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

Esker Me Anything

We had a nice, clear late-spring day for our ride Monday from Readfield - much warmer and sunnier than the regularly scheduled ride on Sunday.  The route was very pretty, traffic was modest perhaps due to the holiday, and though it was breezy we actually had some impressive tailwinds.  Our thanks to Lydia for rescheduling and leading on short notice!  This Saturday we will venture out of West Mount Vernon past many scenic ponds, over some challenging hills, and across the remarkably flat Chesterville Esker.  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, June 25 - WEST MOUNT VERNON

"Eleven Ponds" - a tour past many of the hidden ponds and lakes in Mount Vernon, Fayette, Chesterville, and Vienna.

START:  9:00 AM, at the boat landings on Echo Lake and Taylor Pond on Rt. 41 at the junction of Sandy River Road; the nearest street address is 1156 ME-41. There is a bridge and a dam and a free-standing brick chimney as landmarks. Park in either boat landing lot on opposite sides of the road.

DISTANCE:  14 and 29 miles.  Long route has approx. 1/4 mile of gravel surface.

TERRAIN:  Rolling with a few good hills (and one memorable one).

HIGHLIGHTS:  rural back roads winding through many small ponds and lakes, and across the top of the Chesterville Esker.

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

LINK to RIDE MAP (Long): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39591548

LINK to RIDE MAP (Short): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39591616

 

Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club rides are open to members and to the cycling public.  Helmets are required of all riders at KVBC events.  In case of severe weather, scheduled rides may be postponed or designated as "show & go" rides at the discretion of the ride leader.  For ride updates and reports, check out the KVBC blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com or follow us on Facebook. 

Eleven Plus Two

Last Sunday's ride from Gardiner to Bowdoinham was postponed due to heavy rain, despite the ride leader's best efforts to arrange a delayed start and an alternate route, and venturing out to the start in a downpour to check to see if anyone showed up. Thanks to Joe for his efforts - we hope to reschedule the ride later in the season. This Saturday we will gather in West Mount Vernon at "The Chimney" (a free-standing brick chimney from an old tannery - a local landmark) for an expanded version of the old Eleven (now Thirteen) Ponds route. Hope you can join us as we close out the month of July! Saturday, July 31st - WEST MOUNT VERNON "Thirteen Ponds" - a tour past many of the hidden ponds and lakes in Mount Vernon, Fayette, Chesterville, and Vienna. START: 9:00 AM, at the boat landings on Echo Lake and Taylor Pond on Rt. 41 at the junction of Sandy River Road; the nearest street address is 1156 ME-41. There is a bridge and a dam and a free-standing brick chimney as landmarks. Park in either boat landing lot on opposite sides of the road. DISTANCE: 13.5 and 36.5 miles. TERRAIN: Flat to rolling with a few good hills (and one memorable one). HIGHLIGHTS: rural back roads winding through many small ponds and lakes, and across the top of the Chesterville Esker. LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com, 293-3784. LINK to RIDE MAP (Long): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7600572 or https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36840577 LINK to RIDE MAP (Short): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7601045 Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club rides are open to members and to the cycling public. Helmets are required of all riders at KVBC events. In case of severe weather, scheduled rides may be postponed or designated as "show & go" rides at the discretion of the ride leader. For ride updates and reports, check out the KVBC blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com or follow us on Facebook.

Hill Topping

We had a really nice ride out to the Nezinscot Farm on Sunday, with a near record turnout of 28 riders, about a half-dozen or so actually stayed on the planned route, but everyone got back OK and in good spirits. Thanks to all who came out and kept their cool in the face of going astray and dealing with hostile truckers (dealt with admirably, I should note).. With luck, we will have more fine riding in store for this Saturday in Chesterville. Please remember that we are still in an on-going pandemic, despite mixed signals from public health authorities, so keep up with social distancing and bring a mask for times when you can't (especially if you are still waiting on vaccination), and please stay home if you are feeling unwell. Hope to see you Saturday! Saturday, May 22 - CHESTERVILLE "There's No Place Like Home" - a tour around Chesterville, Farmington Falls, New Sharon and Vienna. START: 9:00 am at the ride leader's new home at 192 Hilltop Road (aka Hill Top or Hill-Top) in Chesterville. Please park along the roadside. DISTANCE: 28 miles. TERRAIN: flat to rolling with some significant hills. HIGHLIGHTS: the scenic Chesterville Esker, Zion Hill, Cape Cod Hill, and a bunch of no-name hills. Possible post-ride get-together at the ride leader's house. LEADER: John Lanoue, john.lanoue@avid.com. LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.strava.com/routes/2821566370865323008

