Vassalboro Rambling

 

We had outstanding weather and a great turnout for our ride from Winslow on Saturday.  It was great to ride with some old friends again and to kick off the holiday weekend.  Many thanks to Tom for leading us on another fine ride!  This coming Sunday we will explore some more fine roads around Vassalboro, topped off by a post-ride lunch at the ride leaders' house.  If you plan to join us for lunch please RSVP to Laura at laura.lipman@roadrunner.com so she can get a head count, thank you!  Hope to see you Sunday!

Sunday, June 2 - VASSALBORO

"Velo Vassalboro" - a scenic tour around the China Lake region

START:  9:00am at the home of David and Laura Lipman. Condo is after Natanis Golf Course on ARROWHEAD DRIVE off of Webber Pond Road heading north. (Not to be confused with Fairway Drive. Use Barrows Road on your GPS and we are the next road on the  left after that.)  Please park at the end of the road, beyond the garages in the large dirt parking lot after the condo buildings.

DISTANCE: approx. 33 miles

TERRAIN:  Moderate to Hilly

HIGHLIGHTS: Views of China Lake and Webber Pond, gentleman farms and country homes along the Neck Road. Stay afterwards for a light lunch and to socialize with fellow bikers.  Please RVSP to laura.lipman@roadrunner.com so Laura can get an idea of how many will be staying for lunch.

LEADER:  David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com

LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36421718

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

All the Lakes in China

 

May has arrived with some much warmer weather, and we had a fine ride on Sunday from Jay to Livermore & Canton. The combination of clouds and winds made it feel cooler than forecast at times, but by the ride's end the thermometer was at 75 degrees.  Here's hoping for similar weather for Saturday's ride around China Lake.  Hope to see you then!

Saturday, May 13 - NORTH VASSALBORO

"Round About China Lake" - a bucolic tour around China Lake through Vassalboro & China.

START: 9:00 am at the North Vassalboro Town Office, 682 Main Street, Rt. 32.

DISTANCE: 25 miles.

TERRAIN: rolling with some hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: some delightful back roads and lakeside views with hidden histories.

LEADER: Jeanine Libby, jjlibby13@roadrunner.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/4348780987

The Vassals Will Velo

The KVBC ride Sunday was much cooler than the previous week, thanks to overcast skies that kept the heat down. An intrepid group of riders kept moving to avoid ravenous insects, especially on the three (or four) significant climbs on the route. Many thanks to John for leading so soon after knee surgery. At the ride's end we were treated to welcome coffee, muffins and snacks by our hosts. Thank you from all of us! 

This Sunday we will return to Vassalboro for a ride around one of our club's favorite areas. Please note that there will be a post-ride luncheon at the ride leaders' so an RSVP (as detailed below) to let them get a head count would be much appreciated. Hope you can join us!

Sunday, May 29 - VASSALBORO

"Velo Vassalboro" - a scenic tour around the China Lake region

START:  9am  at the home of David and Laura Lipman.  Condo is after Natanis Golf Course on ARROWHEAD DRIVE off of Webber Pond Road heading north. (Not to be confused with Fairway Drive. Use Barrows Road on your GPS and we are the next road on the  left after that)  Please park at the end of the road, beyond the garages in the large dirt parking lot after the condo buildings.

DISTANCE: approx. 19 or 31 miles

TERRAIN:  Moderate to Hilly

HIGHLIGHTS: Views of China Lake and Webber Pond,  gentleman farms and country homes along the Neck Road.   Stay afterwards for a light lunch and to socialize with fellow bikers.  Please RVSP to laura.lipman@roadrunner.com so Laura can get an idea of how many will be staying for lunch.

LEADER:  David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com

LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36421718

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

China is Finah.

 We had a fine ride last Saturday over the Colby Loop. The morning started out blustery and rather chilly, with wind chills in the low 30s that felt even lower. We warmed up quite a bit on the outbound section, climbing some good hills in the sunshine, and adding some stiff headwinds in the bargain. The day warmed up and we had some great tailwinds on the return route. Many thanks to Duncan for leading! This Sunday we will venture out on a classic ride around China Lake for Mothers' Day, and hopefully we will have delightful early May riding conditions (pre-Black Flies). Hope you can join us!

Sunday, May 8 - NORTH VASSALBORO

"Round About China Lake" - a bucolic tour around China Lake through Vassalboro & China.

START: 9:00 am at the North Vassalboro Town Office, 682 Main Street, Rt. 32.

DISTANCE: 25 miles.

TERRAIN: rolling with some hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: some delightful back roads and lakeside views with hidden histories.

