Bowdoinhamlets

Saturday's KVBC ride from South China saw lots of hills, some ambiguous detours, bright blue skies, and lots and lots of splendid vistas. We also got to see some old friends who hadn't ridden with us in a while, including our leader, Paul, who decided he had recuperated enough to venture out and lead us on another fine ride. Thanks to Paul and everyone who turned out! This Sunday we will head out from Gardiner on one of our popular and traditional club rides to Bowdoinham, on a marked route no less! Hope you can join us! Sunday, August 24th - GARDINER "Biking to Bowdoinham" - a tour of the southern Kennebec Valley through Gardiner, Richmond and Bowdoinham. START: 9:00 AM, at the Laura Richards School, Rt. 201 in Gardiner, 1.5 miles south of the junction of Rt. 201 and Rt.s 126/9 (the junction near the A-1 Diner). The school is a modern brick building with a "spiked ball" sculpture, on the west side of Rt. 201, on the left past the Gardiner Armory (just as you enter the "thickly settled" area). Park in the lot on the north side of the school. DISTANCE: 40 miles. TERRAIN: Moderately hilly. HIGHLIGHTS: quiet back roads along streams and farmland south & west of Gardiner. LEADERS: Joe Renda, geologyjoe@gmail.com LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36860175

Double Headers are Twice as Fun

We had a fine ride last Sunday out of Liberty over some very scenic back roads, including some spectacular vistas from Appleton Ridge. Our thanks to Paul for leading and to all who ventured out on yet another hot day.  This weekend we will kick off August with a double header featuring two of the club's traditional rides from Gardiner to Bowdoinham, and from Smithfield around the lakes.  Two days, two rides, too good to pass up!  We certainly hope you can join us on one or both!

Saturday, August 6th - GARDINER

"Biking to Bowdoinham" - a tour of the southern Kennebec Valley through Gardiner, Richmond and Bowdoinham.

START:  9:00 AM, at the Laura Richards School, Rt. 201 in Gardiner, 1.5 miles south of the junction of Rt. 201 and Rt.s 126/9 (the junction near the A-1 Diner).  The school is a modern brick building with a "spiked ball" sculpture, on the west side of Rt. 201, on the left past the Gardiner Armory (just as you enter the "thickly settled" area).  Park in the lot on the north side of the school.

DISTANCE:  40 miles.

TERRAIN:  Moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS:  quiet back roads along streams and farmland south & west of Gardiner.

LEADERS:  Joe Renda, geologyjoe@gmail.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6654861, https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36860175

Sunday, August 7th - SMITHFIELD

"Looping the Lakes" - a scenic tour through Smithfield, Belgrade, Rome, and Mercer.

START: 9:00 AM, at Tri-Pond Variety (formerly Sweet Dreams) on Rt. 8 in Smithfield, at the junction of Rt. 8 and Rt. 137. Please park in the back along the northwest side of the lot away from the redemption center and store entrance..

DISTANCES: approx. 10, 17 or 30 miles. 

TERRAIN: moderate to moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: many scenic lake views, summer camps, and a possible stop at the Ice Cream Place in Smithfield.

LEADER: Larry Childs, lrchilds@roadrunner.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7295953

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com, or check out our club blog, "Posted Roads" at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or keep up to date via our Facebook page.

 

Gardiner Ride DELAYED START at NOON

Due to the forecast of rain for tomorrow, we have shorted the planned route and are rescheduling for a delayed start at noon, hoping that we can get a ride in between showers. If it is pouring at noon the ride will be cancelled. Otherwise, see you tomorrow! Sunday, July 25th - GARDINER "Biking towards Bowdoinham" - a tour of the southern Kennebec Valley through Gardiner, Richmond and Litchfield. START: 12:00 PM, at the Laura Richards School, Rt. 201 in Gardiner, 1.5 miles south of the junction of Rt. 201 and Rt.s 126/9 (the junction near the A-1 Diner). The school is a modern brick building with a "spiked ball" sculpture, on the west side of Rt. 201, on the left past the Gardiner Armory (just as you enter the "thickly settled" area). Park in the lot on the north side of the school. DISTANCE: 27 miles. TERRAIN: Moderately hilly. HIGHLIGHTS: quiet back roads along streams and farmland south & west of Gardiner. LEADERS: Joe Renda, geologyjoe@gmail.com LINK to ROUTE MAP (2015): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6800442

