Monday, December 31, 2018

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! May you have fair winds, good roads, and great company! [Image: after "Focus" by Will Geddes (2108)]

Just Dandy

The other day I was reading a year-end compilation of significant anniversaries, and the author mentioned the invention of the Draisine in 1818. Can't let the year go by with our two-wheeled forerunner unheralded, even though some might argue that it was actually invented in 1817 and only officially patented in February 1818. And some would argue that it's not a bicycle at all, as happened at a bicycle history conference in Boston I attended years ago, with some of the speakers focusing instead on who "invented" the bicycle in the 1860s. Until in the midst of this argument one of the panelists quietly disagreed, saying simply that he had a Draisine, and that when all was said and done, when he rode it he felt like he was riding a bicycle. Not one to scoff at 200-year-old technology, if it's "just like riding a bicycle," that's good enough for me.

Friday, December 14, 2018

Manchester in Moderation

The weather forecast for this weekend seems to be holding up (at the moment) with Saturday looking quite favorable: sunny and on the high side of 40. So we will roll the dice and try to get in one more ride before the end of the year.  We'll meet at 10:30 am at the Manchester Elementary School for a 19 or 23-mile ride out to Wings Mills.  Last year it was a very exciting ride with police standoffs, swat teams, emergency road closures - very festive with all the flashing lights. Who knows what this year's end-of-the-year ride will bring?  Note: if it brings any rain or snow, we will cancel.  Hope to see you there, and if not, Happy Holidays!

Saturday, December 15th - MANCHESTER
"Lakeside Yuletide" - a late season tour from Manchester to Wings Mills.
START:  10:30 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: 19 or 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, hjmerrick@gmail.com, 293-3784.

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Spin! Spin!

A message from Jeanine (one of several spin instructors in our club) regarding the spin class she is leading that starts tonight (!) in Waterville:

Hello to all my biking friends,

I've been working with Champions Fitness Center located 30 Elm Plaza in Waterville on running a spinning class that will be starting this Tuesday,
November 13 and run through to March.  I'm gearing the class like riding on the road. So if you have never taken a spin class - this would be a good place to start.  We will build strength and endurance through the season. You will need to purchase a punch card for $75 for 10 classes.  The card will be good all season and if you want to share a card with a friend, you are more then welcome to do that.  If you are a member of Champions Fitness Center it's free.  Class will be 1 hour long beginning
at 5:30 p.m. ending at 6:30 p.m.  Champions has 10 bikes, you will need to call and reserve it prior to class so you will be sure to have a seat. The number is 207-872-0571.  This class is open to anyone - please invite your friends.
Champions has locker rooms and showers.  The bikes have regular pedals on one side and SPD clips on the other side.  I would suggest wearing your biking shorts - the seats are hard.  Also, bring a towel and water to class. 
If you have any questions, please call my cell phone at 207-858-5500.

See you Tuesday,
Jeanine

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Armistice Day


We had a really nice ride last Sunday in Readfield. The chill in the November air was tempered by the bright sunshine, and no one seemed to mind that we had a head wind no matter which way we turned. The weather ahead looks like it intends to turn cold and even snowy way too soon, but Sunday looks clear - which is fortunate, because it is the Centennial of Armistice Day! Hopefully we will spend a part of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month at an almost forgotten WWI monument on the shore of Great Pond at the historic Camp Merryweather in Belgrade. The monument is at the end of a dirt road which is rideable, but you might want some wider rubber underneath you. We will determine the distance of the ride at the start, dependent on conditions. Hope to see you Sunday!

Sunday, November 11 - SMITHFIELD
"Armistice Obelisk" - an adventurous back road jaunt on the Armistice Day Centennial to an obscure WWI monument on Great Pond.
START: 10:00 am at Sweet Dreams Convenience Store at the junction of Rts.8 and 137 in Smithfield. Park in the far end of the lot adjacent to the store.
DIST
ANCE: 19 miles, with longer and shorter options.
TERRAIN: moderate with a few hills. The road to the WWI monument is approx. six tenths mile of gravel (1.2 mi round trip).
HIGHLIGHTS: a visit to the Camp Merryweather WWI Memorial on Great Pond to commemorate the end of the War to End All Wars.
LEADER: Jim Merrick, 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com.
LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7314491

Saturday, November 3, 2018

November in Nottingham

Robin Hood Head Tube Medallion, 1944
Some clarification: the ride in Readfield is tomorrow, Sunday, November 4 (not the 3rd, as the original email stated).  Also, we will be on Eastern Standard Time tomorrow, as we turn the clocks back tonight.

