hopefully the weekends will stay clear.  Hope everyone had a great ride last Sunday from Farmington to Industry, and thanks again to Larry Childs for leading.  This Sunday we will return to Mount Vernon for a nice flat ride along the Chesterville Esker, with some significant hills and downhills before and after!  We may regroup after the ride at the Post Office Cafe in Mount Vernon Village.  Hope you can join us!

Sunday, August 9th - MOUNT VERNON

"Eleven Ponds" - a tour past many of the hidden ponds and lakes in Mount Vernon, Fayette, Chesterville, and Vienna.

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 (and one memorable one).

HIGHLIGHTS:  rural back roads winding through many small ponds and lakes, and across the top of the Chesterville Esker.  Possible post-ride get-together at the cafe in Mt. Vernon village.

LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com, 293-3784.

BCM CALENDAR LINK: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-eleven-ponds

 

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 us on Facebook.

The Cycles of Industry

We had a nice, brisk, 40-mile ride from Gardiner to Bowdoinham on Saturday.  Brisk in more ways than one.  Still unseasonably cool (at least I hope it is "unseasonably") but temperatures are supposed to warm up this week.  Many thanks to Joe Renda for leading the ride on Saturday, and to everyone who turned out.  This Sunday's ride starts in Farmington and heads out over the scenic terrain along the back roads to Industry and Clearwater Pond in Allens Mills.  Note that this ride was originally scheduled for August 9th, but has been moved up a week.  Hope you can join us!

Sunday, August 2nd:  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.

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

LEADER:  Larry Childs.

BCM Calendar Link: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-ups-and-downs-of-industry

 

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

Back to Bowdoinham

We had a rather unseasonable ride around Lake Cobbossee on Saturday, and the cool, wet conditions kept our numbers down. But the weather wasn't all that bad, considering, and we had a good ride, thanks to John Lanoue, who actually rode to the start!  As a bonus, we had a surprise visit from Roger Rocque at the ride start (he later cheered us on when we passed his house) and we look forward to seeing Roger back on the road.  This Saturday, Joe Renda has volunteered to sub for Roger and lead the Gardiner to Bowdoinham ride - a club favorite.  Please note the 8:30 am start.  Also a heads up: we have swapped dates for the next two rides coming up in August - Larry Childs will be leading the Farmington ride on August 2 (not August 9 as originally scheduled) and Jim Merrick will be leading the Mount Vernon ride on August 9 (instead of August 2).  Lots of great riding ahead - see you Saturday!

Saturday, July 25th - GARDINER

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

START:  8:30 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 miles.

TERRAIN:  Moderately hilly.

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

LEADER:  Joe Renda.

BCM CALENDAR LINK: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-back-roads-to-bowdoinham

 

Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club rides are open to members and to the cycling public.  Helmets are required of all riders at KVBC events.  It is also recommended that you bring with you on KVBC rides:  a map of the area in case you stray off route; tools for simple roadside repairs, especially a tire pump, spare tube and/or patch kit; water bottles or hydration systems; personal ID and a small first aid kit; and money for purchasing snacks & drinks en-route.  In case of severe weather, scheduled rides may be postponed or designated as "show & go" rides at the discretion of the ride leader.

 

We welcome suggestions for improving our rides and encourage active participation of all members.  For more information, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, or follow us on Facebook.

The Cobbossee Odyssey - The Fielder's Choice

We had a great ride Saturday from Damariscotta to Pemaquid.  Beautiful weather to ride along the ocean, with some nice sea breezes to offset the summer heat in the sun.  Our thanks to David Lipman for another fine ride!  This week's ride will tackle some of the challenging terrain around Lake Cobbossee - with a stop at Fielder's Choice ice cream at the end!

Saturday, July 18th - MANCHESTER

"A Cobbossee Odyssey":  a tour around Cobbosseecontee Lake.

START:  9:00 A.M., at the parking lot on McArdle Street, just off Rt. 202W past the junction of Rt. 202 & Rt.17, between the Manchester Grange Hall and Fielders' Choice Ice Cream Stand.  The parking lot is the first right after you turn on McArdle Street.

DISTANCE:  27.5 miles.  A map of the route can be found here: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/BRTWebUI/Course/667369

TERRAIN:  rolling with some challenging hills.

HIGHLIGHTS:  views of Cobbossee Lake, back roads of Winthrop, Manchester, West Gardiner, Litchfield, and Monmouth, and an ice cream stop conveniently at the end!

LEADER:  John Lanoue, john.lanoue@avid.com.

BCM Calendar Link: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-cobbossee-odyssey

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

Damariscotta - Pemaquid - Boothbay

It's always a pleasure to spend the 4th of July morning riding with Jim Putnam and company, and we had a great turnout on Saturday to prove it. Once again, many thanks to Jim for another memorable holiday ride!
We have a "double-header" planned for this weekend. This Saturday's KVBC ride will return to the scenic Pemaquid Peninsula with a great ride along the shore. There will be a follow-up ride on Sunday around Boothbay. These routes are not only scenic, but also a great trip to the coast, and there are many great places to stop and see the sights. Contact the ride leader for suggestions for overnight accommodations. Hope you can join us for one or both of these rides!
 
Saturday, July 11th; DAMARISCOTTA
"Drafting Through Damariscotta" - a tour through Bristol, Bremen, Pemaquid and Damariscotta.
START: 10:00 AM at Hannaford's supermarket, 469 Main Street (Business Rt. 1) in Damariscotta.
DISTANCE: 40 miles.
TERRAIN: Moderate to rolling with no major hills.
HIGHLIGHTS: scenic roads within the Pemaquid Peninsula, fresh and salt water views abound.
LEADER: David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com.
BCM CALENDAR LINK: http://www.bikemaine.org/…/kvbc-drafting-through-damariscot…
 
Sunday, July 12: BOOTHBAY
"Bicycling Through Boothbay" - a seaside tour around Boothbay, Barter, Sawyer, and Southport.
START: 9:00 AM at the Knickerbocker Boat Landing, off of Knickerbocker Road just north of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.
DISTANCE: 20 miles.
TERRAIN: easy to moderate.
HIGHLIGHTS: more ocean views and seaside villas, plus a stop for lobster rolls at the Trevitt General Store.
LEADER: David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com.
BCM CALENDAR LINK: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-biking-through-boothbay
 
For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784 or hjmerrick@gmail.com or visit the KVBC Facebook page.