Season's Greetings!

A Happy Winter Solstice leading into the Holiday Season, and Best Cycling Wishes for the New Year!

Safe to Go Back in the Woods?

Tomorrow, Dec. 13, is the last official day of hunting season, so those who are apprehensive of riding in the woods or even in wooded areas, might relax and get out (if the stormy weather ever breaks) and fit in some more riding perhaps. Looking ahead to January, we will be having our annual ride planning meeting - more details to come. Enjoy the holiday season!

Sand Pond on Sanded Roads

"Everyone talks about the weather - we don't" As we seem to have passed another brief wintry blast, we will meet in Chesterville on Saturday to make up (in part) a ride that was washed out last month, and take advantage of sunny weather when it is offered to us. John Lanoue has mapped out rides of varying distances depending on conditions at start time. This may be one of our last group rides before winter really sets in, so I hope you can join us!

Saturday, November 15th - CHESTERVILLE

"Sand Pond, Sanded Roads" - a post-tourist season tour of the ponds and ridges around Livermore, Fayette, and Chesterville.

START: 10:00 am at the Sand Pond Parking Lot:

From the intersection of 156 and 133:

Head east on 156, when 156 veers to the left (Chesterville Rd) take a right onto Soules Hill Rd.  Go 2.7 miles and take a left onto Sand Pond road (no street sign, look for a pine tree with camp signs on it, Tracey, Austin, etc…)

After you pass sand pond on your left, go up the short hill and park on your left.

From the Chesterville Mall (corner of Dutch Gap and Ridge Roads):

Go a few hundred yards heading north on Zion Hill Rd and take a left at the old white church onto Borough road

Go about a mile and take a right onto Sand pond road (look for the big pine tree on your right with camp signs on it, Tracey, Austin, etc…)

After passing sand pond your left, go up the short hill and park on your left.

 

DISTANCE: 18, 22, 26 or 29 miles.

TERRAIN: moderately hilly with several good hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: some pre-winter viewpoints on scenic back roads including the famed Ridge Road along the Chesterville Esker, and a stop at the Chesterville Mall.

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

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

Wicked Wayne

 

 

 

We had a beautiful late Fall ride from Smithfield last Saturday over smooth, dry, fresh pavement, slowed down only by a couple of flats. (Sometimes you can't trust new pavement.)  Staying dry this weekend might be more problematic, as the weather forecasts have been all over the place, obsessing on the "S" word.  It's been so nice this Fall it's too early for that, so we'll play it by ear and plan for a grim & ghoulish, post-Halloween, bid-adieu-to-Daylight-Savings ride!  We'll meet in Wayne at the Elementary School and work our way past the historic "Wing Ring" cemetery and up to Kents Hill, scene of an unsolved murder many years past, and a likely stop at the Apple Shed.  If the weather is not too cold or wet, we'll see you then!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, November 1st - WAYNE

"Hallows and Gallows" - a post-Halloween ride featuring some historic cemeteries.

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

DISTANCE:  15-20 miles.

TERRAIN:  moderate, creepy in spots.

HIGHLIGHTS:  the Wing family cemetery, the Kents Hill orchard, perhaps a notorious historic crime scene, and other local haunts.

LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.

 

For more information about the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, or check out our Facebook page.

 

Riding Back to the 1720s

We have a special tour on tap for this Saturday in Smithfield, as we will once again visit the site of the Battle of Norridgewock, the climax of Father Rasle's War in 1724.  We hope to time our arrival to coincide with a site tour and interpretation led by Colby History Professor Daniel Tortora; the scheduled tour of the historic site is estimated to take about an hour, and involves walking about two-tenths of a mile on flat trails around the site (you may want to bring appropriate footwear if you are riding in cleats).  The tour is optional (i.e.: you can skip the walk around the historic village site if you like) but the site itself is very interesting - it's an opportunity to learn details about our local history that don't get much attention nowadays.  The ride will also explore some back roads in Smithfield and some quiet riverside roads in Norridgewock and Madison - there may be some short stretches of gravel to contend with, but we expect to find nice new pavement along the Rt. 8 construction project.  We may stop for lunch in Madison.  Hope you can join us!

 

Saturday, October 25 - SMITHFIELD

"Monuments, Missions, and Massacres" - a scenic and historic river tour through Smithfield, Norridgewock, and Madison.

