The Warmth of an Ugly Sweater

We had a nice, hilly ride over the seven hills of Rome last Saturday.  We did see some moments of sunshine, although none that could be interpreted at the "Stonehenge" on Mercer Road in Rome, but the views from Wooster Hill and Blueberry Hill were worth the climbing.  This Saturday we will meet in North Belgrade at 10:30am for a ride around McGrath Pond with stops at sights along Great Pond including a post-ride get-together at a cabin site on the shore of the lake.  Dress warmly, and dig out your ugliest sweater if you have one.  Hope you can join us on the last scheduled ride of the year!

Saturday, November 11 - NORTH BELGRADE

"Ugly Sweater Ride" - a questionably-stylish ride around North Belgrade and Oakland.

START: 10:30 am at the North Belgrade Community Center, 508 Smithfield Road, Route 8. (Not to be confused with the Belgrade Community Center on Rt. 27.)

DISTANCE: 17 miles.

TERRAIN: flat to rolling; some short gravel sections to sights along Great Pond.

HIGHLIGHTS: a possible stop at an unusual WWI memorial on Great Pond on Armistice Day, and a post-ride get-together around a campfire at the lakeside, with refreshments! Feel free to bring something to share if you wish, as this may be our last gathering of the year.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44924531

You Sure There's Seven Hills?

We had a sublime Autumn day last Saturday for our ride from Wayne. Bright sunshine, temps hovering around 70, lots of late Fall foliage, and a stop at the Apple Shed Bakery.  Add in some unique cemeteries and Halloween decorations, and it was a memorable ride.  The weather will be a lot cooler as we move into November, but this Saturday looks to be sunny and in the 50s, so we will try to fit in a ride around Rome with a possible bakery stop in Belgrade Lakes.  Hope you can be there!

Saturday, November 4th: ROME

"The Seven Hills of Rome" - a roadside tour of the many hillside trails through Rome and Belgrade.

START: 10:00 AM, Rome Park & Ride near the junction of Rt. 27 and Rt. 225.

DISTANCE: 20 miles.

TERRAIN: Moderately Hilly to Hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: the route passes 5 trailheads, Blueberry Hill and the Kennebec Highlands.  There is an optional short gravel ride up Blueberry Hill to a spectacular scenic vista. Possible stop at Hello Good Pie Bakery in Belgrade Lakes

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44864048

The Usual Haunts

The weather was not very cooperative for our scheduled ride in Farmington last Sunday.  Most of us were sane enough to stay somewhere dry. One who was neither ventured a short ride in solitude along the Whistlestop Rail Trail, which I would not describe as "mud luscious and puddle wonderful" (despite an old English teacher who really, really tried to get us to appreciate e.e. cummings). Anyway, we got a ride in the books.

Seems hard to believe but we are coming to the end of October so it is time for our annual Halloween/Cemetery ride in Wayne on Saturday - please note the 10:00 am start. As in past years, costumes are optional - just remember to include helmets and clothing appropriate for the weather, which, if the forecast is to be believed, may reach 70 degrees!  Hope to see you on our next-to-last scheduled ride of the year!

Saturday, 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 22 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.

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37867944

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.

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Industrious Riding

We had a fine ride last Saturday from Mount Vernon.  Lots of sun to start out as we tackled hills and gravel to reach a trio of local bakeries (or two, for those on the shorter ride) and it was definitely worth the trip.  This Sunday we will meet in Farmington for a Fall ride out to Industry; please note the 10:00 o'clock start. Hope to see you Sunday!

Sunday, October 22:  FARMINGTON

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

START:  10:00 A.M., at the Hannaford Plaza on Rt.s 2 & 4 in Farmington, about a mile south from the junction of Rt.s 2 & 4 and Rt. 41, towards Wilton.  Park near the entrance to the shopping plaza.

DISTANCE:  25-30 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to hilly; approx. one mile plus of gravel along the Sandy River, and 3 miles of cinder on the Rail Trail (optional)

HIGHLIGHTS:  quiet back roads along the Sandy River, spectacular panoramic views from the ridgetops of New Sharon & Industry, Clearwater Pond at Allens Mills, a possible stop at the Orange Cat Cafe in Farmington, 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; https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44757878

 

 

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.

