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.

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.

Industrious Riding

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

Sunday, October 22:  FARMINGTON

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

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

DISTANCE:  25-30 miles.

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

HIGHLIGHTS:  quiet back roads along the Sandy River, spectacular panoramic views from the ridgetops of New Sharon & Industry, Clearwater Pond at Allens Mills, a possible stop at the Orange Cat Cafe in Farmington, and an optional run along the Whistlestop Rail Trail.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6874732; https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44757878

 

 

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

On to Industry

Fall has definitely arrived, and with luck and Paxlovid (insert PSA re: latest Covid bivalent booster here) we will have a ride this Sunday!  We will meet at the Hannaford Plaza in Farmington (note 9:30 start) and ride along some scenic ridgetops in New Sharon & Industry out to Clearwater Pond.  The ride includes some optional gravel stretches along the Sandy River and the hard-packed sections of the Whistlestop Rail Trail.  There are few stores along the route, but many in Farmington - masks are once again recommended for stopping in stores.  Hope to see you Sunday!

Sunday, October 16:  FARMINGTON

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

START:  9:30 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 Java Joe's in Farmington, and an optional run along the Whistlestop Rail Trail.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6874732

 

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.

 

Industry still has Clearwater

 It was a bit damp for the start of Sunday's KVBC ride in Waterville.  We had a brief shower as we headed out, but it stopped about ten minutes later and we did see quite a bit of sunshine.  Our thanks to David for leading and to the lucky 13 riders who turned out.  This Saturday we will meet at Hannaford's in Farmington for a ride out to Industry and Clearwater Pond.  We will add an optional route along the Whistle Stop Rail Trail, and we may check out the new trail in Farmington.  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, October 23:  FARMINGTON

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

START:  9:00 A.M., at the Hannaford Plaza on Rt. 4 in Farmington, about a mile south from the junction of Rt. 4 and Rt. 27, towards Wilton.  Park near the entrance to the shopping plaza.

DISTANCE:  25-30 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to hilly; approx. one mile 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 Java Joe's in Farmington, and an optional run along the Whistlestop Rail Trail.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6874732

 

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.

Industrious Ventures

The weather started to turn frosty for our ride Sunday from Waterville to Canaan.  We did have some bright sunshine, some beautiful Fall colors, and a fine group of 18 riders to take it all in.  Many thanks to David for leading the ride, and to Camille for scoping it out!  This Sunday we will meet in Farmington for a ride to Clearwater Pond in Industry.  By now you should know all the COVID-19 protocols: please bring a mask and use it when in close quarters, maintain social distancing, and please stay home and get well if you are feeling sick.  Hope to see you Sunday!

Sunday, October 25th:  FARMINGTON

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

START:  9:30 A.M., at the Hannaford Plaza on Rt. 4 in Farmington, about a mile south from the junction of Rt. 4 and Rt. 27, towards Wilton.  Park near the entrance to the shopping plaza.

DISTANCE:  25-30 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to hilly; approx. one mile 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 Java Joe's in Farmington, and an optional run along the Whistlestop Rail Trail.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6874732

 

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.

Industry Up or Down

Has this dreary, drizzly, wet weather got you down? We may have the antidote - an early November ride in bright sunshine! The weather looks great for this weekend, so let's meet in Farmington on Saturday for a ride out to Industry and Clearwater Pond. We'll even throw in a possible stop at Java Joe's in Farmington. And if you haven't collected your new KVBC jersey yet, I'll have them with me at the start. See you Saturday!

Saturday, November 2nd:  FARMINGTON

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

START:  10:00 A.M., at the Hannaford Plaza on Rt. 4 in Farmington, about a mile south from the junction of Rt. 4 and Rt. 27, towards Wilton.  Park near the entrance to the shopping plaza.

DISTANCE:  25-30 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to hilly; approx. one mile 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 Java Joe's in Farmington, and an optional run along the Whistlestop Rail Trail.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6874732

 

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.

Industrial Cycling

A hearty thanks to all of our substitute ride leaders (six at last count!) who offered to stand in and lead rides the past two weeks, as we dealt with last-minute scheduling conflicts, illnesses, and other unforeseen miscues. Your offers and efforts are truly appreciated!  We are getting deep into Fall, the foliage is near peak and the frost is on the pumpkin, so this week we will venture out from Farmington to Industry and Clearwater Pond, returning via an optional run along the Whistle Stop Rail Trail. Hope you can join us!

