Not-So-Early Bird

After a few false starts, we managed to get in a nice ride to finish off November last Saturday in Belgrade Lakes.. We'll see if the moderate weather continues into December, as we'll try for another group ride on Sunday in Oakland.  I still have a few jerseys to distribute, so if you haven't picked yours up yet let me know if you can on Sunday, or let me know how I can get yours to you.  Otherwise, see you Sunday!

Sunday, December 3 - 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, 293-2784, hjmerrick@gmail.com.
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.

Post-Thanksgiving

Well, we definitely got rained out last Sunday (although I have to give an honorable mention to David, who rode over to my house afterward to pick up his jerseys). We'll try again this Saturday and hope for better conditions to work off all the extra calories taken in on Thursday.. For those who have yet to pick up their new KVBC jerseys I will again have those at the start. Meanwhile, have a great Thanksgiving, and see you Saturday!

November 25th, Saturday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Post-Thanksgiving Ride" - a tour through Castle Island, Belgrade, and Rome.

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:  15 or 24 miles.

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

HIGHLIGHTS: views of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Castle Island, and Blueberry Hill - possible post-ride stop at the bakery in Belgrade Lakes Village.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP (short loop): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7167541
(longer loop): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7167543
 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim at 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com, find us on Facebook, or check out our blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com.

Blueberry Thrill

November has been wild and woolly, with power outages, downed trees, frozen pipes, and some occasional snow flurries. We may see a break this Sunday if the rains clear out, and since this is our 15th year lets try another 15-mile ride (with an optional longer route) in Belgrade Lakes. We'll head out through Castle Island, up Watson Pond Road to Blueberry Hill, and finish with a stop at the bakery at Hello Good Pie in Belgrade Lakes Village. If it is raining and in the 40s at the start we won't ride. Those of you who ordered new KVBC jerseys will have an added bonus, as the jerseys have been shipped and should arrive in time for Sunday's ride. Even if you don't ride, you can pick up your jerseys at the start and join us at the bakery! Hope to see you Sunday!

November 19th, Sunday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Blueberry Thrill" - a tour through Castle Island, Belgrade, and Rome.

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:  15 or 24 miles.

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

HIGHLIGHTS: views of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Castle Island, and Blueberry Hill - possible post-ride stop at the bakery in Belgrade Lakes Village.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP (short loop): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7167541

(longer loop): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7167543
 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim at 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com, find us on Facebook, or check out our blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com.

Winthrop at the Gazebo

We had an interesting ride from Wayne last Sunday.  The weather forecast was about as accurate as CMP power restoration estimates, and the roads were quite wet. Still, we had a nice ride - kudos to those who turned out and especially those who wore creative costumes - they made quite a hit at the stop at the Apple Shed in Kent's Hill. Saturday's weather "looks" favorable, and it will look absolutely outstanding if we get power back, so let's plan for our first ride in November this Saturday in Winthrop - we may have a new cafe to check out!

Saturday, November 4th - WINTHROP
"Winthrop by the Gazebo" - a tour around Winthrop and Monmouth.
START: 10:00 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 a possible cafe stop in Winthrop at ride's end.
LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.
LINK to RIDE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6721791
 

For more information about the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, and check out the KVBC blog, Posted Roads, at http://postedroads.blogspot.com.

All Hallows, All Felloes

We had a wonderful Fall day last Sunday on the ride from Farmington to Industry.  Started out a bit cool and cloudy, but the skies cleared and we had lots of bright sunshine on Fall colors out around Clearwater Pond, where the fish were jumping and the cyclists were looking a bit lively as well.  Let's hope they look better than undead on this Sunday's Halloween ride in Wayne!  Costumes optional (we had some clever ones last year) - helmets still required and loose, chain-catching garments discouraged. You still have some time to prepare, but Sunday will be here quicker than you can say "Boo."  See you then!

Sunday, October 29th - WAYNE

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

START: 9:30 AM at the Wayne Elementary School, 48 Pond Road, Wayne.