Pastry Times 3

We had a rather wet, but a most satisfying ride last Sunday from Waterville.  We didn't have to deal with any major downpours, just some light rain, drizzle, & wet roads.  By the second half of the ride the sun came out, the roads eventually dried up, and we finished the ride in good form.  Our thanks to David for leading!  This week we will set out on a mixed-surface ride from Mount Vernon, with 3 separate routes with some challenging hills and gravel sections - topped off by potential stops at 3 different bakeries!  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, October 14: MOUNT VERNON

"Triple Pastry Ride" - a challenging mixed-surface ride past 1, 2, or 3 bakeries, through Mt. Vernon, Fayette, Kents Hill & Belgrade Lakes.

START: 9:00 am at the village park on Main St. in Mount Vernon. Parking available in the public lot behind the Vernon Valley Lodge on the corner of Main St. & Rt. 41, and also along Main St. along the town beach on the lakeside.

DISTANCE(S): Triple Pastry Ride: 39 miles (8.8 gravel); Double Pastry Ride: 26 miles (7.9 gravel); Single Pastry Ride: 16.5 miles (6.1 gravel).

TERRAIN: Hilly. Gravelly. Pastery. The gravel sections are on well-packed dirt roads. Triple cranksets and wide tires would be helpful, but not essential. The routes can be done on 28mm tires, and there are ways to bypass some gravel sections if desired.

HIGHLIGHTS: little-traveled scenic roads, including a fine stretch along Echo Lake, fall foliage, and potential stops at 3 local bakeries.

LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.

LINKS TO ROUTE MAPS: Triple Pastry Ride: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44271133

Double Pastry Ride: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44306978

Single Pastry Ride: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44394465

Yet Another Sortie

Due to a poor weather forecast for Saturday we are switching the KVBC ride start in Waterville to Sunday, hoping for better weather.  If it is raining at the start the ride may be "show & go."  Keep your fingers crossed, and perhaps we'll see you Sunday!

Sunday, October 8 - WATERVILLE

"A Somerset Sortie" - a scenic tour through Somerset County in early Fall season.

START: 9:00am at the Alfond Youth & Community Center, 126 North Street, Waterville.

DISTANCES: 29 or 39 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate with some hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: country roads along the Kennebec and inland from Canaan to Benton, with some fine ridge-top views.

LEADER: David Chiappetta, dlchiappetta@aol.com.

LINK to ROUTE MAP (Short Ride) https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7528326

LINK to ROUTE MAP (Long Ride): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41172993

Another Sortie

 Gorgeous cycling weather of late!  Saturday's ride from Norridgewock & Madison was a bit foggy, and we had some issues with pavement on Rt. 201A which led to a shortened ride for a couple of us, but otherwise it was another delightful expedition to the Wire Bridge in New Portland, topped off by home-made cookies & brownies at the ride leaders' house!  Many thanks to Brian & Denise for rearranging their schedule to fit the ride in for us.  It was also great to see some old familiar faces at the "Share the Road with Carol" (and 50 or so other riders) in Windsor on Sunday!  This Saturday we will hope for even more Fall colors as we head out from Waterville to Canaan & vicinity for the Somerset Sortie.  Hope you can take advantage of the great weather and join us!

Saturday, October 7 - WATERVILLE

"A Somerset Sortie" - a scenic tour through Somerset County in early Fall season.

START: 9:00am at the Alfond Youth & Community Center, 126 North Street, Waterville.

DISTANCES: 33 or 39 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate with some hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: country roads along the Kennebec and inland from Canaan to Benton, with some fine ridge-top views.

LEADER: David Chiappetta, davidchiappetta5@gmail.com.

LINK to ROUTE MAP (Short Ride): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41235305

LINK to ROUTE MAP (Long Ride): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41172993

October Rides

Here is the lineup of KVBC rides in October! Some great Fall riding ahead!

