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

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.

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.

Roaming Around Rome

We had a terrific ride Sunday in Wayne - great weather, great turnout, great route - and a top notch post ride gathering at the ride leaders'. Our thanks to Fritz and Susan for a special day! There are a lot of cycling events going on this weekend, with the Tour de Farms and the Maine Lighthouse Ride on Saturday, and Pedal the Penobscot and BikeMaine highlighting Sunday. We will venture out to Rome on Saturday for a scenic tour that is shorter and hillier than usual. You may lose count of the hills, but there are at least seven, and seven is an auspicious number. So they say. See you Saturday!

Saturday, September 10th: ROME

"The Seven Hills of Rome" - a roadside tour of the many hillside trails through Rome and Belgrade.

START: 9:00 AM, Rome Town Hall at the corner of Rt. 225 and Mercer Road, about 0.3 mi from the junction of Rt. 27 and Rt. 225.

DISTANCE: 20 miles.

TERRAIN: Moderately Hilly to Hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: the route passes 5 trailheads, Blueberry Hill and the Kennebec Highlands.  There is an optional short hike up French's Mountain to a spectacular scenic vista.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6800281

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.

Grading on the Bel(grade) Curve

Blueberry Hill Overlook

We had beautiful weather last Saturday for the ride in Smithfield, and we had a nice turnout for a holiday weekend.  We has some really nice runs through Smithfield, Rome & Mercer, and we even got to the Ice Cream Place in Smithfield before it closed for the season.  Many thanks to Larry Childs for leading the ride, and to all who turned out.  This Sunday's ride will see a return to the site of our very first club ride in May 2002, at the Belgrade Community Center.  The records show we had 17 people turn out in cold, raw, blustery conditions for a 15 mile ride (still one of the route options for Sunday, hopefully in nicer conditions).  Just for kicks, I dug out the original email announcement for the "First Bike Ride" sent out ten years ago:

 

First Bike Ride - Saturday, May 11th, 9:30 AM

Ride Start: Belgrade Community Center, Rt. 27, a half mile south of the village of Belgrade Lakes, on the right (southbound) next to the Great Pond Marina.  Park along the road in front of the Community Center.

Ride Description: "The Long and the Short of It" - a short ride around Long Pond.  This will be a 15 mile road ride around Long Pond in Belgrade, with an optional climb up Blueberry Hill (.4 mi. of dirt).  Helmets required.

Terrain:  rolling with a few hills.

Highlights:  the village of Belgrade Lakes, Blueberry Hill Scenic Area, Castle Island.

Special Note:  there will be an opportunity for a post-ride get together at a restaurant in Belgrade Lakes, to socialize and discuss upcoming rides, and club organization.

For more information, contact: Jim Merrick.

You'll note that we didn't have a club name (or even any actual members yet) and that I was just as bad at giving directions.  It was very strange leading a ride when I really didn't know anyone there, but I was just glad that anyone showed up.  It certainly never occurred to me that ten years later I would be back in Belgrade Lakes leading my 100th KVBC ride.  I guess that means I'm still glad anyone shows up.  Anyway, the ride Sunday is a nice one - scenic with some challenging hills - and hopefully the rain will clear out by the weekend.  I did manage to get out and arrow the routes before the rain, so the route is freshly marked.  Hope to see you there!

 

September 9th, Sunday:  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.

 

The Hills Take Their Toll

Heading off down Mercer Road in Rome

The legendary Hills of Rome can be punishing, but I was wondering if I was even going to see them at the start of the ride on July 7. Less than a half-mile down Mercer Road from the Rome Town Hall, my rear wheel began making some persistent clicking and pinging - upon inspection, several pairs of spokes had come loose - real loose. No spoke wrench, so I had to make some delicate tensioning with a 6" adjustable wrench - enough to get by, but I spent the rest of the ride picking the smoothest line I could find through occasionally rough pavement.

The Descent Down Wooster Hill

I wasn't so lucky on the descent that followed on Wooster Hill. My wheel held up fine, but my little trustworthy digital camera flew off, and I had to waste more time backtracking and searching for scattered pieces. After a time, I did manage to find everything and put it back together, but I couldn't get it to work for the rest of the ride. Good that I carry two cameras. Good also that my cycling companions are quite patient - and by some estimation, photogenic. (Nice modelling of the new BCM 20th anniversary jersey, Ken.)

Smooth Shoulders on Rt. 27

We emerged from the hills of Rome to a nice long downhill run on Rt. 27. With smooth pavement and wide shoulders, I could take some chances with the second camera and record some images on the descent.

Approaching Belgrade Lakes Village

We rolled into Belgrade Lakes village and stopped by the village store, where a fellow from across the street tried to sell us an aluminum boat dock and a pontoon boat to go with it (or actually, raffle tickets for the same). Yep, we were in Belgrade Lakes all right. We decided not to take a chance - hey, you might win, you know - and we headed off toward Castle Island.

Passing through the Isthmus of Castle Island

Castle Island is always a pretty spot where the road threads its way along the narrow causeway and connecting bridges between the lakes. The speed limit drops to 15 mph, however, which causes some consternation in some motorists who cannot accept going as slow as (or slower!) than cyclists. But we managed to evade the more impatient drivers and passed though without incident.

Heading back through Mount Vernon

It began to cloud up a bit as we headed back through Mount Vernon and up Watson Pond Road. We passed Blueberry Hill and French's Mountain, descending back to Rt. 27 and climbing back to Rt. 225. From there it was just a short spin back to the start at the Rome Town Hall, bringing to conclusion one of the hilliest 20-mile rides you can find anywhere.