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:  approx. 30 miles.

TERRAIN:  moderate to moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS:  a tour of the Norridgewock Village Historic Site, an eighteenth century Abenaki Indian settlement and a French Catholic Mission wiped out by British soldiers in 1724.  Now a tranquil spot on the riverside, we will explore the site and its history, as interpreted by professional historians.

LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.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, and check out the KVBC Facebook page.

Leaf Peepers on Wheels

We had a great Fall foliage ride last Saturday around Winthrop and Monmouth, despite it being cooler and darker than forecast.  Our thanks to Denise for leading, and for all the hardy folks who came out for the ride.  The Fall weather has been spectacular of late, and this Saturday Ken Louis will be leading his ride from Belgrade that got washed out a few weeks ago.  And David Lipman will be leading a Sunday afternoon ride from his house in Vassalboro.  The weather hopefully will be fine, with lots of great scenery still to enjoy!

 

Saturday, October 18th - BELGRADE

"Once Again, Take it or Leaf it" - Belgrade, Mount Vernon and Rome Late-Foliage Tour.

Start: 9:30 am, 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: Generally hilly with some nice stretches to recover

Highlights: Views of Long Pond, Castle Island, Minnehonk Lake and some nice back roads to include Bean Rd, Watson Pond Rd and Belgrade Rd.

Leader: Ken Louis.

 

Sunday, October 19th - VASSALBORO

"More Hills and More Beans" - a scenic tour around the China and Vassalboro.

START:  1:00 pm at the home of David and Laura Lipman.  Condo is after Natanis Golf Course at 6 Arrowhead Drive heading north. (Not to be confused with Fairway Drive. Use Barrows Road on your GPS and we are the next road on the  left after that)  Please park after the garages in the large dirt parking lot after the condo buildings.

DISTANCE: approx. 30 miles.

TERRAIN:  Moderate to Hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: an assortment of fine back roads in China and Vassalboro, with a stop at a fine local coffee shop or two.

LEADER:  David Lipman.

 

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

Big Lakes, Many Colors

After manning a booth at the Fryeburg Fair on Friday, I camped overnight at the fairgrounds and awoke to dark, rainy conditions, and no chance to make it to the KVBC Ride in Chesterville.  But I was feeling my oats (or maybe it was the fried dough) and I decided to get in a ride anyway, heading out to No. Conway and tackling Hurricane Mountain Road, said to be one of the toughest climbs in the White Mountains - and definitely a bit challenging in a cold rain.  But I survived the cardiac stress test of the climb, and the constant braking on the descent, and now I can say, "Been there, done that."  Turns out that despite John Lanoue's gracious planning and efforts to lead a Fall foliage tour, the weather wouldn't cooperate and the KVBC ride was washed out.  This Saturday we will hope for a bit dryer conditions when we meet in East Winthrop for the Big Lakes Tour at 9:00 AM.  If we don't get a lot of heavy rain before then, the foliage may be near peak, and it should be a great ride.  See you then!

 

Saturday, October 11th - EAST WINTHROP

"The Big Lakes Tour" - a ride along the shorelines of Lakes Maranacook, Annabessacook, and Cobbosseecontee.

START: 9:00 AM at the parking lot of Tom's Bike Boutique, 2208 Rt.202 in East Winthrop, across from D.R Struck's Nursery.

DISTANCE: 25-30 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate with some hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: Some nice lakeside runs along backroads in near peak Fall foliage through Winthrop, Monmouth, and Manchester.

LEADER: Denise Crowell.

 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com or check out the KVBC blog at: http://postedroads.blogspot.com.

Bikes and Pontoons, with an Esker Thrown In

We had balmy summer-like weather Saturday with temperatures pushing 80 on the KVBC ride from Winthrop to Monmouth.  Great weather for apple pie a la mode (actually any weather would be great for apple pie a la mode) and we made an obligatory stop at the "Pie Cafe" at the Monmouth AppleFest, where some of us had pie, some of us had apples, some of us had cider, and some of us had all three.  Somewhat satiated in the pomology department, we headed out for some more great riding and some early Fall foliage.  We have more foliage and great riding ahead this Saturday, as John Lanoue will take us on a tour around the unique features of Chesterville, including the scenic ridge top of the Chesterville Esker (in Fall colors, no less) followed by a post-ride get-together at his camp.  Please note the 10 am start, as it is not likely to be 80 degrees in the morning everyday in October in Maine.  Hope you can make it!

