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

 

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

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

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

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

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

What's Brewing on the Kennebec?

Despite some overcast skies and a few raindrops we had a really fine ride from Readfield last Sunday. We had 23 riders set out on some of the best cycling roads in central Maine, culminating with a stop at the Apple Shed Bakery in Kents Hill. Thanks go to Lydia for leading us on another fine ride!  This Saturday we will venture north to Skowhegan to see what's brewing on the Kennebec. Hope you can join us!

Saturday, May 12 - SKOWHEGAN
"Acorns and Ales" - a skillfully fermented ride that hops through Canaan, Skowhegan, Waterville and Hinckley.
START: 10:00 am at the Oak Pond Brewery, 101 Oak Pond Road, near the Skowhegan/Canaan town line. Directions at their website: http://www.oakpondbrewery.com/contact.asp. Please park in the area behind the brewery.
DISTANCE: approx 39 miles
TERRAIN: moderate to hilly
HIGHLIGHTS: some little-traveled back roads, river views, and an optional brewery tour at the ride's end.
LEADER: John Lanoue, john.lanoue@avid.com.
LINK TO RIDE MAP (2016): http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7061836

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 and the KVBC blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com.

Saturday's Ride Rescheduled for Sunday

Saturday's Ride from the Oak Pond Brewery in Skowhegan POSTPONED to SUNDAY instead due to rain.
Message from John Lanoue:
Unfortunately tomorrow’s forecast is for rain, so we’re going to switch the ride to Sunday, 10:00am at the same location, Oak Pond Brewery. I called and they’re closed on Sunday, so it’s unlikely we can get a tour… however, I do need to run in and stock up on beer on Saturday for my annual 500 miler, so please email me off-list if you want me to get a few growlers filled for you and I can bring them with me on Sunday. A few hours in the car won’t hurt the beer.

Oak Pond Brewery: http://www.oakpondbrewery.com/default.asp
Selection: http://www.oakpondbrewery.com/products.asp
Thanks, and see you Sunday!

Sunday, May 7 - SKOWHEGAN
"Acorns, no Ales" - a not-quite Cinco de Mayo ride through Canaan, Skowhegan, Waterville and Hinckley.
START: 10:00 am at the Oak Pond Brewery, 101 Oak Pond Road, near the Skowhegan/Canaan town line. Directions at their website: http://www.oakpondbrewery.com/contact.asp. Please park in the area behind the brewery.
DISTANCE: approx 39 miles
TERRAIN: moderate to hilly
HIGHLIGHTS: some little-traveled back roads and river views.
LEADER: John Lanoue, john.lanoue@avid.com.
LINK TO RIDE MAP (2016): http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7061836

From Little Acorns

We had a great ride in China last Sunday with bright sunshine and a fine turnout of 20 riders - thanks to Jeanine for leading, and to Jim Floyd who had some extra maple syrup to hand out to anyone who missed out the week before. May is Bike Month, and we have more great riding in store, starting this Saturday in Skowhegan. Although it isn't exactly Cinco de Mayo, we may still have a tour of the Oak Pond Brewery after the ride. Please note the 10:00 am start. Hope to see you then!

Saturday, May 6 - SKOWHEGAN
"Ales and Acorns" - a not-quite Cinco de Mayo ride through Canaan, Skowhegan, Waterville and Hinckley.
START: 10:00 am at the Oak Pond Brewery, 101 Oak Pond Road, near the Skowhegan/Canaan town line. Directions at their website: http://www.oakpondbrewery.com/contact.asp. Please park in the area behind the brewery.
DISTANCE: approx 39 miles
TERRAIN: moderate to hilly
HIGHLIGHTS: some little-traveled back roads, river views, and an optional brewery tour at the ride's end.
LEADER: John Lanoue, john.lanoue@avid.com.
LINK TO RIDE MAP (2016): http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7061836
BCM Calendar Link: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-acorns-and-ales

Not Quite Cinco de Mayo

We had a fine ride around Lake Cobbossee last Sunday to kick off May and Bike Month. Many thanks to John Lanoue for leading, and for leading this Saturday's ride from the Oak Pond Brewery in Skowhegan on Siete de Mayo, which is not-quite Cinco de Mayo, but there is an optional microbrewery tour on tap, so maybe that's close enough. The weather forecast is for sunny skies and mid-60s, which sounds close enough for Anything de Mayo!  Please note the 10:00 am start.

Saturday, May 7 - SKOWHEGAN

"Ales and Acorns" - a not-quite Cinco de Mayo ride through Canaan, Skowhegan, Waterville and Hinckley.

START: 10:00 am at the Oak Pond Brewery, 101 Oak Pond Road, near the Skowhegan/Canaan town line. Directions at their website: http://www.oakpondbrewery.com/contact.asp.

DISTANCE: approx 38 miles

TERRAIN: moderate to hilly

HIGHLIGHTS: some little-traveled back roads, river views, and an optional brewery tour at the ride's end.

LEADER: John Lanoue, john.lanoue@avid.com.

LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://www.strava.com/routes/4024964

BCM Calendar Link: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kennebec-valley-bicycle-club-acorns-and-ales