UPDATE: We are still on for our scheduled "Ugly Sweater Ride" in North Belgrade this weekend but due to blustery conditions around the lake forecast for Saturday we will switch the ride to Sunday, November 2. This Sunday 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! Sunday, November 2 - 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 near 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: Anne Uecker, anuecker@gmail.com. LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44924531

The Ugliness of Sweaters

Cycles of Industry

It was a little cooler than forecast at the start of the KVBC ride from Winslow on Saturday. But the clouds eventually parted, the day warmed up in the sun, and we had a very nice ride. Many thanks to Tom for leading his ride that was washed out earlier in the year, and to everyone who turned out. This Saturday we will go in search of some Fall foliage up in Farmington, New Sharon and Industry. Take advantage of the great Fall weather, and hope to see you on Saturday! Saturday, October 11: 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 Farmington Parking Lot for the Whistle Stop Rail Trail off of Oakes Street, the entrance is just south of the junction of Oakes Street and Bridge Street. DISTANCE: 28-30 miles. TERRAIN: rolling to hilly; approx. 5 miles of flat gravel along the rail trail and other roads, and an optional climb up Mosher Hill HIGHLIGHTS: quiet back roads along the Sandy River, spectacular panoramic views from the ridgetops of New Sharon & Industry, Clearwater Pond at Allens Mills, and a possible stop at the Orange Cat Cafe in Farmington. LEADER: Jim Merrick, 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com. LINK to ROUTE MAP (including Mosher Hill): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52886453 LINK TO ROUTE MAP (without Mosher Hill): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52940229 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 Winsome in Winslow

We had a great apple ride from Livermore last Saturday. Our first "official" Fall ride featured some great weather, good roads, and some first-rate apple picking at the end! Many thanks to John for leading, and to everyone who turned out. This coming Saturday we will revisit a popular ride in Winslow that was rained out in the spring. Please note the 10:00 o'clock start. Hope you can join us! Saturday, October 4 - WINSLOW "Winsome Winslow" - a tour along the Kennebec through Winslow, Benton, Fairfield and Clinton START: 10:00 am at the Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow DISTANCE: 30.8 miles TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills HIGHLIGHTS: Scenic back roads with Kennebec River views in Fall colors LEADER: Tom Michaud, sdnytom@yahoo.com LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/70587004 https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/65546974

Into October We Go!

Here is the KVBC ride line-up for October! Rides will be generally starting later, at 10:00am, unless otherwise noted, and this schedule is subject to change. Looking forward to some great Fall riding!

Apples, more apples!

We had a nice, crisp Fall day for our last ride of the summer in Smithfield on Saturday. Bright blue skies with full sun, and the temperature still didn't quite make it up to 60 - definitely Fall-like. About all that was needed was a stop at an apple orchard, and we'll take care of that this coming Saturday in Livermore as we kick off our actual Fall rides. Please note the 10:00 o'clock start, and we'll see you Saturday! Saturday, September 27 - 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.

Taken for a Loop

We had a wonderful ride in and around Wayne last Saturday. There was an early Fall chill in the air, but it warmed up in the sun and we had a fine ride over paved and gravel options. Many thanks to Fritz and Susan for leading, and to Chris who brought muffins to the start! This Saturday we will revisit another popular club ride in and around the lakes in Smithfield with several mileage options. Hope you can join us! Saturday, September 20 - 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 some early fall foliage perhaps. LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.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.

The Ways of Wayne

We had another beautiful ride down to Wiscasset from Richmond on Saturday, despite the iffy weather. It was mostly overcast and quite humid, but the rains held off and we did see some sun on the return route after the stop at Treats, a high mark in its own right.. Thanks to David for another fine ride! This Saturday we will explore the environs of Wayne, including some scenic, unpaved options and a possible ice cream stop at the end. Hope you can join us for more fine Fall riding! Saturday, September 13th - 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 LEADERS: Fritz & Susan 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.

Richmond to the Sea

Happy Labor Day! We had a fine ride from Whitefield on Saturday. The rains held off, the roads dried out, and we had a very pleasant ride. Thanks go to Holly and Bryan Griffin for laying out the route. This Saturday we will meet in Richmond for a ride down to the sea in Wiscasset featuring some great roads and a stop at Treats in Wiscasset. Hope you can join us! Saturday, September 6th - RICHMOND "Wheeling 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 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

September, Oh September!

