Hot Dogs - A New Decade

Ken's Hot Dog Ride is moving to Ken(t)'s Hill! This Saturday we will have our annual Hot Dog Ride (shout out to the ride's founder, Ken Louis, who has moved afar, hopefully where there are still hot dogs) at the Kents Hill Alpine Sports Center near the junction of Rt.s 17 and 41 in Kents Hill. The club will again provide hot dogs and drinks, and you are welcome to bring things to share. The Alpine Center is equipped with a kitchen with fridge and microwave, and we will have a grill and some coolers (alcoholic beverages are not advised - remember, this is a high school). There are also rooms to change after the ride. There will be rides of 25 and 50 miles starting at 9 am, with optional metric and century routes for those so inclined (let the ride leader know if you want to start earlier than 9 am and he will send you cue sheets to go with the routes linked below). All of the routes will be unmarked with no support enroute, so plan for your independence accordingly. If Hot Dogs are not your thing, the Lobster Ride is scheduled for this Sunday at the Camden Snow Bowl.  We are hopeful of making this an annual event - many thanks to our hosts at Kents Hill Academy! Let's hope for a good turnout on Saturday!

Saturday, July 20 - KENTS HILL

"Ken(t)'s Hill Hot Dog Ride" - the annual KVBC cookout ride, in an all new location with a full slate of routes, and hot dogs, of course!

START: 9:00 am at the Kents Hill Alpine Sports Center, off Rt.41 near the junction of Rt.s 41 and 17 in Kents Hill (NOT the junction of these routes in Readfield Center).

DISTANCES: 25 or 50 miles, with possible options of 62 or 100 miles. The routes will be unmarked, but maps and cues sheets will be provided.

TERRAIN: variable, with flat, rolling, and hilly sections.

HIGHLIGHTS: great cycling roads and a post-ride hot dog roast at a great location overlooking the lake.

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

Route Map - Quarter Century (25 mi): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7389322

Route Map - Half Century (51 mi): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7389324

Route Map - Metric Century (64 mi): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7389266

Route Map - Century (102 mi): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7390103

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 Hot Dogs Return

This Sunday's ride will be the ninth annual Ken's Hot Dog Ride, starting from an all new location. A bit of ride history:

2008 - Ken Louis suggests a ride from his house in Wings Mills with a post-ride hot dog roast, inspired (he says) by a running feature on the Weather Channel. The 1st year's turn-out is modest but appreciative.

2009 - The Weather Channel reacts with disdain to Ken's intrusion on their turf; the weather is cold and threatening, only two people show up, and neither are sure why they did.

2010-2012 - Ken does "something" and conditions and turn-outs improve. He eventually prints up a 5th anniversary t-shirt (some say it makes a great painting shirt - we'll have a hot dog for you, Roger).

2015 - Another setback, as the ride is officially condemned by the World Health Organization. Notwithstanding, the ride turnout increases.

2016 - Ken's ride hits a record number of riders, and runs out of hot dogs. Perhaps as a result, the Louis's sell their house and move to an undisclosed location in Portland. Does this spell the end of Ken's Hot Dog Ride? Not a chance!

2017 - we will hold the 9th annual Ken's Hot Dog Ride in Norridgewock.

Sunday, July 16th - NORRIDGEWOCK

"Hot Dog! - The Hot Dog Ride" (not because we'll ride like one but because we will want one) - a tour through New Sharon, Starks, Anson, Madison and Norridgewock.

START: 9:00 AM at 434 Frederick Corner Road in Norridgewock,
about two miles from the junction of Rt.2 in Norridgewock. Park along the sides of the driveway wherever you can.

DISTANCE: 43 miles
TERRAIN: Moderately hilly.
HIGHLIGHTS: Little traveled back roads along the Sandy River, and a post-ride hot dog BBQ!
LEADERS: Brian Bowker, 485-6793, bbowk321@yahoo.com; and Denise Crowell, 213-8336, denisemcrowell@gmail.com.

LINK to BCM Calendar: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-kens-hotdog-ride

 

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.

Something About the Hot Dogs in Wings Mills

We had a great ride last Sunday in Vassalboro, and a delightful post-ride gathering at the ride leaders' afterwards.  Many thanks from us all to Laura and David Lipman!  This Sunday we will start off the month of June with another club favorite: Ken's Hot Dog Ride!  We'll meet in tiny locale of Wings Mills in Mount Vernon (directions below) for a very scenic ride and a Hot Dog cookout later.  Ken would appreciate if you email him at klouis17@hotmail.com so he can get an approximate headcount.  Hope you can join us!