An Apple a Day

 We had a beautiful, crisp, clear  Fall day for the ride in Augusta on Sunday. The ride saw a fine turnout, great scenery, and some sections of fresh new pavement. Many thanks to Duncan for leading and for reworking the start at a more spacious parking area. This weekend we will feature two popular rides: the first will be on Saturday in Livermore and will stop at Boothby's Apple Orchard. Sunday we will ride to the Wire Bridge in New Portland (details forthcoming). Remember that we are still observing pandemic protocols, and they are still concerned about a second surge of cases, so please bring masks and be prepared to use them, maintain social distancing, and please stay home if you are feeling sick. Hope you can join us!

Saturday, September 26 - LIVERMORE FALLS

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

START: 9:00 am at the store formerly known as Pike's Corner Oasis (now Mallard Mart) at the junction of Rt.s 106, 133, and Campground Road in Livermore.

DISTANCE: 40 miles.

TERRAIN: moderately hilly with several good hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: great back roads with numerous scenic views, and a stop at Boothby's Orchard, a family-owned farm for seven generations going back to 1865. We may have a vehicle at the orchard to transport any apples you buy back to the start.

LEADER: John Lanoue, john.lanoue@avid.com.  

LINK to ROUTE MAP (2016): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6799282

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.

Eleven of 'em

The weather forecasters have been throwing the S-word around this week (and we're not talking "sunny").  Haven't seen anything yet, but it sure feels like it.  This weekend still looks pretty good, with conditions a bit warmer on Sunday, so we'll try for another November ride, this time in Mount Vernon and Chesterville - 29 miles with a shorter 14 mile option.  Plus a potential stop at the cafe in Mount Vernon at the ride's end.  Once again, I'll bring along the new KVBC jerseys for those of you still waiting for yours.  And if you are hankering for one of the original KVBC jerseys (as someone asked about), let me know, and if there's enough interest I'll see about placing another order.  Stay warm, and see you Sunday!

Sunday, November 10th - MOUNT VERNON

"Eleven Ponds" - a tour past many of the hidden ponds and lakes in Mount Vernon, Fayette, Chesterville, and Vienna.

START:  10:00 AM, Mount Vernon Post Office, just off Rt. 41 on Main Street in Mount Vernon.

DISTANCE:  14 and 29 miles.

TERRAIN:  Rolling with a few good hills (and one memorable one).

HIGHLIGHTS:  rural back roads winding through many small ponds and lakes, and across the top of the Chesterville Esker.  Possible post-ride get-together at the cafe in Mt. Vernon village.

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

LINK to RIDE MAP: http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6799293

 

Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club rides are open to members and to the cycling public.  Helmets are required of all riders at KVBC events.  In case of severe weather, scheduled rides may be postponed or designated as "show & go" rides at the discretion of the ride leader.  For ride updates and reports, check out the KVBC blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com or follow us on Facebook.

Apples Away!

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

Saturday, September 15th - LIVERMORE FALLS

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

START: 9:00 am at the store formerly known as Pike's Corner Oasis (now Mallard Mart) at the junction of Rt.s 106, 133, and Campground Road in Livermore.

DISTANCE: 40 miles.

TERRAIN: moderately hilly with several good hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: great back roads with numerous scenic views, and a stop at Boothby's Orchard, a family-owned farm for seven generations going back to 1865. We plan to have a vehicle at the orchard to transport any apples you buy back to the start! 