Here is the KVBC ride line-up for September! Some great Fall riding ahead!

Back Road Whitefield

We had a very pleasant ride down to Bowdoinham from Gardiner on Sunday. A bit breezy, but not as hot as some of the weather lately. The route was well-marked, thanks to our leader, Joe, who also kindly provided water and snacks in Bowdoinham, and also accommodated another group who opted to ride on Saturday. Thanks, Joe, for going above and beyond! This Saturday we will close out the month of August with a very scenic rural ride starting in Whitefield, which mixes in some hard-packed gravel and an optional stop at the Sheepscot General Store. Hope to see you Saturday! Saturday, August 30 - 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; the route includes a gravel section of about 1.3 miles 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

Bowdoinhamlets

Saturday's KVBC ride from South China saw lots of hills, some ambiguous detours, bright blue skies, and lots and lots of splendid vistas. We also got to see some old friends who hadn't ridden with us in a while, including our leader, Paul, who decided he had recuperated enough to venture out and lead us on another fine ride. Thanks to Paul and everyone who turned out! This Sunday we will head out from Gardiner on one of our popular and traditional club rides to Bowdoinham, on a marked route no less! Hope you can join us! Sunday, August 24th - GARDINER "Biking to Bowdoinham" - a tour of the southern Kennebec Valley through Gardiner, Richmond and Bowdoinham. START: 9:00 AM, at the Laura Richards School, Rt. 201 in Gardiner, 1.5 miles south of the junction of Rt. 201 and Rt.s 126/9 (the junction near the A-1 Diner). The school is a modern brick building with a "spiked ball" sculpture, on the west side of Rt. 201, on the left past the Gardiner Armory (just as you enter the "thickly settled" area). Park in the lot on the north side of the school. DISTANCE: 40 miles. TERRAIN: Moderately hilly. HIGHLIGHTS: quiet back roads along streams and farmland south & west of Gardiner. LEADERS: Joe Renda, geologyjoe@gmail.com LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36860175

Mo' Bettah Hills

We had beautiful weather for our ride last Saturday from Manchester to Litchfield. The roads were in "OK" condition but could use some resurfacing soon. Maybe they can smooth out some of the hills while they're at it. And there was a nice ice cream stop at the end. This Saturday we will venture out to the hill country around South China, Palermo and Albion. The weather looks like it will continue to be in our favor, so we hope you can join us Saturday! Saturday, August 16 - SOUTH CHINA "China and Palermo Hills" - 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: 34 miles TERRAIN: Hilly HIGHLIGHTS: many scenic vistas and some challenging back roads LEADER: Paul Mitnik, pjmejm@gmail.com LINK TO REVISED ROUTE MAP: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/391413512 or https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43616992

See the Cobb

It was a beautiful summer day for our ride from Chelsea on Saturday. We rode over a new route on some exceptionally nice back roads. Many thanks to Fred for leading and scoping out such a nice route! The fine weather looks like it will continue into next Saturday when we will meet in Manchester for one of our traditional club rides around Cobbossee Lake. Hope you can join us! Saturday, August 9th - MANCHESTER "A Cobbossee Odyssey": a tour around Cobbosseecontee Lake. START: 9:00 A.M., at the parking lot on McArdle Street, just off Rt. 202W past the junction of Rt. 202 & Rt.17, between the Manchester Grange Hall and Fielders' Choice Ice Cream Stand. The parking lot is the first right after you turn on McArdle Street. DISTANCE: 28.8 miles. TERRAIN: rolling with some challenging hills. HIGHLIGHTS: views of Cobbossee Lake, back roads of Winthrop, Manchester, West Gardiner, Litchfield, and Monmouth, and a potential ice cream stop conveniently at the end! LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com Link to Ride Map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39591667 For more info on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, check out the club blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or follow us on Facebook.

August Rides

Here is the KVBC ride line-up for thew month of August! Lots of summertime riding ahead!