The Bridge is Wired

We had a very pleasant apple-centric ride last Saturday in Livermore.  Save for an unfortunate flat for one rider right at the ride's beginning, the ride went well (and perhaps it was luck that the flat didn't occur mid-ride).  The roads were in good shape, with some fine new pavement in sections, and it was a great day for apple picking at the orchard at the ride's end!  Our thanks to John for leading!  This Saturday we will revisit our classic Fall ride to the Wire Bridge in New Portland.  Note that the long ride starts at 9:00am in Norridgewock and the short ride starts a half-hour later in Madison.  Sunday marks the annual "Share the Road with Carol" ride in Windsor, and you can still pre-register up till Sept. 28 (or at the day of the event), details here: https://www.bikereg.com/share-the-road-with-carol?fbclid=IwAR1aRg8mC3M2F7_l-P0bZhAPDOEWnCH-u_qoFi54cDEm_lP6-7UOQEn0m3I.  Hope to see you this weekend for some great riding!

Saturday, September 30 - NORRIDGEWOCK and MADISON

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

START: Long Ride - 9:00 AM at 434 Frederick's Corner Road in Norridgewock; Short Ride - 9:30 AM at the municipal parking lot behind Reny's on Main St. in Madison (access to the lot is via Maple St.)

DISTANCE: Long Ride - approx 64 miles; Short Ride - approx. 37 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; and post-ride treats at the ride leaders' house!

LEADERS: Brian Bowker, 485-6793, bbowk321@yahoo.com; and Denise Crowell, 213-8336, denisemcrowell@gmail.com.

Link to long route (64 miles) starting at 434 Fredericks Corner Road in Norridgewock: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33958007

Link to short route (37 miles) starting from parking lot behind Reny's, Madison: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44540566

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.

This Equinox is Autumnal

 Happy Autumnal Equinox! Yes, Summer has come to an end, but that means there will be some great Fall riding ahead! It all starts tomorrow with Boothby's Apple Ride in Livermore, followed next Saturday with the Wire Bridge Ride in Madison & Norridgewock. And there is still time to register for the Share the Road with Carol ride in Windsor on October 1st! Even more to come!

Boothby's at Boothby's

 We sidestepped Hurricane Lee and had a very pleasant ride on Sunday from Wayne.  There was a surprising lack of storm debris on the roads, the gravel options were in good shape, and there was a beautiful stretch of smooth new pavement on the descent off Morrison Heights.  Plus a stop at Tubby's ice cream in Wayne!  Many thanks to Fritz & Susan for leading us!  This Saturday we will venture out to Livermore for our traditional Fall apple ride, starting right at the orchard this year, and please note the 10:00 am starting time.  Hope you can make it!

Saturday, September 23 - LIVERMORE

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

START: 10:00 am across from Boothby's Orchard, 366 Boothby Road (Rt. 108) in Livermore. Park in the field across from the orchard.

DISTANCE: 39 miles with a 24-mile cut-off.

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.  

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44501008

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.

When's Wayne? (Sunday)

 KVBC Ride Saturday in Wayne has been Switched to SUNDAY.

Due to the updated weather forecast we have decided to switch the KVBC ride in Wayne from Saturday to SUNDAY to take advantage of better weather. See you on Sunday!

Sunday, September 17th - WAYNE
"Which Way to Wayne?" - an early Fall tour from Wayne to Fayette, Livermore, Leeds, and Winthrop.
START: 9 am at the Wayne Elementary School, 48 Pond Road, Wayne.
DISTANCE: 37 or 25 miles.
TERRAIN: flat to moderately hilly; with some optional routes with some gravel riding.
HIGHLIGHTS: scenic back roads with some great views and an optional stop at Tubby's Ice Cream in Wayne
LEADER: Fritz Onion, fritzonion@gmail.com
LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.strava.com/routes/4011324

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

Where's Wayne?

We had a fine ride from Richmond on Saturday.  Once again, the weather turned out much nicer than forecast.  The renovations to Treats Bakery were quite impressive, and the pastries even more so.  Many thanks to David for leading!  This Saturday we will hope for more good weather as we explore around Wayne, and possibly stop at a local ice cream shop before it closes for the season.  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, September 16th - WAYNE

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

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

DISTANCE: 37 or 25 miles.

TERRAIN: flat to moderately hilly; with some optional routes with some gravel riding.

HIGHLIGHTS: scenic back roads with some great views and an optional stop at Tubby's Ice Cream in Wayne

LEADER: Fritz Onion, fritzonion@gmail.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.strava.com/routes/4011324

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.