LEADER: Jeanine Libby, jjlibby13@roadrunner.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/4348780987

Velo and Lunch

We once again had gorgeous weather for our ride in Jefferson on Sunday. There were sections of new pavement, lakeside views and verdant landscapes on a newly revised route that was top notch. Add in an ice cream stop at the end and it was a day well spent! Many thanks to Bryan and Holly for leading, and to all the riders and newcomers who turned out. This Saturday we will return to Vassalboro for a ride around one of our club's favorite areas. Please note that there will be a post-ride luncheon at the ride leaders' so an RSVP (as detailed below) to let them get a head count would be much appreciated. Hope you can join us! Saturday, June 19 - VASSALBORO "Velo Vassalboro" - a scenic tour around the China Lake region START: 9am at the home of David and Laura Lipman. Condo is after Natanis Golf Course on ARROWHEAD DRIVE off of Webber Pond Road heading north. (Not to be confused with Fairway Drive. Use Barrows Road on your GPS and we are the next road on the left after that) Please park at the end of the road, beyond the garages in the large dirt parking lot after the condo buildings. DISTANCE: approx. 19 or 31 miles TERRAIN: Moderate to Hilly HIGHLIGHTS: Views of China Lake and Webber Pond, gentleman farms and country homes along the Neck Road. Stay afterwards for a light lunch and to socialize with fellow bikers. Please RVSP to laura.lipman@roadrunner.com so Laura can get an idea of how many will be staying for lunch. LEADER: David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com LINK TO RIDE MAP (2015): http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6796302 For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com, or check out our club blog, "Posted Roads" at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or keep up to date via our Facebook page.

Surprise, Surprise!

We had a very pretty ride last Saturday from China to Albion, and we had 15 lucky riders take part, even though it was cloudy, cool, and blustery. The route was exceptional, and even traversed some historic Maine Narrow Gauge Railway crossings still tracked by train buffs. Many thanks to Duncan for another great ride! This Sunday we will head out on Mother's Day for a ride around the other side of China where we may see the other side of history. Please remember to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start so we can leave reasonably on time, and remember to bring masks to wear when distancing is difficult. Please stay home and get well if you are feeling sick. Hope to see you Sunday! Sunday, May 9 - NORTH VASSALBORO "China Surprise" - a bucolic tour around China Lake with an intriguing surprise. START: 9:00 am at the North Vassalboro Town Office, 682 Main Street, Rt. 32. DISTANCE: 25 miles. TERRAIN: rolling with some hills. HIGHLIGHTS: some delightful back roads and lakeside views with hidden histories. LEADER: Jeanine Libby, jjlibby13@roadrunner.com LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/4348780987

Back to Vassalboro

We had a fine ride around the Colby Loop on Saturday. There were 15 of us, so we broke into two riding groups, and the weather and the roads were better than expected.  Many thanks to Duncan, who was leading his first KVBC ride, although hardly anyone would've noticed.  This Saturday we have rescheduled one of our favorite club rides in Vassalboro.  We are permitted to ride in larger numbers, but pandemic protocols are still in effect.  Maintain social distancing, bring a mask for use in close quarters, and do not attend if you are feeling sick or have recently been in contact with anyone who has. There will be an opportunity for distant socializing outside after the ride - please bring a lawn chair and your own beverages.  Hope to see you behind your mask Saturday!

Saturday, June 6th- VASSALBORO

"Velo Vassalboro" -  a scenic tour around the China Lake region

START:  9 am  at the home of David and Laura Lipman.  Condo is after Natanis Golf Course on ARROWHEAD DRIVE off of Webber Pond Road heading north. (Not to be confused with Fairway Drive. Use Barrows Road on your GPS and we are the next road on the  left after that)  Please park wide apart after the garages in the large dirt parking lot after the condo buildings.

DISTANCE: approx. 18 or 31 miles, with 1,200 or 2,000 feet of climbing respectively

TERRAIN:  Moderate to Hilly

HIGHLIGHTS: Views of China Lake and Webber Pond,  gentleman farms and country homes along the Neck Road.  If desired, stay afterwards to socialize (distantly) with fellow bikers over light snacks.  Please bring a lawn chair and your own beverages.

LEADER:  David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP (2018): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7254750

Mind the Gap

We had another fine ride last Saturday out of Jay under clear blue skies.  Traffic was fairly light, temperatures cool, air quality excellent, and there was an abundance of spring flowers and greenery.  We did have some relentless head winds and some tire trouble on some rough spots, but all-in-all, a very nice day.  This Saturday we will return to a favorite club ride in Vassalboro.  You must preregister in advance with the ride leader - groups are restricted to ten riders - and pandemic protocols are in effect.  Maintain social distancing, bring a mask for use in close quarters, and do not attend if you are feeling sick or have recently been in contact with anyone who has.  There will be an opportunity for distant socializing outside after the ride - please bring a lawn chair and your own beverages.  Hope to see you behind your mask Saturday!