Down to Scotty

We had a beautiful day for our KVBC ride from Oakland on Saturday. The bright sun warmed things up to the point where we were thankful for any shade we could find, and the post-ride stop for ice cream was much appreciated. Our thanks to Tammy for another great ride (and some creative snacks!). Next Sunday we will meet at Hannaford's in Damariscotta (note 9:30 am start) for our annual ride down the coast to Pemaquid. Hope to see you all on Sunday! Sunday, July 27; 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

Adjust Your Cones

We had a fine ride from Liberty on Saturday despite some overcast skies and some fog and drizzle. The route traversed some really pretty back roads with little traffic over some scenic and challenging terrain. This Saturday's ride starts in Oakland and features an optional ice cream stop near the end. Hope to see you on Saturday! Saturday, July 19 - 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; some short sections of well-maintained gravel. 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

Libertarian Cycling

We had a nice sunny, warm day for our annual Independence Day ride from Sidney on Saturday. The roads were in great shape for the most part, stretched over a fine route laid out more than 20 years ago, thanks to Jim Putnam. This week we will head out to Liberty for another adventurous ride over some great roads with an optional climb up Appleton Ridge. Please note the 9:30am start time. Hope you can join us! Saturday, July 12 - LIBERTY "Palermo, Beyond the Pale" - an adventurous ride through Liberty, Palermo, Appleton and Searsmont. START: 9:30 am at the parking lot of ReVision Energy on Rt. 3 near the Liberty/Montville line, 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. Possible post-ride stop at John's Ice Cream in Liberty. LEADER: Paul Mitnik, pjmejm@gmail.com, ride sweep TBD. 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

Assert Your Independence

We had a very pleasant mixed surface ride from Readfield on Sunday. The recent rain kept the dust down on the gravel sections, and the paved roads dried up nicely in the sunshine. As an added plus, we had another stop at the Apple Shed Bakery near the end of the ride. Many thanks to David for leading us on a fine route! This week we will head into July and we will gather in Sidney for our annual Independence Day ride on Saturday. Please join us as we go Fourth on the Fifth! See you then! Saturday, July 5, 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. 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: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39964070 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 via email by contacting Jim Merrick (email above) or Brian Bowker, bbowk321@yahoo.com, or Denise Crowell, denisemcrowell@gmail.com. Thank you!

July with Bikes

Here is the KVBC Ride Lineup for July!

At Least Four Different Grinds

We had a fine ride from Norridgewock on Sunday despite threatening skies and a few sprinkles. Fittingly for our first club ride of summer, the sun came out and temperatures climbed past 80 degrees by the ride's end. Many thanks to Denise and Brian for leading, and for the great cookies to finish the day! This Saturday we will have a new "gravel grinder" ride starting in Readfield that will take us over some roads that are normally closed in winter and have only recently opened for travel and should be in great shape. The route features some great pavement as well, and a potential local coffee/bakery stop. Hope you can join us! Saturday, June 28 - READFIELD "Readfield Fresh Ground" - a backroads tour over paved and unpaved roads around Readfield, Mt. Vernon and vicinity, with a potential coffee/bakery stop in Kents Hill. START: 9:00 AM at the Maranacook School Superintendent's Lot, Millard Harrison Drive off of Rt. 17 across from the Readfield Town Beach. DISTANCE: about 23 miles TERRAIN: Hilly, with at least four sections of gravel roads, mostly well-maintained, but with some uneven portions of washboard. Wide tires (32-42mm) and low gearing recommended. HIGHLIGHTS: some great back roads off the beaten track, with a potential stop at the Apple Shed Bakery in Kents Hill. LEADER: David Chiappetta, davidchiappetta5@gmail.com LINK TO ROUTE MAP: ttps://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/371461923

Ride, Don't Wock

We had more fine weather for our ride Sunday from Mount Vernon, cool and dry with calm winds. We also got to ride over some fresh new pavement on some roads that sorely needed it, as well as others where it was lacking altogether. Still a fine day, thanks to all who turned out. This coming Sunday we will head up to Norridgewock for the first KVBC ride of Summer! Hope to see you there! Sunday, June 22 - NORRIDGEWOCK "Not for Naught, Norridgewock" - a tour through Norridgewock, Smithfield, and Mercer. START: 9:00 am at the ride leaders' house at 434 Fredericks Corner Road, about two miles from the junction of Rt.2 in Norridgewock. Please park on either side of the driveway. DISTANCE: about 32 miles. TERRAIN: rolling with a few hills. HIGHLIGHTS: scenic roads around North and East Ponds in Smithfield, and the not to be undone wiles of Norridgewock. LEADERS: Denise Crowell, denisemcrowell@gmail.com, and Brian Bowker, bbowk321@yahoo.com. LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51257952 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.

