Pastry Times 3

We had a rather wet, but a most satisfying ride last Sunday from Waterville.  We didn't have to deal with any major downpours, just some light rain, drizzle, & wet roads.  By the second half of the ride the sun came out, the roads eventually dried up, and we finished the ride in good form.  Our thanks to David for leading!  This week we will set out on a mixed-surface ride from Mount Vernon, with 3 separate routes with some challenging hills and gravel sections - topped off by potential stops at 3 different bakeries!  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, October 14: MOUNT VERNON

"Triple Pastry Ride" - a challenging mixed-surface ride past 1, 2, or 3 bakeries, through Mt. Vernon, Fayette, Kents Hill & Belgrade Lakes.

START: 9:00 am at the village park on Main St. in Mount Vernon. Parking available in the public lot behind the Vernon Valley Lodge on the corner of Main St. & Rt. 41, and also along Main St. along the town beach on the lakeside.

DISTANCE(S): Triple Pastry Ride: 39 miles (8.8 gravel); Double Pastry Ride: 26 miles (7.9 gravel); Single Pastry Ride: 16.5 miles (6.1 gravel).

TERRAIN: Hilly. Gravelly. Pastery. The gravel sections are on well-packed dirt roads. Triple cranksets and wide tires would be helpful, but not essential. The routes can be done on 28mm tires, and there are ways to bypass some gravel sections if desired.

HIGHLIGHTS: little-traveled scenic roads, including a fine stretch along Echo Lake, fall foliage, and potential stops at 3 local bakeries.

LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.

LINKS TO ROUTE MAPS: Triple Pastry Ride: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44271133

Double Pastry Ride: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44306978

Single Pastry Ride: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44394465

Leaves in the Lakes

We had a splendid ride from Wayne last Sunday to put a fitting end to October and our regularly scheduled rides of the year.  Heading into November we will have some impromptu rides depending on weather conditions and interest.  The forecast for this Saturday calls for sunny skies and temperatures near 70, so let's meet in Belgrade Lakes for a ride around Rome and Mt. Vernon with a possible bakery stop at Hello Good Pie at the end.  See you Saturday!

November 5th, Saturday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Take It or Leaf It" - a tour around Great Pond through Belgrade, Rome, and Mount Vernon.

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:  28 miles.

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

HIGHLIGHTS:  a balmy November tour of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Castle Island, Blueberry Hill, and a possible stop at the bakery in Belgrade Lakes.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6796306

 

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.

Yes, We're Twenty!

 We had another fine sunny day for the ride around China Lake from Vassalboro on Mother's Day. It was nice to see China Lake with a calm surface without white caps, and many of the roads were in great shape making a really nice loop. Many Thanks to Jeanine for leading and for the fine group that turned out. This Saturday we will return to Belgrade Lakes to revisit the very first KVBC ride from 20 years ago. You do not need to show up at the ride start with a bike that is 20 years old, but if you have a vintage bike in riding condition this might be a good occasion to dust it off! Otherwise, bring what you have to celebrate 20 years of cycling in Central Maine, and we'll see you Saturday!

May 14th, Saturday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"KVBC 20th Anniversary Ride" - a traditional 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).

DISTANCES:  15 or 24 or 30 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 MAPS (short loop): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39364542
(longer loop): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39364462

(petite loop): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39364514
 

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.

Once More Around the Pond

 We had a nice crisp, Fall day for our not so Wicked Wayne ride last Saturday - much nicer weather than the previous weekend.  This was followed by some superb Fall days earlier this week which were a tantalizing prospect for further late season riding.  This weekend also looks nice, if a bit cooler, so we will meet Saturday at the Belgrade Community Center for a circuit around Great Pond, perhaps with a stop at Hello Good Pie in Belgrade Village.  Hope you can join us!

November 13th, Saturday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Great Pond Go Round" - a November 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:  23 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:  David Chiappetta, dlchiappetta@aol.com.

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37985825
 

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.  

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.

Turning Another Leaf

After a string of chilly rides in October it is a welcome treat to have temperatures climb up into the 60s again, and we'll gladly take advantage of it this Sunday in Belgrade Lakes. We are regrettably beginning to see a surge of COVID cases in the state, so be extra cautious, bring masks and use them when near others, keep up with distancing, and stay home if you have a temperature or other symptoms. We may not see too many more days for riding than those predicted for the weekend, so we hope to see you Sunday!

November 8th, Sunday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Take It or Leaf It" - a tour around Great Pond through Belgrade, Rome, and Mount Vernon.

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:  28 miles.

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

HIGHLIGHTS:  post-peak foliage views of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Castle Island, Blueberry Hill, and a possible stop at Hello Good Pie in Belgrade Lakes.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7509613

 

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. 

Belgrade Bikes!