 

Saturday, October 4th - CHESTERVILLE

"Three Peaks and a Pontoon" - an early fall foliage tour of the ponds and ridges around Livermore, Fayette, and Chesterville.

START: 10:00 am at the Sand Pond Parking Lot; from Chesterville Center (by the "Chesterville Mall" at the junction of Ridge Rd, Dutch Gap Rd, and Zions Hill Rd) take Zions Hill Rd north for 1/4 mile, turn left on Borough Rd for approx. one mile, then turn right on Sand Pond Rd; the parking lot is about 1/2 mile in.

DISTANCE: 30 miles.

TERRAIN: moderately hilly with several good hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: some fall foliage viewpoints on scenic back roads including the famed Ridge Road along the Chesterville Esker, and a post-ride gathering at the ride leader's camp, followed by a potential pontoon boat ride on the lake.

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

 

SPECIAL NOTE: the Cadillac Mountain Challenge is scheduled for Sunday, October 5th, and we'd like to know if anyone wants to get together and go up Saturday night and camp nearby.  If you are interested, let Jim know - contact info below.  Thanks! 

 

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

The Lengths We Go For Pie

We had five optimists show up for Sunday's scheduled ride in Belgrade under dark, misty skies, but conditions quickly deteriorated to the point where we decided to postpone the ride to another date.  Our thanks to Ken Louis for putting the ride together for us, and we'll try it again in better weather. This Saturday's ride will mark our return to the Monmouth Apple Festival, and the ride has been highlighted as part of the Maine Outdoor Coalition's Great Outdoor Weekend which may bring the KVBC a bit more recognition.  In any case, let's hope for good weather (and even better pie) and we'll see you Saturday!

 

 

Saturday, September 27th - WINTHROP

"Monmouth a la Mode" - a tour through Winthrop to the Monmouth Apple Festival.

START:  9:30 AM at the Winthrop Town Boat Landing on Maranacook Lake, near the gazebo on Coady Street, off of Memorial Drive.  If the boat landing parking lot is full, there are additional spaces around the corner on Summer Street, lakeside.

DISTANCE:  18 or 24 Miles.

TERRAIN:  Rolling, with a few stiff hills.

HIGHLIGHTS:  Back roads beside rolling orchards, lakeside summer camps, small hidden hamlets... and the Monmouth Apple Festival: a great little small town festival devoted to celebrating all things pomological in one of Maine’s classic apple towns. The festival features lots of hot, baked apple pies and other apple treats, yard sales and open houses, fun and games, and self-guided tours of the Monmouth Historical Society’s many unique museum buildings and shops.

LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.

 

For more information about the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, and check our Facebook page.

 

Back to Belgrade

We definitely had some Fall weather on Sunday for the ride in Farmington, and there were tights, arm warmers, jackets, and full-finger gloves in evidence as the temperature never quite reached 60. Kudos to all who turned out on such a crisp morning, particularly Denise who rode to the start and finished with 50 miles on the day. Our thanks to Larry for leading another great ride. Here's hoping this great Fall weather will continue this Sunday we will venture out on a pre-foliage tour of the Belgrade Lakes region. Hope you can join us! 

Sunday, September 21: BELGRADE

"Take it or Leaf it" - Belgrade, Mount Vernon and Rome Pre-Foliage Tour.

Start: 9:30 am, 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: Generally hilly with some nice stretches to recover

Highlights: Views of Long Pond, Castle Island, Minnehonk Lake and some nice back roads to include Bean Rd, Watson Pond Rd and Belgrade Rd.

Leader: Ken Louis.

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

On to Industry

We had some great early Fall weather this past weekend, which saw several groups of our riders take part in the Maine Lighthouse Ride on the coast, and Pedal the Penobscot up in Bangor.  Looks like the BikeMaine riders will benefit from fine wether as they make their way though our part of Maine.  If you are volunteering or see them on the road, give them a warm welcome!  This week's ride will really kick off our Fall season, as Larry takes us over the back roads from Farmington to Industry.  Hope you can join us!