DISTANCE: about 20 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate, creepy in spots.

HIGHLIGHTS: at least five local cemeteries, including the circular Wing family cemetery and the Kent family cemetery; the Kents Hill orchard, a notorious, unsolved historic crime scene, and other local haunts. 

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6976062

For more information about the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, 293-3784, or check out the club blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com.

Industrial Colors

We had a great pair of rides last weekend.  Denise and Brian led us on a scenic metric century to the Wire Bridge in New Portland, and then treated us to chili for lunch at their house afterwards.  On Sunday, Ken Louis led us on a coastal ride from Freeport that started out in dense fog and mist, but eventually cleared up and turned out quite nice.  Thanks to you all!  This Sunday we will once again head out in foliage country with a ride from Farmington to Industry and Clearwater Pond.  See you Sunday!

Sunday, October 22nd:  FARMINGTON

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

START:  9:30 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, Clearwater Pond at Allens Mills, and an optional run along the Whistlestop Rail Trail.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6874732

 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club and its rides contact Jim Merrick, 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com, or check out the KVBC blog, "Posted Roads" at http://postedroads.blogspot.com.

Saturday the Wire Bridge, Sunday at Bean's

Last Sunday's ride to the Wire Bridge was postponed due to unsettled weather.  Which means we get a do-over this Saturday with better weather and even more resplendent foliage!  And that's not all - we will also have our scheduled ride Sunday in Freeport with some spectacular riding along the Maine coast.  A great double header, and we hope you can join us!

Saturday, October 14th - NORRIDGEWOCK

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

START: 9:30 AM at 434 Fredericks Corner Road, about two miles from the junction of Rt.2 in Norridgewock.

DISTANCE: approx 65 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, 485-6793, bbowk321@yahoo.com; and Denise Crowell, 213-8336, denisemcrowell@gmail.com.

Sunday, October 15th - FREEPORT

"Freewheeling around Freeport" - an oceanside tour around Freeport and Brunswick and vicinity.

START: 9:30 AM in downtown Freeport at the lower parking lot across from L.L. Bean's Outlet next to the train station office which has a lighthouse on the building.

DISTANCE: 25-35 miles

TERRAIN: moderate

HIGHLIGHTS: some fine roads with spectacular seashore vistas. Possible post-ride lunch in town with numerous options, such as the Maine Beer Brewery with wood-fired pizza.

LEADER: Ken Louis, klouis17@hotmail.com.

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com, and check out the KVBC blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or the KVBC Facebook page.

Why A Bridge? Why Not!

Quite a change in the weather with temperatures one week near 90 dropping to the low 50s the following week. Still exceptional riding - we had a great ride last Saturday in Smithfield - Thanks Larry! - and some of us took part in beautiful (if chilly) conditions Sunday on the Cadillac Challenge and the Share the Road with Carol Ride. More great Fall riding ahead this Sunday as we really kick off the Autumn riding season with our first October ride: the Wire Bridge Metric! Hope you can join us! 

Sunday, October 8th - NORRIDGEWOCK
"The Wire Bridge Metric" - a Fall Foliage Metric Century plus, along the scenic Carrabassett River, through Norridgewock, Madison, Anson, New Portland and New Vineyard.
START: 9:30 AM at 434 Fredericks Corner Road, about two miles from the junction of Rt.2 in Norridgewock.
DISTANCE: approx 65 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, 485-6793, bbowk321@yahoo.com; and Denise Crowell, 213-8336, denisemcrowell@gmail.com.

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com, and check out the KVBC blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or the KVBC Facebook page.

Field of Smiths

We are coming up on the end of September and only now are we getting the dog days of August. Too early to say if we will have an extended season of late Fall riding weather, but we had a great ride last Sunday in Wayne thanks to Fritz and his gang. Slightly cooler temperatures are predicted for this Saturday's ride in Smithfield. Let's hope for more great Fall riding ahead!

Saturday, September 30th - 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.

DISTANCES: approx. 15 and 30 miles. 

TERRAIN: moderate to moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: many scenic lake views and back roads with some early Fall foliage.