Sunday, June 5th - WINGS MILLS (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, Belgrade, North Augusta, and Manchester

START: 9:00 AM at 49 Marble Point Rd., Mount Vernon

      Directions to Start:

           From Augusta, take #27 North to Belgrade and turn left onto #135 (Christy's store and blinking light). Go 3 miles and right onto Wings Mill Rd; go 2.5 miles and right onto Marble Point Rd. which is just after crossing Belgrade Stream; it is a hard pack dirt road and we are the log home on the right).

           From Mount Vernon, Readfield: Take North Rd to Wings Mills Rd and go about 3 miles to Marble Point Rd; just after passing Bartlett Rd on the right, turn left onto Marble Point.

           Delorme Maine Atlas Map 12; A-4. Just west and across the stream from the intersection of Dunn Rd and Wings Mill Rd. (Marble Point is not listed by name on the map).

Park along the sides of the driveway wherever you can.
DISTANCE: 29 miles
TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills
HIGHLIGHTS: Views of Belgrade Stream, Hamilton Pond, Stuart Pond, Messalonskee Lake, Doctor Pond, Silver Lake, Gould Pond, with a Hot Dog cookout lunch following the ride - swimming available also.  
LEADER: Ken Louis, klouis17@hotmail.com. (Please email Ken if you are planning to come so he can get a early headcount.)

LINK to RIDE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6791896.

For more information about the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784 or hjmerrick@gmail.com, or follow us on Facebook.

 

Ken's Hot Dog Ride

We had spectacular weather last Sunday for our ride in Wayne - sunny, calm, and cool.  This Sunday's weather is forecast to be just as nice and maybe better!  And how much better could it be, just in time for Ken's seventh annual Hot Dog Ride!  We'll meet in tiny locale of Wings Mills in Mount Vernon (directions below) for a very scenic ride and a Hot Dog cookout later.  Ken would appreciate if you email him at klouis17@hotmail.com so he can get an approximate headcount.  Hope you can join us!

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday, June 14th - WINGS MILLS (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, Belgrade, North Augusta, and Manchester

START: 9:00 AM at 49 Marble Point Rd., Mount Vernon

      Directions to Start:

           From Augusta, take #27 North to Belgrade and turn left onto #135 (Christy's store and blinking light). Go 3 miles and right onto Wings Mill Rd; go 2.5 miles and right onto Marble Point Rd. which is just after crossing Belgrade Stream; it is a hard pack dirt road and we are the log home on the right).

           From Mount Vernon, Readfield: Take North Rd to Wings Mills Rd and go about 3 miles to Marble Point Rd; just after passing Bartlett Rd on the right, turn left onto Marble Point.

           Delorme Maine Atlas Map 12; A-4. Just west and across the stream from the intersection of Dunn Rd and Wings Mill Rd. (Marble Point is not listed by name on the map).

Park along the sides of the driveway wherever you can.
DISTANCE: 29 miles
TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills
HIGHLIGHTS: Views of Belgrade Stream, Hamilton Pond, Stuart Pond, Messalonskee Lake, Doctor Pond, Silver Lake, Gould Pond, with a Hot Dog cookout lunch following the ride - swimming available also.  
LEADER: Ken Louis, klouis17@hotmail.com.

BCM Calendar Link: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-kens-hot-dog-ride

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 Hot Dogs Have It

We had some fine weather for our ride last Sunday in Mount Vernon, and except for a stretch of "partial pavement" we had some pretty fair roads to explore.  Hopefully the great weather (and the pavement) will continue this Sunday as we explore the "other side" of Mount Vernon during the KVBC's sixth annual Ken's Hot Dog Ride!  Fast becoming a club tradition, we will meet at Ken's house after the ride for grilled hot dogs (veggie burgers also available for those of you who aren't what you eat).  Ken would like folks to email him at klouis17@hotmail.com ahead of next Sunday so he has an idea of how many of us to expect.  We already know we can expect a great ride - and a hot dog, too!  Hope to see you Sunday!

 

Sunday, June 22nd - WINGS MILLS (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, Belgrade, North Augusta, and Manchester

START: 9:00 AM at 49 Marble Point Rd., Mount Vernon

      Directions to Start:

           From Augusta, take #27 North to Belgrade and turn left onto #135 (Christy's store and blinking light)
           Go 3 miles and right onto Wings Mill Rd; go 2.5 miles and right onto Marble Point Rd. which is just
           after crossing Belgrade Stream; it is a hard pack dirt road and we are the log home on the right)

           From Mount Vernon, Readfield: Take North Rd to Wings Mills Rd and go about 3 miles to Marble Point Rd;
           just after passing Bartlett Rd on the right, turn left onto Marble Point

           Delorme Maine Atlas Map 12; A-4. Just west and across the stream from the intersection of Dunn Rd and
           Wings Mill Rd. (Marble Point is not listed by name on the map).
DISTANCE: 29 miles
TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills
HIGHLIGHTS: Views of Belgrade Stream, Hamilton Pond, Stuart Pond, Messalonskee Lake, Doctor Pond, Silver Lake, Gould Pond, with a Hot Dog cookout lunch following the ride - swimming available also.  
LEADER: Ken Louis, klouis17@hotmail.com.

