Still Winsome in Winslow

We had a great apple ride from Livermore last Saturday. Our first "official" Fall ride featured some great weather, good roads, and some first-rate apple picking at the end! Many thanks to John for leading, and to everyone who turned out. This coming Saturday we will revisit a popular ride in Winslow that was rained out in the spring. Please note the 10:00 o'clock start. Hope you can join us! Saturday, October 4 - WINSLOW "Winsome Winslow" - a tour along the Kennebec through Winslow, Benton, Fairfield and Clinton START: 10:00 am at the Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow DISTANCE: 30.8 miles TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills HIGHLIGHTS: Scenic back roads with Kennebec River views in Fall colors LEADER: Tom Michaud, sdnytom@yahoo.com LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/70587004 https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/65546974

Smoked Alewives

We had a splendid, sunny ride on Mothers' Day from South China to Albion. The newly-revised route was outstanding, with many scenic hilltop vistas. Our thanks to Duncan for leading and to all who turned out! We have another fine ride lined up for this Saturday in Winslow, winding its way through Benton, Fairfield and Clinton. The ride coincides this year with the Benton Alewife Festival - an optional stop near the ride's end: https://tockify.com/wabi.calendar/detail/2369/1747494000000. Hope you can join us! Saturday, May 17 - WINSLOW "Winsome Winslow" - a tour along the Kennebec through Winslow, Benton, Fairfield and Clinton START: 9:00 am at the Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow DISTANCE: 30.8 miles TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills HIGHLIGHTS: Scenic back roads with Kennebec River views and an optional stop at the Benton Alewife Festival LEADER: Tom Michaud, sdnytom@yahoo.com LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/70587004 https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/65546974

Sorting Out Somerset

 

We had a beautiful Fall day for our ride from Boothby's Orchard in Livermore on Saturday.  The roads were in good shape, we had a fine run on the Chesterville Esker, an abundance of apples for picking at the end!  Many thanks again to John for leading.  This Saturday we will head north from Waterville to check out some early Fall foliage from several great ridgetop vantage points in Somerset County.  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, October 5 - WATERVILLE

"A Somerset Sortie" - an early foliage tour through Somerset County.

START: 9:30am at Colby College, visitor parking at the Lower Athletic Center Parking Lot, corner of Mayflower Hill and Campus Drive, beside the roundabout and across from the baseball fields. See aerial view attached. Follow detour signs around construction on Rices Rips Road and Mayflower Hill Drive.

DISTANCES: 29 or 39 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate with some hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: country roads up and down the Kennebec and inland from Canaan to Benton, ushering the Fall season.

LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP (Long): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48498707

LINK to ROUTE MAP (Short): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48498777

 

Aerial View of Ride Start Location

 

Winslow's a Winner

Despite another grey, cloudy day, the KVBC ride last Sunday from Smithfield went very well.  We had a nice turnout and our intrepid ride leaders, Brian & Denise, routed us around the ever present road construction, and we had a very pleasant ride.  Our thanks to Denise & Brian and to all who took part!  This week promises to be a lot sunnier and warmer, if predictions hold up, and we may have some early summer-like weather for our ride in Winslow on Saturday.  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, May 25 - WINSLOW

"Winsome Winslow" - a tour along the Kennebec through Winslow, Benton, Fairfield and Clinton

START: 9 am at the Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow

DISTANCE: 30.8 miles

TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills

HIGHLIGHTS: Back roads of Winslow, Benton, Fairfield, and Clinton with Kennebec River views.

LEADER: Tom Michaud, sdnytom@yahoo.com

LINK TO RIDE MAP: 

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/70587004

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/65546974

 

Yet Another Sortie

Due to a poor weather forecast for Saturday we are switching the KVBC ride start in Waterville to Sunday, hoping for better weather.  If it is raining at the start the ride may be "show & go."  Keep your fingers crossed, and perhaps we'll see you Sunday!

Sunday, October 8 - WATERVILLE

"A Somerset Sortie" - a scenic tour through Somerset County in early Fall season.

