Still United

We had a nice ride from Wayne to Monmouth last Sunday.  Lots of sun, moderate temperatures, little traffic, and a nice stop at the Apple Valley Bakery.  We have some cold, wet weather ahead, but things may dry out by Sunday so we will try our luck once again and meet at the Manchester Elementary School at 10:30am for a ride out to Wings Mills and vicinity.  Hope to see you then!

Sunday, November 24 - MANCHESTER

"Manchester United" -  a late Fall 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: 12, 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 hilltop views.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38931464

 

Valley of Pommes

 

We had a beautiful sunny day, if a bit windy, for our ugly sweater ride from No. Belgrade on Saturday.  With all hands to pitch in, we got a fire started at the lake and had some welcome hot cocoa and marshmallows to finish off the last scheduled ride of the season.  Many thanks to Anne for leading, and to all of her imaginatively dressed helpers.  We are now in the "post-season" where we may have some unscheduled rides to take advantage of favorable conditions, such as sunny, calm days with temperatures in the 50s - such as this coming Sunday!  For those who aren't ready to pack things up for 2024, we will meet in Wayne at the Elementary School at 11:00 am for a 22-mile ride out to Leeds and Monmouth, with a possible stop at the Apple Valley Bakery in Monmouth.  See you then!

Sunday, November 17 - WAYNE

"Apple Valley Ride" - a tour around Wayne, Leeds, and Monmouth

START: 11:00 am at the Wayne Elementary School, 48 Pond Road, Wayne

DISTANCE: 22 miles

TERRAIN: flat to rolling with a few climbs; possible gravel option

HIGHLIGHTS: a late season ride in 50-degree temps, optional stop at the Apple Valley Bakery

LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com

LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49042952

For Sweater Frends

 

It was quite November-like and cold for our cemetery ride around Wayne and Fayette on Saturday. It did warm up in the sun, which we actually saw for a few minutes, and we had a nice stop at the Apple Shed Bakery even though they had already stored their outdoor seating away. Such is life this late in the year. This Saturday at 11:00am we will see our last scheduled ride of the season as we head out to North Belgrade for a short ride to Great Pond where we hope to have a campfire with refreshments! If you have an ugly or seasonal sweater, feel free to model it for everyone! If you or someone you know would prefer not to ride, we could use a volunteer to get the campfire going - let Anne or Jim know. Hope to see you Saturday!

Saturday, November 9 - NORTH BELGRADE

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

START: 11:00 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, 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: Anne Uecker, anuecker@gmail.com

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

Thw Wicked Time of Year

We spent the first part of Saturday's KVBC ride in Farmington muttering about the inconsistencies of weather forecasting, as it was a lot wetter than any meteorological source had predicted.  But the sun eventually came out, the roads dried up, and we had a nice ride - kudos to everyone who turned out!  This Saturday we will undertake our annual tour of cemeteries around Wayne.  Halloween falls on Thursday, but that's only a date on the calendar - the spirits don't need no dates.  See you Saturday!

Saturday, November 2 - WAYNE

"Wicked Wayne" - a post-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 six 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.

 

Putting the "in" in Industry

We've had some spectacular Fall weather for riding of late!  Last Saturday's ride in Augusta around Summerhaven was certainly first rate.  The club's thanks to Cynthia for mapping out the route for us!  This Saturday we will head north to see if we can catch some more Fall colors and explore the hills around Farmington, New Sharon, and Industry as we close out the month of October.  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, October 26:  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: 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.

Still a Haven

 Sunday's KVBC ride from Norridgewock turned out to be sunnier and more pleasant weather-wise than expected. The 50/50 gravel route took us over some very pretty back roads with little traffic and lots of early foliage. And the ride leader's home-made cookies at the ride's end really hit the spot!  Many thanks to Denise & Brian for another fine ride!  This Saturday we will set off on another Fall tour around the Summerhaven section of Augusta.  Lots of great Fall riding ahead!

Saturday, October 19 - AUGUSTA

"Beyond Summer-Haven" - a post-summer tour through the Summerhaven section of Augusta, and Readfield, Wings Mills, and Belgrade.

START: 10:00 am at the parking lot by the Career Center at 2 Anthony Avenue, off of Darin Drive, across from the Great Wall Buffet.

DISTANCE: about 34 miles

TERRAIN: moderate with some hills; route includes about a quarter-mile of gravel

HIGHLIGHTS: many pretty ponds and streams and little-traveled back roads west of the capital.

LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com

LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48764106

Gravel By Half

 

The weather was quite damp at the start of the KVBC ride from Waterville to Canaan on Saturday. In weather parlance, the expression that rain will end "mostly" by 9am should actually be "mostly (but not all)" - but eventually end it did, and once the roads dried up we had a fine ride.  This Sunday we will set off from Norridgewock for a ride over both paved and unpaved roads - about a 50/50 mix of each.  Wide tires are recommended - the route is a great introduction to gravel riding!  Please note the 10:00am start, and hope to see you Sunday!

Sunday, October 13th - NORRIDGEWOCK

"Indigenous Gravel" - a mixed surface ride exploring the back roads of Mercer, Rome and Norridgewock

START: 10:00 AM at 434 Fredericks Corner Road, about two miles from the junction of Rt.2 in Norridgewock. Please park along the driveway.

DISTANCE: 24 miles

TERRAIN: moderate; the route is about half gravel (despite what the route map indicates)

HIGHLIGHTS: lots of adventurous back roads, paved and unpaved, with Amish enclaves and Fall foliage

LEADERS: Brian Bowker, bbowk321@yahoo.com; and Denise Crowell, denisemcrowell@gmail.com.

LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48493902

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.

Sorting Out Somerset

 

We had a beautiful Fall day for our ride from Boothby's Orchard in Livermore on Saturday.  The roads were in good shape, we had a fine run on the Chesterville Esker, an abundance of apples for picking at the end!  Many thanks again to John for leading.  This Saturday we will head north from Waterville to check out some early Fall foliage from several great ridgetop vantage points in Somerset County.  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, October 5 - WATERVILLE

"A Somerset Sortie" - an early foliage tour through Somerset County.

START: 9:30am at Colby College, visitor parking at the Lower Athletic Center Parking Lot, corner of Mayflower Hill and Campus Drive, beside the roundabout and across from the baseball fields. See aerial view attached. Follow detour signs around construction on Rices Rips Road and Mayflower Hill Drive.

DISTANCES: 29 or 39 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate with some hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: country roads up and down the Kennebec and inland from Canaan to Benton, ushering the Fall season.

LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP (Long): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48498707

LINK to ROUTE MAP (Short): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48498777

 

Aerial View of Ride Start Location

 

October, October!

Here is the KVBC Ride Line-Up for October! Lots of great Fall rides ahead!

Fall Equinox

 

An Apple a Day

 

We had a distinctly Fall-like day for our ride in Whitefield on Saturday, despite it being the last day of Summer.  It was mostly cloudy and cool, but the roads were dry and scenic, we had a nice ride and a welcome stop at the Sheepscot General Store.  Our next KVBC ride will set out from Livermore on Saturday - note the 10:00 am start.  On Sunday, the 6th annual "Share the Road with Carol" ride will take place in Windsor; you can pre-register up until Sept. 26 at www.bikereg.com/share-the-road-with-carol and it may be possible to register on the day of the event. Lots of great riding ahead as we head into Fall!

Saturday, September 28 - 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, johnlanoue@hotmail.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.

Back in Whitefield

We had splendid weather for a great ride in Wayne on Sunday.  Lots of scenic overlooks, river views, vast fields of corn, and for the more adventurous, some interesting gravel roads off the beaten path.  All topped off by a stop at Tubby's Ice Cream at the ride's end.  Many thanks again to Fritz and Susan for leading and sweeping the ride!  Please join us this Saturday on the last day of summer as we welcome the arrival of Fall on our tour around Whitefield and vicinity.  See you then!

Saturday, September 21 - 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: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com

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

Where is Wayne?

Our KVBC ride from Chelsea on Saturday started out somewhat dark and misty, but it eventually cleared up, the roads dried out, and we had a fine ride!  Many thanks to Fred for leading us, and to all who turned out!  This week's ride will start and end in Wayne as we explore its whereabouts - with a potential stop at Tubby's Ice Cream before it closes for the season.  Hope you can join us!

Sunday, September 15th - 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; https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44458216

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. 

Rings Around Chelsea

Despite the rather dismal weather forecast prior to Sunday's ride in Damariscotta, we had a good number of riders turn out for a much better than expected ride!  Despite the Labor Day weekend, traffic was quite light and there were tables to spare at the restaurant at the half-way point at the Pemaquid Light.  Many thanks again to David for leading us down to the sea!  This Saturday we will meet in Chelsea and explore the scenic Sheepscot River valley with an ice cream stop near the end.  Hope to see you Saturday!

Saturday, September 7 - 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 along the Sheepscot River, including the Head Tide Dam (an Historical Landmark); potential stop at The Ice Cream Shoppe in Randolph near the ride's end.

LEADER: Fred, mkinleyf@gmail.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP : https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/304563356 

September Rides

Here is the KVBC Ride Line-Up for September! Lots of great rides coming up as we head into Fall!