Mount Vernon Revised

We finally got a break from all the recent wet weather and we had a beautiful day for our KVBC ride Sunday in Readfield. Lots of sunshine, good roads, little traffic, and great company. And a welcome stop at the Apple Shed Bakery in Kents Hill! Many thanks to Lydia for leading! This Sunday's ride will start in Mount Vernon Village and travel over a revised route, bypassing some poor roads and infamous climbs while still featuring some popular sections along the Chesterville Esker and a potential stop at the cafe in Mount Vernon Village. Hope to see you Sunday! Sunday, June 15: MOUNT VERNON "Eleven Ponds (More or Less)" - a tour past many lakes and ponds in Mount Vernon, Fayette, Chesterville, Vienna and Farmington Falls 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): 26.5 or 34 miles TERRAIN: Moderate to Hilly. HIGHLIGHTS: little-traveled scenic roads, including a fine stretch along the Chesterville Esker, with a potential stop at the cafe in Mount Vernon LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com. LINK to ROUTE MAP (Long): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51159304 LINK to ROUTE MAP (Short): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51068711

Meander On!

We had a rather damp start to our ride from Vassalboro on Sunday, despite an hour's delay based on updated rain forecasts. The rain did let up after threatening not to, the roads dried up quite nicely, and we had a great ride. Many thanks to David for leading us! For this Saturday we have another very popular ride lined up in Readfield, featuring some great back roads and a possible bakery stop. Hope you can join us! Saturday, June 7 - 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 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.

Vassal Velo

We had a cool, somewhat blustery day for our ride from Jay on Sunday. The sun did peak out from the clouds from time to time, and the wind kept most of the bugs at bay. Plus, we had a nice tailwind for parts of the route! This Sunday we will kick off the month of June with one of our club favorites, the "Velo Vassalboro" ride. Due to some scheduling conflicts there will be no post-ride gathering as in years past, but the ride itself is not to be missed! Hope you can join us Sunday! Sunday, June 1 - VASSALBORO "Velo Vassalboro" - a scenic tour around the China Lake region START: 9:00am at the parking lot at the end of Arrowhead Drive next to the Natanis Golf Course off of Webber Pond Road heading north. (Not to be confused with Fairway Drive. Use Barrows Road on your GPS and it is the next road on the left after that.) Please park at the end of the road, beyond the garages in the large dirt parking lot after the condo buildings. DISTANCE: approx. 33 miles TERRAIN: Moderate to Hilly HIGHLIGHTS: Views of China Lake and Webber Pond, gentleman farms and country homes along the Neck Road. LEADER: David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36421718 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.

June Rides

Here is the KVBC ride line-up for June! Lots of great riding ahead, and hopefully some great weather to go with it!

Jay May Jay

Out of an abundance of caution, we cancelled the KVBC ride in Winslow scheduled for last Saturday due to forecasts of rain and thunderstorms. The weather turned out to be far less dramatic than forecast. Apologies to everyone, and to Tom in particular for putting in the effort to lead a ride for us. This Sunday we will close out our May rides in Jay as we explore the back roads of Livermore and Canton. Hopefully we will see drier weather, and see you Sunday! Sunday, May 25 - JAY "May in Jay" - a scenic river ramble up and down the Androscoggin. START: 9:30 am, Jay Plaza on Rt.s 4 & 17 near the junction of Rt.140. Park along the north end of the parking lot away from Hannaford's. DISTANCE: 28 miles with a 38-mile option TERRAIN: mostly flat with a few hills. HIGHLIGHTS: scenic roads and farmland along the Androscoggin River, Norlands Living History Center, and an adventurous option. LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com, 293-3784. LINK to ROUTE MAP (Long): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46175988 LINK to ROUTE MAP (Short): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42704260

KVBC Ride from Windsor to the Benton Alewife Festival Cancelled

Due to forecasts of thunderstorms and significant rain the KVBC ride scheduled for Saturday, May 17, has been postponed. We may try to reschedule the ride for another date. The Benton Alewife Festival also scheduled for Saturday is still going on, if anyone wants to check it out or make a show-and-go ride of it. Our next KVBC ride is scheduled for Memorial Day Weekend in Jay. Hopefully the wet weather will abate and we will see you then!