Back to Bowdoinham

It was cloudy and somewhat humid on the ride out of Liberty last Saturday, but the rains held off and we had a very nice ride over some unfamiliar roads with great scenery. Those of us who climbed up on Appleton Ridge got in some gravel riding as well. Many thanks to Paul, who was leading his first ride with the club, and to all who turned out. Next Sunday we will revisit one of our club favorites as we ride from Gardiner to Bowdoinham. If you haven't gotten your coronavirus vaccination yet please remember to wear a mask and observe distancing - with the new variants afoot we are not out of the woods yet. Hope to see you Sunday! Sunday, July 25th - GARDINER "Biking to Bowdoinham" - a tour of the southern Kennebec Valley through Gardiner, Richmond and Bowdoinham. START: 9:00 AM, at the Laura Richards School, Rt. 201 in Gardiner, 1.5 miles south of the junction of Rt. 201 and Rt.s 126/9 (the junction near the A-1 Diner). The school is a modern brick building with a "spiked ball" sculpture, on the west side of Rt. 201, on the left past the Gardiner Armory (just as you enter the "thickly settled" area). Park in the lot on the north side of the school. DISTANCE: 40 miles. TERRAIN: Moderately hilly. HIGHLIGHTS: quiet back roads along streams and farmland south & west of Gardiner. LEADERS: Joe Renda, geologyjoe@gmail.com LINK to ROUTE MAP (2015): http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6654861

Bowdoinham by Bike

We had a very pleasant ride Saturday from Vassalboro out to Albion, with another great turn-out.  Some riders even tackled the 50-mile option, despite the increasing heat of the day.  Many thanks to Peggy for leading, and to Paul for assisting with the longer route.  This Sunday will see cooler weather and the return of one of our popular rides from Gardiner down to Bowdoinham.  Please remember to stay on top of your coronavirus precautions: bring masks to wear in close quarters and maintain distancing, and please stay home if you are feeling sick.  Hope to see you Sunday!

Sunday, July 26th - GARDINER

"Biking to Bowdoinham" - a tour of the southern Kennebec Valley through Gardiner, Richmond and Bowdoinham.

START:  9:00 AM, at the Laura Richards School, Rt. 201 in Gardiner, 1.5 miles south of the junction of Rt. 201 and Rt.s 126/9 (the junction near the A-1 Diner).  The school is a modern brick building with a "spiked ball" sculpture, on the west side of Rt. 201, on the left past the Gardiner Armory (just as you enter the "thickly settled" area).  Park in the lot on the north side of the school.

DISTANCE:  40 miles.

TERRAIN:  Moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS:  quiet back roads along streams and farmland south & west of Gardiner.

LEADER:  Joe Renda, geologyjoe@gmail.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP (2015): http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6654861

Bowdoinham by Bike

It was excessively hot last Saturday on the hot dog ride from Kents Hill, but we managed to acquit ourselves admirably, especially in the hot dog consumption department. Many thanks to Patrick Cain and his cohorts at Kents Hill for treating us to hot dogs (as advertised) and smoothies and watermelon (unadvertised, and much appreciated on a hot day).  They all did a great job!  This Sunday we will set out on one of our most popular rides from Gardiner to Bowdoinham. Geology Joe is out marking the route, although he might not be able to ride with us on Sunday. Should be cooler than last week, thankfully, so we hope you can join us!

Sunday, July 28th - GARDINER

"Biking to Bowdoinham" - a tour of the southern Kennebec Valley through Gardiner, Richmond and Bowdoinham.

START:  9:00 AM, at the Laura Richards School, Rt. 201 in Gardiner, 1.5 miles south of the junction of Rt. 201 and Rt.s 126/9 (the junction near the A-1 Diner).  The school is a modern brick building with a "spiked ball" sculpture, on the west side of Rt. 201, on the left past the Gardiner Armory (just as you enter the "thickly settled" area).  Park in the lot on the north side of the school.

DISTANCE:  40 miles.