START: 9:00am at the Alfond Youth & Community Center, 126 North Street, Waterville.

DISTANCES: 29 or 39 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate with some hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: country roads along the Kennebec and inland from Canaan to Benton, with some fine ridge-top views.

LEADER: David Chiappetta, dlchiappetta@aol.com.

LINK to ROUTE MAP (Short Ride) https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7528326

LINK to ROUTE MAP (Long Ride): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41172993

Another Sortie

 Gorgeous cycling weather of late!  Saturday's ride from Norridgewock & Madison was a bit foggy, and we had some issues with pavement on Rt. 201A which led to a shortened ride for a couple of us, but otherwise it was another delightful expedition to the Wire Bridge in New Portland, topped off by home-made cookies & brownies at the ride leaders' house!  Many thanks to Brian & Denise for rearranging their schedule to fit the ride in for us.  It was also great to see some old familiar faces at the "Share the Road with Carol" (and 50 or so other riders) in Windsor on Sunday!  This Saturday we will hope for even more Fall colors as we head out from Waterville to Canaan & vicinity for the Somerset Sortie.  Hope you can take advantage of the great weather and join us!

Saturday, October 7 - WATERVILLE

"A Somerset Sortie" - a scenic tour through Somerset County in early Fall season.

START: 9:00am at the Alfond Youth & Community Center, 126 North Street, Waterville.

DISTANCES: 33 or 39 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate with some hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: country roads along the Kennebec and inland from Canaan to Benton, with some fine ridge-top views.

LEADER: David Chiappetta, davidchiappetta5@gmail.com.

LINK to ROUTE MAP (Short Ride): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41235305

LINK to ROUTE MAP (Long Ride): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41172993

Winslow and the River

We had a great turnout for our annual Independence ride from Sidney on Saturday.  The weather turned out to be much more favorable than expected, and we even had some sunshine - a rarity these days!  Let's hope for more nice weather for the ride this Saturday from Winslow.  And have a safe and happy 4th!

Saturday, July 8 - WINSLOW

"Winsome Winslow" - a tour along the Kennebec through Winslow, Benton, Fairfield and Clinton

START: 9 am at the Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow. NOTE: if the school parking lot is blocked off for resurfacing please park in the adjacent Superintendent's lot.

DISTANCE: 30.8 miles

TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills

HIGHLIGHTS: Back roads of Winslow, Benton, Fairfield, and Clinton with Kennebec River views.

LEADER: Tom Michaud, sdnytom@yahoo.com

LINK TO RIDE MAP: 

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/70587004

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/65546974

 

How Big are Gs?

 

We had another fine ride last Saturday along the very smooth back roads of Windsor, China, and South Vassalboro.  Still rather blustery, but lots of good sunshine - and good company!. Many thanks to Paul for stepping up and offering a ride to get us out and about.  The weather is supposed to really warm up this week, just in time for our ride from Winslow on Saturday.  With any luck, we may be able to show up at Big Gs with bare knees (or those of us opting for a post-ride lunch). We may also have a collection of women's cycling kits to distribute before and after the ride.  Hope you can join us!

April 15th, Saturday - WINSLOW
"Big G's and Bare Knees" - a riverside tour through Winslow, Benton, and Clinton.
START: 11:00 AM at Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow.
DISTANCE: 25-30 miles.
TERRAIN: moderate.
HIGHLIGHTS: an early Spring ride along the Kennebec and Sebasticook rivers. Optional lunch stop at "Big G's" in Winslow.
LEADER: Jeanine Libby, jjlibby13@roadrunner.com.

LINK TO ROUTE MAP:  https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/4932699574

Sortie, Sortie

 We had a nice Fall ride from Farmington to Industry on Sunday.  The early morning fog burned off and we saw lots of peak foliage.  More great foliage is in store for this Saturday as we head out from Waterville to Canaan on a route originally laid out by Camille Chamberland who, as many of you know, set out on his own sortie earlier this year.  We're happy he left us this route - you may still find memories of him along the way - and we hope you can join us on Saturday (or Sunday in case of rain).