Smoked Alewives

We had a splendid, sunny ride on Mothers' Day from South China to Albion. The newly-revised route was outstanding, with many scenic hilltop vistas. Our thanks to Duncan for leading and to all who turned out! We have another fine ride lined up for this Saturday in Winslow, winding its way through Benton, Fairfield and Clinton. The ride coincides this year with the Benton Alewife Festival - an optional stop near the ride's end: https://tockify.com/wabi.calendar/detail/2369/1747494000000. Hope you can join us! Saturday, May 17 - WINSLOW "Winsome Winslow" - a tour along the Kennebec through Winslow, Benton, Fairfield and Clinton START: 9:00 am at the Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow DISTANCE: 30.8 miles TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills HIGHLIGHTS: Scenic back roads with Kennebec River views and an optional stop at the Benton Alewife Festival LEADER: Tom Michaud, sdnytom@yahoo.com LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/70587004 https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/65546974

Albion My Best

UPDATE: due to forecasts of cold, rainy conditions on Saturday, the KVBC ride from China to Albion has been rescheduled to Sunday, May 11 (Mothers' Day). Please note the 9:30 am start time, and we'll hope to see you on the ride Sunday! Sunday, May 11 - CHINA "O Albion" - a Spring tour through China, Palermo, and Albion. START: 9:30 am at the China Primary School at 763 Lakeview Drive, Rt. 202, in China. DISTANCE: 24 miles. TERRAIN: Moderate to Rolling HIGHLIGHTS: some really nice, scenic back roads for group cycling. LEADER: Duncan Tate, datateme@gmail.com LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50436982 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.

Albion My May

We had wonderful luck with the weather for the Summerhaven ride on Saturday. Despite forecasts of showers, thunderstorms, and overcast skies, we instead found lots of blue skies, sunshine and fair weather. It turned out to be a great day! Our thanks to Cynthia for leading, and for providing some great cookies after the ride. This Saturday we will meet at the China Primary School (the one in the rear of the campus) and we will venture out to Palermo and Albion. The route this year has been updated so be sure to download the new route map below, and we'll see you Saturday! Saturday, May 10 - CHINA "O Albion" - a Spring tour through China, Palermo, and Albion. START: 9:00 am at the China Primary School at 763 Lakeview Drive, Rt. 202, in China. DISTANCE: 24 miles. TERRAIN: Moderate to Rolling HIGHLIGHTS: some really nice, scenic back roads for group cycling. LEADER: Duncan Tate, datateme@gmail.com LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50436982 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.

Almost Summer

April was rather windy and wet with two of our rides washed out completely. May is Bike Month and hopefully conditions will improve because we have some fine rides ahead. This Saturday we will gather in Augusta for a ride out through Summerhaven to Readfield, Wings Mills and Belgrade. Hope you can get out and join us! Saturday, May 3 - AUGUSTA "Almost Summer-Haven" - a pre-summer tour through the Summerhaven section of Augusta, and Readfield, Wings Mills, and Belgrade. START: 9:30 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: Cynthia Snow, cynthy817@gmail.com LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48764106

KVBC May Rides

Here is the KVBC Ride line-up for May!

Just Milling About

We had a very blustery ride through Turner and Leeds last Sunday. The Wind Advisory foretold gusts up to 40mph which we had no reason to question. The tail winds (when we had them) were quite remarkable, the cross winds were quite tricky, and the head winds were like pedaling through molasses. Still a very pretty day - a shout out to Patrick for giving me someone to ride with. This Sunday we will head out to Vassalboro for a ride through the mill towns of Windsor and China. See you then! Sunday, April 27 - SOUTH VASSALBORO "Through the Mills" - a tour through Windsor and So. China to Weeks Mills and Coopers Mills. START: 10:30 am at the ride leader's house at 700 Cross Hill Road, So. Vassalboro. Park in the turnout half-way up the driveway by the garage; please avoid parking on the water-saturated lawn, thank you! Additional parking available in the driveway opposite to 700 Cross Hill (across the street). DISTANCE: 26 or 30 mi. TERRAIN: somewhat hilly, roads recently paved. HIGHLIGHTS: some fine back roads through some venerable old mill villages. Possible post-ride get-together at the Sidereal Farm Brewery a half-mile north of the ride leader's house. LEADER: Paul Mitnik, pjmejm@gmail.com LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42416871

Wake Up, Earth!