TERRAIN:  Moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS:  quiet back roads along streams and farmland south & west of Gardiner.

LEADERS:  Joe Renda, geologyjoe@gmail.com, Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.

LINK to ROUTE MAP (2015): http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6654861

Sanka de Mayo

We had a wonderful "Wake Up the Earth Ride" out of Belgrade on Sunday - thanks to Jim Floyd, who set out a splendid new route for us. Now we will head into May - May is "Bike Month" - and the weather had better start to look like May. Sunday is Sanka de Mayo, but you don't have to settle for any decaffeinated ride - we are going to head out over a classic route around Gardiner and West Gardiner - and we may even stop at Frosty's Donuts near the ride's end. Guaranteed to be good to the last drop - for a no-drop ride. Hope you can join us!

Sunday, May 5th - GARDINER

"Coffee Grindstone Crank" - a tour south of the Capitol district through Gardiner and Litchfield.

START:  10:00 AM, at the Laura Richards School, Rt. 201 in Gardiner, 1.5 miles south of the junction of Rt. 201 and Rt.s 126/9 (the junction near the A-1 Diner).  The school is a modern brick building with a "spiked ball" sculpture, on the west side of Rt. 201, on the left past the Gardiner Armory (just as you enter the "thickly settled" area).  Park in the lot on the north side of the school.

DISTANCE:  28 or 30 miles.

TERRAIN:  Moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS:  quiet back roads along streams and farmland in West Gardiner and Richmond; possible stop at Frosty's Donuts in Gardiner.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7355770

Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club rides are open to members and to the cycling public.  Helmets are required of all riders at KVBC events.  It is also recommended that you bring with you on KVBC rides:  a map of the area in case you stray off route; tools for simple roadside repairs, especially a tire pump, spare tube and/or patch kit; water bottles or hydration systems; personal ID and a small first aid kit; and money for purchasing snacks & drinks en-route.  In case of severe weather, scheduled rides may be postponed or designated as "show & go" rides at the discretion of the ride leader.

 

We welcome suggestions for improving our rides and encourage active participation of all members.  For more information, contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784 or hjmerrick@gmail.com, follow us on Facebook or check out "Posted Roads" - our club blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com.

April in Hallowell

Yes, it's April, and yes, it's still snowing - but hey, Sunday is supposed to be sunny and maybe in the 50s, so lets try for another early season ride, starting in Hallowell at the Hall Dale School.  We'll head out toward Litchfield and West Gardiner and return via the Kennebec Rail Trail with a potential stop at Slate's Bakery!  See you Sunday!

Sunday, April 7 - HALLOWELL

"Over Hill and Hall-Dale" - an early Spring ride through Hallowell, Litchfield, and West Gardiner.
START: 10:00 am at the Hall-Dale Elementary School at 26 Garden Lane off of Winthrop Street in Hallowell.
DISTANCE: 23 miles.
TERRAIN: rolling with some good climbs; flat along the rail trail.
HIGHLIGHTS: a bike ride in April; the Kennebec Rail Trail; possible stop at Slate's Bakery.
LEADER: Jim Merrick, 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com.
LINK TO RIDE MAP: http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6763231

The Gardiner of Delights

This week we will close out our KVBC rides for July with our ever-popular tour to Bowdoinham. The ride starts at the Laura Richards School in Gardiner and takes many of the roads less-traveled down to Richmond and Bowdoinham. It's a ride that features quiet roads and great scenery, and should serve as a great prelude for our rides coming up in August! Hope you can join us!

Sunday, July 29th - GARDINER

"Biking to Bowdoinham" - a tour of the southern Kennebec Valley through Gardiner, Richmond and Bowdoinham.

START:  9:00 AM, at the Laura Richards School, Rt. 201 in Gardiner, 1.5 miles south of the junction of Rt. 201 and Rt.s 126/9 (the junction near the A-1 Diner).  The school is a modern brick building with a "spiked ball" sculpture, on the west side of Rt. 201, on the left past the Gardiner Armory (just as you enter the "thickly settled" area).  Park in the lot on the north side of the school.

DISTANCE:  40 miles.

TERRAIN:  Moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS:  quiet back roads along streams and farmland south & west of Gardiner.