Until Next Time - See You on the Road!

Roman Over the Hills

Climbing Blueberry Hill

 

 

 

 

We had another spectacular day for last Saturday's ride in Sidney.  Beautiful sunshine, calm winds, and some nice shady stretches when it started to get too hot.  Many thanks to Jim Putnam for another great ride leading up to the Fourth of July.  For those of you who are not going to the Maine Bike Rally this weekend, we have a ride planned for Saturday, the Seventh of July, exploring the Seven Hills of Rome (more or less).  Hope we see you on Saturday - have a great Fourth and a great weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, July 7th: ROME

"The Seven Hills of Rome" - a roadside tour of the many hillside trails through Rome and Belgrade.

START: 9:00 AM, Rome Town Hall at the corner of Rt. 225 and Mercer Road, about 0.3 mi from the junction of Rt. 27 and Rt. 225.

DISTANCE: about 20 miles.

TERRAIN:  Hills. Seven at least. Otherwise moderate to hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: the route passes 5 trailheads, Blueberry Hill and the Kennebec Highlands.  There is an optional short hike up French's Mountain to a spectacular scenic vista.  Several swimming opportunites, too.  Possible ice cream stop.

LEADER: Jim Merrick.

 

Highland Fall Fling

We had a fine ride on Columbus Day weekend along the Sheepscot River, although it started out a bit blustery, overcast, and cold. Things actually warmed up nicely later in the day, so a later ride start may have been in order. The weather this Sunday looks favorable, and the fall colors are holding strong, so lets try for a ride in Belgrade Lakes - starting a bit later, at 10:00 am, to let things warm up a bit at the start. We may have a post-ride gathering at either the cafe or the grill in town. This may be one of the last chances to get a group ride in, and to enjoy the fall colors. Hope to see you there!

October 24th, Sunday: BELGRADE LAKES

"Highland Fling" - a tour around the Kennebec Highlands through 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: about 20 miles.

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

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

LEADER: Jim Merrick.

Roman the Hills

We had a very pleasant ride on Sunday morning in Wings Mills despite the light rain that was supposed to fall in the afternoon, and the hot dogs and hospitality at the Lewis' post-ride spread were absolutely first rate! Many thanks to Ken, who is already thinking of a date for his ride next year. This Saturday our roads lead to Rome with its multiple hills - and an optional long loop around Great Pond. The weather looks like it will be clearing up for this weekend - hope to see you then!

Saturday, August 28th: ROME

"The Seven Hills of Rome" - a roadside tour of the many hillside trails through Rome and Belgrade.

START: 9:00 AM, Rome Town Hall at the corner of Rt. 225 and Mercer Road, about 0.3 mi from the junction of Rt. 27 and Rt. 225.

DISTANCES: 20 - 35 miles.

TERRAIN: Moderate to Hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: the route passes 5 trailheads, Blueberry Hill and the Kennebec Highlands. There is an optional short hike up French's Mountain to a spectacular scenic vista.

LEADER: Jim Merrick.

Misty Belgrade

It was misting, drizzling, and spitting enough to require intermittent wipers on the way to the ride start at Belgrade Lakes last Saturday. The weather forecast had gotten progressively worse all week, to the throw-in-the-towel point of "100 per cent chance of showers" but I packed up my bike and a stack of ride maps and headed over to the Belgrade Community Center to see if anyone would show up. As I waited there, Denise pulled into the parking lot. We discussed the weather and our route options - I mentioned that I had a piano recital to attend at 1 pm - and we had almost talked ourselves out of riding when Jim pulled in. Almost simultaneously, the misting let up, Jim confidently cited a more optimistic forecast of rain to the south of us, and we talked ourselves back into riding again. It would prove to be a good choice.


Not entirely convinced that the rain would actually hold off, we opted to set out on the 15 mile loop. The temperature and the winds were moderate, although the pavement was wet. We headed up the long hill out of Belgrade Lakes village on Rt.27. Except for the spray from an occasional passing car, the climb went well, and we warmed up quickly. We turned off onto Watson Pond Road and began the stepped climb up Blueberry Hill. For some reason it seemed steeper than usual - that wasn't part of the forecast - but soon enough, we were at the summit.



As we contemplated the descent, it started drizzling again, so we pressed on, turning onto Castle Island Road. The rollers into the Castle Island Camps were fun - and pretty in any weather. By the time we got to Fast Fred's hot dog stand it was raining too hard to stop, even though Fast Fred was open for business. We headed back down to Belgrade Lakes village past the golf course, the rain starting to come down steadier. No dilly-dallying in the village - we headed up Rt.27 straightaway, and back to the Community Center. Packing up our bikes, it started to rain in earnest. Our hunch at the start was right - the weather held up just long enough for us to get the 15 miles in, and the three of us had a great ride. I was really glad that Denise and Jim had come and "coerced" me into riding on a very misty day.

Great Pond Go 'Round

We had another great ride in Wayne last Saturday - spectacular weather, another great route and another great crowd. Many thanks to Frank Rosen who revised his planned route and put together another great ride for us. This Saturday's ride will tour through the Belgrade Lakes, with three challenging routes of varying distances. Hope you can make it!

May 8th, Saturday: BELGRADE LAKES

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

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: 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.

LEADER: Jim Merrick.