Although our KVBC ride scheduled for this past weekend was washed out, hopefully we have dryer weather ahead for next Sunday and our annual "Wake Up the Earth" ride in Turner. Traditionally, the club holds this ride on the closest day to Earth Day, and this year that falls on Easter Sunday. We have a planned stop at the Nezinscot Farm Store just a few miles from the ride's end, and they are not only open, they are serving Easter dinners for those who might want to indulge! Hope to see you Sunday! Sunday, April 20 - TURNER "Wake Up the Earth" - an Earth Day ride celebrating the coming of Spring, parklands, local organic farm producers, and biking of course! START: 10:30 am at the north parking lot of the Androscoggin Riverlands State Park on Center Bridge Road in Turner. Detailed directions (and a nifty downloadable map of the park) can be found on their website: https://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=98 DISTANCE: 22 miles TERRAIN: moderate with several long hills HIGHLIGHTS: a scenic ride along rivers and ridgetops through Turner and Leeds, celebrating Earth Week and the coming of Spring, with a stop at the Nezinscot Farm Store. LEADER: Jim Merrick, 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39006194 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.

Damp but not Waterlogged

It all began, they say, when three friends took refuge in a torrential downpour while on a bike ride. Ana, a marine biologist, complained about her worn out raingear. Her friend Sharon, a biomedical researcher, agreed and groused about how expensive new raingear had become. Peter, their bicycle advocate friend, lamented that convincing new cyclists to take up bike commuting was often stymied by the need to ride in inclement weather. “It’s not like you can just turn cyclists into amphibians,” he joked. His friends paused and exchanged glances. Two years later “Wheeling Webfeet” ™ was born. Today, cyclists who fit the bio profile can sign up for the two-week transformation process to eliminate forever the need for any raingear. The process begins by immersion in a special chemical solution in the company’s patented “heptabaric chamber” where the patient undergoes robotic microsurgery, supplemented by frog DNA, “similar to that used in that Jurassic movie,” explained Ana, “only a lot safer. Really.” Two weeks later the rejuvenated cyclist “just slips out of the chamber and begins jumping on and off bikes to check them out,” said Peter. Within days the new amphibian cyclists are off on all kinds of biking: road, gravel, cyclocross, eroica… “you name it,” Peter continued. “For some strange reason they all seem very fond of ‘tweed rides’; we haven’t quite figured out why.” “At first we thought that they might need some special kits,” agreed Sharon, “but they seem to be happy just shopping at Goodwill.” The team at “Wheeling Webfeet” ™ did concoct a new energy bar made of crushed flies, meal worms, and assorted insects. “We knew that cyclists would eat anything,” said Sharon, “but those were a big hit.” The company quickly added those to its product line. Yes, cyclists today can now look forward to a time when riding in the rain will seem as natural as can be. The fender and raingear manufacturers will no doubt be disappointed, but cyclists will once again take their place as the leaders of the green revolution.

Along the Rail Trail

One of the KVBC's traditional early season rides is our annual out & back ride along the Kennebec River Rail Trail from Augusta to Gardiner with a stop at Slate's Bakery in Hallowell. This ride offers a group ride opportunity for those of us who haven't ridden with the club, or who haven't been out with the KVBC recently, or who have yet to get their bikes out for the season. The weather for Saturday looks good, and while there is a rally at the State House at noon, we should miss most of the traffic from it (and still have the option to attend part of the rally for those who wish to). Hope to see you Saturday! April 5th, Saturday - AUGUSTA "Down the Rail Trail" - an early Spring ride along the Kennebec River Rail Trail through Augusta, Hallowell, and Gardiner. START: 10:30 AM at the Augusta trail head of the rail trail - the municipal parking lot off of Water Street adjacent to the offices of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (353 Water St.) in the shadow of Memorial Bridge. DISTANCE: 20+ miles TERRAIN: flat (and we mean flat) HIGHLIGHTS: For many of us, the first ride of the season, a pleasant run along the Kennebec River, with some great natural scenery mixed with some urban vistas, kicking off another great year of cycling. Probable stop at Slate's Bakery in Hallowell! LEADER: Jim Merrick, 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com. LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46143780 For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick, 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com, check out our Facebook page or our club blog, "Posted Roads" - http://postedroads.blogspot.com.