Wiscasset is a Treat

We had another great turnout and a beautiful day for the KVBC ride from Winslow last Saturday. Our thanks to Steve for leading and scoping out such a nice, rural route over many new roads, and to the great group that took part.  This Saturday we will meet in Richmond for another very pretty route, down to Wiscasset, with a likely stop at Treats bakery & deli.  Hope to see you there!

Saturday, September 9th - RICHMOND

"Richmond to the Sea" - 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 315 Front Street (Rt.24). 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.

LEADER:  David Lipman, dlipman@lkblawmaine.com.

LINK to RIDE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37008486

 

 

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. 

September, September!

 Here is the KVBC ride lineup for September! Winslow, Wiscasset, Wayne, and the Wire Bridge - and more! Lots of rides coming up!

Don't Get Lost on Labor Day

We had a great turnout for Sunday's ride from Readfield.  We managed to avoid any localized showers, although we did have a few sprinkles and wet roads glistening in the bright sunshine, plus a stop at the Kents Hill bakery.  Kudos to all who turned out.  This Saturday we kick off the month of September with a new ride from Winslow as we ride into Autumn.  Mayhap you can join us?  See you Saturday!

Saturday, September 2 - WINSLOW

"Love's Labor Day Lost" - a not necessarily laborious backroads tour from Winslow to Vassalboro and back

START: 9:00 am at the Winslow VFW, 175 Veteran Drive, about a quarter-mile off Rt. 32 just south of the junction of Rt.s 32 & 137.

DISTANCE: 27 miles

TERRAIN: rolling with hills & valleys

HIGHLIGHTS: smooth pavement on back roads with river & lakeside views to start a long weekend

LEADER: Steve Hall, ridehills@gmail.com

LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/120644308 

Meandering Again

 

We had a wonderful ride from Palermo last Saturday.  We traversed some roads new to many of us, with some challenging hills rewarded with great views.  Our thanks to Paul for leading the ride, and for his flexibility in rearranging the ride start at the last minute.  This Sunday we will head to Readfield for a very pretty ride that was washed out when it was first scheduled back in June.  Hoping this weekend is drier and hoping to see many of you!

Sunday, August 27 - READFIELD
"The Maranacook Meander" - a lakeside tour through Readfield, Winthrop, Wayne and Kents Hill
START: 9:00 am at the Maranacook School Superintendent's parking lot, Millard Harrison Drive, off of Rt. 17 about one quarter mile north of Readfield Depot and across the street from the Readfield Town Beach.
DISTANCE: about 27-30 miles.
TERRAIN: moderate to hilly.
HIGHLIGHTS: many lakeside and hill top views; optional stop at the Apple Shed Bakery in Kents Hill..
LEADER: Lydia Leimbach, lydialeimbach@gmail.com and Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39797033

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

Albion by way of Palermo

RIDE UPDATE: New Starting Location!  We will be meeting Saturday at the Palermo Town Office instead of Tobey's Grocery in South China.  The new starting location is about 3/4 mile away.  Take Branch Mills Road off of Rt. 3 in So. China and turn onto North Palermo Road; the Town Office will be just on the right.

Saturday, August 19 - SOUTH CHINA

"Ambling Towards Albion" - a challenging tour over scenic vistas in Palermo, Albion, and South China

START: 9:00 am at the Palermo Town Office, 45 North Palermo Road off Branch Mills Road in Palermo

DISTANCE: 30 or 31 miles

TERRAIN: Hilly

HIGHLIGHTS: many scenic vistas and some challenging back roads

LEADER: Paul Mitnik, pjmejm@gmail.com

LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43616992 

Albion My Way

We had more splendid weather for our ride down the coast from Damariscotta to Pemaquid on Saturday.  Lots of great ocean views, salty sea breezes, and even a local parade!  Many thanks to David for leading the ride, and to all who took part.  This Saturday we have a new ride in store, starting in South China and exploring the hills around Palermo and Albion.  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, August 19 - SOUTH CHINA

"Ambling Towards Albion" - a challenging tour over scenic vistas in Palermo, Albion, and South China

START: 9:00 am at Tobey's Grocery at the junction of Rt. 3 and Branch Mills Road in South China