Saturday, October 22 - WATERVILLE (Rain Date: Sunday, Oct. 23)

"A Somerset Sortie" - a scenic tour through Somerset County in near-peak Fall season.

START: 9:00am at the Alfond Youth & Community Center, 126 North Street, Waterville.

DISTANCES: 33 or 39 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate with some hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: country roads along the Kennebec and inland from Canaan to Benton, with some fine ridge-top views.

LEADER: David Chiappetta, dlchiappetta@aol.com.

LINK to ROUTE MAP (Short Ride): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41235305

LINK to ROUTE MAP (Long Ride): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41172993

Winsome Roads

We have been enjoying a nice streak of fine riding weather of late, including last Sunday's ride in Sidney, for which we also had a nice turnout!  Thanks to all of the 21 riders who turned out on the holiday weekend.  A special thanks to Bill Marsh Sacks who kindly gave a tour of his perennial greenhouses nearby in Sidney for a group after the ride.  Join us this Sunday if you can for a ride out of Winslow northward along the river.  More great riding in store for July!

Sunday, July 10 - WINSLOW

"Winsome Winslow" - a tour along the Kennebec through Winslow, Benton, Fairfield and Clinton

START: 9 am at the Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow

DISTANCE: 30.8 miles

TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills

HIGHLIGHTS: Back roads of Winslow, Benton, Fairfield, and Clinton with Kennebec River views.

LEADER: Tom Michaud, sdnytom@yahoo.com

LINK TO RIDE MAP: 

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/70587004

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/65546974 

Big Knees

We had a really nice ride out of Manchester on Sunday, with an impressive turnout (for early April) of 19 riders. The day was sunnier than expected and the winds were calm, making for a very pleasant ride. It looks like we might have another nice forecast in store for this coming Sunday's ride in Winslow. Will it be warm enough for bare knees? Who knows, but we may have a post-ride get-together at Big Gs for lunch. Hope to see you then!

April 10th, Sunday - WINSLOW

"Big G's and Bare Knees" - a riverside tour through Winslow, Benton, and Clinton.

START: 10:30 AM at Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow.

DISTANCE: 25-30 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate.

HIGHLIGHTS: an early Spring ride along the Kennebec and Sebasticook rivers. Optional lunch stop at "Big G's" in Winslow.

LEADER: Jeanine Libby, jjlibby13@roadrunner.com.

LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/4932699574

(Bicycle Chain Sculpture: "Nirvana 180" by Seo Young Deok, 2018.)

Sorting out the Sortie

 We had beautiful Fall weather and colorful foliage on our ride from Wayne last Saturday. There were roads with nice new pavement and roads with nice smooth gravel. Many thanks to Fritz for leading and to Susan and Holly for riding sweep and keeping the 19 riders (mostly) on track. This Sunday we will venture north from Waterville to Canaan for what promises to be a nice foliage tour through Somerset County. Keep masks on hand should you need to use them, and dress yourself and your bike to stand out to motorists who may be distracted by the seasonal colors. Hope you can join us!

Sunday, October 17 - WATERVILLE

"A Somerset Sortie" - a scenic tour through Somerset County in peak Fall season.

START: 9:00am at the Alfond Youth & Community Center, 126 North Street, Waterville.

DISTANCE: 33 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate with some hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: country roads along the Kennebec and inland from Canaan to Benton, with some fine ridge-top views.

LEADER: David Chiappetta, dlchiappetta@aol.com.

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37739372

Win Some, Win Slow

We had a fine Fourth of July ride in Sidney on July 5th, taking advantage of the long weekend to bypass the cold, wet conditions on Sunday for sunshine, dry pavement, and warmer temperatures on Monday. Many thanks to Peggy for prompt rescheduling, welcomed by the 20 other riders who turned out (especially those of us who wouldn't have been able to make it otherwise). Thank you! Next Sunday we will head out from Winslow along the banks of the Kennebec. Hope you can join us! Sunday, July 11 - WINSLOW "Winsome Winslow" - a tour along the Kennebec through Winslow, Benton, Fairfield and Clinton START: 9 am at the Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow DISTANCE: 30.8 miles TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills HIGHLIGHTS: Back roads of Winslow, Benton, Fairfield, and Clinton with Kennebec River views. LEADER: Tom Michaud, sdnytom@yahoo.com LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/70587004 https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/65546974