We had a fine ride to Boothby's Apple Orchard from Livermore last Saturday on a rather frosty morning. Many thanks to John Lanoue for leading and providing an "apple shuttle" to carry purchased apples back to the start, and a tip of the helmet to all of his weary friends who ventured out and rode with us. This Saturday we will return to Belgrade Lakes for a joint ride with the Friends of Belgrade Lakes Village to celebrate the town's new official 'Park & Bike' locations, as well as a stop of the many activities and venues of the Belgrade lakes Harvest Festival, including Winterberry Farms and Hello Good Pie! Note: since it has turned rather chilly in the mornings (and to time our arrival at the festival) we will start this Saturday at 10:00 am. Hope to see you then!

Saturday, October 12 - BELGRADE LAKES

"Belgrade Bikes!" - a tour in and around the Belgrade Lakes bicycle 'Park & Bikes' with a stop at the Belgrade Lakes Harvest Festival

START: the 'Park & Bike' at the Belgrade Town Office, 990 Augusta Road, Rt. 27

DISTANCES: 10 or 30 miles

TERRAIN: flat to hilly

HIGHLIGHTS: a stop at Winterberry Farm and the Belgrade Lakes Harvest Festival, arts & crafts, cider pressing and other samplings, Blueberry Hill and some fall foliage.

LEADERS: Jim Merrick (for KVBC), 293-3784. hjmerrick@gmail.com, and Ellen Wells (for Friends of Belgrade Lakes Village)

LINK to ROUTE MAP (long): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7416124

Fare-Thee-Well Floyd

We have a special treat in store for the ride this Sunday at the Belgrade Community Center. One of our club ride leaders, Jim Floyd, is moving to Pembroke, down Eastport way. While we try to figure out a way to get him back down here to lead the annual "Wake Up the Earth" ride to start our season every spring as he's done for many years, we're planning a send off ride and party for him this Sunday just a few miles away at the ride leader's house. More details from Lynn Mitchell: "Social at Lynn's house will follow the ride. We'll throw some chicken on the grill. Bring your favorite dish to share and feel free to bring your favorite water toys....kayaks, paddle boards & swimsuits. And spouses! I live a short distance from the start at 316 Timberpoint, on Long Pond. From the BCC after the ride turn left on Rt 27, take first right onto Castle Island road, take first left onto West road, go approximately 1 mile then turn right onto Timberpoint. Timberpoint is a dirt camp road. 316 is approximately 1.4 miles down on the left." See you all Sunday!

September 8th, Sunday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Jim's Send Off Spin and Social" - a tour through Belgrade Lakes, Readfield, and Wings Mills.

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:  29 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: views of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, quiet back roads through Wings Mills - and a post-ride gathering at the ride leader's.

LEADER:  Lynn Mitchell, mitchell.lynn222@gmail.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7407151
 

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.

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.

Wake Up the Earth Ride Rescheduled to SUNDAY

A student rides across the campus of the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Me., on an early Spring morning.

UPDATE: we have rescheduled the Wake Up the Earth Ride from Saturday to SUNDAY, in hopes of dryer weather.  Hopefully the rains will finally give us a break!

It's Earth Week!  And what better way to cap it off than with the KVBC "Wake Up The Earth Ride" in Belgrade Lakes!  We will explore a brand new route this year, meeting at the Belgrade Community Center for All Seasons at 10 am on Sunday.  After a long, drawn out Winter with still some residual snow in spots, it will be a pleasure to welcome in Spring.  Hope you can join us - Wake Up the Earth!

April 28th, Sunday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Wake Up The Earth Ride" - celebrate Earth Week and the arrival of Spring with a ride through Belgrade, Mount Vernon, and Wings Mills.

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:  26 miles with a shorter 17-mile option.

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

HIGHLIGHTS: views of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Wings Mills - possible post-ride stop at Hello Good Pie bakery in Belgrade Lakes Village.

LEADER:  Jim Floyd, jimfloyd@fairpoint.net..

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7359714
 

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.

Wake Up The Earth!

It's Earth Week!  And what better way to cap it off than with the KVBC "Wake Up The Earth Ride" in Belgrade Lakes!  We will explore a brand new route this year, meeting at the Belgrade Community Center for All Seasons at 10 am on Saturday (Rain Date, Sunday).  After a long, drawn out Winter with still some residual snow in spots, it will be a pleasure to welcome in Spring.  Hope you can join us - Wake Up the Earth!

April 27th, Saturday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Wake Up The Earth Ride" - celebrate Earth Week and the arrival of Spring with a ride through Belgrade, Mount Vernon, and Wings Mills.

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:  26 miles.

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

HIGHLIGHTS: views of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Wings Mills - possible post-ride stop at Hello Good Pie bakery in Belgrade Lakes Village.

LEADER:  Jim Floyd, jimfloyd@fairpoint.net..

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7359714
 

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.

Armistice Day

We had a really nice ride last Sunday in Readfield. The chill in the November air was tempered by the bright sunshine, and no one seemed to mind that we had a head wind no matter which way we turned. The weather ahead looks like it intends to turn cold and even snowy way too soon, but Sunday looks clear - which is fortunate, because it is the Centennial of Armistice Day! Hopefully we will spend a part of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month at an almost forgotten WWI monument on the shore of Great Pond at the historic Camp Merryweather in Belgrade. The monument is at the end of a dirt road which is rideable, but you might want some wider rubber underneath you. We will determine the distance of the ride at the start, dependent on conditions. Hope to see you Sunday!