DISTANCE: 30 or 31 miles

TERRAIN: Hilly

HIGHLIGHTS: many scenic vistas and some challenging back roads

LEADER: Paul Mitnik, pjmejm@gmail.com

LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43616992

 

You Otta Ride from Damariscotta

We had a splendid ride from Chelsea last Saturday.  The route took a large group of us and some visitors over some back roads down through Whitefield to the Head Tide Dam and back through Pittston & Randolph, with an ice cream stop towards the end!  Many thanks to Fred and Lisa for organizing and leading the ride.  This Saturday we will meet in Damariscotta for a very scenic ride to Pemaquid (a slight change from the earlier ride schedule).  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, July 12th; DAMARISCOTTA

"Drafting Through Damariscotta" - a tour through Bristol, Bremen, Pemaquid and Damariscotta.

START:  9:00 AM at Hannaford's supermarket, 469 Main Street (Business Rt. 1) in Damariscotta.

DISTANCE:  approx. 39 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@lkblawmaine.com

LINK TO RIDE MAP:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37338970

 

The Chainrings of Chelsea

At long last, we had beautiful weather for our ride from Oakland on Sunday.  We worked our way around spots of road construction, met some solitary cyclists who may join us on future rides, enjoyed some really pretty gravel sections, and topped it off with an ice cream stop at the end.  Many thanks to Tammy for leading and for everyone who took advantage of our rescheduling.  This Saturday brings an all-new ride from Chelsea out around Alna & Head Tide and back through Pittston & Randolph over some great roads.  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, August 5 - CHELSEA

"Chelsea Chainrings" - a rural tour through the rolling hills and farms of Chelsea, Whitefield, Pittston and Randolph.

START: 9:00 am, at the Chelsea Town Office, 560 Togus Rd, Rt. 226

DISTANCE: about 34 miles 

TERRAIN: rolling hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: lots of scenic rural roads around and at the 16 mile mark Head Tide Dam is an Historical Landmark.  Just before we hit 30 miles, we can enjoy a stop at The Ice Cream Shoppe in Randolph.

LEADER: Fred, mkinleyf@gmail.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP : 

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/180123130

 

Into August

 Here is the lineup of KVBC rides for August! Hoping for more great riding weather ahead!

New Start and Date for the Oakland Ride

We are shifting the Saturday ride in Oakland to SUNDAY due to weather, and we will be starting nearby from the Atwood Elementary School on 19 Heath Street (please do not use the church parking lot on Sunday).  See you Sunday!

Sunday, July 30 - OAKLAND

"A Cone or a Dish" - a rewarding tour around Oakland, Norridgewock, New Sharon, and Smithfield.

START: 9:00 am at the parking lot of the Atwood Elementary School at 19 Heath Street in Oakland.

DISTANCE: about 38.5 miles or 40 miles with ice cream stop option

TERRAIN: moderate with some hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: fine back roads with lakeside views and a potential ice cream stop with many options.

LEADER: Tammy Jones, tjjones@colby.edu.

LINK TO ROUTE MAPS:

Ride with a trip to the Ice Cream Place : https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/74629012

Ride without the Ice Cream Stop:  https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/74606596

Dreaming of Ice Cream

We had a nice ride over the back roads of Whitefield on Saturday.  The potential rains forecast dwindled down to some light spotty drizzle, and we had plenty of dry pavement (and even a little gravel), and a great stop at the Sheepscot General Store.  There were 8 of us at the start, including several newcomers who were very welcome!  Many thanks to Holly for revising the route and leading us.  This Saturday KVBC riders will be faced with many decisions: a cone or a dish?; soft serve or hard serve?; jimmies or sprinkles? (On second thought, forget about the sprinkles.)  Hope to see you Saturday!

Saturday, July 29 - OAKLAND

"A Cone or a Dish" - a rewarding tour around Oakland, Norridgewock, New Sharon, and Smithfield.

START: 9:00 am at the parking lot of the United Methodist Church at 20 West School Street in Oakland.

DISTANCE: about 38.5 miles or 40 miles with ice cream stop option

TERRAIN: moderate with some hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: fine back roads with lakeside views and a potential ice cream stop with many options.

LEADER: Tammy Jones, tjjones@colby.edu.