Last Sunday’s ride was nearly a wash-out, with a steady drizzle and temperatures on the wrong side of 40, but we did get in a short ride, just because.  This weekend is looking dry, at least on Sunday, with lots of sun and on the right side of 40.  We have a 26-mile ride planned from Readfield Center that can be shortened if need be, and we'll stop at the Apple Shed in any case.  Perhaps we'll see you then!

Sunday, November 4 - READFIELD
"The Wayfarers of Nottingham" - a prelude to the off-season for all you merry men and equally merry women.
START: 10 AM, at the Readfield Post Office in Readfield Center at the junction of Rt.s 17 and 41.
DISTANCE: 26 miles, more or less.
TERRAIN: moderate with some hills.
HIGHLIGHTS: a tour along little-known byways, including Nottingham Road, in Readfield, Wayne, Fayette, and Kents Hill, with a stop at the Apple Shed Bakery.
LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com, 293-3784.
LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6991798

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Saturday Ride in Wayne Postponed to Sunday

The weather outlook for this Saturday has deteriorated markedly from earlier in the week, so we will switch the ride start to Sunday at 10 am in hopes that the wet weather will clear out and we can get the ride in.  If the rains continue and the temperature stays in the low 40s we will most likely cancel.  Keep your fingers crossed, and if we do have to cancel this weekend take heart - there is a possibility of a special ride on Nov. 11, Armistice Day.  Hopefully we will have chances for more riding ahead!

Sunday, October 28th - 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: at least five local cemeteries, including the circular Wing family cemetery and the Kent family cemetery; the Apple Shed on Kents Hill, a notorious, unsolved 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 blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com.

Monday, October 22, 2018

A' Wailing in Wayne

We had a splendid ride last Saturday from Farmington to Industry, despite the rapidly cooling temperatures of late. This weekend we close out October with our semi-traditional ride around Halloween in Wayne, originally scheduled for Sunday.  The weekend forecast is for temperatures in the low to mid 40s, with sunshine on Saturday and rain, snow and sleet on Sunday.  We'll go for Saturday.  Meet at the Wayne Elementary School on Pond Road.  Costumes optional - do remember helmets and avoid any loose, chain-catching accessories.  And dress warmly!  See you Saturday!

Saturday, October 27th - 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: at least five local cemeteries, including the circular Wing family cemetery and the Kent family cemetery; the Apple Shed on Kents Hill, a notorious, unsolved 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 blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com.

Monday, October 15, 2018

Industrial Cycling

A hearty thanks to all of our substitute ride leaders (six at last count!) who offered to stand in and lead rides the past two weeks, as we dealt with last-minute scheduling conflicts, illnesses, and other unforeseen miscues. Your offers and efforts are truly appreciated!  We are getting deep into Fall, the foliage is near peak and the frost is on the pumpkin, so this week we will venture out from Farmington to Industry and Clearwater Pond, returning via an optional run along the Whistle Stop Rail Trail. Hope you can join us!

Saturday, October 20th:  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:  approx. 30 miles, including an optional 3.5 miles of hard-packed gravel which can be bypassed on pavement.
TERRAIN:  rolling to hilly.
HIGHLIGHTS:  quiet back roads along the Sandy River, spectacular panoramic views from the ridge tops 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.
 
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.

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Roll Out the Barrels

Our thanks to David Lipman for leading the ride last Saturday in Augusta, and kudos to the KVBC contingent who tackled the Cadillac Challenge on Sunday. The Fall foliage is really starting to come out locally, and what better way to experience it than revisiting a splendid ride from Oakland this Sunday! Meet at the Oakland Post Office at 9:30 am. There is lots of great Fall riding ahead!

Sunday, October 14 - OAKLAND
"Barreling through Oakland" - a tour around Oakland, Norridgewock, New Sharon, and Smithfield.
START: 9:30 am at the Oakland Post Office at the corner of Oakland Road and East School Street.
DISTANCE: about 40 miles.
TERRAIN: moderate with some hills.
HIGHLIGHTS: fine back roads with lakeside views and near peak foliage.
LEADER: Tammy Jones, tjjones@colby.edu.
LINK to ROUTE MAP (2017)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.