LEADER: Larry Childs, lrchilds@roadrunner.com.  

LINK to ROUTE MAP (2015): http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6800182  

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 293-3784 or hjmerrick@gmail.com, and check out the KVBC blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com.

Wayward Wayne

We have had some beautiful late-Summer weather of late, and we had a fine ride from Livermore last Sunday. I was especially fortunate, as everyone patiently awaited my late arrival, with nary a mention of my rule of arriving at least 15 minutes before the scheduled ride start. And even then we were just a bit early at the apple orchard, arriving just before it opened. Our thanks to John for leading, and to Missy for kindly driving the apple shuttle back to the start. Next Sunday's ride will explore more of our western frontier starting in Wayne.  Hope you can join us!

Sunday, September 24th - WAYNE

"Which Way to Wayne?" - an early Fall ramble from Wayne to Fayette, Leeds, and Winthrop.

START: 9 am at the Wayne Elementary School, 48 Pond Road, Wayne. DISTANCE: 37 or 24 miles.

TERRAIN: flat to moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: scenic back roads with some great views, some early Fall foliage, and a possible post-ride stop at Tubby's Ice Cream in Wayne. 

LEADER: Fritz Onion, fritz@pluralsight.com.

LINKS to ROUTE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6941578 or https://www.strava.com/routes/4011324

LINK to BCM CALENDAR: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-which-way-to-wayne

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com, or check out our club blog, "Posted Roads" at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or keep up to date via our Facebook page.

An Apple A Day

We had a really nice ride last Sunday starting and ending at Tree Spirits. We got to see some very scenic roads in Smithfield, New Sharon, and Norridgewock, and we would have seen some more in Oakland if we weren't barreling through them. Many thanks to Tammy for leading and for rescheduling her ride a week for better weather. This Sunday we will head out into apple country for a pomological adventure. See you then!

Sunday, September 17th - 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: 40 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. We may have a vehicle at the orchard to transport any apples you buy back to the start.

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

LINK to BCM CALENDAR: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-boothbys-apple-ride-2
LINK to ROUTE MAP (2016): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6799282

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com, and check out the KVBC blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or the KVBC Facebook page.

Roll Out the Barrel

We had a fine ride last Saturday, organized at the last minute by David Lipman after the forecast of rain caused a rescheduling of Sunday's ride. A small group of fast riders, chased by your Keeper of Ride Maps, rode from Richmond to Wiscasset, where we had a nice stop at Treats. Many thanks to David and to all who turned out on short notice. Now, back to our regularly scheduled program... We will give it another go in Oakland this Sunday. The weather forecast is optimistic and we are ready to go. Hope to see you Sunday!

Sunday, September 10 - OAKLAND

"Barreling through Oakland" - a tour around Oakland, Norridgewock, New Sharon, and Smithfield.

START: 9:00 am at Tree Spirits, 152 Fairfield Street (Rt. 23) in Oakland. Use both sides of the driveway for parking. Additional parking may be found at the Oakland Post Office nearby on Water Street.

DISTANCE: about 40 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate with some hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: fine back roads with lakeside views - a visit at the Tree Spirits winery at ride's end.

LEADER: Tammy Jones, tjjones@colby.edu.

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7130262

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim at 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com, find us on Facebook, or check out our blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com.

Tomorrow in Richmond - Oakland Sunday Ride POSTPONED

Due to the forecast of steady showers on Sunday, the KVBC ride from Oakland has been postponed to the following Sunday, September 10.  We do have a treat in store for tomorrow, as David Lipman has offered to lead his ride from Richmond to Wiscasset, with a stop at Treats in town - and there may be another stop at the Old Goat in Richmond at the end of the ride.  Hope to see you Saturday!

Saturday, September 2nd - 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) 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 Old Goat at the ride's end.

LEADER:  David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com.

LINK to RIDE MAP (2015): http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6791013

 

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 via the club blog, Posted Roads at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or check out the KVBC Facebook page. 