LINK TO ROUTE MAPS:

Ride with a trip to the Ice Cream Place : https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/74629012

Ride without the Ice Cream Stop:  https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/74606596

 

Ride Update for Saturday in Whitefield

We are still on for our KVBC ride tomorrow in Whitefield, and we are hopeful of getting the ride in from the Whitefield Elementary School on Saturday.  Due to road construction, the route has been modified somewhat and shortened to about 28 miles.  You will find a link to the revised route below.  Hope to see you tomorrow!

Saturday, July 22 - WHITEFIELD

"Whitefield Backroads" - a rural tour through the rolling hills and farms of Whitefield, Windsor, Somerville and Coopers Mills.

START: 9:00 am, at the Whitefield Elementary School, 164 Grand Army Road, Rt. 126

DISTANCE: about 28 miles.

TERRAIN: rolling hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: lots of scenic rural roads around the Sheepscot River Valley, possible sightings of local Amish families out at work, and a stop at the Sheepscot General Store.

LEADER: Bryan (in absentia) and Holly Griffin, bjgriffin@roadrunner.com, yfshgriffin@hotmail.com.

LINK to REVISED ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43754874

Whitefield on Tour

Conditions were a bit damp for our ride from Liberty last Saturday, but we did see some sun and dry pavement for a few moments, and we also managed to time the worst downpour for a convenient stop at the Burkettville General Store.  Many thanks to Paul for leading, to the friendly storekeepers for shelter, and to all the folks who turned out.  This Saturday we will revisit the popular Tour de Whitefield in Amish Country.  As always, hope you can join us!

Saturday, July 22 - WHITEFIELD

"Tour de Whitefield" - a rural tour through the rolling hills and farms of Whitefield, Windsor, Somerville and Coopers Mills.

START: 9:00 am, at the Whitefield Elementary School, 164 Grand Army Road, Rt. 126

DISTANCE: about 34 miles.

TERRAIN: rolling hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: lots of scenic rural roads around the Sheepscot River Valley, possible sightings of local Amish families out at work, and a stop at the Sheepscot General Store.

LEADER: Bryan (in absentia) and Holly Griffin, bjgriffin@roadrunner.com, yfshgriffin@hotmail.com.

LINK to ROUTE MAP (2020): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37084569 or https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7605889

Appleton Has a Ridge

The damp. dreary weather of late has certainly been persistent, but we are still here, as are most of our roads (unlike Vermont, sadly).  I missed last week's ride in Winslow, but I imagine that, thanks to Tom, it went off well if it was anything like last year's ride.  This week we head out to Liberty to explore the roads around Palermo and Appleton, always a treat!  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, July 15 - LIBERTY

"Palermo, Beyond the Pale" - an adventurous ride through Liberty, Palermo, Appleton and Searsport.

START: 9:00 am at the parking lot of ReVision Energy on Rt. 3 in Liberty, about a half mile east of the junction of Rt.s 3 & 220 (about 1.5 miles past the entrance to Liberty State Park). ReVision Energy is on the left, east-bound.

DISTANCE: 31 or 34 miles.

TERRAIN: rolling to hilly; the Appleton Ridge option is partially unpaved.

HIGHLIGHTS: exceptional rural back roads and small hamlets, including the option of traversing Appleton Ridge with its spectacular vistas.

LEADER: Paul Mitnik, pjmejm@gmail.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7599701, https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36795930

LINK to ROUTE MAP with Appleton Ridge Option: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7599703, https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36795947

Winslow and the River

We had a great turnout for our annual Independence ride from Sidney on Saturday.  The weather turned out to be much more favorable than expected, and we even had some sunshine - a rarity these days!  Let's hope for more nice weather for the ride this Saturday from Winslow.  And have a safe and happy 4th!

Saturday, July 8 - WINSLOW

"Winsome Winslow" - a tour along the Kennebec through Winslow, Benton, Fairfield and Clinton

START: 9 am at the Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow. NOTE: if the school parking lot is blocked off for resurfacing please park in the adjacent Superintendent's lot.

DISTANCE: 30.8 miles

TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills

HIGHLIGHTS: Back roads of Winslow, Benton, Fairfield, and Clinton with Kennebec River views.

LEADER: Tom Michaud, sdnytom@yahoo.com

LINK TO RIDE MAP: 

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/70587004

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/65546974