LEADER: John Lanoue, john.lanoue@avid.com.  

LINK to ROUTE MAP (2016): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6799282

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.

Hot Dog!

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

Saturday, August 11th - MOUNT VERNON

"Hot Dog! - The Hot Dog Ride" (not because we'll ride like one but because we will want one) - a tour through Mount Vernon, Fayette, Chesterville and Farmington Falls.

START: 9:00 AM at 17 Teaberry Lane (unpaved) the first right off of Seavey Corner Road, less than 1/4 mile from the junction of Rt.41 in Mt. Vernon Village.  The house is the first dwelling on the right. Park along the sides of the driveway or Teaberry Lane wherever you can.

If you plan to stay for the post-ride gathering, an RSVP to the ride leader would be welcome!
DISTANCE: 30 or 14 miles.
TERRAIN: Moderately hilly.
HIGHLIGHTS: Numerous ponds and lakes, the Chesterville Esker, little traveled back roads along the Sandy River, and a post-ride hot dog BBQ!
LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com, 293-3784.

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6799293

For more information about the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784 or hjmerrick@gmail.com, follow us on Facebook, or check out the KVBC blog, Posted Roads, at http://postedroads.blogspot.com.

The Esker on Father's Day

This Sunday's Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club ride will start in Mount Vernon and venture out to the Chesterville Esker, a wonderful and scenic flat stretch along a unique geological formation - just a bit of serious hill climbing to get there. The forecast is for sunny skies and 80 degrees! Do we believe that? Well, it has to warm up sometime, doesn't it?. There is a lunch option at the cafe in Mount Vernon after the ride, and the new KVBC club jerseys are supposed to arrive - I will follow up with confirmation so folks can plan on picking their jersey(s) up. See you Sunday, and for those of you doing the Trek, Bonne Route!

Sunday, June 19th - MOUNT VERNON

"Eleven Ponds" - a tour past many of the hidden ponds and lakes in Mount Vernon, Fayette, Chesterville, and Vienna.

START:  9:00 AM, Mount Vernon Post Office, just off Rt. 41 on Main Street in Mount Vernon.

DISTANCE:  14 and 29 miles.

TERRAIN:  Rolling with a few good hills (and one memorable one).

HIGHLIGHTS:  rural back roads winding through many small ponds and lakes, and across the top of the Chesterville Esker.  Possible post-ride get-together at the cafe in Mt. Vernon village.

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

LINK to RIDE MAP: http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6799293

 

Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club rides are open to members and to the cycling public.  Helmets are required of all riders at KVBC events.  In case of severe weather, scheduled rides may be postponed or designated as "show & go" rides at the discretion of the ride leader.  For ride updates and reports, check out the KVBC blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com or follow us on Facebook.

Ponds and Eskers

Weather is warming up nicely for August - with some storms thrown in - but hopefully the weekends will stay clear.  Hope everyone had a great ride last Sunday from Farmington to Industry, and thanks again to Larry Childs for leading.  This Sunday we will return to Mount Vernon for a nice flat ride along the Chesterville Esker, with some significant hills and downhills before and after!  We may regroup after the ride at the Post Office Cafe in Mount Vernon Village.  Hope you can join us!

Sunday, August 9th - MOUNT VERNON

"Eleven Ponds" - a tour past many of the hidden ponds and lakes in Mount Vernon, Fayette, Chesterville, and Vienna.

START:  9:00 AM, Mount Vernon Post Office, just off Rt. 41 on Main Street in Mount Vernon.

DISTANCE:  14 and 29 miles.

TERRAIN:  Rolling with a few good hills (and one memorable one).

HIGHLIGHTS:  rural back roads winding through many small ponds and lakes, and across the top of the Chesterville Esker.  Possible post-ride get-together at the cafe in Mt. Vernon village.

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

BCM CALENDAR LINK: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-eleven-ponds

 

Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club rides are open to members and to the cycling public.  Helmets are required of all riders at KVBC events.  In case of severe weather, scheduled rides may be postponed or designated as "show & go" rides at the discretion of the ride leader.  For ride updates and reports, follow us on Facebook.

