Don't Bypass the Bypass

We had cloudy, overcast skies and occasional sprinkles for our ride from Jefferson on Saturday, but the rain held off and the lupines were out in force! The post-ride stop for ice cream nearby was also appreciated! This week's ride will set out from Chesterville over several of the significant hills separating Kennebec and Franklin Counties with lots of great roads in between. Hope you can join us! Saturday, June 13 - CHESTERVILLE "Triple Bypass" - an uplifting tour over three "hearty" climbs: Zion Hill, Cape Cod Hill, and Tower Road, in Chesterville, New Sharon, and Mount Vernon. START: 9:00 am at the Sand Pond parking area in Chesterville. Follow Borough Road west from its junction with Zion Hill Road for about 1.5 miles and turn right on Sand Pond Road (may be unmarked). The parking area by the beach is about .7 mi down Sand Pond Road with a turnout on the left. See route map below for additional detail. DISTANCE: 32 miles TERRAIN: pretty hilly, 2,270 feet of climbing HIGHLIGHTS: some great hilltop views and fun descents, possible mid-ride stop at the Root Down Market in New Sharon. LEADER: John Lanoue, johnlanoue@hotmail.com LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55537223

At Least Four Different Grinds

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

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

Eleven Ponds, Give or Take

 Conditions were rather dark and overcast and we had some wet roads at the start of the KVBC ride from Jefferson, but it cleared up and we had beautiful blue skies and sunshine and a fine ride around Damariscotta Lake.  Many thanks to David for leading and getting us out on a day that turned out much better than expected!  This Saturday we will start in West Mount Vernon for the Eleven Ponds tour out to Chesterville.  We hope you can join us, and for those of you riding the Trek, Bon Route! 

Saturday, June 15 - 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.

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.

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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

How Many Ponds in Eleven?

After a weekend of very wet weather we were finally able to get in a ride from Winslow on Monday, Juneteenth. Mostly cloudy - but dry! - and we did see some sun, and the roads were in fine shape.  Many thanks to Steve for leading and being flexible in rescheduling his ride, and to everyone who turned out on a Monday morning.  We are supposed to see warmer weather and the beginning of Summer this week as we plan for our last club ride in June on Saturday in West Mt. Vernon.  Hope to see you there!

Saturday, June 24 - 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.

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.

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Not to be Bypassed

It was a great ride last Saturday around China Lake.  A fine group of 19 riders turned out in bright sunshine and good spirits, and we even found some tailwinds although we had to search for them.  Thanks again to Jeanine for another great ride!  This weekend we will shift over to Chesterville for the "Triple Bypass" (the local, homegrown one, not that one out in Colorado or wherever it is).  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, May 20 - CHESTERVILLE

"Triple Bypass" - an uplifting tour over three "hearty" climbs: Zion Hill, Cape Cod Hill, and Tower Road, in Chesterville, New Sharon, and Mount Vernon.

START: 9:00 am at 192 Hill Top Road in Chesterville; park along the side of the unpaved road.

DISTANCE: 29 miles

TERRAIN: pretty hilly, 2,200 feet of climbing

HIGHLIGHTS: some great hilltop views and fun descents

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP : https://www.strava.com/routes/3092157952958943100

 

Leaves in the Lakes

We had a splendid ride from Wayne last Sunday to put a fitting end to October and our regularly scheduled rides of the year.  Heading into November we will have some impromptu rides depending on weather conditions and interest.  The forecast for this Saturday calls for sunny skies and temperatures near 70, so let's meet in Belgrade Lakes for a ride around Rome and Mt. Vernon with a possible bakery stop at Hello Good Pie at the end.  See you Saturday!

November 5th, Saturday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Take It or Leaf It" - a tour around Great Pond through Belgrade, Rome, and Mount Vernon.

START:  10:00 A.M., at the Belgrade Community Center on Rt. 27, a half mile south of the Village of Belgrade Lakes, on the right (northbound) just past the Great Pond Marina.  Park in the community center parking lot nearest the street (just as you turn in).