April Rides

Here is the KVBC ride lineup for April! The Augusta ride along the Kennebec River Rail Trail has been switched to Saturday to avoid poor weather forecast for Sunday. It is one of our traditional early season club rides so we hope we can get it in!

KVBC 2025 Ride Calendar

Hello Everyone! We had a wonderful ride in Chesterville last Saturday with a great turnout of 18 riders. Thanks are due to John, who gave everyone a great tour of his maple syrup operation after the ride, and the pancakes and syrup samples were a welcome treat! This weekend we have another return of Winter, but if the weather cooperates we will soon get back on track with our rides in April. Here is the tentative KVBC Ride Calendar for 2025! You will note that we still have some openings available for would-be ride leaders out there. Our thanks to all the folks who have volunteered to lead rides! They have lots of great riding for us ahead, and we hope to see everyone out in 2025! KENNEBEC VALLEY BICYCLE CLUB 2025 RIDE CALENDAR (Please Note: Dates & Locations May Be Subject to Change) March 15: Vassalboro, “Pratt’s Birthday Ride” March 22: Chesterville, “Pishou’s Sucrerie” April 6: Augusta, “Down the Rail Trail” April 12: Kents Hill, “Kents Hill to Watson Heights” April 19: Turner, “Wake Up the Earth” April 26: Vassalboro, “Through the Mills” May 3: Augusta, “Almost Summerhaven” May 10: China, “O Albion” May 17: Winslow, “Winsome Winslow” May 24: Jay, “May in Jay” June 1: Vassalboro, “Velo Vassalboro” June 7: Readfield, “Maranacook Meander” June 14: Mount Vernon, “Eleven Ponds” June 21: Norridgewock, “Not for Naught” June 28: Readfield, “Readfield Grinder” July 5: Sidney, “Independence Day Ride” July 12: Liberty, “Palermo Beyond the Pale” July 19: Oakland, “A Cone or a Dish” July 26: Damariscotta, “To Pemaquid Point” August 2: Chelsea, “Chelsea Chainrings” August 9 or 10: OPEN August 16: Palermo, “China and Palermo Hills” August 23: Gardiner, “Biking to Bowdoinham” August 30 or 31: OPEN September 6: Richmond, “Richmond to the Sea” September 13: Wayne, “Which Way to Wayne” September 20 or 21: OPEN September 27: Livermore Falls, “Boothby’s Apple Farm Ride” October 4 or 5: OPEN October 11 or 12: OPEN October 18 or 19: OPEN October 25 or 26: OPEN November 1: Wayne, “Wicked Wayne” November 8: Belgrade, “Ugly Sweater Ride”

Chesterville Ride Rescheduled from Sunday to SATURDAY

The KVBC ride in Chesterville scheduled for Sunday has been switched to SATURDAY to take advantage of the forecast for warmer ride conditions, which are predicted to be sunny and mild and sweet. Well, John says it will be sweet, so that's pretty authoritative. Hope to see you on Saturday! Saturday, March 22: CHESTERVILLE "Pishou's Sucrerie" - a sweet syrup-sampling ride from Chesterville to Farmington Falls. START: 11:00 am at the junction of Egypt Pond Road and Main Road (about a mile from the junction of Egypt Pond Road and Tower Road). As you turn onto Main Road (unpaved) there is a small parking area next to a small green dumpster; additional parking roadside. Signs say No Trespassing except with permission - John says we have his permission. DISTANCE: 23.5 miles. TERRAIN: flat to hilly; sandy road conditions call for caution on descents. HIGHLIGHTS: a post-ride gathering at the ride leader's house for sap boiling and sugar sampling! LEADER: John Lanoue, johnlanoue@hotmail.com LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45880277

