To the Heights, Watson

We had a "Spring tease" ride last Saturday in Vassalboro to start off the season, enjoying some bright sunshine and blue skies despite the rather cool and blustery conditions. The roads were clear although winter-worn, and we had a fine turnout. Many thanks to Paul for leading and getting us out and about! This weekend there are tempting forecasts of 60-degree weather, so we will meet in Kents Hill on Saturday for a ride out through Wayne, Livermore, and Fayette and perhaps a bakery stop. Hope you can join us! Saturday, April 11 - KENTS HILL "Kents Hill to Watson Heights" - a Spring ride through Readfield, Wayne, Livermore and Fayette with a stop at a local bakery START: 10:30am at the parking lot across from the Torsey Memorial (Readfield Methodist) Church by the Readfield Cemetery on Rt. 17 & 41 in Kents Hill DISTANCE: 24 miles TERRAIN: flat to rolling with several long hills HIGHLIGHTS: scenic ridgetops, waterfalls, quiet back roads, and a potential stop at the Apple Shed Bakery LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50087307

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.

Meandering, Meandering

Well it was considerably cooler for last Saturday's ride in Winslow, but also a lot damper, and despite all the efforts by the ride leader to squeeze the ride in (and kudos to the 3 souls who showed up) the ride was washed out. Many thanks to Steve!  We'll try again some other day.  While this Saturday will see the start of the Tour de France, we'll be in Readfield for the ever-popular Maranacook Meander.  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, June 29 - 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.

Pastry Times 3

We had a rather wet, but a most satisfying ride last Sunday from Waterville.  We didn't have to deal with any major downpours, just some light rain, drizzle, & wet roads.  By the second half of the ride the sun came out, the roads eventually dried up, and we finished the ride in good form.  Our thanks to David for leading!  This week we will set out on a mixed-surface ride from Mount Vernon, with 3 separate routes with some challenging hills and gravel sections - topped off by potential stops at 3 different bakeries!  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, October 14: MOUNT VERNON

"Triple Pastry Ride" - a challenging mixed-surface ride past 1, 2, or 3 bakeries, through Mt. Vernon, Fayette, Kents Hill & Belgrade Lakes.

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): Triple Pastry Ride: 39 miles (8.8 gravel); Double Pastry Ride: 26 miles (7.9 gravel); Single Pastry Ride: 16.5 miles (6.1 gravel).

TERRAIN: Hilly. Gravelly. Pastery. The gravel sections are on well-packed dirt roads. Triple cranksets and wide tires would be helpful, but not essential. The routes can be done on 28mm tires, and there are ways to bypass some gravel sections if desired.

HIGHLIGHTS: little-traveled scenic roads, including a fine stretch along Echo Lake, fall foliage, and potential stops at 3 local bakeries.

LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.

LINKS TO ROUTE MAPS: Triple Pastry Ride: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44271133

Double Pastry Ride: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44306978

Single Pastry Ride: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44394465

Meandering Again

 

We had a wonderful ride from Palermo last Saturday.  We traversed some roads new to many of us, with some challenging hills rewarded with great views.  Our thanks to Paul for leading the ride, and for his flexibility in rearranging the ride start at the last minute.  This Sunday we will head to Readfield for a very pretty ride that was washed out when it was first scheduled back in June.  Hoping this weekend is drier and hoping to see many of you!

Sunday, August 27 - 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 and Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@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.

Meandering to the Apple Shed

We definitely had summer-like weather for a splendid ride in Vassalboro & China on Sunday. Temperatures soared into the high 80s making the shady, tree-lined roads most welcome. The ride concluded with an outstanding lunch provided by our hosts, David & Laura.  Once again, we are very grateful and indebted to you both!  This Sunday we will hope for slightly cooler conditions for our first ride in June - a very pretty ride in Readfield, including a potential stop at the Apple Shed in Kents Hill.  Hope to see you then!

Sunday, June 4th - 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. 

Wailing in Wayne

 We had a nice crisp Fall day for our ride from Waterville to Canaan on Saturday.  I was only able to tag along for the first few miles before I had to break off, but I'm told that everyone had a great ride, thanks due to David for leading!

Seems hard to believe but we are coming to the end of October so it is time for our annual Halloween/Cemetery ride in Wayne on Sunday - please note the 10:00 am start. As in past years, costumes are optional - just remember to include helmets and clothing appropriate for the weather, and bring a mask if you are stopping in stores.  Hope to see you on our last scheduled ride of the year, and perhaps into November if the weather is favorable!

Sunday, October 30th - WAYNE

"Wicked Wayne" - a Halloween ride featuring some historic cemeteries along some quiet back roads (maybe too quiet). 