LEADER:  Joe Renda, geologyjoe@gmail.com.

LINK to ROUTE MAP (2015): http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6654861

 

Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club rides are open to members and to the cycling public.  Helmets are required of all riders at KVBC events.  It is also recommended that you bring with you on KVBC rides:  a map of the area in case you stray off route; tools for simple roadside repairs, especially a tire pump, spare tube and/or patch kit; water bottles or hydration systems; personal ID and a small first aid kit; and money for purchasing snacks & drinks en-route.  In case of severe weather, scheduled rides may be postponed or designated as "show & go" rides at the discretion of the ride leader.

 

We welcome suggestions for improving our rides and encourage active participation of all members.  For more information, contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784 or hjmerrick@gmail.com, follow us on Facebook or check out "Posted Roads" - our club blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com.

Sunday in Bowdoinham

We had a nice, smooth ride last Saturday, most of which on fresh new pavement, from Farmington north to Strong and New Vineyard. Little traffic and great mountain and river views - a real Maine tour!  Many thanks to John MacDonald and his "crew" for a great ride.  This Sunday we will revisit a club favorite as we ride from Gardiner to Bowdoinham.  As always, we hope you can join us!

Sunday, July 31st - GARDINER

"Back Roads to Bowdoinham" - a tour of the southern Kennebec Valley through Gardiner, Richmond and Bowdoinham.

START:  9:00 AM, at the Laura Richards School, Rt. 201 in Gardiner, 1.5 miles south of the junction of Rt. 201 and Rt.s 126/9 (the junction near the A-1 Diner).  The school is a new brick building with a "spiked ball" sculpture, on the west side of Rt. 201, on the left past the Gardiner Armory (just as you enter the "thickly settled" area).  Park in the lot on the north side of the school.

DISTANCE:  40 miles.

TERRAIN:  Moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS:  quiet back roads along streams and farmland south & west of Gardiner.

LEADER:  Joe Renda.

LINK to ROUTE MAP (2015): http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6654861

 

Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club rides are open to members and to the cycling public.  Helmets are required of all riders at KVBC events.  It is also recommended that you bring with you on KVBC rides:  a map of the area in case you stray off route; tools for simple roadside repairs, especially a tire pump, spare tube and/or patch kit; water bottles or hydration systems; personal ID and a small first aid kit; and money for purchasing snacks & drinks en-route.  In case of severe weather, scheduled rides may be postponed or designated as "show & go" rides at the discretion of the ride leader.

 

We welcome suggestions for improving our rides and encourage active participation of all members.  For more information, contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784 or hjmerrick@gmail.com, or follow us on Facebook.

Wake Up the Earth!

Greetings!  We are approaching Earth Day 2016, which means Spring should be arriving any day now (assuming we haven't missed it already).  And that means it is time for the annual KVBC Wake Up the Earth Ride!  We'll meet on Sunday, April 17th, at 10 am at the Augusta End of the Kennebec River Rail Trail, riding to Gardiner and perhaps a bit beyond, stopping in Hallowell at Slate's Bakery on the way back.  Certainly hope you can join us!

April 17th, Sunday - AUGUSTA
"Wake Up the Earth" - an early Spring/Earth Day ride along the Kennebec River Rail Trail through Augusta, Hallowell, and Gardiner.
START: 10:00 AM at the Augusta trail head of the rail trail - the municipal parking lot off of Water Street adjacent to the Maine State Housing Authority (353 Water St.) in the shadow of Memorial Bridge.
DISTANCE: 20+ miles
TERRAIN: flat (and we mean flat)
HIGHLIGHTS: the first ride of the season, a pleasant run along the Kennebec River, with some great natural scenery mixed with some urban vistas, kicking off another great year of cycling. Probable stop at Slate's Bakery in Hallowell!
LEADER: Jim Floyd.

NOTE: if you are looking for a new bike, or selling an old one (or both), the Bicycle Coalition of Maine is holding their first of two Bike Swaps in Orono tomorrow, April 10; the second swap is in Portland on May 1.  Details at their website, Bikemaine.org.