Boiling Down Chesterville

We had a surprisingly nice, mild sunny day for our Pratt's Birthday Ride in Vassalboro on Saturday. The roads were in great shape, we didn't hit any headwinds until right at the very end, and we had a dozen riders including some newcomers! Welcome! A fine turnout for the Ides of March. This weekend looks to be sunny as well, so we will hope for a repeat as we gather on Maine Maple Sunday in Chesterville for a ride ending at John's sugaring operation with some sweet sampling! It all boils down to a great ride, so we will see you Sunday! Sunday, March 23: CHESTERVILLE "Pishou's Sucrerie" - a sweet syrup-sampling ride from Chesterville to Farmington Falls. START: 11:00 am at the junction of Egypt Pond Road and Main Road (about a mile from the junction of Egypt Pond Road and Tower Road). As you turn onto Main Road (unpaved) there is a small parking area next to a small green dumpster; additional parking roadside. Signs say No Trespassing except with permission - John says we have his permission. DISTANCE: 23.5 miles. TERRAIN: flat to hilly; sandy road conditions call for caution on descents. HIGHLIGHTS: a post-ride gathering at the ride leader's house for sap boiling and sugar sampling! LEADER: John Lanoue, johnlanoue@hotmail.com LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45880277

In Pratt We Trust

Believe it or not, it's time to kick off the KVBC's pre-season rides!  This Saturday we hope to have a short ride in Vassalboro to celebrate the birth of Charles E. Pratt (on March 13, 1845 in Vassalboro) a prominent, influential cyclist and son of a Quaker minister in East Vassalboro. More on Pratt here: POSTED ROADS: Happy Birthday, Charles E. Pratt!  Saturday's weather forecast looks pretty nice, for March, with temperatures reaching 50, so we'll see if we can't get a short group ride in with Spring less than a week away!

Sunday, March 12 - VASSALBORO

"Pratt's Birthday Ride" - a ride around Vassalboro to celebrate the birthday of Charles E. Pratt, an early cycling visionary and "Father of the League of American Wheelmen."

START: 11:00 am at the Vassalboro Town Office Building, 682 Main Street (Rt. 32) in Vassalboro.

DISTANCE: 16 miles.

TERRAIN: flat to rolling

HIGHLIGHTS: a pre-Spring ride along some fine back roads in Vassalboro.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38733279

 

March Rides, KVBC Dues Increase

 

Hello Everyone!  We are 19 days away from the start of Spring, even though it doesn't feel much like it yet.  If the weather permits we will have two, short, early preseason rides: one on Saturday, March 15 in Vassalboro to commemorate the birthday of Charles E. Pratt, the first president of the League of American Wheelmen (1880-1881) who was born in Vassalboro on March 13, 1845; followed the following week on Saturday, March 22 in Chesterville for Maine Maple Sunday weekend.  Stay tuned for additional details.

We also still have a number of openings in the 2025 KVBC Ride Calendar, so if you have been a ride leader and you haven't had a chance to sign up to lead a ride take a moment to check your calendar and sign up if you can.  We also welcome new ride leaders!  If you have a great ride you want to share with the club, let me know!

Our club treasurer, Brian Bowker, has submitted a Treasurer's Report, copied below.  Our club expenses have risen over the past few years and after some careful consideration, we have decided to raise our annual dues to $15.00 per year per person and $20.00 per year per household.  This is our first dues increase since our founding back in 2002.

Hope to see you all very soon! - Jim

KVBC Treasurer's Report 2024 Season

Hello to my fellow KVBC members.  I hope all of you are enjoying another chilly Maine winter.  As spring approaches surely many are gearing up for the cycling season.  I am looking forward to it but am in no hurry to put my skis away, surprise surprise!

Notes:

Our expenses last season were an annual contribution to the Bicycle Coalition of Maine (BCM) of $100.00, League of American Bicyclists (LAB) of $75.00 and to American Specialty Insurance (ASI) of $485.00.  A total of $660.00

Our joining LAB allows our participation in the group insurance rates with ASI.

Since I am not an accountant I would like to show some simple balances of the club checking account.

Beginning Balance         03/28/24              1012.15

Current Balance          03/01/25.                   887.15

We took in approximately $520.00 in dues and donations in 2024 (apx $420.00  in dues, including a little extra paid by a couple of members plus one donation).  That said with our expenses currently at $660.00 the club would be insolvent in about 6 years as long as there are no increases in expenses which is unlikely.  It would be my suggestion that the club increase the annual dues by at least $5.00 per membership which would almost cover annual expenses.

Individual member minimum annual dues:        $15.00

Family minimum annual dues:                           $20.00

Sincerely,

Brian Bowker

Treasurer