Isleboro, Once More with Feeling

Islesboro

We had a really great ride Saturday in Farmington - nine people showed up despite less than 24 hours notice, and once the roads dried out the weather couldn't have been nicer.  Larry did a great job scrambling to get his scheduled rides switched, and hopefully this weekend we will reap the rewards as they are expected to have cleaned up all the storm damage on Islesboro and made the island rideable again.  We will now operate on the principle of "Let's try this one more time" and we hope you can join us (for sure this time) on our trip to Islesboro this Saturday (Sunday, if rain).

 

Islesboro is a pleasant island with about 30 miles of paved roads, and is a short ferry ride from Lincolnville Terminal, which is near the junction of Rt. 173 and Rt. 1, next to the Lincolnville Beach.  There is ferry service throughout the day, although most of us will be shooting for the 10 am ferry, with a return around 1:30 pm (or later).  There is some limited parking near the beach, and a paid-parking lot (a bit expensive) at the ferry, so many of us may park at the Bald Rock Trailhead (free parking) in Camden Hills State Park, about 2 1/2 miles away and ride to the ferry.  Don't miss the boat!  This is a ride you won't want to miss!

 

Saturday, September 21 - LINCOLNVILLE (ISLESBORO) [Rain Date: Sunday, September 22]

"Idyllic Islesboro" - a tour of one Maine's scenic off-shore islands

START: 9:45 am (for the 10 am ferry) at the Lincolnville Ferry Terminal, near the junction of Rt. 173 and Rt.1.  Many of us plan to park 2.5 miles away at the Bald Rock Trailhead lot in Camden at the Junction of Rt.173 and Youngstown Road, leaving no later than 9:30 am to catch the ferry.  More info below.

COSTS: $18.50 per rider, round trip on the ferry with bicycle (additional $$ if dining out in Lincolnville at ride's end) - more info below.

DISTANCE: 19 or 30 miles.  Map links below.

TERRAIN: rolling

HIGHLIGHTS: Ocean views!  Salt air!  Beaches!  Lobster shacks!  A ride on the Ferry!  (You know, seashore stuff.)

LEADER: Larry Childs, lrchilds@roadrunner.com, 207-557-3984 (cell)

 

For planning purposes, here is some information for the ride on Saturday, September 21 (rain date: 22)

-          To avoid expensive parking at the Lincolnville Ferry Terminal, we’ll plan on parking at the Bald Rock trailhead which is at the intersection of Rte. 173 (Beach Rd) and Youngtown Rd in Lincolnville. It’s about 2.4 miles to the Ferry Terminal, so less than 10 minutes to bike there.

-          Mainland departures are on the hour (except 12:00) starting at 9:00 AM and island departures on half hour (except 11:30) until 4:30 PM.

-          We will plan for the 10:00 AM ferry departure so we should leave the Bald Rock parking area by 9:30 at the latest to give people time to purchase tickets. They board bicycles at about 15 minutes before the hour. You can purchase tickets ahead of time, if desired, by calling the terminal at 789-5611. Each passenger is $10 plus $8.50 per bike for a total of $18.50 per rider. Tickets can be used at a later date and for any ferry. Ferry Service website at http://www.maine.gov/mdot/msfs/index.htm .

-          The crossing takes about 20 minutes so we’ll be starting the ride on the island about 10:30.

-          Optional 19 and 30 mile routes can be seen here: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/260119315 , http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/260114385 .

-          We’ll do a brief rest stop at Pendleton Point beach with nice views at about 9.5 mile point. There are three stores evenly spread along our route.

-          Most riders doing the 30 mile route probably will return on the 1:30 ferry but three later returns are available for those wishing to explore the island more.

-          Some of us may partake of a meal at the Lincolnville Lobster Pound after returning to the mainland so bring $$. It’s right next to the ferry terminal.

Hoping for good weather and a good turnout for a fun outing.

Larry

ISLESBORO POSTPONED - FARMINGTON INSTEAD!

Metal Sculptures on the road to Industry

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

 

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

 

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

 

Saturday, September 14th:  FARMINGTON

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

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

DISTANCE:  25-30 miles.

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

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

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

 

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

Idyllic Islesboro

Islesboro (1943 USGS Castine Quadrangle) UNH Dimond Library

We are a week away from our Island Adventure on Islesboro!  Islesboro is a pleasant island with about 30 miles of paved roads, and is a short ferry ride from Lincolnville Terminal, which is near the junction of Rt. 173 and Rt. 1, next to the Lincolnville Beach.  There is ferry service throughout the day, although most of us will be shooting for the 10 am ferry, with a return around 1:30 pm (or later).  There is some limited parking near the beach, and a paid-parking lot (a bit expensive) at the ferry, so many of us may park at the Bald Rock Trailhead (free parking) in Camden Hills State Park, about 2 1/2 miles away and ride to the ferry.  Don't miss the boat!  This is a ride you won't want to miss!