 

Sunday, 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, and 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 at hjmerrick@gmail.com, or check out the KVBC Facebook page.

Back Through the Cellar Door

Come join us this Sunday for a special Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club ride in Camden and Lincolnville.  This is one of several superb rides scoped out and led by KVBC member Ray Giglio, and it is part of our tribute to Ray that we continue to celebrate his many contributions to the club.  The ride will feature a stop at the Cellardoor Winery, and some back roads in a area that we don't get a chance to ride in (as a group) that often.  Part of the route will trace part of the East Coast Greenway, and the ride will have other treats in store.  Hope to see you on Sunday!  - Jim 

August 31st, Sunday:  Camden

“Camden Vineyard Tour” – a circuit of Megunticook Lake, including Camden and the Cellardoor Winery and vineyard in Youngtown (Lincolnville).  

START:  9:30 A.M., at the Cellardoor Winery, 367 Youngtown Rd, one mile east of Route 52.  Please park along the winery driveway leading up the hill, and not in the customer parking lot behind the winery store. 

DIRECTIONS:  From Camden, take Rt. 52 north for 5 miles and turn right onto the Youngtown Rd for one mile.  See the Cellardoor Winery website for map and detailed directions:  http://mainewine.com.

 DISTANCE:  25-30 miles, depending if a loop from Camden to Rockport is taken and if we return to the winery via Rt. 52 or via Rts. 1 and  173.  The route is moderately hilly, and some of the road surfaces are showing wear although many have been resurfaced recently. 

HIGHLIGHTS:  Visit the winery store and take a walk through the vineyards.  Numerous lake views during the ride.  Camden (& Rockport).  Part of the route is the official East Coast Greenway interim on-road coastal route. 

LUNCH:  The picnic tables outside the winery store are available for us to use after our ride.  We can bring a bag lunch, or they sell beverages, local cheeses, breads, and other goodies.  And of course, they sell wine and have wine tasting.

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

For more information about the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, and check out the KVBC Facebook page.

Hills and Beans

 

We got in a great ride Sunday, despite threatening skies, wet roads, occasional light rain and mist, and we managed to traverse the entire Colby Loop in fairly mild conditions. Many thanks to Jeanine for leading the ride and once again warding off any serious rain.  Next Sunday we will return to Vassalboro to tackle some hills and some select roasted coffee beans - some of the best central Maine has to offer.  We still have some fine summer riding to get in before Fall.  Hope you can join us!

 

Sunday, August 24th - VASSALBORO

"Hills and Beans" - a scenic tour around the China and Vassalboro.

START:  9am  at the home of David and Laura Lipman.  Condo is after Natanis Golf Course at 6 Arrowhead Drive heading north. (Not to be confused with Fairway Drive. Use Barrows Road on your GPS and we are the next road on the  left after that)  Please park after the garages in the large dirt parking lot after the condo buildings.

DISTANCE: approx. 25 miles.

TERRAIN:  Moderate to Hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: an assortment of fine back roads in China and Vassalboro, with a stop at a fine local coffee shop or two.

LEADER:  David Lipman.

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, or keep up to date via our Facebook page.

The Colby Loop

We had a great ride from Richmond to Wiscasset Sunday, thanks to David Lipman, who scoped out an all-new ride over some beautiful back roads - and included a delightful stop at Treats Bakery in Wiscasset!  Many thanks to David for putting together such a fine ride on short notice.  This week's ride in Waterville will traverse the popular Colby Loop, starting from Colby in Waterville on Sunday, August 17.  PLEASE NOTE: the ride date has been changed from Saturday to Sunday.  Hope to see you Sunday!

 

Sunday, August 17 - WATERVILLE

"The Colby Loop" - a scenic back roads tour north of Waterville, through Norridgewock, Mercer, Smithfield, Oakland, and Waterville.

START: 9:00 AM at Colby College, Waterville - park in the "Lower Athletic Parking" lot next to the field house near the junction of Mayflower Hill Drive and College Drive - refer to the map of the campus: http://www.colby.edu/visitors/campus-map/

DISTANCE: approx. 40-45 miles

TERRAIN: moderate to moderately hilly

HIGHLIGHTS: a popular scenic loop, arrowed as part of the Trek Across Maine.