Off to the Oasis

We had a fine ride Sunday despite some brisk temperatures and occasional sprinkles. Jeanine worked her usual magic in keeping the worst of the rain at bay, and led us on a splendid new route through Winslow and Benton, with a welcome post-ride lunch stop at Big Gs. Thanks Jeanine! The "bare knees" anticipated in the ride announcement didn't materialize - the ride conditions never hit 50 degrees - and the weather forecasters squandered all of their good will from the previous week. Will we find a seasonal oasis as we head into Bike Month in May? Find out this Saturday as we set out from Pike's Oasis in Livermore!

Saturday, May 2nd - LIVERMORE

"The Oasis Loop" - a not-quite-desert-like tour of the ponds and ridges around Livermore, Fayette, and Chesterville.

START: 10:00 am at Pike's Corner Oasis at the junction of Rt. 106 and Rt. 133 in Livermore.

DISTANCE: 28 miles.

TERRAIN: Moderate with a few good hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: some scenic back roads including the famed Ridge Road along the Chesterville Esker, and perhaps a post-ride ice cream stop.

LEADER: John Lanoue.

BCM Calendar Link: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-oasis-loop

 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club find us on Facebook, or contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com.

Sand Pond on Sanded Roads

"Everyone talks about the weather - we don't" As we seem to have passed another brief wintry blast, we will meet in Chesterville on Saturday to make up (in part) a ride that was washed out last month, and take advantage of sunny weather when it is offered to us. John Lanoue has mapped out rides of varying distances depending on conditions at start time. This may be one of our last group rides before winter really sets in, so I hope you can join us!

Saturday, November 15th - CHESTERVILLE

"Sand Pond, Sanded Roads" - a post-tourist season tour of the ponds and ridges around Livermore, Fayette, and Chesterville.

START: 10:00 am at the Sand Pond Parking Lot:

From the intersection of 156 and 133:

Head east on 156, when 156 veers to the left (Chesterville Rd) take a right onto Soules Hill Rd.  Go 2.7 miles and take a left onto Sand Pond road (no street sign, look for a pine tree with camp signs on it, Tracey, Austin, etc…)

After you pass sand pond on your left, go up the short hill and park on your left.

From the Chesterville Mall (corner of Dutch Gap and Ridge Roads):

Go a few hundred yards heading north on Zion Hill Rd and take a left at the old white church onto Borough road

Go about a mile and take a right onto Sand pond road (look for the big pine tree on your right with camp signs on it, Tracey, Austin, etc…)

After passing sand pond your left, go up the short hill and park on your left.

 

DISTANCE: 18, 22, 26 or 29 miles.

TERRAIN: moderately hilly with several good hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: some pre-winter viewpoints on scenic back roads including the famed Ridge Road along the Chesterville Esker, and a stop at the Chesterville Mall.

LEADER: John Lanoue, john.lanoue@avid.com.

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club find us on Facebook, or contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com.

Bikes and Pontoons, with an Esker Thrown In

We had balmy summer-like weather Saturday with temperatures pushing 80 on the KVBC ride from Winthrop to Monmouth.  Great weather for apple pie a la mode (actually any weather would be great for apple pie a la mode) and we made an obligatory stop at the "Pie Cafe" at the Monmouth AppleFest, where some of us had pie, some of us had apples, some of us had cider, and some of us had all three.  Somewhat satiated in the pomology department, we headed out for some more great riding and some early Fall foliage.  We have more foliage and great riding ahead this Saturday, as John Lanoue will take us on a tour around the unique features of Chesterville, including the scenic ridge top of the Chesterville Esker (in Fall colors, no less) followed by a post-ride get-together at his camp.  Please note the 10 am start, as it is not likely to be 80 degrees in the morning everyday in October in Maine.  Hope you can make it!

 

Saturday, October 4th - CHESTERVILLE

"Three Peaks and a Pontoon" - an early fall foliage tour of the ponds and ridges around Livermore, Fayette, and Chesterville.