Saturday, May 30th- VASSALBORO

"Velo Vassalboro a l'ecart" - ("Bike Vassalboro at a gap") a scenic tour around the China Lake region

START:  9am  at the home of David and Laura Lipman.  Condo is after Natanis Golf Course on ARROWHEAD DRIVE off of Webber Pond Road heading north. (Not to be confused with Fairway Drive. Use Barrows Road on your GPS and we are the next road on the  left after that)  Please park wide apart after the garages in the large dirt parking lot after the condo buildings. YOU MUST SIGN UP IN ADVANCE WITH THE RIDE LEADER. GROUPS ARE LIMITED TO TEN RIDERS.

DISTANCE: approx. 18 or 31 miles, with 1,200 or 2,000 feet of climbing respectively

TERRAIN:  Moderate to Hilly

HIGHLIGHTS: Views of China Lake and Webber Pond,  gentleman farms and country homes along the Neck Road.  If desired, stay afterwards to socialize (distantly) with fellow bikers over light snacks.  Please bring a lawn chair and your own beverages.

LEADER:  David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP (2018): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7254750

Distant China

This Sunday’s KVBC ride around China Lake will go forward with some experimental planning to keep in compliance with the current social distancing requirements.  We will have three groups, each with a maximum of 9-10 riders, starting from three locations around China Lake equidistant from each other. YOU MUST REGISTER WITH THE RIDE LEADER IN ADVANCE BY 5PM ON SATURDAY to get a spot, and you will be assigned to a starting location. Jeanine and her two junior assistant ride leaders (Jim and Tom) will each lead a group from their respective starting locations. This ride is for KVBC ride veterans only – we may accept newcomers at future rides.  Please do not arrive for the ride unannounced, or if you are ill, or if you or someone in your household has had flu-like or respiratory symptoms in the past two weeks.  Masks are recommended (you don’t have to wear them while riding, only in close areas).

Sunday, May 3rd – SOUTH CHINA, NORTH VASSALBORO, CHINA VILLAGE

“China at a Distance” – a tripartite tour around China Lake

START: 10:00 AM, in Three Groups, limited to Pre-registrants in multiples of 10, as Assigned, park well apart and wear masks:

1^st Starting Point:  North Vassalboro Town Hall Rt 32 Main Street in North Vassalboro

2^nd Starting Point:  Ice Cream Place on LakeView Drive next to Circle K in China Village

3^rd Starting Point:  South China Public Library on Village Street in South China

DISTANCE: about 20 miles

TERRAIN: rolling with some hills

HIGHLIGHTS: cycling and distancing around China Lake.

PRIMARY LEADER: Jeanine Libby, PLEASE CONTACT JEANINE BEFORE 5 PM SATURDAY TO GET ON THE LIST FOR SUNDAY’S RIDE: jjlibby13@roadrunner.com, jlibby@clubaycc.org, or by cell or text 858-5500.

LINK TO RIDE ROUTE (starting locations vary): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6815798

Round About Vassalboro

We had a fine ride last Saturday in Jay, with warm weather and some splendid scenery. Some of the roads could've been smoother, or dryer, but we had a great turn-out and a fun ride. This Saturday we will return to Vassalboro for a ride around one of our club's favorite areas. Please note that there will be a post-ride luncheon at the ride leaders' so an RSVP (as detailed below) to let them get a head count would be much appreciated. Hope you can join us!

Saturday, June 1st- VASSALBORO

"Velo Vassalboro" - a scenic tour around the China Lake region

START:  9am  at the home of David and Laura Lipman.  Condo is after Natanis Golf Course on ARROWHEAD DRIVE off of Webber Pond Road heading north. (Not to be confused with Fairway Drive. Use Barrows Road on your GPS and we are the next road on the  left after that)  Please park after the garages in the large dirt parking lot after the condo buildings.

DISTANCE: approx. 19 or 31 miles

TERRAIN:  Moderate to Hilly

HIGHLIGHTS: Views of China Lake and Webber Pond,  gentleman farms and country homes along the Neck Road.   Stay afterwards for a light lunch and to socialize with fellow bikers.  Please RVSP to laura.lipman@roadrunner.com so Laura can get an idea of how many will be staying for lunch.