LEADER: Jeanine Libby.

 

A map of the Colby Loop can be found at this link: http://www.mapmyride.com/us/waterville-me/trek-across-maine-2012-colby-loop-route-103523017

 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, and check out the club's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/KennebecValleyBicycleClub.

From Richmond to the Sea

Despite the morning showers, an intrepid group of riders had a splendid ride around Damariscotta Lake on Saturday, and a welcome stop at the OxBow Brewery at the ride's end.  Many thanks to Leanne for organizing an all-new ride for us, and to the folks at Oxbow Brewery for their hospitality.  This Sunday's ride will also travel some new roads for us, thanks to David Lipman, as we will venture from Richmond to Wiscasset with possible stops at a couple of great local bakeries.  As always, hope you can join us!

 

Sunday, August 10 - RICHMOND

"The Richmond Roundabout" - a tour along the river through Richmond, Dresden, and Wiscasset.

START: 9 AM at the public landing in Richmond (also known as Fort Richmond Park or Peacock Beach State Park, depending on what map you're looking at) at the junction of Front Street (Rt.24) and Main Street (Rt.197). Park in the public lot next to the landing.

DISTANCE: approx. 35 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate with one or two significant hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: scenic views along the river and Wiscasset, with a possible stop at Treats in Wiscasset and the Richmond Coffee Shop at the ride's end.

LEADER:  David Lipman.

 

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 check out the KVBC Facebook page. 

The Oxbow Incident

We had a very sprightly, scenic ride from Gardiner to Bowdoinham last Saturday - a fast-paced 40-mile ride on fine back roads in beautiful weather, ably led by Roger Rocque - thanks Roger!  This ride is a very popular one, and we may revisit it later for those who may have missed it.  This Saturday we will meet in Newcastle at the Oxbow Brewery for what promises to be a great ride around Damariscotta Lake.  Our previously scheduled ride in Wilton, the "Blueberry Metric," had to be CANCELLED - please pass that info along to anyone who may have seen an earlier ride calendar.  Leanne Moll has stepped up to offer this new ride in its place - thanks Leanne!

Saturday, August 2 - NEWCASTLE

"The Oxbow Incident" - a scenic house & garden tour around Damariscotta Lake, followed by a local brewery visit.

START: 9 AM at the parking lot of the Oxbow Brewing Company on Rt. 215 in Newcastle, less than a quarter-mile east of the junction of Rt.s 194 and 215.  Look for the sign on the right of a owl carrying a cask.

DISTANCE: 28 or 45 miles.

TERRAIN: moderately hilly to hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: Damariscotta Lake, with many stately lakeside homes, and lots of great scenery.  Plus a post-ride stop at the Oxbow Brewery, where they have a tasting room that opens at noon, and picnic tables - it is suggested that folks may want to bring snacks, such as nuts, crackers, cheese, etc.  Non-riders who wish to join us after sightseeing and shopping in Damariscotta are welcome!

LEADER: Leanne Moll.

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, 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.

Ride Leaders Wanted.

RIDE LEADERS WANTED. (Photo courtesy Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection.)

We have some open dates in the KVBC Ride Calendar coming up, but first some additional info on this Saturday's Capitol Breakfast Ride in Augusta:

The ride will be arrowed - the arrows are straight blue arrows with a horizontal base. Post-ride breakfast options in the vicinity are Lisa's Restaurant at 15 Bangor Street: http://www.lisasrestaurantandcatering.com/ or Rebecca's Place at 434 Eastern Ave. (Rt. 17): http://www.rebeccasrestaurant.net/. Does anyone have a preference or a recommendation? Last year we stopped at Rebecca's, which is a little bit off the route. Here again is the ride info for Saturday's ride (weather looks nice!):

Saturday, July 19th - AUGUSTA
"Capitol Breakfast Ride" - a tour through the stately residential areas and outlying farms of our capitol city.
START: 8:00 AM at the parking lot of the Hussey Elementary School on Quimby Street in Augusta. Quimby is right off Rt. 100 at the traffic light across from Auclair's Cycle heading north; detailed directions here: http://www.augustaschools.org/schools/hussey_elementary_school/directions.php
DISTANCE: 27 miles, arrowed.
TERRAIN: moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS: An optional breakfast stop (TBD), some really fine touring roads east of the capitol, new and intriguing routes - and did we mention breakfast?
LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.