START: 10:00 am at the Sand Pond Parking Lot; from Chesterville Center (by the "Chesterville Mall" at the junction of Ridge Rd, Dutch Gap Rd, and Zions Hill Rd) take Zions Hill Rd north for 1/4 mile, turn left on Borough Rd for approx. one mile, then turn right on Sand Pond Rd; the parking lot is about 1/2 mile in.

DISTANCE: 30 miles.

TERRAIN: moderately hilly with several good hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: some fall foliage viewpoints on scenic back roads including the famed Ridge Road along the Chesterville Esker, and a post-ride gathering at the ride leader's camp, followed by a potential pontoon boat ride on the lake.

LEADER: John Lanoue, john.lanoue@avid.com.

 

SPECIAL NOTE: the Cadillac Mountain Challenge is scheduled for Sunday, October 5th, and we'd like to know if anyone wants to get together and go up Saturday night and camp nearby.  If you are interested, let Jim know - contact info below.  Thanks! 

 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club check out our blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or find us on Facebook, or contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com or 293-3784.

Eleven Ponds, Three (or more) Hills

Finally, June has brought us some warm cycling weather!  It actually got a bit hot on Leanne's splendid "Tour of the Back 40" Saturday in Windsor, but the scenery on the ride is so spectacular, who could complain?  Many thanks to Leanne who had good luck with the weather for once. Sunday we will meet at the post office in the village of Mount Vernon, as we head out to Fayette and Chesterville for a nice ride along the Chesterville Esker (a really pretty route if you haven't ridden it yet).  Looks like we might have some nice weather for a stretch.  See you Sunday!  For all those doing the Trek this weekend, Bon Route! 

Sunday, June 15 - MOUNT VERNON

"Eleven Ponds" - a tour past many of the hidden ponds and lakes in Mount Vernon, Fayette, Chesterville, and Vienna.

START:  9:00 AM, Mount Vernon Post Office, just off Rt. 41 on Main Street in Mount Vernon.

DISTANCE:  14 and 29 miles.

TERRAIN:  Rolling with a few good hills (and one memorable one).

HIGHLIGHTS:  rural back roads winding through many small ponds and lakes, and across the top of the Chesterville Esker.  Possible post-ride get-together at the cafe in Mt. Vernon village.

LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.

Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club rides are open to members and to the cycling public.  Helmets are required of all riders at KVBC events.  In case of severe weather, scheduled rides may be postponed or designated as "show & go" rides at the discretion of the ride leader.  For ride updates and reports, follow us on Facebook.

 

Mid-Morning at the Oasis

Rest stop at the Chesterville Mall

May is Bike Month, and with any luck it will bring temperatures higher than 50 degrees, the last remnants of snow in the woods will melt away (instead of pouring cold air down the hillsides onto unsuspecting cyclists riding by), we can go out in short-sleeve jerseys and shorts - and it can't come soon enough.  Last Saturday's ride in Wayne was a lot dryer than expected and we had our usual cadre of smiling velonauts, but warm? - it was not.  Perhaps May will remedy this.  If nothing else, this Saturday we will have a new route from Pike's Oasis in Livermore, laid out by John Lanoue, and that should count for something.  Hope to see you there!

 

Saturday, May 3rd - LIVERMORE

"The Oasis Loop" - a not-quite-desert-like tour of the ponds and ridges around Livermore, Fayette, and Chesterville.

START: 10:00 am at Pike's Corner Oasis at the junction of Rt. 106 and Rt. 133 in Livermore.

DISTANCE: 28 miles.

TERRAIN: flat to moderate with a few good hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: some scenic back roads including the famed Ridge Road along the Chesterville Esker, and perhaps a post-ride ice cream stop.

LEADER: John Lanoue.

 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club find us on Facebook, or contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com.