START: 10:00 AM at the Wayne Elementary School, 48 Pond Road, Wayne.

DISTANCE: about 22 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate, creepy in spots.

HIGHLIGHTS: at least five local cemeteries, including the circular Wing family cemetery and the Kent family cemetery; the Apple Shed on Kents Hill, a notorious, unsolved historic crime scene, and other local haunts. 

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37867944

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

Meandering and Meandering

We had another beautiful day for our ride from Jefferson last Saturday. We rode on some very scenic back roads past fields of lupines in full bloom.  Many thanks to the Griffins who returned to Maine barely a week ago, just in time to lead their ride!  Join us this Sunday, Father's Day, Juneteenth, as we ride out of Readfield for yet another tour of the lakes district (please note that this ride has been moved up a week from its listing in the original schedule).  See you then!

Sunday, June 19th - READFIELD
"The Maranacook Meander" - a lakeside tour through Readfield, Winthrop, Wayne and Kents Hill
START: 9:00 am at the Maranacook Middle School, lower paved parking lot, Millard Harrison Drive, off of Rt. 17 about one quarter mile north of Readfield Depot.
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.

 

Water Destroys Wickedness

 Last weekend was pretty much a wash-out, even though the sun made a brief appearance right at 10 am, Sunday's scheduled ride start in Wayne.  This weekend looks much better (so far) so let's try it again.  We'll shoot for Saturday at 10 am, with a rain date for Sunday (you can still come in costume if you like).  Hope to see you Saturday!

Saturday, November 6 - WAYNE

"Not So Wicked Wayne" - a post-Halloween ride featuring some historic cemeteries along some quiet back roads (maybe not quiet enough). 

START: 10:00 AM at the Wayne Elementary School, 48 Pond Road, Wayne.

DISTANCE: about 22 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate, maybe creepy in spots (no promises).

HIGHLIGHTS: at least five local cemeteries, including the circular Wing family cemetery and the Kent family cemetery; the Apple Shed on Kents Hill, a notorious, unsolved historic crime scene, and other local haunts. 

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37867944

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

All Hallows on Falloes

 

We had a rather cold, gray, overcast day for our ride from Farmington to Industry on Saturday, but the roads were dry and the winds were calm, and the 8 brave souls who turned out had a fine ride. We are hopeful that the monsoons this week will clear out in time for our annual Halloween/Cemetery ride in Wayne on Sunday - please note the 10:00 am start. As in past years, costumes are optional - just remember to include helmets and clothing appropriate for the weather, and bring a mask if you are stopping in stores.  Hope to see you on our last scheduled ride of the year, and perhaps into November if the weather holds out!

Sunday, October 31st - WAYNE

"Wicked Wayne" - a Halloween ride featuring some historic cemeteries along some quiet back roads (maybe too quiet). 

START: 10:00 AM at the Wayne Elementary School, 48 Pond Road, Wayne.

DISTANCE: about 22 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate, creepy in spots.

HIGHLIGHTS: at least five local cemeteries, including the circular Wing family cemetery and the Kent family cemetery; the Apple Shed on Kents Hill, a notorious, unsolved historic crime scene, and other local haunts. 

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37867944

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

Meandering Around Maranacook

We had a great turnout last Saturday under threatening skies, but the rains held off (for the most part) and we were rewarded with a splendid route and a super post-ride lunch, courtesy of our ride leaders, David & Laura - many, many thanks! This Sunday we will meet in Readfield for another popular ride around Winthrop, Wayne, Readfield and Kents Hill, as we close out the month of June. Summer is here and we hope you can join us! Sunday, June 27th - READFIELD "The Maranacook Meander" - a lakeside tour through Readfield, Winthrop, Wayne and Kents Hill START: 9:00 am at the Maranacook School Superintendent's Office parking lot, 45 Millard Harrison Drive, off of Rt. 17 about one quarter mile north of Readfield Depot. The Superintendent's Office is the first left on the drive up to the High School. DISTANCE: about 27 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 (2017): http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6864286 BCM Where to Ride Link: Maranacook Meander - A bike ride in Readfield, ME (ridewithgps.com) 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.

It has been getting chilly, but fortunately we had some nice sunny conditions for fine late Fall riding as we did last Sunday in Farmington. They are predicting more of the same for this Saturday's ride in Wayne, for our annual Halloween ride around the cemeteries of Wayne, Kents Hill and Fayette.  As in the past, costumes are optional, if you can work in helmets and masks and avoid any chain-catching accoutrements.  This is our last scheduled ride of the season, but we may have some impromptu rides ahead if the weather is favorable.  I, for one, am really looking forward to the day I don't have to add a reminder to bring masks and use them in close quarters, maintain social distancing, and please stay home if you are feeling sick.  You have all done very well this year, and deserve credit to yourselves.  Hope to see you Saturday! 