Barreling Through Oakland

We had a splendid ride from Belgrade Lakes last Saturday. We had 15 people turn out to ride over a route we did for our first organized club ride 15 years ago. Only this time we had bright sunshine and clear skies! Hopefully next Sunday we will have more of the same for a new ride starting in Oakland at the Tree Spirits winery on Rt. 23 (Fairfield Street). Hope to see you there!

Sunday, September 3 - OAKLAND

"Barreling through Oakland" - a tour around Oakland, Norridgewock, New Sharon, and Smithfield.

START: 9:00 am at Tree Spirits, 152 Fairfield Street (Rt. 23) in Oakland. Use both sides of the driveway for parking. Additional parking may be found at the Oakland Post Office nearby on Water Street.

DISTANCE: about 40 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate with some hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: fine back roads with lakeside views - a visit at the Tree Spirits winery at ride's end.

LEADER: Tammy Jones, tjjones@colby.edu.

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7130262

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim at 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com, find us on Facebook, or check out our blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com.

Great Ride, Great Pond

We certainly lucked out on the weather for the KVBC ride last Saturday in Whitefield - the rains dried up, and we had a great ride through "Amish Country" and a great post-ride stop at the Griffins.  Many thanks to Bryan and Holly!  This Saturday we will meet in Belgrade lakes for a tour of the lakes region, and the newly repaved Watson Pond Road.  Last ride in August - the Fall is coming up fast!  Hope you can get out and join us!

August 26th, Saturday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Great Pond Go Round" - a tour around Great Pond through Belgrade, Rome, and Smithfield.

START:  9:00 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: views of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Castle Island, and Blueberry Hill - possible post-ride stop on Belgrade Lakes Village.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6800290

 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim at 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com, find us on Facebook, or check out our blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com.

Cellar Doors in Youngtown

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 13th, 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.The folks at the winery have graciously allowed us access to restrooms and water before the ride, but please no cleats in the building. Thank you.

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. LEADER: Tammy Jones, tjjones@colby.edu.   

LINK to RIDE MAP (2015): http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6800276

LINK to BCM CALENDAR: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-out-through-the-cellar-door-2

For more information about the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784 or hjmerrick@gmail.com, and check out the KVBC blog, Posted Roads, at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or follow our Facebook page.

Odyssey to Cobbossee

We had spectacular weather for the ride from Gardiner to Bowdoinham last Sunday. Bright blue skies, nice roads - some with new pavement, and marked with nifty "KV" arrows - even a nice tailwind. Many thanks to Joe for leading (and arrowing!). Hey, we're in August already! Time for a ride around Cobbossee Lake. We'll meet on Sunday next to Fielders' Choice Ice Cream in Manchester. Hope to see you then!

Sunday, August 6th - 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.

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-2 

Link to Ride Map (2015): http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6801528

For more info on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, check out the club blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or follow us on Facebook.

A GUSTAtorial Adventure

We had a terrific ride from Norridgewock on Sunday, exploring some roads that many of us had not ridden before. In keeping with tradition, we also had a fine hot dog roast after the ride - many thanks to Denise and Brian for hosting, and for the various culinary contributions by other riders. It was all greatly appreciated! This Saturday we will do breakfast, meeting in Augusta at the Hussey Elementary School at 8:30 am for a 27-mile ride through the rural side of Augusta and Chelsea, stopping at Rebecca's on Rt. 17. Should be a nice tune-up for those doing the BCM Lobster Ride on Sunday. Hope you can join us!

Saturday, July 22nd - AUGUSTA

"Capital Breakfast Ride" - a tour through the stately residential areas and outlying farms of our capital city.

START: 8:30 AM at the parking lot of the Hussey Elementary School on Quimby Street in Augusta. Quimby is right off Rt. 100 at the traffic light across from Auclair's Cycle heading north. The school is up the hill about a quarter mile on the left. 

DISTANCE: 27 miles. 

TERRAIN: moderate with a few hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: An optional breakfast stop at Rebecca's on Rt.17, some really fine touring roads east of the capital, new and intriguing routes - and did we mention breakfast?