 

Saturday, September 14 - LINCOLNVILLE (ISLESBORO) [Rain Date: Sunday, September 15]

"Idyllic Islesboro" - a tour of one Maine's scenic off-shore islands

START: 9:45 am (for the 10 am ferry) at the Lincolnville Ferry Terminal, near the junction of Rt. 173 and Rt.1.  Many of us plan to park 2.5 miles away at the Bald Rock Trailhead lot in Camden at the Junction of Rt.173 and Youngstown Road, leaving no later than 9:30 am to catch the ferry.  More info below.

COSTS: $18.50 per rider, round trip with bicycle (additional $$ if dining out in Lincolnville at ride's end) - more info below.

DISTANCE: 19 or 30 miles.  Map links below.

TERRAIN: rolling

HIGHLIGHTS: Ocean views!  Salt air!  Beaches!  Lobster shacks!  A ride on the Ferry!  (You know, seashore stuff.)

LEADER: Larry Childs

 

For planning purposes, here is some information for the ride on Saturday, September 14^th  (rain date: 15^th)

-          To avoid expensive parking at the Lincolnville Ferry Terminal, we’ll plan on parking at the Bald Rock trailhead which is at the intersection of Rte. 173 (Beach Rd) and Youngtown Rd in Lincolnville. It’s about 2.4 miles to the Ferry Terminal, so less than 10 minutes to bike there.

-          Mainland departures are on the hour (except 12:00) starting at 9:00 AM and island departures on half hour (except 11:30) until 4:30 PM.

-          We will plan for the 10:00 AM ferry departure so we should leave the Bald Rock parking area by 9:30 at the latest to give people time to purchase tickets. They board bicycles at about 15 minutes before the hour. You can purchase tickets ahead of time, if desired, by calling the terminal at 789-5611. Each passenger is $10 plus $8.50 per bike for a total of $18.50 per rider. Tickets can be used at a later date and for any ferry. Ferry Service website at http://www.maine.gov/mdot/msfs/index.htm .

-          The crossing takes about 20 minutes so we’ll be starting the ride on the island about 10:30.

-          Optional 19 and 30 mile routes can be seen here: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/260119315 , http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/260114385 .

-          We’ll do a brief rest stop at Pendleton Point beach with nice views at about 9.5 mile point. There are three stores evenly spread along our route.

-          Most riders doing the 30 mile route probably will return on the 1:30 ferry but three later returns are available for those wishing to explore the island more.

-          Some of us may partake of a meal at the Lincolnville Lobster Pound after returning to the mainland so bring $$. It’s right next to the ferry terminal.

Hoping for good weather and a good turnout for a fun outing.

Larry

Smithfield Figure 8

Heading Out Rt. 8 in Smithfield

 

We have had some exceptional riding weather of late.  Sunday's ride in Albion was clear, cool and dry, and Jeanine had mapped out a fine route with lots of new pavement and some great ridgetop vistas, ending with a great ice cream stop.  Thanks, Jeanine!  Fall is on the way, and this Saturday we will be meeting in Smithfield for a great double loop around North and East Ponds with some great lakeside runs, followed by another nifty ice cream stop.  Hope you can join us!

 

 

 

Saturday, August 31st - SMITHFIELD

"Route 8 Figure 8" - a scenic tour through Smithfield, Belgrade, Rome, and Mercer.

START:  9:00 AM, at the new Smithfield Fire Station on Rt. 8 in Smithfield, about a quarter-mile north of the junction of Rt. 8 and Rt. 137.

DISTANCE:  15 and 28 miles.

TERRAIN:  moderate to moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS:  many scenic lake views and back roads, and an ice cream stop.

LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.

 

 

On to Albion

"Cyclists and Yellow Field" by Andrew Macara

 

 

We had splendid weather for our end-to-end ride on the Whistle-Stop rail trail last Saturday, and despite some rather deep sand on parts of the trail we did manage to ride the entire distance.  Had a great stop at Dutch Treat in Wilton on the return trip, too - where the topic of an open date in this weekend's calendar came up - and Jeanine stepped up to remedy this situation.  Thus we will meet in Albion on Sunday for what promises to be a great ride.  See you then!

 

 

 

 

Sunday, August 25 - ALBION

"On to Albion" - a pretty country ride through Albion, Benton, and East Winslow.

START: 9:00 am at the Albion Town Office building on Main Street (Rt.s 9, 137,and 202)

DISTANCE: 30 Miles.

TERRAIN: moderately hilly

HIGHLIGHTS: hairy cows, ice cream, and home grown veggies (perhaps not all at once)

LEADER: Jeanine Libby.

 

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

 

The Whistle-Stop's Here

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

 

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

 

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

 

Saturday, August 17th - JAY

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

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

Directions to French Falls Park Trailhead:

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

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

DISTANCE: 28 miles or less

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

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

LEADER:  Bud Newell.

Whistle-Stop Rail Trail Trestle over Wilton Stream

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

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

 

Saturday, August 10th - WING'S MILLS (Mount Vernon)

"Hot Dog! - The Hot Dog Ride" (not because we'll ride like one but because we will want one) - a tour through Mount Vernon, Belgrade, North Augusta, and Manchester

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

      Directions to Start:

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

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

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

 

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