Lose Fast, Winslow

We had a beautiful spring ride from Augusta last Saturday, as temperatures soared into the 70s and 17 riders turned out. May not be quite so warm this Sunday, but considering that it might snow Saturday, we'll be happy with a nice sunny day for our tour along the river in Winslow. Please remember to bring masks and to use them when in close quarters with others, maintain social and physical distancing, and please stay home if you are feeling unwell. Hope to see you Sunday! Sunday, April 18 - WINSLOW "Ice Out or Nice Out (and probably both)" - a tour east of the Kennebec through Winslow, Benton & Clinton. START: 9:30 am at Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Ave. in Winslow. DISTANCE: 20.5 miles TERRAIN: Moderate with a few Hills HIGHLIGHTS: some fine rural roads with some river views LEADER: Jeanine Libby, jjlibby13@roadrunner.com LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/3064215820 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.

Sorting Out Somerset

We got a taste of the late Fall approaching, with crisp, cool weather and some impressive headwinds on the ride from Winslow last Sunday. Despite a somewhat frosty start, we had a sparkling clear day with lots of sunshine, some very pretty roads and good company. Many thanks to Tom for leading! This Sunday we will start in Waterville for another popular ride up to Canaan and vicinity. Please remember to stay vigilant in the current pandemic - bring masks to wear in close quarters, spread out at the ride start and when regrouping on the route, and please stay home if you are feeling unwell. Hope to see you Sunday!

Sunday, October 18 - WATERVILLE

"A Somerset Sortie" - a scenic tour through Somerset County in peak Fall season.

START: 9:00am at the Alfond Youth & Community Center, 126 North Street, Waterville.

DISTANCES: 29 or 39 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate with some hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: country roads along the Kennebec and inland from Canaan to Benton, with some fine ridge-top views.

LEADER: David Chiappetta, dlchiappetta@aol.com.

LINK to ROUTE MAP (Short Ride): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7528326

LINK to ROUTE MAP (Long Ride): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7528330

Winsome Lose Some

 We had a nice, adventurous gravel ride last Saturday from New Sharon.  Despite the recent rains, most of the roads were in good shape.  It was a good opportunity to get off the beaten track and explore some little-traveled roads in foliage season.  On Sunday, a record number of 12 of us did all or parts of the Cadillac Challenge, the only Century ride in Maine this year.  This Sunday we will return to the pavement for another pretty ride on the roads east of the Kennebec through Winslow, Benton & Clinton.  There has been a recent spike in Covid cases (including you-know-who), so pandemic precautions are still in order: bring masks and use them when you can't distance, stay well apart, and stay home if you are feeling unwell.  Hope to see you Sunday!

Sunday, October 11 - WINSLOW

"Winsome Winslow" - a Fall tour around Winslow, Benton and Clinton

START: 9 am at the Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow

DISTANCE: Approx. 28 miles

TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills

HIGHLIGHTS: Back roads of Winslow, Benton, and Clinton

LEADER: Tom Michaud, sdnytom@yahoo.com

LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7526680

Summer Sets

We had a great pair of rides last weekend. Joe Renda led the KVBC ride on Saturday over some adventurous mixed road surfaces in Pittston and Dresden, which we all proudly survived - and we would've even beaten the rains had it not been for one slow rider riding sweep. Many thanks to Joe! On Sunday a group of us took part in the 3rd annual Share the Road with Carol commemorative ride, which took place in Windsor and Whitefield in near perfect weather with a near record turnout. Our thanks to all the ride organizers and volunteers! This weekend looks to have more summer-like weather as we head out on a new end-of-Summer ride from Waterville to Canaan, and welcome in the start of Autumn. Hope to see you Sunday!