LEADER:  David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com

LINK TO RIDE MAP (2015): http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6796302

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

Le Grange Rouge Randonnee

We had a great metric century from Norridgewock to Bingham on Sunday, and an equally nice half-century to Solon, by all accounts. Our thanks to Brian & Denise for leading us, and for providing us with fresh-baked cookies and other treats at their house! Our rambling friends have returned from their sojourn in the Old Country and David Lipman has graciously offered to start off October with a new ride Saturday from Augusta to China and le Grange Rouge. Bon Appetit! On Sunday, some of may also ramble up on Mount Desert on the Cadillac Challenge: http://cadillacchallengecentury.com/. Hopefully we will see you at one or the other - or both!

Saturday, October 6th - AUGUSTA

"Red Barn Ramble" - an early October ride from Augusta out to China Lake, returning for (optional) lunch at the Red Barn.

START: 9 am at the Big Apple at 362 Riverside Drive (Rt.s 100 & 201) just north of the Rt. 3 intersection, a couple of 100 yards on the left.

DISTANCE: about 30 miles

TERRAIN: moderate with a few hills

HIGHLIGHTS: some fine cycling roads east of the capitol, with some early Fall foliage and a potential post-ride lunch stop at the Red Barn.

LEADER:  David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com

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

In Vassalboro We Velo

I was away last weekend (getting lost in the back roads of New Hampshire) but I am informed that some folks rode in the rain on Saturday, others opted to ride on Sunday, and some even rode both days! Thanks again to John for leading and to those who rode, rain and/or shine. This Sunday we will return to Vassalboro for a ride around one of our club's favorite areas. Please note that there will be a post-ride luncheon at the ride leaders' so an RSVP (as detailed below) to let them get a head count would be much appreciated. Hope you can join us!

Sunday, June 3rd - VASSALBORO

"Velo Vassalboro" - a scenic tour around the China Lake region

START:  9am  at the home of David and Laura Lipman.  Condo is after Natanis Golf Course on ARROWHEAD DRIVE off of Webber Pond Road heading north. (Not to be confused with Fairway Drive. Use Barrows Road on your GPS and we are the next road on the  left after that)  Please park after the garages in the large dirt parking lot after the condo buildings.

DISTANCE: approx. 19 or 31 miles

TERRAIN:  Moderate to Hilly

HIGHLIGHTS: Views of China Lake and Webber Pond,  gentleman farms and country homes along the Neck Road.   Stay afterwards for a light lunch and to socialize with fellow bikers.  Please RVSP to laura.lipman@roadrunner.com so Laura can get an idea of how many will be staying for lunch.

LEADER:  David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com

LINK TO RIDE MAP (2015): http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6796302

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

Go Fish

We had a very nice ride from Skowhegan to Fairfield and all points in between last Sunday. The weather was a bit cool, but clear and sunny. We had some great scenery and a great group of folks on hand. Our thanks to John Lanoue for another fine ride. This Sunday the alewives return, and so shall the cyclists, so come join us as we go Biking with the Alewives! See you Sunday!

Sunday, May 20th, EAST VASSALBORO

"Biking with the Alewives" - a tour along the shores of Webber Pond, the Seven Mile Stream, and China Lake for the Spring Alewife Run.

START: 9:30 AM at Vassalboro Elementary School, 1116 Webber Pond Road, East Vassalboro.

DISTANCE: approx. 26 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate, with some hills and flat sections.

HIGHLIGHTS: scenic river views and a stop at the dam to view the historic alewife spring run.

LEADER: Tammy Jones, tjones@colby.edu.

LINK TO ROUTE MAP (2016): http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6864277

 

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.

Everyone (Usually) Likes a Surprise

We had a superb "Wake Up the Earth" ride last Sunday. A great group of 22 riders turned out on April 22, and we had bright blue skies and warming temperatures, and the leftover patches of snow didn't do anything to diminish our "Wake Up" vibes. And the weather to start off the week is definitely following suit! Our thanks to Jim Floyd for leading, and for providing all who turned out with some fresh maple syrup to get us in sync with the change of the seasons! This Sunday's ride will start from East Vassalboro at 9:30 am as we set out in search of a China Surprise. See you Sunday!

SUNDAY, April 29th, EAST VASSALBORO

"China Surprise" - a delightful tour over the hills and dells of Vassalboro and China.

START: 9:30 AM at the Vassalboro Historical Society parking lot at 327 Main Street just north of the China Lake boat landing on Rt. 32 in East Vassalboro (not the boat landing in South China).

DISTANCE: 25 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate, with some hills and flat sections.

HIGHLIGHTS: a selection of great, scenic rural Maine roads with great views of China Lake and surroundings, with a surprise thrown in! (And there is a rumor that the Ice Cream Dairy Bar in South China is open!)

LEADER: Jeanine Libby, jjlibby13@roadrunner.com.

LINK to RIDE MAP (2016):  http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6799647

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.