4th Quadrennial Leap Day Ride

Hi Gang!  It's a Leap Year, which means we have an extra day to ride bikes, and we all have bikes, so that means it's time for the KVBC Fourth Quadrennial Leap Day Ride!  (I think there's a logical progression in there somewhere.)  We will meet on Monday, February 29, at 11 am at the Hallowell Boat Landing at 226 Water Street - there's also some parking spots across the street.  Depending on the weather and road conditions, we'll do about a 20-mile ride down the rail trail to Gardiner and return on some back roads and stop in at Slate's Bakery at the end.  If the weather is really questionable we may alter these plans drastically, so stay tuned for further updates.  Who knows?  We rode in 50-degree weather back in December, so you never know - it might turn out to be a great day for riding, and if it isn't, there's always Slate's!

Monday, February 29 - HALLOWELL

"Take a Leap" - the fourth Quadrennial KVBC Leap Day Ride!

START: 11:00 am at the Hallowell Public Boat Landing at 226 Water Street, riverside.  There's another small parking lot almost directly across the street.

DISTANCE: about 20 miles, conditions permitting.

TERRAIN: flat along the rail trail, moderate otherwise.

HIGHLIGHTS: a Bike Ride!  In February!  On Leap Day!  Also, a post-ride stop at Slate's bakery.

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

LINK TO ROUTE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6793592

Back to Bowdoinham

We had a rather unseasonable ride around Lake Cobbossee on Saturday, and the cool, wet conditions kept our numbers down. But the weather wasn't all that bad, considering, and we had a good ride, thanks to John Lanoue, who actually rode to the start!  As a bonus, we had a surprise visit from Roger Rocque at the ride start (he later cheered us on when we passed his house) and we look forward to seeing Roger back on the road.  This Saturday, Joe Renda has volunteered to sub for Roger and lead the Gardiner to Bowdoinham ride - a club favorite.  Please note the 8:30 am start.  Also a heads up: we have swapped dates for the next two rides coming up in August - Larry Childs will be leading the Farmington ride on August 2 (not August 9 as originally scheduled) and Jim Merrick will be leading the Mount Vernon ride on August 9 (instead of August 2).  Lots of great riding ahead - see you Saturday!

Saturday, July 25th - GARDINER

"Back Roads to Bowdoinham" - a tour of the southern Kennebec Valley through Gardiner, Richmond and Bowdoinham.

START:  8:30 AM, at the Laura Richards School, Rt. 201 in Gardiner, 1.5 miles south of the junction of Rt. 201 and Rt.s 126/9 (the junction near the A-1 Diner).  The school is a new brick building with a "spiked ball" sculpture, on the west side of Rt. 201, on the left past the Gardiner Armory (just as you enter the "thickly settled" area).  Park in the lot on the north side of the school.

DISTANCE:  40 miles.

TERRAIN:  Moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS:  quiet back roads along streams and farmland south & west of Gardiner.

LEADER:  Joe Renda.

BCM CALENDAR LINK: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-back-roads-to-bowdoinham

 

Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club rides are open to members and to the cycling public.  Helmets are required of all riders at KVBC events.  It is also recommended that you bring with you on KVBC rides:  a map of the area in case you stray off route; tools for simple roadside repairs, especially a tire pump, spare tube and/or patch kit; water bottles or hydration systems; personal ID and a small first aid kit; and money for purchasing snacks & drinks en-route.  In case of severe weather, scheduled rides may be postponed or designated as "show & go" rides at the discretion of the ride leader.

 

We welcome suggestions for improving our rides and encourage active participation of all members.  For more information, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, or follow us on Facebook.

Back Roads to Bowdoinham

We had terrific weather for the ride over the eastern extent of Augusta Saturday morning - sunny and dry, with little wind and low humidity.  We managed to take advantage of recent road work without the hassle of construction-in-progress, and the route was very pleasant.  Next Saturday's ride will start in Gardiner and head down to Bowdoinham and back - a bit longer than average (40 miles plus) but well worth the trip.  A REMINDER: the August 2 ride scheduled in Wilton has been CANCELLED, and we are working on an alternative.  We should know more by this weekend.  Hope to see you Saturday in Gardiner!

 

Saturday, July 26th - GARDINER

"Back Roads to Bowdoinham" - a tour of the southern Kennebec Valley through Gardiner, Richmond and Bowdoinham.

