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.

Down to the Sea for Treats

It was yet another fine ride from Gardiner down to Bowdoinham last Sunday. The weather was fine, the traffic was light, the route was well-arrowed - we missed seeing another club of riders head by in the opposite direction, but maybe we'll meet again, post-pandemic. Many thanks to Joe for another great ride! This Saturday we will head down to Richmond for a ride to Wiscasset. Please note that we are moving the ride start to the Richmond High School so we will have a larger parking lot in which to spread out. Remember to bring masks (you will need them if you stop at Treats in Wiscasset at their walk-up window), keep a healthy distance from each other, and please stay home and get well if you are feeling sick. Hope to see you Saturday!

Saturday, August 1st - RICHMOND

"Wheeling Down to Wiscasset, or, Richmond to the Sea" - a tour along the river through Richmond, Dresden, and Wiscasset.

START: 9 AM at Richmond High School and Middle School, 132 Main Street (Rt. 197) across from Williams Street.

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.

LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.   

LINK to RIDE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7507600

 

 

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 via the club blog, Posted Roads at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or check out the KVBC Facebook page. 

Leap Into It

Hey, Look!  A ride announcement?  Yes, it's 2020, a Leap Year, which means we get an extra day to ride bikes!  Leap Day also falls on a Saturday, which has to be good luck - and good luck will come in handy, because it's also February, when weather, temperatures, and road conditions might make things (d)icey.  The ride itself is 23 miles, but might be shortened or canceled depending on conditions - stay tuned for last-minute updates.  Last Leap Day we had a nice mild day with a great turnout, considering that it fell on a Monday.  Let's hope for more of the same on Saturday!  See you then!

Saturday, February 29 - HALLOWELL

"Take a Leap" - the 5th Quadrennial KVBC Leap Day Ride, through Hallowell, Litchfield, and West Gardiner.

START: 11:00 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: riding on Leap Day; 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

Great Pond, Great Pavement

Last Saturday we had another wonderful joint ride with the Kennebec Land Trust on a new tour of many of their conservation properties. The day started to heat up and we just managed to finish back in West Gardiner before some thunderstorms rolled in.  Our thanks to Jean-Luc and everyone who came out for this special ride.  This Saturday we'll see if we can dodge potential thunderstorms again, as we meet in Belgrade Lakes for a tour over newly completed road projects and long stretches of smooth pavement.  Should be a treat!

June 29th, Saturday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Great Pond Go Round" - a new pavement tour through Castle Island, Belgrade, and Rome.

START:  9:00 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:  15 or 24 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: views of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Castle Island, and Blueberry Hill - possible post-ride stop at the bakery in Belgrade Lakes Village.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP (short loop): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7167541
(longer loop): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7167543
 

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.

Back to Purgatory

Last Saturday's ride in Livermore brought us some great roads, fresh apples, and fine company - hard to top! Many thanks to John for leading, and a special note of thanks to Missy for driving the "apple shuttle" to carry apples from the orchard back to the start. This Saturday we will return to Litchfield after a too-long hiatus, to rediscover another beautiful ride past the Litchfield Fairgrounds and through Purgatory itself (if that's what it takes to get to the Black Crow Bakery). Note the 9:30 am start. See you Saturday!

Saturday, September 22nd - LITCHFIELD

"Pedalling in Purgatory - the Tour de Litchfield" - an exploration of the back roads of Litchfield.

START: 9:30 AM at the Libby-Tosier Elementary School parking lot next to the historic Litchfield Academy, at the junction of Rt. 197 and Academy Road in Litchfield Corners.

DISTANCE: about 27 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate to rolling.

HIGHLIGHTS: quiet back roads and ponds in Litchfield, and possibly a stop at the Black Crow Bakery.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP (2010): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6799671

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

Richmond to the Sea

We had a fine ride last Sunday around Lincolnville and Camden out of the Cellardoor Winery. The weather could hardly have been better, and the roads could hardly have been smoother (most of them). It was a great way to close out August and our thanks to Tammy for leading the ride! With August behind us we head into September and the approach of Fall. We'll kick it off on Sunday with another great route from Richmond to Wiscasset. See you Sunday!