Saturday, October 20th:  FARMINGTON

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

START:  9:30 A.M., at the Hannaford Plaza on Rt. 4 in Farmington, about a mile south from the junction of Rt. 4 and Rt. 27, towards Wilton.  Park near the entrance to the shopping plaza.

DISTANCE:  approx. 30 miles, including an optional 3.5 miles of hard-packed gravel which can be bypassed on pavement.

TERRAIN:  rolling to hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS:  quiet back roads along the Sandy River, spectacular panoramic views from the ridge tops of New Sharon & Industry, Clearwater Pond at Allens Mills, and an optional run along the Whistlestop Rail Trail.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6874732

 

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.

Industrial Colors

We had a great pair of rides last weekend.  Denise and Brian led us on a scenic metric century to the Wire Bridge in New Portland, and then treated us to chili for lunch at their house afterwards.  On Sunday, Ken Louis led us on a coastal ride from Freeport that started out in dense fog and mist, but eventually cleared up and turned out quite nice.  Thanks to you all!  This Sunday we will once again head out in foliage country with a ride from Farmington to Industry and Clearwater Pond.  See you Sunday!

Sunday, October 22nd:  FARMINGTON

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

START:  9:30 A.M., at the Hannaford Plaza on Rt. 4 in Farmington, about a mile south from the junction of Rt. 4 and Rt. 27, towards Wilton.  Park near the entrance to the shopping plaza.

DISTANCE:  25-30 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS:  quiet back roads along the Sandy River, spectacular panoramic views from the ridgetops of New Sharon & Industry, Clearwater Pond at Allens Mills, and an optional run along the Whistlestop Rail Trail.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6874732

 

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.

Industrial Back Country

We had a fine ride last Sunday from Smithfield on roads flanked with great Fall foliage. Our thanks to Larry Childs for leading the ride, and to all who took part.  Hopefully the splendid Fall weather and scenery will continue into this weekend as we ride from Farmington to Industry.  Please note that with the weather turning cooler we will be starting a bit later, at 10 am, to give the morning more time to warm up.  See you Sunday!

Sunday, October 23rd:  FARMINGTON

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

START:  10:00 A.M., at the Hannaford Plaza on Rt. 4 in Farmington, about a mile south from the junction of Rt. 4 and Rt. 27, towards Wilton.  Park near the entrance to the shopping plaza.

DISTANCE:  25-30 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS:  quiet back roads along the Sandy River, spectacular panoramic views from the ridgetops of New Sharon & Industry, Clearwater Pond at Allens Mills, and an optional run along the Whistlestop Rail Trail.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6874732

 

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 Facebook Page.

New Vineyards and White Elephants

We had a great ride last Saturday from Norridgewock, thanks to Brian and Denise. A most enjoyable route over roads many of us had not traveled, passing through towns we hardly knew existed.  It was hot in the sun, but we had some occasional cloud cover and some shady roads.  The ride was not without some unintended drama, as we had some odd electro-mechanical problems, posing a high-tech challenge solved by some low-tech ingenuity (read: sticks and stones) and some gritty single-speed riding by one of the ride leaders.  We all made it back OK, in time for a splendid ice cream social which really topped off a fine day.  We have another northern excursion this Saturday, heading up the Sandy River from Farmington to Strong and New Vineyard.  And Sunday is the BCM Lobster Ride in Camden. Some fine riding ahead!

Saturday, July 23 - FARMINGTON

"Sandy River Ramble" - an all-new tour from Farmington to Strong and New Vineyard.

START: 9 am at the municipal parking lot adjacent to the Gazebo on Rt.s 4 and 27 just north of Farmington Center.  The parking lot is on the left, north-bound.

DISTANCE: 22 or 27 miles.

TERRAIN: flat to moderate with one long hill.

HIGHLIGHTS: views along the Sandy River, a stop at the White Elephant in Strong, and a possible post-ride stop at Gifford's in Farmington.

LEADER: John MacDonald, stmac237@gmail.com.

LINK to RIDE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6902582

Remember that the BCM Lobster Ride is Sunday, and if we have a large enough KVBC contingent we will qualify for a small rebate or discount off the registration fee.  So far I have heard from Ken Louis, Tammy Jones, Joe Lacroix, Bryan Griffin, Jim Floyd, Lynn Mitchell, Scott Bennington, and Fritz Onion.  If I don't have your name on the list and you want to join us, please do!  And let me know once you are registered - thanks!