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

LINK to RIDE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6793245

LINK to BCM CALENDAR: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-capitol-breakfast-ride-2

 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com, follow us on Facebook or check out the KVBC blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com.

The Hot Dogs Return

This Sunday's ride will be the ninth annual Ken's Hot Dog Ride, starting from an all new location. A bit of ride history:

2008 - Ken Louis suggests a ride from his house in Wings Mills with a post-ride hot dog roast, inspired (he says) by a running feature on the Weather Channel. The 1st year's turn-out is modest but appreciative.

2009 - The Weather Channel reacts with disdain to Ken's intrusion on their turf; the weather is cold and threatening, only two people show up, and neither are sure why they did.

2010-2012 - Ken does "something" and conditions and turn-outs improve. He eventually prints up a 5th anniversary t-shirt (some say it makes a great painting shirt - we'll have a hot dog for you, Roger).

2015 - Another setback, as the ride is officially condemned by the World Health Organization. Notwithstanding, the ride turnout increases.

2016 - Ken's ride hits a record number of riders, and runs out of hot dogs. Perhaps as a result, the Louis's sell their house and move to an undisclosed location in Portland. Does this spell the end of Ken's Hot Dog Ride? Not a chance!

2017 - we will hold the 9th annual Ken's Hot Dog Ride in Norridgewock.

Sunday, July 16th - NORRIDGEWOCK

"Hot Dog! - The Hot Dog Ride" (not because we'll ride like one but because we will want one) - a tour through New Sharon, Starks, Anson, Madison and Norridgewock.

START: 9:00 AM at 434 Frederick Corner Road in Norridgewock,
about two miles from the junction of Rt.2 in Norridgewock. Park along the sides of the driveway wherever you can.

DISTANCE: 43 miles
TERRAIN: Moderately hilly.
HIGHLIGHTS: Little traveled back roads along the Sandy River, and a post-ride hot dog BBQ!
LEADERS: Brian Bowker, 485-6793, bbowk321@yahoo.com; and Denise Crowell, 213-8336, denisemcrowell@gmail.com.

LINK to BCM Calendar: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-kens-hotdog-ride

 

For more information about the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784 or hjmerrick@gmail.com, follow us on Facebook, or check out the KVBC blog, Posted Roads, at http://postedroads.blogspot.com.

Back to Boothbay

The Boothbay ride on Sunday is back on again!  We will once again have a double-header along the coast this weekend, meeting in Damariscotta on Saturday at 10 am at Hannaford's Plaza, and again on Sunday in Boothbay at the Knickerbocker Boat Landing at 9 am.  The weather for the weekend is looking very nice, so hope to see a good number of you on one or both of the rides.  Once again, have a Happy Fourth!

Sunday, July 9th: 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 possible stop for lobster rolls at the Trevett General Store.
LEADER:  Cynthia Snow, csnow@msad11.org.

LINK TO RIDE MAP (2015): http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6802082

LINK TO BCM CALENDAR: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-bicycling-to-boothbay

For more information, contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784 or hjmerrick@gmail.com or check out the KVBC Facebook page.

Only Damariscotta

We kicked off July with the 14th annual "Independence Day" ride in Sidney on Saturday. The weather was a bit sticky, but we had a great turn-out of 25 riders who set a brisk pace to avoid the forecast afternoon rains. Many thanks to Jim Putnam and company for a great ride! This Saturday we will revisit one of our popular rides on the coast, cycling from Damariscotta to Pemaquid Point. Please note the 10:00 am start. Also, please be advised that we will be riding from Damariscotta on Saturday and from Boothbay on Sunday this weekend. Hope you can join us, and have a Happy Fourth!

Saturday, July 8th; 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:  approx. 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.
LINK TO RIDE MAP (2015): http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6791021

LINK TO BCM CALENDAR: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-drafting-through-damariscotta-2

For more information, contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784 or hjmerrick@gmail.com or check out the KVBC Facebook page.