Pemaquid Pro Quo

 

We had absolutely splendid weather for our ride from Smithfield on Saturday. We rode over fresh new pavement in Madison and stopped at the Father Rasle Memorial before the two rides split. Those of us on the long ride were delayed by a parade in downtown Madison, but because we were on bikes they thought we were just big kids so they threw us candy, too, and then let us go before anyone else. Next Sunday we will meet in Damariscotta (9:30am start time) for our popular tour down to Pemaquid Point. Hope you can join us!

Sunday, September 1; DAMARISCOTTA

"To Pemaquid Point" - a tour through Bristol, Bremen, Pemaquid and Damariscotta.

START: 9:30 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

A Tercentennial

Despite some overcast skies, we had a fine ride from Richmond to Wiscasset on Saturday.  The route was scenic with roads in pretty good shape, including some new pavement, and the stop at Treats was, as usual, a real treat!  Thank you to David for another great ride!  This Saturday we will head north to Norridgewock and Madison for a popular ride along the Sandy River on Father Rasle Road, including a stop at the Father Rasle memorial on the 300th anniversary of the massacre.  We'll hope that history doesn't repeat itself, and we'll see you on Saturday!

Saturday, August 24 - SMITHFIELD

"Father Rasle Ride" - a tour from Smithfield to Norridgewock, Madison, Starks, New Sharon and Mercer.

START: 9:00am at the Smithfield Baptist Church, 25 Lake View Drive (Rt.137). Please park in the lot behind the church.

DISTANCE: 28 or 43 miles

TERRAIN: flat to rolling with some hills

HIGHLIGHTS: some nice roads along the Kennebec and Sandy Rivers, a stop at the Father Rasle Memorial in Madison, possible ice cream stop post-ride in Smithfield.

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

LINK TO ROUTE MAP (Short): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45357010

LINK TO ROUTE MAP (Long): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46718764

 

Wiscasset's a Treat

This past weekend's tropical storm evaporated before our planned KVBC ride, leaving us with beautiful, clear, dry weather and a wonderful tour around Winthrop, Monmouth & Wales.  Here's hoping for more of the same for our ride this Saturday from Richmond to Wiscasset, always a very pretty ride.  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, August 17th - 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.

ReplyReply allForward You can't react with an emoji to a large group

Cycling Heritage the Day After

It looks likely that Tropical Storm Debby is going to wash out the first part of the weekend, but Sunday looks to be sunny and dry so we will switch our ride from Readfield to Sunday.  See you then!

Again, a Reminder to those who expressed interest in ordering KVBC original style jerseys that this opportunity closes on Saturday, August 10.  The link for ordering is here: Store Link: https://custom2.champ-sys.com/teamstore/?KVBCJerseyReorderJuly2024

Sunday, August 11th - READFIELD

"Cycling Through Wales" - a tour through Readfield, Winthrop, Monmouth and Wales.

START: 9:00 AM at the Readfield Elementary School, 84 South Road, Readfield.

DISTANCE: 29 or 39 Miles.

TERRAIN: Rolling, with a few stiff hills. The long ride includes approx. 3/4 mile of gravel.

HIGHLIGHTS: Back roads beside rolling orchards, lakeside summer camps, small hidden hamlets, and coinciding with events at Readfield Heritage Days.

LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.

LINK to ROUTE MAP (long): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47864393

LINK to ROUTE MAP (short): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47866439

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.

Cycling Heritage

We had a rather damp start to the KVBC ride from Smithfield on Saturday, but the worst of the rain held off and the roads dried up, so we felt quite fortunate to get in a nice ride. Thank you to Larry for leading the ride, and to those who turned out, including some newcomers - welcome! This Saturday we will shift our attention to Readfield during their annual "Heritage Days" festival. (NOTE: this is a new ride that was not on the calendar - the ride scheduled in Palermo may be held at a future date.) We will ride to Monmouth and Wales, but those who wish to might want to check out the pre-ride (8-11am) breakfast at the Masonic Lodge, or the post-ride barbeque (3-5pm) at the Fire Station. Hope to see you Saturday!

Saturday, August 10th - READFIELD

"Cycling Through Wales" - a tour through Readfield, Winthrop, Monmouth and Wales.

START: 9:00 AM at the Readfield Elementary School, 84 South Road, Readfield.

DISTANCE: 29 or 39 Miles.

TERRAIN: Rolling, with a few stiff hills. The long ride includes approx. 3/4 mile of gravel.

HIGHLIGHTS: Back roads beside rolling orchards, lakeside summer camps, small hidden hamlets, and coinciding with events at Readfield Heritage Days.

LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.

LINK to ROUTE MAP (long): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47864393

LINK to ROUTE MAP (short): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47866439

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.

Lakes and Loops

We had a great Summer day for our ride in Turner on Saturday, perfect for taking on Streaked Mountain. The return route also took us on some roads little traveled by the club, winding through the towns of Hebron and Minot.  Many thanks to Fritz for another great ride!  This week we will return to Smithfield for one of our long-established KVBC rides, this time with a new starting location.  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, August 3 - SMITHFIELD 

"Looping the Lakes" - a scenic tour through Smithfield, Belgrade, Rome, and Mercer.

START: 9:00 AM, at Home, Hope & Healing, 189 Village Road, Smithfield, near the junction of Rt. 8 and Rt. 225 (just up the road from Tri-Pond Variety)

DISTANCES: approx. 10, 17 or 30 miles. 

TERRAIN: moderate to moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: many scenic lake views, summer camps, and a possible stop at the Ice Cream Place in Smithfield.

LEADER: Larry Childs, lrchilds@roadrunner.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47773258

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.

 

August Is Upon Us

Here is the KVBC ride line-up for August! Hope you can get out and ride with us! 

A Mountain in Buckfield

We had gorgeous weather for our ride from Liberty to Palermo, Appleton and Searsmont on Saturday.  The route was very rural and hilly and featured some spectacular scenery especially up on Appleton Ridge.  Many thanks to Paul for leading!  Last Saturday's ride was hilly, but this Saturday will be mountainous as we will venture up & over Streaked Mountain in Buckfield, followed by a stop at the Nezinscot Farm Store in Turner.  Hope you can join us as we close out the month of July!

Saturday, July 27 - TURNER

"Streaking Up Streaked Mountain" - an uplifting tour from Turner to Buckfield, South Paris, Hebron, and Minot

START: 9:00 am at the Turner Elementary School at Mathews Way off Rt. 117

DISTANCE: 40 or 25 miles (the shorter route includes the mountain, but is out and back).

TERRAIN: Mountain!

HIGHLIGHTS: Streaked Mountain! Post-ride stop at the Nezinscot Farm Store!

LEADER: Fritz Onion, frittzonion@gmail.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.strava.com/routes/2870294751623127776; https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47605264

 

Once More Beyond the Pale

We had a great turnout for our KVBC ride Saturday in Oakland, despite the forecast and the hour delayed start.  The predicted rain and storms did not materialize, and while it was hot and humid we had mostly clear skies which had us seeking shade wherever possible. The ice cream stop at the end was definitely popular.  Many thanks to Tammy for leading and for all who turned out!  This Saturday we will head out to Liberty to tour Palermo and vicinity, including an optional climb up Appleton Ridge.  See you Saturday!

Saturday, July 20 - LIBERTY

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

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 

A Dish or A Cone?

We had a great turnout for the KVBC Independence Ride from Sidney last Sunday.  It was a bit hot and humid, and we had some road construction to contend with, but that didn't seem to slow down the group setting a fast pace!  This week's ride will feature another great ride with an optional ice cream stop in Oakland, should the summer heat carry through to next Saturday. Hope you can join us!

Saturday, July 13 - 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/181031119

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

 

And Depends - Another Update - Saturday's Ride Switched to SUNDAY

Due to the updated forecast for rain on Saturday the KVBC ride has been rescheduled for Sunday, July 7.  Hope to see you Sunday!

Sunday, July 7, SIDNEY:

"Independence by Bike" - the traditional KVBC 4th of July tour through Sidney, Augusta and Waterville.
START:  9:00 AM at the James H. Bean Elementary School on Middle Road in Sidney. Please park in the lot at the south end of the school.
Directions to the Bean School:
From south: I-95 North exit #120. Turn right at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right.
From the north: I-95 South exit #120. Turn left at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right.

DISTANCE:  16 or 29 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely.
LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com, 293-3784.

LINK TO RIDE MAP (includes approx. 1 mile of road construction gravel): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39964070

LINK TO ALTERNATE ROUTE MAP (bypassing construction, no gravel): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47379567

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, check out our blog, Posted Roads at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or follow us on Facebook. Memberships in the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club provide funds for our club insurance, enabling us to hold rides and events. Membership funds also ensure our club memberships supporting the Bicycle Coalition of Maine and the League of American Bicyclists.  Membership forms can be obtained at most club rides, and also online on our club blog: https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7325223564827626545/1849360075373598671.  If you have difficulty accessing the forms, please contact Jim Merrick (email above) or Brian Bowker, bbowk321@yahoo.com, or Denise Crowell, denisemcrowell@gmail.com. Thank you!