START:  9:00 AM, at the Laura Richards School, Rt. 201 in Gardiner, 1.5 miles south of the junction of Rt. 201 and Rt.s 126/9 (the junction near the A-1 Diner).  The school is a new brick building with a "spiked ball" sculpture, on the west side of Rt. 201, on the left past the Gardiner Armory (just as you enter the "thickly settled" area).  Park in the lot on the north side of the school.

DISTANCE:  40-45 miles.

TERRAIN:  Moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS:  quiet back roads along streams and farmland south & west of Gardiner.

LEADER:  Roger Rocque, rbrocque@aol.com.

 

Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club rides are open to members and to the cycling public.  Helmets are required of all riders at KVBC events.  It is also recommended that you bring with you on KVBC rides:  a map of the area in case you stray off route; tools for simple roadside repairs, especially a tire pump, spare tube and/or patch kit; water bottles or hydration systems; personal ID and a small first aid kit; and money for purchasing snacks & drinks en-route.  In case of severe weather, scheduled rides may be postponed or designated as "show & go" rides at the discretion of the ride leader.

 

We welcome suggestions for improving our rides and encourage active participation of all members.  For more information, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, or follow us on Facebook.

Gardiner to Bowdoinham

At the general store in Bowdoinham

 

We had a great ride Saturday in Rome - once we stopped counting the hills.  There were five of us who did the seven hills, and then some.  Fortunately most of the climbing was in shade, and the heat began to moderate a bit with a nice breeze - the harbinger of beautiful weather to start the week.  We have another fine stretch of weather ahead, by all accounts, and another classic ride to Bowdoinham coming up this Saturday.  Summer is definitely here, so get out and get on your bike and join us!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, July 27th - GARDINER

"Biking to Bowdoinham" - a tour of the southern Kennebec Valley through Gardiner, Richmond and Bowdoinham.

START:  9:00 AM, at the Laura Richards School, Rt. 201 in Gardiner, 1.5 miles south of the junction of Rt. 201 and Rt.s 126/9 (the junction near the A-1 Diner).  The school is a new brick building with a "spiked ball" sculpture, on the west side of Rt. 201, on the left past the Gardiner Armory (just as you enter the "thickly settled" area).  Park in the lot on the north side of the school.

DISTANCE:  40-45 miles.

TERRAIN:  Moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS:  quiet back roads along streams and farmland south & west of Gardiner.

LEADER:  Joe Renda.

 

 

For more information on the KVBC, contact Jim Merrick at  hjmerrick@gmail.com, and check out our Facebook page.

Wake Up The Earth - Change of Date

Due to rain in the forecast on Saturday, we will change the start of the KVBC Wake Up the Earth Ride to Sunday, when it is forecast to be sunny and in the 50s! Please join us at the Augusta end of the Kennebec River Rail Trial on Sunday, April 21 at 10:00 AM!


April 21st, Sunday - AUGUSTA
"Wake Up the Earth" - an early Spring/Earth Day ride along the Kennebec River Rail Trail through Augusta, Hallowell, and Gardiner.
START: 10:00 AM at the Augusta trail head of the rail trail - the municipal parking lot off of Water Street adjacent to the Maine State Housing Authority (353 Water St.) in the shadow of Memorial Bridge.
DISTANCE: 20-25 miles
TERRAIN: flat (and we mean flat)
HIGHLIGHTS: the first ride of the season, a pleasant run along the Kennebec River, with some great natural scenery mixed with some urban vistas, kicking off another great year of cycling. Possible ride stop at Slate's Bakery in Hallowell.
LEADER: Jim Merrick (substituting for the injured Jim Floyd. Get Well, Jim!)

Wake Up The Earth - 2013

 

 

Hello everyone!  While we are waiting to see what this latest "storm" will bring, don't forget the Bicycle Coalition's Great Maine Bike Swaps and see what they will bring!  The Orono Swap is this Sunday, April 14, and the Portland Swap is Sunday, April 28.  Details on the BCM website.

 

 And we are only 8 days away from the first official KVBC ride of the season - the Wake Up The Earth ramble along the Kennebec River Rail Trail from Augusta to Gardiner and back - including a stop at Slate's Bakery in Hallowell - all happening Saturday, April 20!