Sunday, September 22 - WATERVILLE
"A Somerset Sortie" - a tour through Somerset County on the last full day of Summer. START: 9:00am at Colby College, visitor parking at the Lower Athletic Center Parking Lot, corner of Mayflower Hill and Campus Drive, beside the Alfond Athletic Center and across from the baseball fields. DISTANCES: 29 or 39 miles. TERRAIN: moderate with some hills. HIGHLIGHTS: country roads up and down the Kennebec and inland from Canaan to Benton, ushering the Fall season. LEADER: Camille Chamberland, camillec@gwi.net. LINK to ROUTE MAP (Long):https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/27657814 LINK to ROUTE MAP (Short):https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/28033074

On My Knees for Big G's

Winter hasn't quite decided if it is really Mud Season or not, but while it is trying to make up its mind, we have a KVBC ride planned for Sunday! We will start at the Winslow Elementary School and wend our way to Big G's for a lunch stop extraordinaire. Not sure at this writing if the weather will be conducive to bare knees or not. If it is more conducive towards hypothermia (raining and in the 40s) we may postpone at the ride leader's discretion. But let's hope Spring is just around the corner, and we'll see you Sunday!

April 15th, Sunday - WINSLOW
"Big G's and Bare Knees" - a riverside tour through Winslow, Benton, and Clinton.
START: 10:00 AM at Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow.
DISTANCE: 25-30 miles.
TERRAIN: moderate.
HIGHLIGHTS: an early Spring ride along the Kennebec and Sebasticook rivers. Optional lunch stop at "Big G's" in Winslow.
LEADER: Jeanine Libby, jjlibby13@roadrunner.com.

LINK TO ROUTE MAP (2015): http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6799300

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

Swim with the Fishes, Bike with the Alewives

We had another fine turn-out for what I'm told was a fun ride last Saturday in Skowhegan. Thanks again to John Lanoue for leading the ride and to the folks at the Oak Pond Brewery. This Saturday's ride will be in East Vassalboro as we go biking with the Alewives on their run up the Sebasticook, as well as explore some back roads where Alewives go not. See you Saturday!

Saturday, May 14th, EAST VASSALBORO

"Biking with the Alewives" - a tour along the banks of the Sebasticook River to the Spring Alewife Run at the Benton Dam.

START: 9:00 AM at Vassalboro Elementary School, 1116 Webber Pond Road, East Vassalboro.

DISTANCE: approx. 25 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate, with some hills and flat sections.

HIGHLIGHTS: scenic river views and a stop at the site of the Benton Alewife Festival celebrating the return of the historic alewife spring run.

LEADER: Jeanine Libby.

Jersey Update: we are gathering orders for KVBC jerseys, and I neglected to say where you could mail your payments to.  The address is Jim Merrick, P.O. Box 214, Mount Vernon, Maine 04352.  It would be helpful if you could get your orders in to me by early next week. Many thanks!

 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784 or hjmerrick@gmail.com, and check out the club's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/KennebecValleyBicycleClub.

 

Go Fish.

We had a cool, misty, foggy start to last Saturday's ride over the Back 40 in Windsor, but we had a good group of a dozen riders who rewarded for their troubles when it dried up and the sun even came out for a bit.  Many thanks to Leanne for another fine ride.  Here's hoping it continues to warm up for our next Spring venture, checking in with the Spring Alewife Run in Benton.  Go Fish!

Sunday, May 17th, EAST VASSALBORO

"Biking with the Alewives" - a tour along the banks of the Sebasticook River to the Spring Alewife Run at the Benton Dam.

START: 9:00 AM at Vassalboro Elementary School, 1116 Webber Pond Road, East Vassalboro.

DISTANCE: approx. 25 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate, with some hills and flat sections.

HIGHLIGHTS: scenic river views and a stop at the site of the Benton Alewife Festival celebrating the return of the historic alewife spring run.

LEADER: Jeanine Libby, jjlibby13@roadrunner.com.

BCM Calendar Link: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-biking-with-the-alewives

 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784 or hjmerrick@gmail.com, and check out the club's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/KennebecValleyBicycleClub.