 

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

Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Dog!

We had a great ride in Livermore and Leeds on Saturday, despite getting off to a rainy start.  By the time we got to the general store in Chesterville, the sun had broke out and the roads were drying up, and we had a fine stretch along the Chesterville Esker.  It was great to see some familiar faces appear for the ride (and breakfast!).  Next week's ride will also feature some culinary delights as we explore the roads around West Mount Vernon and Wings Mills on Ken's Fifth Annual Hot Dog Ride.  If you've missed it the last four times you won't want to miss it now.  Hope to see you Saturday!

 

Saturday, August 10th - WING'S MILLS (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, Belgrade, North Augusta, and Manchester

START: 9:00 AM at 49 Marble Point Rd., Mount Vernon

      Directions to Start:

           From Augusta, take #27 North to Belgrade and turn left onto #135 (Christy's store and blinking light)
           Go 3 miles and right onto Wings Mill Rd; go 2.5 miles and right onto Marble Point Rd. which is just
           after crossing Belgrade Stream; it is a hard pack dirt road and we are the log home on the right)

           From Mount Vernon, Readfield: Take North Rd to Wings Mills Rd and go about 3 miles to Marble Point Rd;
           just after passing Bartlett Rd on the right, turn left onto Marble Point

           Delorme Maine Atlas Map 12; A-4. Just west and across the stream from the intersection of Dunn Rd and
           Wings Mill Rd. (Marble Point is not listed by name on the map).
DISTANCE: 29 miles
TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills
HIGHLIGHTS: Views of Belgrade Stream, Hamilton Pond, Stuart Pond, Messalonskee Lake, Doctor Pond, Silver Lake, Gould Pond, with a Hot Dog cookout lunch following the ride - swimming available also.  
LEADER: Ken Louis.

 

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.

 

Hot Dog!

Riding Out of Wings Mills

We certainly are having a great year for cycling, weather-wise.  Once again, the weather cooperated (despite a lousy forecast) and we were able to get in our ride in Gardner on Saturday without any rain.  Some drizzle, yes, and some wet pavement, but for those of us who rode it was an extremely nice ride along the back roads of Gardiner, Richmond and Litchfield.  We have another great ride coming up this Saturday in Wings Mills - Ken's fabulous Hot Dog Ride!  If you can live down being a Hot Dog at the beginning, you'll definitely be rewarded with a Hot Dog at the end!  Don't miss it!

Saturday, August 18th - WING'S MILLS (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, Belgrade, North Augusta, and Manchester

START: 9:00 AM at 49 Marble Point Rd., Mount Vernon

      Directions to Start:

           From Augusta, take #27 North to Belgrade and turn left onto #135 (Christy's store   and blinking light)
           Go 3 miles and right onto Wings Mill Rd; go 2.5 miles and right onto Marble Point Rd. which is just
           after crossing Belgrade Stream; it is a hard pack dirt road and we are the log home on the right)

           From Mount Vernon, Readfield: Take North Rd to Wings Mills Rd and go about 3 miles to Marble Point Rd;
           just after passing Bartlett Rd on the right, turn left onto Marble Point

           Delorme Maine Atlas Map 12; A-4. Just west and across the stream from the intersection of Dunn Rd and
           Wings Mill Rd. (Marble Point is not listed by name on the map).

DISTANCE: 29 miles
TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills
HIGHLIGHTS: Views of Belgrade Stream, Hamilton Pond, Stuart Pond, Messalonskee Lake, Doctor Pond, Silver Lake, Gould Pond, with a Hot Dog cookout lunch following the ride - swimming available also.  
LEADER: Ken Louis.

 

Hot Dogs and Toasted Buns

Last Saturday we traveled down a sandy dirt road on no map to Ken's house, taking our cue from a beautiful summer day - and the promise of hot dogs later - to ride over some of the hill country in Wings Mills, Belgrade, Manchester, and Augusta.


The day was clear, but would turn hot, and some of the hills were long. But we had little traffic and good company.





















We could hardly grouse about the sun and the heat, for the ride had nearly been rained out in previous years. Ken's hot dogs remained one of the club's best secrets. But no longer - not after last Saturday.




















Our thanks to the Louises for the great ride and their hospitality - and for the perfect setting to chill out after a sweet ride. See you next year? Hot Dog!

A reminder - the KVBC ride scheduled for Sunday, August 21st, in ALNA has been POSTPONED and we will be meeting in SMITHFIELD at the fire station at 9:00 am instead. See you then!