RIDE LEADERS WANTED. We have openings coming up in August, as we have had to cancel the scheduled Blueberry Metric in Wilton on August 2 due to unforeseen logistical problems associated with the Blueberry Festival parade. The open dates are: Aug. 2 or 3, 9 or 10, and 30 or 31. If you can lead a ride on any of those weekends please let me know. Looking ahead to September, the open dates are Sept. 6 or 7, and 20 or 21. In October we have openings on Oct. 4 or 5, 18 or 19, and 24 or 25. So far we have had a great season of riding and I hope we can continue right into the fall. If you have a ride you would like to lead or help lead, let me know at hjmerrick@gmail.com. And hope to see you Saturday!

A Capitol Breakfast

Just exceptional weather this past weekend, and lots of great cycling opportunities.  While Leanne stepped forward to lead the KVBC ride from So. China (Thanks, Leanne!) I opted to "Make mine Moxie" and ventured down to Lisbon Falls to check out the 1st Moxie Bike Rally - nice route, well marked, but not so well attended, perhaps due to it being the first.  The only rider I recognized was Scott Bennington, who I ran into at the rest stop.  The organizers will no doubt get over their "learning curve" and it may become a popular event.  This Saturday's ride will have additional opportunities including breakfast in Augusta after the ride, which is a really nice route on some first rate roads east of the Kennebec, originally laid out by Connie Brown.  We have some options for breakfast, to be determined when we get together Saturday.  This will be an arrowed route in case you can't make the 8 am start - but we hope you can ride with us!

Saturday, July 19th - AUGUSTA

"Capitol Breakfast Ride" - a tour through the stately residential areas and outlying farms of our capitol city.

START: 8:00 AM at the parking lot of the Hussey Elementary School on Quimby Street in Augusta.  Quimby is right off Rt. 100 at the traffic light across from Auclair's Cycle heading north; detailed directions here: http://www.augustaschools.org/schools/hussey_elementary_school/directions.php 

DISTANCE: 27 miles, arrowed.

TERRAIN: moderate with a few hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: An optional breakfast stop (TBD), some really fine touring roads east of the capitol, new and intriguing routes - and did we mention breakfast?

LEADER: Jim Merrick.

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

Moxie by Proxy

While some of us with a craving for Maine's Official Soft Drink may be heading down to Lisbon Falls on Saturday for the Moxie Bike Rally, those of us with a more universal craving for ice cream have another option, as Leanne has offered to lead a ride from So. China out to Lake St. George. Thanks Leanne!  And I suspect you can probably find some Moxie by proxy somewhere along the route, if that suits your fancy.  The weather looks great for a ride on Saturday, so we hope you can come join us!

 

Saturday, July 12 - SOUTH CHINA

"St. George, Sans Dragon" - a tour from So. China to Lake St. George and return.

START: 8:30 AM at Erskine Academy, 309 Windsor Road (Rt. 32), 2 miles south of the jct of Rt.s 3 and 32.  School is on the right.

DISTANCE: 40 miles

TERRAIN: moderately hilly with some significant (i.e.: long) hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: lots of farmland, Lake St. George, and an ice cream stop.

LEADER: Leanne Moll.

 

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

Sidney Ride Rescheduled for Sunday

 

 

 

We had a quorum for the ride in Sidney on Saturday morning, and while the skies showed signs of clearing, it was still wet, windy, and cold (mid-50s) and there were incidents of minor road flooding.  So the optimists were persuaded by reason (and a forecast for sun and 80s for Sunday) and voted to reschedule the ride for tomorrow, same time, same place.  Let's do it again tomorrow! 

 

 

 

Sunday, July 6th, SIDNEY:
"Independence Day Ride" - a tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of a prime farming district & the middle of Fourth of July preparations.
START:  9:00 AM at the James H. Bean Elementary School on Middle Road in Sidney.
Directions to the Bean School:
From south: I-95 North exit #120. Turn right at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right.
From the north: I-95 South exit #120. Turn left at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean
School is approximately one mile on the right.

DISTANCE:  16 or 30 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely.
LEADER:  Jim Putnam.

 

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