DISTANCE:  28 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to "moderately" hilly (translation: there are hills on this ride).

HIGHLIGHTS:  a balmy November tour of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Castle Island, Blueberry Hill, and a possible stop at the bakery in Belgrade Lakes.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6796306

 

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

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.

Wake Up The Earth!

We had a fine ride last week from Winslow, with some 18 or 19 riders, including several new folks! Many thanks to Jeanine for another great ride! This is Earth Week, meaning that it is time for our annual "Wake Up The Earth Ride" where we welcome in the Spring. We'll meet in Belgrade lakes at the Belgrade Community Center, and ride out over some challenging terrain to Wings Mills and Mount Vernon. We will also have a shorter loop that also comes with some hills. And we might have a stop at the bakery in Belgrade Lakes near the ride's end. Please remember to bring masks and use them in close quarters, keep up with distancing, and please stay home if you are running a temperature or have other symptoms. Hope to see you Saturday!. April 24th, Saturday: BELGRADE LAKES "Wake Up The Earth Ride" - welcoming the arrival of Spring with a ride through Belgrade, Wings Mills, and Mount Vernon. START: 9:30 A.M., at the Belgrade Community Center on Rt. 27, a half mile south of the Village of Belgrade Lakes, on the right (northbound) just past the Great Pond Marina. Park in the community center parking lot nearest the street (just as you turn in). DISTANCE: 17 or 28 miles. TERRAIN: rolling to hilly. HIGHLIGHTS: some well-earned hilltop views of the Belgrade Lakes area, some roller coaster hills, Castle Island, and a possible stop at Hello Good Pie in Belgrade Lakes. LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com, 293-3784. LINK to ROUTE MAP (Long Ride): https://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7579532 LINK to ROUTE MAP (Short Ride): https://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7579769 For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim at 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com, find us on Facebook, or check out our blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com.

Turning Another Leaf

After a string of chilly rides in October it is a welcome treat to have temperatures climb up into the 60s again, and we'll gladly take advantage of it this Sunday in Belgrade Lakes. We are regrettably beginning to see a surge of COVID cases in the state, so be extra cautious, bring masks and use them when near others, keep up with distancing, and stay home if you have a temperature or other symptoms. We may not see too many more days for riding than those predicted for the weekend, so we hope to see you Sunday!

November 8th, Sunday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Take It or Leaf It" - a tour around Great Pond through Belgrade, Rome, and Mount Vernon.

START:  10:00 A.M., at the Belgrade Community Center on Rt. 27, a half mile south of the Village of Belgrade Lakes, on the right (northbound) just past the Great Pond Marina.  Park in the community center parking lot nearest the street (just as you turn in).

DISTANCE:  28 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to "moderately" hilly (translation: there are hills on this ride).

HIGHLIGHTS:  post-peak foliage views of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Castle Island, Blueberry Hill, and a possible stop at Hello Good Pie in Belgrade Lakes.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7509613

 

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

One Summer Solstice, Eleven Ponds

We had a record turnout and a superb ride last Sunday from Jefferson around Damariscotta Lake, with great weather and spectacular views, and fields full of lupines. Our thanks to Bryan and Holly for another great ride. The weather is heating up as summer officially approaches (5:44pm Saturday) and our first ride of the summer will be on Sunday, starting at a new location in West Mount Vernon. In case you have forgotten, we are still contending with a pandemic, so please remember to maintain distancing, bring a mask and use it in close quarters especially if you have to stop at a store, and stay home if you are feeling sick. Hope to see you Sunday!

Sunday, June 21st - 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.

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: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7490421

 

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 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.

Wake Up The Earth!