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

KVBC Rides in October

Here is the revised KVBC Ride Calendar for October. Many THANKS to our volunteer ride leaders who stepped up offer rides on the open dates! Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons for riding in Maine, and we hope you can take part in some of these upcoming rides, starting this Saturday in Augusta, 9 am at the Big Apple on Riverside Drive!

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Le Grange Rouge Randonnee

We had a great metric century from Norridgewock to Bingham on Sunday, and an equally nice half-century to Solon, by all accounts. Our thanks to Brian & Denise for leading us, and for providing us with fresh-baked cookies and other treats at their house! Our rambling friends have returned from their sojourn in the Old Country and David Lipman has graciously offered to start off October with a new ride Saturday from Augusta to China and le Grange Rouge. Bon Appetit! On Sunday, some of may also ramble up on Mount Desert on the Cadillac Challenge: http://cadillacchallengecentury.com/. Hopefully we will see you at one or the other - or both!

Saturday, October 6th - AUGUSTA
"Red Barn Ramble" - an early October ride from Augusta out to China Lake, returning for (optional) lunch at the Red Barn.
START: 9 am at the Big Apple at 362 Riverside Drive (Rt.s 100 & 201) just north of the Rt. 3 intersection, a couple of 100 yards on the left.
DISTANCE: about 30 miles
TERRAIN: moderate with a few hills
HIGHLIGHTS: some fine cycling roads east of the capitol, with some early Fall foliage and a potential post-ride lunch stop at the Red Barn.
LEADER:  David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com

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.

Monday, September 24, 2018

Up and Down the River

Fall is definitely in the air! We had a crisp, blustery day on the Tour de Litchfield last Saturday, but we took advantage of the conditions to break out jackets and tights and other cold weather gear, and we had a great ride. More fine riding in store for this weekend!  On Saturday the 2nd annual "Share the Road With Carol" ride is planned to set off from the Windsor Town Office at 9 am - for more info and preregistration follow this link: https://www.bikereg.com/39398. A number of us took part in this ride last year and we hope there is a nice turn-out again on Saturday.  On Sunday, the KVBC club ride will head north from Norridgewock to Bingham and into Arnold Expedition territory.  Hope to see you this weekend!

Sunday, September 30th - NORRIDGEWOCK
"By Bike or Bateau" - an early Fall tour to Bingham, up and down both sides of the Kennebec River.
START: 9:00 AM at 434 Fredericks Corner Road, about two miles from the junction of Rt.2 in Norridgewock.
DISTANCE: approx 50 or 65 miles
TERRAIN: moderate with some hills
HIGHLIGHTS: great river views biking along both sides of the Kennebec (unless you want to go the Arnold Expedition route, in which case bateaus are optional)
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.

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Back to Purgatory

Last Saturday's ride in Livermore brought us some great roads, fresh apples, and fine company - hard to top! Many thanks to John for leading, and a special note of thanks to Missy for driving the "apple shuttle" to carry apples from the orchard back to the start. This Saturday we will return to Litchfield after a too-long hiatus, to rediscover another beautiful ride past the Litchfield Fairgrounds and through Purgatory itself (if that's what it takes to get to the Black Crow Bakery). Note the 9:30 am start. See you Saturday!

Saturday, September 22nd - LITCHFIELD
"Pedalling in Purgatory - the Tour de Litchfield" - an exploration of the back roads of Litchfield.
START: 9:30 AM at the Libby-Tosier Elementary School parking lot next to the historic Litchfield Academy, at the junction of Rt. 197 and Academy Road in Litchfield Corners.
DISTANCE: about 27 miles.
TERRAIN: moderate to rolling.
HIGHLIGHTS: quiet back roads and ponds in Litchfield, and possibly a stop at the Black Crow Bakery.
LEADER: Jim Merrick, 293-3784, hjmerrick@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.

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Apples Away!

We had a beautiful, smooth ride over the rolling hills around Smithfield, Mercer and Oakland last Sunday - it's not often we get to ride almost an entire route on fresh, new pavement. Many thanks to Larry for leading and to the fine group who turned out despite the rather chilly weather. This weekend looks like it will warm up again before it starts to turn cooler in earnest, and we have another great ride in Livermore Falls to take advantage of it. Plus we'll be stopping at Boothby's Apple Orchard to check out the early Fall harvest first-hand. See you Saturday!