A Little Bit of Everything

We had a rather blustery ride last Saturday in Belgrade Lakes, but despite it being a bit colder than expected, we had some great tailwinds and a really nice ride. Most folks seemed open to riding again if the weather stayed favorable - this weekend looks cool and dry, so we'll meet in Farmington for a ride that will cover a little bit of everything: some hills, some back roads, maybe some short sections of gravel along the Sandy River and the Whistlestop Rail Trail. We'll also have the option of stopping for a bite to eat or just to warm up in Farmington near the ride's end.  Hope to see you then!

Saturday, November 14th - FARMINGTON

"The Everything Bagel Ride" - a tour featuring, well, a little bit of everything.

START: 10:00 AM at Hannaford's Plaza, Rt.s 2 & 4 in Farmington.

DISTANCE: 22 or 26 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate to moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: back roads along the Sandy River (possibly a mile or so of unpaved surface), the scenic ridge on Cape Cod Hill, possible stop in Farmington for lunch or a bagel, and maybe a stretch on the Whistlestop Rail Trail.

LEADER: Jim Merrick.

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

The Cycles of Industry

We had a nice, brisk, 40-mile ride from Gardiner to Bowdoinham on Saturday.  Brisk in more ways than one.  Still unseasonably cool (at least I hope it is "unseasonably") but temperatures are supposed to warm up this week.  Many thanks to Joe Renda for leading the ride on Saturday, and to everyone who turned out.  This Sunday's ride starts in Farmington and heads out over the scenic terrain along the back roads to Industry and Clearwater Pond in Allens Mills.  Note that this ride was originally scheduled for August 9th, but has been moved up a week.  Hope you can join us!

Sunday, August 2nd:  FARMINGTON

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

START:  9:00 A.M., at the Hannaford Plaza on Rt. 4 in Farmington, about a mile south from the junction of Rt. 4 and Rt. 27, towards Wilton.  Park near the entrance to the shopping plaza.

DISTANCE:  25-30 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS:  quiet back roads along the Sandy River, spectacular panoramic views from the ridgetops of New Sharon & Industry, and Clearwater Pond at Allens Mills.

LEADER:  Larry Childs.

BCM Calendar Link: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-ups-and-downs-of-industry

 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club and its rides contact Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com, or check out the KVBC Facebook page

On to Industry

We had some great early Fall weather this past weekend, which saw several groups of our riders take part in the Maine Lighthouse Ride on the coast, and Pedal the Penobscot up in Bangor.  Looks like the BikeMaine riders will benefit from fine wether as they make their way though our part of Maine.  If you are volunteering or see them on the road, give them a warm welcome!  This week's ride will really kick off our Fall season, as Larry takes us over the back roads from Farmington to Industry.  Hope you can join us!

 

Sunday, September 14th:  FARMINGTON

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

START:  9:00 A.M., at the Hannaford Plaza on Rt. 4 in Farmington, about a mile south from the junction of Rt. 4 and Rt. 27, towards Wilton.  Park near the entrance to the shopping plaza.

DISTANCE:  25-30 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to hilly - includes an optional short (1/4 mi.) section of hard-packed dirt road, which can be circumvented by adding a mile to the overall route.

HIGHLIGHTS:  quiet back roads along the Sandy River, spectacular panoramic views from the ridgetops of New Sharon & Industry, and Clearwater Pond at Allens Mills.

LEADER:  Larry Childs, 557-3984, lrchilds@roadrunner.com.

 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club and its rides contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, or check out the KVBC Facebook page.

ISLESBORO POSTPONED - FARMINGTON INSTEAD!

Metal Sculptures on the road to Industry

KVBC RIDE TO ISLESBORO POSTPONED ONE WEEK -- KVBC FARMINGTON RIDE TOMORROW INSTEAD!

 

Due to severe storm damage on Islesboro we will be postponing tomorrow's scheduled KVBC ride to the island until NEXT week - Saturday, September 21 (Rain Date Sunday, September 22).  We've been informed that roads are still closed on the island while they clear away downed trees and washouts, and hopefully they will have everything cleaned up in another week.

 

Larry has offered to switch his two rides, and we will be meeting TOMORROW in Farmington instead, where the weather looks nice for an early Fall ride to Industry and Clearwater Pond.  We apologize for the last-minute notice, and we hope you can join us!

 

Saturday, September 14th:  FARMINGTON

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

START:  9:00 A.M., at the Hannaford Plaza on Rt. 4 in Farmington, about a mile south from the junction of Rt. 4 and Rt. 27, towards Wilton.  Park near the entrance to the shopping plaza.

DISTANCE:  25-30 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to hilly - includes an optional short (1/4 mi.) section of hard-packed dirt road, which can be circumvented by adding a mile to the overall route.