It's Earth Week!  And what better way to cap it off than with the KVBC "Wake Up The Earth Ride" in Belgrade Lakes!  We will explore a brand new route this year, meeting at the Belgrade Community Center for All Seasons at 10 am on Saturday (Rain Date, Sunday).  After a long, drawn out Winter with still some residual snow in spots, it will be a pleasure to welcome in Spring.  Hope you can join us - Wake Up the Earth!

April 27th, Saturday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Wake Up The Earth Ride" - celebrate Earth Week and the arrival of Spring with a ride through Belgrade, Mount Vernon, and Wings Mills.

START:  10:00 A.M., at the Belgrade Community Center on Rt. 27, a half mile south of the Village of Belgrade Lakes, on the right (northbound) just past the Great Pond Marina.  Park in the community center parking lot nearest the street (just as you turn in).

DISTANCE:  26 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to "moderately" hilly (translation: there are hills on this ride).

HIGHLIGHTS: views of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Wings Mills - possible post-ride stop at Hello Good Pie bakery in Belgrade Lakes Village.

LEADER:  Jim Floyd, jimfloyd@fairpoint.net..

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7359714
 

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

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.

Property Pedal Tour with the Kennebec Land Trust

We had a superb ride from Brunswick to Cundy's Harbor last Sunday, with great scenery and an impressive turnout with really fine weather (turned out not as hot along the coast). We did have some adventure amidst the unmarked gravel roadways out on Cundy's Point, but everyone got back safely, and we had a great lunch stop at Wild Oats in Brunswick. Many thanks to Ken Louis for adapting the ride for us! This week we will explore many of the local conservation areas of the Kennebec Land Trust, expanding on the loops of the KVBC Eleven Ponds Ride. The KLT sponsors this free tour to publicize and promote their worthy conservation efforts - and they appreciate support in the form of new memberships. Hope you can join us!

Saturday, June 17 - FAYETTE

"Kennebec Land Trust Property Pedal" - a tour of some of the most scenic conservation properties of the Kennebec Land Trust.

START: 9 am at the KLT field at the corner of Sandy River Road and Fellows Farm Road in Fayette (see maps below).

DISTANCES: 13 and 35 miles.

TERRAIN: moderately hilly to hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: scenic back roads of Fayette, Chesterville, Vienna, and Mount Vernon (with Readfield and Wayne added on the long route) passing by many conservation properties of the Kennebec Land Trust.

LEADERS: Jim Floyd, jimfloyd@fairpoint.net, and Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.

LINK To KLT Event Poster: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-cWvb4-ULeJRTdsdXlJV0FVaWc/view?usp=sharing

35-mile Route Map: http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7083577

13-mile Route Map: http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7083585

Falling Leaves

We had a great time riding about the local haunts on our pre-Halloween cemetery ride in Wayne on Sunday, with lots of colorful foliage and costumes. Speaking of costumes - I'm pleased to report that the second batch of KVBC jerseys have been shipped and may actually arrive in time for the ride on Saturday! The ride on Saturday? Oh, yes - we will meet at the Belgrade Center for all Seasons on Saturday for our last ride in Daylight Savings Time for the year. If the weather holds in the weeks ahead we'll check out Standard Time, too, but for those of you looking forward to KVBC long-sleeve jerseys (and the other assorted jerseys on order) this Saturday may be your lucky day! Those of you who can't make Saturday's ride, fear not - I'll get your jerseys to you one way or another. Stay warm!

November 5th, Saturday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Take It or Leaf It" - a tour around the lakes through Belgrade, Rome, and Mount Vernon.

START:  10:00 A.M., at the Belgrade Community Center on Rt. 27, a half mile south of the Village of Belgrade Lakes, on the right (northbound) just past the Great Pond Marina.  Park in the community center parking lot nearest the street (just as you turn in).

DISTANCE:  28 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to "moderately" hilly (translation: there are hills on this ride).

HIGHLIGHTS:  post-peak foliage views of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Castle Island, Blueberry Hill, and a possible stop at the cafe in Mount Vernon.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6796306

 

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

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.

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.