Saturday, September 15th - LIVERMORE FALLS
"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 store formerly known as Pike's Corner Oasis (now Mallard Mart) 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 plan to have a vehicle at the orchard to transport any apples you buy back to the start! 
LEADER: John Lanoue, john.lanoue@avid.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.

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Lakes Fit to Loop

Last week's ride from Richmond was a real treat, especially the ride stop at Treats in Wiscassett. We had lots of nice roads with little traffic and great scenery - our thanks to David for leading another great ride. This Sunday we will scope out some newly paved roads around Smithfield, starting at the Sweet Dreams store at the junction of Rt.s 8 and 137. Hope you can join us!

Sunday, September 9th - SMITHFIELD 
"Route 8 Figure 8" - a scenic tour through Smithfield, Belgrade, Rome, and Mercer.
START: 9:00 AM, at Sweet Dreams Convenience Store on Rt. 8 in Smithfield, at the junction of Rt. 8 and Rt. 137. Please park in the back of the lot away from the store entrance..
DISTANCES: approx. 10, 17 or 30 miles. 
TERRAIN: moderate to moderately hilly.
HIGHLIGHTS: many scenic lake views and back roads with new pavement!
LEADER: Larry Childs, lrchilds@roadrunner.com.  

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.

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Richmond to the Sea

We had a fine ride last Sunday around Lincolnville and Camden out of the Cellardoor Winery. The weather could hardly have been better, and the roads could hardly have been smoother (most of them). It was a great way to close out August and our thanks to Tammy for leading the ride! With August behind us we head into September and the approach of Fall. We'll kick it off on Sunday with another great route from Richmond to Wiscasset. See you Sunday!

Sunday, 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. Route maps are subject to modification due to road conditions or other considerations.
 
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. 

Sunday, August 26, 2018

KVBC Rides for September

Here are the KVBC rides coming up in September. Please note that the weekend of Sept. 23-24 is still open! If you have a ride in mind, this opportunity could be yours! Also, the Sept. 29 "Share the Road with Carol" ride is actually not a KVBC ride, but that is an open date in the calendar, it is close by for many of us, and it is a very worthy event, so it is listed here. More details forthcoming as we get closer to the date. Hope you can make some of these rides as we head into Fall!

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Cellar Door Ride Update

A few updates for this Sunday's KVBC ride from the Cellar Door Winery: we are informed that the Winery might not be open for us to have access to restrooms and water until after the ride start, so plan for alternatives.  Also, the ride announcement did not provide any terrain description: the route is quite hilly in sections, particularly around the Camden Hills and the wonderfully-named Moody Mountain.  Expect your mood to be uplifting - it is a very pretty ride!

August 26th, 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 winery may not be open for us to have access to restrooms and water before the ride, but if it is, 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.
TERRAIN: Moderate to quite hilly, especially in the Camden Hills.
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 winery has tables outdoors on the deck overlooking the vineyard. They sell food & 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

Monday, August 20, 2018

Still Lots of Riding Ahead - No Wining

We had beautiful weather and a splendid ride on Sunday over some great back roads through Wayne, Fayette, Leeds and vicinity. The scenery was first rate, the company was grand, and we even got treated to lemonade at the summit of Mt. Pisgah! Our thanks to Fritz, who managed to lead the ride on one or more bikes, despite some challenging mechanical difficulties. This Sunday we will head out to Lincolnville and the Cellardoor Winery, situated in an elaborately refinished barn nestled in the hills outside of Camden, and venture out over another very popular route. Hope to see you Sunday!

August 26th, 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.
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 winery has tables outdoors on the deck overlooking the vineyard. They sell food & 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

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.



Thursday, August 16, 2018

Wayne Ride Switched from Saturday to Sunday

Due to the forecast of poor weather for Saturday morning, we have decided to follow the sun, and we will move the start of the Wayne ride to Sunday at the same time and place. Let's try for Sunday, and we'll see you then!

Sunday, August 19th - WAYNE
"Which Way to Wayne?" - a high summer ramble from Wayne to Fayette, Livermore, 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, and a possible post-ride stop at Tubby's Ice Cream in Wayne
LEADER: Fritz Onion, fritz@pluralsight.com.