Saturday, October 31st - WAYNE

"Wicked Wayne" - a Halloween ride featuring some historic cemeteries along some quiet back roads (maybe too quiet). 

START: 10:00 AM at the Wayne Elementary School, 48 Pond Road, Wayne.

DISTANCE: about 20 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate, creepy in spots.

HIGHLIGHTS: at least five local cemeteries, including the circular Wing family cemetery and the Kent family cemetery; the Apple Shed on Kents Hill, a notorious, unsolved historic crime scene, and other local haunts. 

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6976062

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

Aloof in Maranacook

We had a successful ride from Vassalboro last Sunday, observing pandemic protocols and riding in a small group of less than ten riders. Many thanks to Jeanine and everyone who helped us work out the logistics of the ride.  This week we will again follow the social distancing rules on Sunday's ride from either Readfield or Wayne, limited to groups of no more than ten preregistered riders.  You can find a sign-up sheet here: Maranacook Meander Sign Up.  Please remember to stay at least six feet apart from others, bring a mask (which you don't have to wear while riding, only in close quarters) and all the water and snacks you need.  Please do not come if you are feeling unwell, or if you have recently been in contact with anyone who has.  If you cannot make the ride, by all means go for a ride on your own, and hopefully we will see you on the road soon!

Sunday, May 10th - READFIELD - WAYNE

"The Maranacook Meander, Adroitly Aloof" - a lakeside tour through Readfield, Winthrop, Wayne and Kents Hill
START: 10:00 am, preregistration required, park well apart and bring masks 

Ride Start One: Maranacook Middle School parking lot, 45 Millard Harrison Drive, off of Rt. 17 about one quarter mile north of Readfield Depot.

Ride Start Two: Wayne Elementary School, 40 Pond Road, Wayne.
DISTANCE: about 27 miles.
TERRAIN: moderate to hilly.
HIGHLIGHTS: many lakeside and hill top views; optional stop at the Apple Shed in Kents Hill (curbside pickup only).
LEADER: Lydia Leimbach, mrsl330@yahoo.com. YOU MUST SIGN UP IN ADVANCE BY SATURDAY EVENING VIA THIS LINK:  Maranacook Meander Sign Up.  Each group is limited to 10 riders.

LINK to ROUTE MAP: http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6864286

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

Meandering in Maranacook

The weather is finally starting to warm up, breaking into the 60s last Sunday in time for the KVBC Ride out of Gardiner. We had a fine turn-out and some great roads with new pavement and little traffic. This Saturday we have another classic ride in Readfield (one that is featured on BCM's "Where to Ride in Maine" webpage). Here's hoping the weather continues to warm up and that you can join us! See you Saturday!

Saturday, May 11th - READFIELD

"The Maranacook Meander" - a lakeside tour through Readfield, Winthrop, Wayne and Kents Hill
START: 10:00 am at the Maranacook School Superintendent's Office parking lot, 45 Millard Harrison Drive, off of Rt. 17 about one quarter mile north of Readfield Depot. The Superintendent's Office is the first left on the drive up to the High School.
DISTANCE: about 27 miles.
TERRAIN: moderate to hilly.
HIGHLIGHTS: many lakeside and hill top views; optional stop at Tubby's Ice Cream in Wayne (if they're open).
LEADER: Lydia Leimbach, mrsl330@yahoo.com.
LINK to ROUTE MAP: http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6864286

November in Nottingham

Robin Hood Head Tube Medallion, 1944

Some clarification: the ride in Readfield is tomorrow, Sunday, November 4 (not the 3rd, as the original email stated).  Also, we will be on Eastern Standard Time tomorrow, as we turn the clocks back tonight.

Last Sunday’s ride was nearly a wash-out, with a steady drizzle and temperatures on the wrong side of 40, but we did get in a short ride, just because.  This weekend is looking dry, at least on Sunday, with lots of sun and on the right side of 40.  We have a 26-mile ride planned from Readfield Center that can be shortened if need be, and we'll stop at the Apple Shed in any case.  Perhaps we'll see you then!

Sunday, November 4 - READFIELD

"The Wayfarers of Nottingham" - a prelude to the off-season for all you merry men and equally merry women.

START: 10 AM, at the Readfield Post Office in Readfield Center at the junction of Rt.s 17 and 41.

DISTANCE: 26 miles, more or less.