Sunday, November 11 - SMITHFIELD
"Armistice Obelisk" - an adventurous back road jaunt on the Armistice Day Centennial to an obscure WWI monument on Great Pond.
START: 10:00 am at Sweet Dreams Convenience Store at the junction of Rts.8 and 137 in Smithfield. Park in the far end of the lot adjacent to the store.
DISTANCE: 19 miles, with longer and shorter options.
TERRAIN: moderate with a few hills. The road to the WWI monument is approx. six tenths mile of gravel (1.2 mi round trip).
HIGHLIGHTS: a visit to the Camp Merryweather WWI Memorial on Great Pond to commemorate the end of the War to End All Wars.
LEADER: Jim Merrick, 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com.
LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7314491

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.

Great Ride, Great Pond

We certainly lucked out on the weather for the KVBC ride last Saturday in Whitefield - the rains dried up, and we had a great ride through "Amish Country" and a great post-ride stop at the Griffins.  Many thanks to Bryan and Holly!  This Saturday we will meet in Belgrade lakes for a tour of the lakes region, and the newly repaved Watson Pond Road.  Last ride in August - the Fall is coming up fast!  Hope you can get out and join us!

August 26th, Saturday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Great Pond Go Round" - a tour around Great Pond through Belgrade, Rome, and Smithfield.

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:  23 or 30 miles, with a short option of 15 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 on Belgrade Lakes Village.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6800290

 

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.

Falling Leaves

We had a great time riding about the local haunts on our pre-Halloween cemetery ride in Wayne on Sunday, with lots of colorful foliage and costumes. Speaking of costumes - I'm pleased to report that the second batch of KVBC jerseys have been shipped and may actually arrive in time for the ride on Saturday! The ride on Saturday? Oh, yes - we will meet at the Belgrade Center for all Seasons on Saturday for our last ride in Daylight Savings Time for the year. If the weather holds in the weeks ahead we'll check out Standard Time, too, but for those of you looking forward to KVBC long-sleeve jerseys (and the other assorted jerseys on order) this Saturday may be your lucky day! Those of you who can't make Saturday's ride, fear not - I'll get your jerseys to you one way or another. Stay warm!

November 5th, Saturday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Take It or Leaf It" - a tour around the lakes through Belgrade, Rome, and Mount Vernon.

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:  28 miles.

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

HIGHLIGHTS:  post-peak foliage views of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Castle Island, Blueberry Hill, and a possible stop at the cafe in Mount Vernon.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6796306

 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim at 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com, or find us on Facebook.

November Lakes

We had a really fine ride last Saturday in Wayne, making the rounds of the round cemeteries.  The weather was quite pleasant, and the forecast is for more of the same this Saturday!  Let's meet at the Belgrade Community Center in Belgrade Lakes for a tour around Great Pond and the Kennebec Highlands.  We may get together afterwards for lunch in the village.  There may even be some fall foliage left on some late-turning trees.  Hopefully we can keep turning out this late in the season ourselves.  See you Saturday!

November 7th, Saturday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"The Lakes in November" - a tour around Great Pond through Belgrade, Rome, and Smithfield.

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:  23 or 30 miles, with a short option of 15 miles.

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

HIGHLIGHTS:  post-peak foliage views of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Castle Island, and Blueberry Hill.

LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.

 

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

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.

The Hot Dogs Have It

We had some fine weather for our ride last Sunday in Mount Vernon, and except for a stretch of "partial pavement" we had some pretty fair roads to explore.  Hopefully the great weather (and the pavement) will continue this Sunday as we explore the "other side" of Mount Vernon during the KVBC's sixth annual Ken's Hot Dog Ride!  Fast becoming a club tradition, we will meet at Ken's house after the ride for grilled hot dogs (veggie burgers also available for those of you who aren't what you eat).  Ken would like folks to email him at klouis17@hotmail.com ahead of next Sunday so he has an idea of how many of us to expect.  We already know we can expect a great ride - and a hot dog, too!  Hope to see you Sunday!

 

Sunday, June 22nd - WINGS 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, klouis17@hotmail.com.

 

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

The Lakes Are Full Of It

Blueberry Hill, Belgrade Lakes

We managed to dodge the worst of last weekend's storm, and we were able to work in a really nice ride around Lake Maranacook.  Many thanks to Ray Giglio for leading the ride despite the stormy forecast.  The weather looks like it will finally break this weekend - "Bon Route!" to all you Trek riders!  For the rest of us, we'll check out how high the lakes are, as we ride from Belgrade Lakes.  Hopefully we will find dry pavement and visible arrows from last fall.  See you then!

 

 

 

June 15th, Saturday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Belgrade Lakes and Highlands" - a tour around Great Pond through Belgrade, Rome, and Smithfield.

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:  23 or 30 miles, with a short option of 15 miles (all arrowed).

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.

LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.

 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, check our page on Facebook.