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