Hello Darkness My Old Friend

Here is the latest ride info on the Total Solar Eclipse next Monday afternoon, April 8. Initial plans were to ride to view the eclipse from the Wire Bridge in New Portland, but thanks to one of our members who knows a thing or two about Physics & Astronomy (Hi Duncan!) we've learned that the Wire Bridge falls just outside the Path of Totality. We are going to start in New Portland - be advised that there are at least four villages or hamlets known as "New Portland" - we are starting at the one Google Maps calls "The Town of New Portland" (some other maps may call this "East New Portland.")

We will ride over the Wire Bridge and head 11 miles to Kingfield over a scenic back road along the Carrabasset River. The road is unpaved for 4.5 miles; if it is really muddy we may opt to take Rt. 27 instead.

In Kingfield we will regroup at the Stanley Museum on School Street. I will open the building for folks to use the restrooms and , if there is time, a private tour. Folks opting to drive directly to Kingfield due to time constraints can park in front of the Museum or in the larger lot in back just off Summer Street and join us around 3:00pm.

The ECLIPSE: partial eclipse begins in Kingfield at about 2:18pm with totality at 3:30:30pm. Totality will last for one minute and 33.5 seconds. Think cloud-free thoughts. There is a large open field behind the Museum for unobstructed viewing, with Mt. Abram, a white-capped 4,000 footer as an imposing backdrop. If you plan to take photos remember to have an appropriate eclipse filter for your phone or camera. If you don't have eclipse viewing glasses you may need to make a pin-hole viewer: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/learn/project/how-to-make-a-pinhole-camera/. As a last option, the Webster Public Library just down the street is open at 3:00pm and they may have eclipse glasses to distribute.

There is a remote chance we may get to see Chimney Swifts diving to their roosts in the Stanley Museum's central chimney during the total eclipse. A fascinating sight to see through the summer, it may be too early for the swifts to arrive this far north. But we'll watch for them.

Sorry for this long-winded ride announcement. Don't forget the maple syrup ride in Chesterville on Sunday, and hope to see you either Sunday and/or Monday!

Monday, April 8 - NEW PORTLAND

"Totally Eclipsed" - a special ride to view the total eclipse from New Portland to Kingfield.

START: 1:30 pm at the New Portland Town Offices & Community Library, 901 River Road (Rt. 146) about 4.3 miles east of the jct. of Rt. 27 and Rt. 146. Additional parking next door at the New Portland Fire Department.

DISTANCE: 21 miles, with about 4.5 miles of gravel. There are paved options.

TERRAIN: flat to rolling, with poor lighting at times.

HIGHLIGHTS: the Wire Bridge, a tour of the Stanley Museum, views of the Carrabasset River, and a Total Eclipse of the Sun.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46056671