HIGHLIGHTS:  quiet back roads along the Sandy River, spectacular panoramic views from the ridgetops of New Sharon & Industry, Clearwater Pond at Allens Mills.

LEADER:  Larry Childs, 557-3984, lrchilds@roadrunner.com.

 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club and its rides contact Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com, or check out the KVBC Facebook Page.

The Whistle-Stop's Here

We had beautiful clear dry weather for Ken's 5th Annual Hot Dog Ride from Wings Mills on Saturday.  The post-ride hot dogs were great - as were the surprise commemorative t-shirts!  Our thanks to the Louis's for another fine event and for graciously welcoming us to their home.

 

This Saturday's ride will explore the Whistle-Stop Rail Trail from Jay to Wilton to Farmington.  The trail is unpaved, so mountain bikes or hybrid bikes are recommended.  The trail has some great scenery and is well worth exploring!

 

Still looking for a ride leader for August 24-25.  We also have some open dates in September and October.  If you missed your chance to lead a ride earlier in the year, step right up - you can still lead a ride with Fall on the way!  Just contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com.  Thanks!

 

Saturday, August 17th - JAY

"The Whistle-Stop's Here" - a tour of the Rail Trail from Jay through Wilton to Farmington.

START: 9:00 am at the French Falls Park Trailhead in Jay:

Directions to French Falls Park Trailhead:

From South: From the intersection of ME Routes 4 and 17 in Livermore Falls follow ME Routes 4/17 north 1.6 miles, turning left onto French Falls Drive just after the Jay Elementary School. Follow this road past the Whistle Stop Trail entrance and park in the lot at the end of the road next to the baseball field.

From North:  From the intersection of ME Routes 4 and 17 with ME Route 140 in Jay, follow ME Routes 4/17 south about a mile. Turn right onto French Falls Drive just before you reach the Jay Elementary School. Follow this road past the Whistle Stop Trail entrance and park in the lot at the end of the road next to the baseball field.

DISTANCE: 28 miles or less

TERRAIN: most flat and unpaved; some southern sections of the trail have been quite sandy in the past, but have been improved recently.  Mountain bikes or hybrid bikes with good tires are recommended.

HIGHLIGHTS: scenic, quiet touring along the old Railway right of way; wooden trestle bridge over Wilton Stream; possible ice cream stop in Wilton.

LEADER:  Bud Newell.

Whistle-Stop Rail Trail Trestle over Wilton Stream

Off to Industry

Clearwater Pond

We had a nice turn-out under cloudy skies for our ride last Saturday around Lake Cobbossee.  Managed to avoid any serious rain, as we just had to contend with some wet roads for a time (and for one member of our group, a couple of flat tires).  Thanks to Cynthia Snow for volunteering to lead the ride, and showing some of us an unfamiliar route.  Please join us Saturday morning in Farmington for a pretty ride to Clearwater Pond in Allens Mills and some great ridgetop views as we head into the Fall Season.

 

 

Saturday, September 22nd:  FARMINGTON

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

START:  9:00 A.M., at the Hannaford Plaza on Rt. 4 in Farmington, about a mile south from the junction of Rt. 4 and Rt. 27, towards Wilton.  Park near the entrance to the shopping plaza.

DISTANCE:  25-30 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to hilly - includes an optional short (1/4 mi.) section of hard-packed dirt road, which can be circumvented by adding a mile to the overall route.

HIGHLIGHTS:  quiet back roads along the Sandy River, spectacular panoramic views from the ridgetops of New Sharon & Industry, Clearwater Pond at Allens Mills.

LEADER:  Larry Childs.

 

 

Industry in Fall

The weather last weekend was pretty nasty, but this weekend is looking a lot better with sunshine and temperatures expected in the 70s. Great riding weather for October! Please join us Saturday morning in Farmington for a pretty ride to Clearwater Pond in Allens Mills and some great ridgetop views to take advantage of the best part of the Fall Season.

Saturday, October 8th: FARMINGTON

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

START: 10:00 A.M., at the Hannaford Plaza on Rt. 4 in Farmington, about a mile south from the junction of Rt. 4 and Rt. 27, towards Wilton. Park near the entrance to the shopping plaza.

DISTANCE: 25-30 miles.

TERRAIN: rolling to hilly - includes an optional short (1/4 mi.) section of hard-packed dirt road, which can be circumvented by adding a mile to the overall route.

HIGHLIGHTS: quiet back roads along the Sandy River, spectacular panoramic views from the ridgetops of New Sharon & Industry, Clearwater Pond at Allens Mills.

LEADER: Jim Merrick.