 

For up-to-date information on KVBC rides be sure to check in on the KVBC page on Facebook!

 

 

 

April 20th, Saturday - AUGUSTA

"Wake Up the Earth" - an early Spring/Earth Day ride along the Kennebec River Rail Trail through Augusta, Hallowell, and Gardiner.

START:  10:00 AM at the Augusta trail head of the rail trail - the municipal parking lot off of Water Street adjacent to the Maine State Housing Authority (353 Water St.) in the shadow of Memorial Bridge.

DISTANCE: 20 miles

TERRAIN:  flat (and we mean flat)

HIGHLIGHTS:  the first ride of the season, a pleasant run along the Kennebec River, with some great natural scenery mixed with some urban vistas, kicking off another great year of cycling. Possible ride stop at Slate's Bakery in Hallowell.

LEADER:  Jim Floyd.

 

Gardiner Field & Stream

Heading out from Gardiner

 

 

 

We had another great ride from Winthrop last Saturday, welcoming some new riders and exploring some new pavement.  A smooth introduction to riding with the KVBC!  We had a fine turnout, and again some superb weather for cycling.  Hopefully it will continue this weekend when we meet in Gardiner on Saturday for another tour along the quiet back roads to the south of Augusta, the route slightly modified from the original ride description in the calendar.  You'll be slightly mollified when you see how nice it is.  Hope to see you there!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, August 11th - GARDINER

"Gardiner Field & Stream" - a tour of the southern Kennebec Valley through Gardiner, Richmond, Bowdoin, and Litchfield.

START:  9:00 AM, at the Laura Richards School, Rt. 201 in Gardiner, 1.5 miles south of the junction of Rt. 201 and Rt.s 126/9 (the junction near the A-1 Diner).  The school is a new brick building with a "spiked ball" sculpture, on the west side of Rt. 201, on the left past the Gardiner Armory (just as you enter the "thickly settled" area).  Park in the lot on the north side of the school.

DISTANCE:  27 miles.

TERRAIN:  Moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS:  quiet back roads along streams and farmland south & west of Gardiner.

LEADER:  Jim Merrick.

 

 

Gardiner to Bowdoinham

Entering Bowdoinham

 

 

 

 

We had a great ride Saturday in Rome - once we stopped counting the hills.  There were seven of us who did the seven hills, and then some.  Fortunately most of the climbing was in shade, as the morning gave way to mid-day heat and humidity.  We have another fine stretch of weather ahead, by all accounts, and another classic ride to Bowdoinham coming up next Sunday.  Summer is definitely here, so get out and get on your bike and join us!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday, July 15th - GARDINER

"Biking to Bowdoinham" - a tour of the southern Kennebec Valley through Gardiner, Richmond and Bowdoinham.

START:  9:00 AM, at the Laura Richards School, Rt. 201 in Gardiner, 1.5 miles south of the junction of Rt. 201 and Rt.s 126/9 (the junction near the A-1 Diner).  The school is a new brick building with a "spiked ball" sculpture, on the west side of Rt. 201, on the left past the Gardiner Armory (just as you enter the "thickly settled" area).  Park in the lot on the north side of the school.

DISTANCE:  40-45 miles.

TERRAIN:  Moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS:  quiet back roads along streams and farmland south & west of Gardiner.

LEADER:  Joe Renda.

 

 

Down By The River

The 2012 KVBC Wake Up The Earth ride started out overcast and cool. The weather forecast indicated that the rain would hold off until the afternoon, qualified by the actual conditions as "maybe." As for riding the Kennebec River Rail Trail, there was no "maybe" about it, and the ten of us took off.

In truth, there was more auto traffic on Earth Day than I would have liked, but for a stretch through Hallowell the way was fairly clear. Once back on the Rail Trail we were again car-free.

An Earth Day information booth crew welcomed us at the Gardiner end of the Rail Trail.

We continued down river to a private boat landing, then regrouped for the return - to Slate's Bakery.

As we returned, the skies began to clear and the sun broke out. We took our place out in the bakery's courtyard as the Earth woke up, and planned our rides to come.

Join us in Wayne on Saturday, April 28, for the next Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club ride!