TERRAIN: moderate with some hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: a tour along little-known byways, including Nottingham Road, in Readfield, Wayne, Fayette, and Kents Hill, with a stop at the Apple Shed Bakery.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6991798

Meandering to Maranacook

May and Bike Month are upon us, and they are even predicting some temperatures in the 80s this week!. We had a nice intro to warmer weather on the ride last Sunday around China Lake - many thanks to Jeanine and to everyone who turned out! This Sunday we will meet at the Maranacook School Superintendent's Office (well, his or her parking lot, anyway) in Readfield for a 27-mile ride. This ride is one that is currently featured on the Bicycle Coalition of Maine's new "Where to Ride" interactive ride finder - and that's no surprise to anyone who's done it!  See you Sunday!

Sunday, May 6th - READFIELD
"The Maranacook Meander" - a lakeside tour through Readfield, Winthrop, Wayne and Kents Hill
START: 10:00 am at the Maranacook School Superintendent's Office parking lot, 45 Millard Harrison Drive, off of Rt. 17 about one quarter mile north of Readfield Depot. The Superintendent's Office is the first left on the drive up to the High School.
DISTANCE: about 27 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, mrsl330@yahoo.com.
LINK to ROUTE MAP (2017): http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6864286

BCM Where to Ride Link: https://wheretoride.bikemaine.org/ride/maranacook-meander

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.

All Hallows, All Felloes

We had a wonderful Fall day last Sunday on the ride from Farmington to Industry.  Started out a bit cool and cloudy, but the skies cleared and we had lots of bright sunshine on Fall colors out around Clearwater Pond, where the fish were jumping and the cyclists were looking a bit lively as well.  Let's hope they look better than undead on this Sunday's Halloween ride in Wayne!  Costumes optional (we had some clever ones last year) - helmets still required and loose, chain-catching garments discouraged. You still have some time to prepare, but Sunday will be here quicker than you can say "Boo."  See you then!

Sunday, October 29th - WAYNE

"Wicked Wayne" - a Halloween ride featuring some historic cemeteries along some quiet back roads (maybe too quiet). 

START: 9:30 AM at the Wayne Elementary School, 48 Pond Road, Wayne.

DISTANCE: about 20 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate, creepy in spots.

HIGHLIGHTS: at least five local cemeteries, including the circular Wing family cemetery and the Kent family cemetery; the Kents Hill orchard, a notorious, unsolved historic crime scene, and other local haunts. 

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6976062

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

Sunday's Ride in Readfield Switched to Saturday

RIDE ALERT!  Due to the forecast of steady rain on Sunday we will instead shoot for Saturday morning at 9:30 am at the same place, the Maranacook School Superintendent's Office off of Rt. 17 in Readfield.  If you forwarded the earlier ride announcement to friends, please let them know that the ride has been moved up a day to Saturday.  And have a Happy Mother's Day in any case!

Saturday, May 13th - READFIELD
"The Maranacook Meander" - a lakeside tour through Readfield, Winthrop, Wayne and Kents Hill
START: 9:30 am at the Maranacook School Superintendent's Office parking lot, 45 Millard Harrison Drive, off of Rt. 17 about one quarter mile north of Readfield Depot. The Superintendent's Office is the first left on the drive up to the High School.
DISTANCE: about 27 miles.
TERRAIN: moderate to hilly.
HIGHLIGHTS: many lakeside and hill top views; optional stop at Tubby's Ice Cream in Wayne.
LEADER: Lydia Leimbach, mrsl330@yahoo.com.
LINK to ROUTE MAP: http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6864286

A Mother's Day Meander

 

 

May and Bike Month are upon us, and while it has been a challenge to avoid the raindrops, we did manage to get in a great ride in Skowhegan last Sunday. Many thanks to John Lanoue and everyone who participated. This Sunday is Mother's Day and we will meet at the Maranacook School Superintendent's Office (well, his parking lot, anyway) in Readfield for a 27-mile ride. Please note that this ride has been moved up a week from the original KVBC Ride Calendar listing, and that we will be biking with the alewives in Vassalboro the following Sunday. Meanwhile we will hope for less rain and even fewer blackflies, and another great group of people on Sunday in Readfield! See you then!

Sunday, May 14th - READFIELD
"The Maranacook Meander" - a lakeside tour through Readfield, Winthrop, Wayne and Kents Hill
START: 10:00 am at the Maranacook School Superintendent's Office parking lot, 45 Millard Harrison Drive, off of Rt. 17 about one quarter mile north of Readfield Depot. The Superintendent's Office is the first left on the drive up to the High School.
DISTANCE: about 27 miles.
TERRAIN: moderate to hilly.
HIGHLIGHTS: many lakeside and hill top views; optional stop at Tubby's Ice Cream in Wayne.
LEADER: Lydia Leimbach.
LINK to ROUTE MAP: http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6864286

BCM Calendar Link: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-maranacook-meander