Sunday, September 2nd - RICHMOND

"Wheeling Down to Wiscasset" - 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) at the junction of Front Street (Rt.24) and Main Street (Rt.197). Park in the public lot next to the landing.

DISTANCE: approx. 35-40 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 Old Goat at the ride's end.

LEADER:  David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com.

LINK to RIDE MAP (2015): http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6791013

 

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. Route maps are subject to modification due to road conditions or other considerations.

 

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 via the club blog, Posted Roads at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or check out the KVBC Facebook page. 

Post-Thanksgiving

Well, we definitely got rained out last Sunday (although I have to give an honorable mention to David, who rode over to my house afterward to pick up his jerseys). We'll try again this Saturday and hope for better conditions to work off all the extra calories taken in on Thursday.. For those who have yet to pick up their new KVBC jerseys I will again have those at the start. Meanwhile, have a great Thanksgiving, and see you Saturday!

November 25th, Saturday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Post-Thanksgiving Ride" - a tour through Castle Island, Belgrade, and Rome.

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:  15 or 24 miles.

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

HIGHLIGHTS: views of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Castle Island, and Blueberry Hill - possible post-ride stop at the bakery in Belgrade Lakes Village.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP (short loop): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7167541
(longer loop): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7167543
 

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.

Blueberry Thrill

November has been wild and woolly, with power outages, downed trees, frozen pipes, and some occasional snow flurries. We may see a break this Sunday if the rains clear out, and since this is our 15th year lets try another 15-mile ride (with an optional longer route) in Belgrade Lakes. We'll head out through Castle Island, up Watson Pond Road to Blueberry Hill, and finish with a stop at the bakery at Hello Good Pie in Belgrade Lakes Village. If it is raining and in the 40s at the start we won't ride. Those of you who ordered new KVBC jerseys will have an added bonus, as the jerseys have been shipped and should arrive in time for Sunday's ride. Even if you don't ride, you can pick up your jerseys at the start and join us at the bakery! Hope to see you Sunday!

November 19th, Sunday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Blueberry Thrill" - a tour through Castle Island, Belgrade, and Rome.

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:  15 or 24 miles.

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

HIGHLIGHTS: views of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Castle Island, and Blueberry Hill - possible post-ride stop at the bakery in Belgrade Lakes Village.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP (short loop): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7167541

(longer loop): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7167543
 

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.

The Merry Roads of Nottingham

Welcome to December!  If the long-range forecasts are right, it appears as though December will be a lot colder and nowhere near as mild as it was last year.  So we may not have many opportunities to ride, but this weekend is looking dry, at least, with lots of sun on Sunday.  I have a 26-mile ride planned from Readfield Center that can be shortened if need be, and we'll stop at the Apple Shed in any case.  Perhaps we'll see you then!

Sunday, December 4 - READFIELD

"The Wayfarers of Nottingham" - a prelude to winter for all you merry men and equally merry women.

START: 10 AM, at the Readfield Post Office in Readfield Center at the junction of Rt.s 17 and 41.

DISTANCE: 26 miles, more or less.

TERRAIN: moderate with some hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: a tour along little-known byways, including Nottingham Road, in Readfield, Wayne, Fayette, and Kents Hill, with a stop at the Apple Shed Bakery.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6991798

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

WAKE UP THE EARTH BIKE RIDE

Yes indeed! The weather is finally turning spring-like, and we are one week away from the first KVBC ride of the season, the Wake Up The Earth Ride along the Kennebec River Rail Trail in Augusta! It has been a very long winter, and it is definitely time to wake things up and get out and ride!  Hope to see everyone next Saturday in Augusta at 10:30 am!

April 18th, Saturday - AUGUSTA
"Wake Up the Earth" - an early Spring/Earth Day ride along the Kennebec River Rail Trail through Augusta, Hallowell, and Gardiner.
START: 10:30 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.
 
A special note: the CMCC is planning a ride and potluck tomorrow, Saturday, April 11, in Vassalboro - details on their Facebook page.

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.