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.

Sunday, August 12, 2018

Wayne Every Which Way

We caught a nice break in the hot weather with a beautiful cool, dry day on Saturday for our ride around Mount Vernon and Chesterville, and if that wasn't enough of a treat we also managed to work in a local parade and some hotdogs! This Saturday we will have another treat in store, as we explore more of the great cycling roads around Wayne, culminating in a stop at the local ice cream emporium. See you Saturday!

Saturday, August 18th - WAYNE
"Which Way to Wayne?" - a high summer ramble from Wayne to Fayette, Livermore, 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, and a possible post-ride stop at Tubby's Ice Cream in Wayne
LEADER: Fritz Onion, fritz@pluralsight.com.

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.

Monday, August 6, 2018

Hot Dog!

We had a fine turn-out for the metric century from Wayne to Buckfield and Paris on Sunday.  No one got (too) lost, and we all survived the hills and the gravel chip seal the highway dept. decided to add to some newly paved roads. This Saturday we will return to Mount Vernon, and yes, that means it is time once again for Ken's Hot Dog Ride!  This will be the tenth annual Hot Dog Ride, and we will meet at the ride leader's after the ride.  If you can make it, or even if you can just come to the BBQ afterwards, an RSVP to the ride leader so we can get an approximate head count would be appreciated!  See you Saturday!

Saturday, August 11th - 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, Fayette, Chesterville and Farmington Falls.
START: 9:00 AM at 17 Teaberry Lane (unpaved) the first right off of Seavey Corner Road, less than 1/4 mile from the junction of Rt.41 in Mt. Vernon Village.  The house is the first dwelling on the right. Park along the sides of the driveway or Teaberry Lane wherever you can.
If you plan to stay for the post-ride gathering, an RSVP to the ride leader would be welcome!
DISTANCE: 30 or 14 miles.
TERRAIN: Moderately hilly.
HIGHLIGHTS: Numerous ponds and lakes, the Chesterville Esker, little traveled back roads along the Sandy River, and a post-ride hot dog BBQ!
LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com, 293-3784.

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.

Thursday, August 2, 2018

Buckfield Cue Sheet

Wayne-Buckfield-Paris Arrows.

Here is the cue sheet for the 40-mile ride from Wayne to Buckfield. This is also the cut-off route to shorten the Metric Century before Streaked Mountain. The rides split at the 18-mile mark. The Long Ride arrows at the split are marked with an "L" and the Short Ride arrows are marked with an "S". The Short Ride rejoins the Long Ride approx. three miles down Rt. 117. Here is the link to the 40-mile ride route map: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7217238.

“We’ll Always Have Buckfield”
39.8 Miles – Cue Sheet

LEG   TOTAL          CUE
0.0       0.0                   RIGHT out of Wayne Elementary School on Pond Road
0.3       0.3                   RIGHT on Rt. 133
0.7       1.0                   LEFT on Rt. 219
5.7       6.7                   LEFT to stay on Rt. 219 after bridge crossing
3.7       10.4                 Cross Rt. 4 to stay on Rt. 219 (CAUTION)
2.5       12.9                 LEFT on Perry Road (watch pavement)
3.4       16.3                 LEFT on East Buckfield Road
1.8       18.1                 LEFT on Rhodes Road across from Buckfield Mall (Store)

                                    RIDES SPLIT – Short Ride “S” goes LEFT, Long Ride “L” goes STRAIGHT

0.1       18.2                 Merge LEFT on Rt. 117
5.7       23.9                 Cross Rt. 4 to stay on Rt. 117 (CAUTION) (Nezinscot Farm Café in 1.3 mi)
2.3       26.2                 RIGHT on Center Bridge Road (Store on corner)
2.4       28.6                 LEFT on Church Hill Road immediately after bridge crossing
1.2       29.8                 Bear LEFT to stay on Church Hill Road
4.4       34.2                 LEFT on Rt. 106
1.4       35.6                 Bear RIGHT on Lakeshore Drive (No Sign)
2.1       37.7                 RIGHT on Rt. 219
1.2       38.9                 RIGHT on Rt. 133
0.6       39.5                 LEFT on Pond Road
0.3       39.8                 LEFT into Wayne Elementary School - END