Fall Foliage Bike & Hike

Norcross Hill, Mount Vernon

We had a very scenic ride last Saturday around Wayne, Leeds, and Monmouth on the Tour de Lacs.  Lots of great views and Fall foliage.  Many thanks to the ride originator, Ray Giglio, who was unable to join us - Get Well Ray!  There is still a lot of Fall cycling in store, so this Sunday we will reprise the Mount Vernon ride, featuring the Chesterville Esker - the roads that were torn up earlier this summer have been repaved, and the route should be much improved (promise!).  Jeanine has also offered to lead a short hike in the Kennebec Highlands following the ride to fully take in the seasonal foliage.  Bring along some trail climbing shoes.  See you Sunday!

 

Sunday, October 20th - MOUNT VERNON

"Fall foliage bike & hike" - a bike tour past many of the hidden ponds and lakes in Mount Vernon, Fayette, Chesterville, and Vienna; and a scenic hike in the Kennebec Highlands.

START:  9:00 AM, Mount Vernon Post Office, just off Rt. 41 on Main Street in Mount Vernon.

DISTANCE:  14 and 29 miles.

TERRAIN:  Rolling with a few good hills.

HIGHLIGHTS:  rural back roads winding through many small ponds and lakes, and across the top of the Chesterville Esker at near peak foliage.  Optional post-ride hike up Round Top or French's Mountain in the nearby Kennebec Highlands.  Possible get-together afterwards at the cafe in Mt. Vernon village.

LEADERS:  Jim Merrick and Jeanine Libby.

 

Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club rides are open to members and to the cycling public.  Helmets are required of all riders at KVBC events.  In case of severe weather, scheduled rides may be postponed or designated as "show & go" rides at the discretion of the ride leader.  For ride updates and reports, follow the KVBC blog or check out our Facebook page.

Livermore & the Single Chainring Tour

Heading Toward Chesterville on Valley Road

After our fine ride last Saturday from Gardiner to Bowdoinham (thanks, Joe!) this Saturday we will fill in an open date in the calendar with another great ride in Livermore through Leeds and Fayette - 25 miles, with an optional longer loop of about 41 miles, traversing the entire Chesterville Esker, out and back, as well as a extension into North Chesterville.  All of it on rather flat terrain, and the route has some great local eateries along the way, scoped out by the ride's originator, Frank Rosen.  Breakfast at the Lunch Pad restaurant is also optional: it's a nice little seasonal diner and ice cream shop - yep, you're covered pre- and post-ride - Frank thinks of everything.  We'd like to encourage those of our members who haven't ridden with us yet this year to come on out and join us.  Frank has moved to more temperate climes in Pennsylvania (everybody says "Hi" Frank!) so he's excused, but we'd like to see everyone else on Saturday!

Saturday, August 3rd - LIVERMORE

"Single Chainring Tour" - an exploration of the flatlands from Livermore to Leeds, through Fayette to the Chesterville Esker.

START: 8:30 AM at the Lunch Pad Restaurant (7:30 am if you want to join us for breakfast) at the junction of Rt.17 and Rt. 133 (Park Street) in Livermore, where Rt. 17 N comes into a "T" intersection just before downtown Livermore Falls.  Park in the Footware parking lot next to the diner.  We may have to shift parking into the nearby town park if the store is open, but we will figure that all out before the ride starts.

DISTANCE: 25 or 41 miles.

TERRAIN: mostly moderate with no big hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: Breakfast, beautiful roads and a nice flat run along the scenic Chesterville Esker.

LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.
 

For More information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, check out our Facebook page!

Eleven (not quite a dozen) Ponds

A quiet run along the Chesterville Esker

We had great weather and a great ride last Saturday in the Belgrade Lakes. We were able to visit with the Trek riders at the Smithfield rest stop on the Colby Loop - coming the day after the tragedy on the Trek, we felt like we should be with them, and as luck would have it we ran into Leanne, and the stop cheered us up. This Sunday we will meet at the Post Office in the village of Mount Vernon, as we head out to Fayette and Chesterville for a nice run along the Chesterville Esker (a really pretty route if you haven't ridden it yet). See you Sunday!

 

 

Sunday, June 23rd - MOUNT VERNON

"Eleven Ponds" - a tour past many of the hidden ponds and lakes in Mount Vernon, Fayette, Chesterville, and Vienna.

START:  9:00 AM, Mount Vernon Post Office, just off Rt. 41 on Main Street in Mount Vernon.

DISTANCE:  14 and 29 miles.

TERRAIN:  Rolling with a few good hills.

HIGHLIGHTS:  rural back roads winding through many small ponds and lakes, and across the top of the Chesterville Esker.  Possible post-ride get-together at the cafe in Mt. Vernon village.

LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.

 

 

Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club rides are open to members and to the cycling public.  Helmets are required of all riders at KVBC events.  In case of severe weather, scheduled rides may be postponed or designated as "show & go" rides at the discretion of the ride leader.  For ride updates and other club info follow us on Facebook.

 

Veterans' Day

 

 

 

We had a great ride last Saturday in Wayne, taking advantage of some nice late-season riding weather.  A good group of nine of us rode in crisp, sunny late-Fall conditions, stopping at the Wing & Kent round cemeteries, the Home Nest Farm scenic overlook, and the warm confines of the Wayne General Store.  The weather this weekend looks favorable for a Veterans' Day ride on Sunday in Mount Vernon - for all you KVBC veterans this may be your last chance to get in a group ride this year!  We will reprise part of the arrowed Mount Vernon ride from last June - there is a hilly 14-mile option, and a more ambitious 29-mile option that also takes in a delightful run along the Chesterville Esker.  We may also get together after the ride at the cafe in Mount Vernon (which closes at 2pm).  Hope to see you there!

 

 

 

 

Sunday, November 11th - MOUNT VERNON

"Veterans' Day" - a KVBC veterans' ride past many of the hidden ponds and lakes in Mount Vernon, Fayette, Chesterville, and Vienna.

START:  10:30 AM, Mount Vernon Post Office, just off Rt. 41 on Main Street in Mount Vernon.

DISTANCE:  14 and 29 miles.

TERRAIN:  Rolling with a few good hills.

HIGHLIGHTS:  rural back roads winding through many small ponds and lakes; longer loop runs across the top of the Chesterville Esker.  Possible post-ride get-together at the cafe in Mt. Vernon village.

LEADER:  Jim Merrick.

 

 

Ponds to Ponder

Rolling along Dutch Gap Road in Chesterville

We were fortunate to have the rains lift in time for the ride from Mount Vernon on June 10. The rains had left us with an abundance of roadside wildflowers under crystal clear skies. The break in the weather left me rather ambitious, and I went out and arrowed the route. I hadn't arrowed the route in some years, and I had a few old cans of white paint leftover from another ride years ago. Turned out the paint was still good, as a result the route is now marked for anyone to revisit anytime this year (the paint usually does not survive the winter).

Heading toward Farmington Falls

Arrow Color & Shape

Blue Skies in Chesterville

Setting out on Rt. 41 South from the Mount Vernon Post Office, we turned off on Sandy River Road at "The Chimney" and worked our way up a series of stiff hills, including the infamous "Upchuck Hill" as we crossed into Chesterville and Franklin County. From there the road descended to the Chesterville Esker. Normally a really fast descent, the roads were in such rough shape that one had to descend with caution, and we couldn't realize the top speeds possible.

The Chesterville Esker

The trees lining the Chesterville Esker provided us with a nice, shady, flat run along one of the most scenic natural areas in central Maine. In places the Ridge Road drops off dramatically on either side, bracketed by small ponds glimpsed through the foliage, beautiful in any time of year.

Stopping at the Village Store in Chesterville

We found ourselves at a familiar stopping point: the Village Store in Chesterville - where we had stopped twice in the course of the Livermore ride two weeks earlier. Since the store had been closed for a few years, and it is one of the few stores in the area, it's good to see it open again. If we keep stopping there like we have, it may stay that way.

A Remarkably Flat Stretch

After a few hills on the return route up Tower Road, during which we twice hit 50 mph on two smooth descents, we finished the ride back in Mount Vernon in time to have lunch at the Old Post Office Cafe in town, marking the end of another great KVBC ride.