Sanka de Mayo

We had a wonderful "Wake Up the Earth Ride" out of Belgrade on Sunday - thanks to Jim Floyd, who set out a splendid new route for us. Now we will head into May - May is "Bike Month" - and the weather had better start to look like May. Sunday is Sanka de Mayo, but you don't have to settle for any decaffeinated ride - we are going to head out over a classic route around Gardiner and West Gardiner - and we may even stop at Frosty's Donuts near the ride's end. Guaranteed to be good to the last drop - for a no-drop ride. Hope you can join us!

Sunday, May 5th - GARDINER

"Coffee Grindstone Crank" - a tour south of the Capitol district through Gardiner and Litchfield.

START:  10:00 AM, at the Laura Richards School, Rt. 201 in Gardiner, 1.5 miles south of the junction of Rt. 201 and Rt.s 126/9 (the junction near the A-1 Diner).  The school is a modern brick building with a "spiked ball" sculpture, on the west side of Rt. 201, on the left past the Gardiner Armory (just as you enter the "thickly settled" area).  Park in the lot on the north side of the school.

DISTANCE:  28 or 30 miles.

TERRAIN:  Moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS:  quiet back roads along streams and farmland in West Gardiner and Richmond; possible stop at Frosty's Donuts in Gardiner.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7355770

Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club rides are open to members and to the cycling public.  Helmets are required of all riders at KVBC events.  It is also recommended that you bring with you on KVBC rides:  a map of the area in case you stray off route; tools for simple roadside repairs, especially a tire pump, spare tube and/or patch kit; water bottles or hydration systems; personal ID and a small first aid kit; and money for purchasing snacks & drinks en-route.  In case of severe weather, scheduled rides may be postponed or designated as "show & go" rides at the discretion of the ride leader.

 

We welcome suggestions for improving our rides and encourage active participation of all members.  For more information, contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784 or hjmerrick@gmail.com, follow us on Facebook or check out "Posted Roads" - our club blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com.

Winthrop at the Gazebo

We had an interesting ride from Wayne last Sunday.  The weather forecast was about as accurate as CMP power restoration estimates, and the roads were quite wet. Still, we had a nice ride - kudos to those who turned out and especially those who wore creative costumes - they made quite a hit at the stop at the Apple Shed in Kent's Hill. Saturday's weather "looks" favorable, and it will look absolutely outstanding if we get power back, so let's plan for our first ride in November this Saturday in Winthrop - we may have a new cafe to check out!

Saturday, November 4th - WINTHROP
"Winthrop by the Gazebo" - a tour around Winthrop and Monmouth.
START: 10:00 AM at the Winthrop Town Boat Landing on Maranacook Lake, near the gazebo on Coady Street, off of Memorial Drive. If the boat landing parking lot is full, there are additional spaces around the corner on Summer Street, lakeside.
DISTANCE: 18 or 24 Miles.
TERRAIN: Rolling, with a few stiff hills.
HIGHLIGHTS: Back roads beside rolling orchards, lakeside summer camps, small hidden hamlets, and a possible cafe stop in Winthrop at ride's end.
LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.
LINK to RIDE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6721791
 

For more information about the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, and check out the KVBC blog, Posted Roads, at http://postedroads.blogspot.com.

Down China Way

We lucked out with some really mild weather on last Sunday's ride in Oakland and Sidney, and we had a great group of 15 riders turn out - a welcome diversion from the turbulent week prior. Will we have further respite this Sunday in Vassalboro and China? Well we will certainly get to ride with friends! (Unless it's raining - rain cancels in November. Watch for a follow-up email on Sunday morning around 8 am if the weather is questionable.) Hopefully the weather holds and we'll see you on Sunday!

SUNDAY, November 20th, EAST VASSALBORO

"All the Tea (or Coffee) in China" - a delightful tour over the hills and dells of Vassalboro and China.

START: 10:00 AM at the Vassalboro Historical Society parking lot just north of the China Lake boat landing on Rt. 32 in East Vassalboro (not the boat landing in South China).

DISTANCE: approx. 20-25 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, and a possible stop at the Green Bean Coffee Shop.

LEADER: Jeanine Libby.

LINK to ROUTE MAP (2015): http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6815798
 

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.

The Beans of China, Maine

We had a beautiful day for a bike ride in Lincolnville and Camden on Sunday, and Tammy led us out on a great route that shares many of the scenic back roads on the northern stretch of the BCM Lobster Ride and the East Coast Greenway. We topped off the ride with a stop at the Cellardoor Winery - always a nice treat. Our thanks to the winery staff for accommodating us and for Tammy for leading.  This Saturday we return to Vassalboro for a nicely brewed tour around China Lake and environs, including a potential stop at the Green Bean! Hope to see you on Saturday...

Saturday, August 27th - VASSALBORO

"Hills and Beans" - a scenic tour around China and Vassalboro.

START:  9am  at the home of David and Laura Lipman.  Condo is after Natanis Golf Course at 6 Arrowhead Drive 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. 27 miles.

TERRAIN:  Moderate to Hilly, with some short, steep hills

HIGHLIGHTS: an assortment of fine back roads in China and Vassalboro, views of China Lake, and a possible stop at the Green Bean, a fine local coffee shop.

LEADER:  David Lipman.

LINK to RIDE MAP (2105): http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6793255

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.

Celebrating Charles E. Pratt in Vassalboro

Charles Eadward Pratt, a cycling pioneer said to be the Father of American Cycling, was born in Vassalboro, Maine, March 13, 1845. Pratt organized one of the earliest bicycling rallies, a two-day group invitational ride around Boston in the Fall of 1879, called the "Wheel Around the Hub." The ride was written up (by Pratt himself) in the Feb. 1880 issue of Scribner's magazine, illustrated by a number of detailed drawings, including the one above featuring all the cyclists who took part. Chas. E. Pratt is shown as the first cyclist on the right,

Are you already tired of early Mud Season?  With sunny forecasts and temperatures in the mid-50s, time for another special KVBC pre-season ride!  This weekend marks the birthday of cycling pioneer Charles E. Pratt, first president of the League of American Wheelmen, born in Vassalboro, March 13, 1845.  To celebrate, lets have a ride in Vassalboro this Saturday! (Which is the 12th, I know, but I'd want to factor in a stop at the Green Bean Coffee Shop, as well as opening day at Back's Dairy Bar, both nearby in So. China Village.  I think old Chas. E. would approve.)  See you then!

Saturday, March 12, EAST VASSALBORO

"A Wheel Around the Lake" - a celebration of American Bicycler, Charles E. Pratt, of Vassalboro.

START: 10:30 AM at the Vassalboro Historical Society on Rt. 32 in East Vassalboro, just north of the China Lake Boat Landing (not the boat landing in South China.)

DISTANCE: about 20 miles

TERRAIN: moderate with some hills and flat sections

HIGHLIGHTS: more spring-like weather, scenic views of China Lake, a stop at the Green Bean, ranked in the top ten coffee shops in Maine, and a possible ice cream stop, too!

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

LINK to RIDE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6815798

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.

Coffee is Grown on Hills

We had a great ride from Richmond to Wiscasset last Sunday, despite the heat and humidity.  Due to the heat, we started promptly at 9 am, and took advantage of every shady thoroughfare on the route - splendidly scoped out by our leader, David Lipman.  We also got to ride over the new bridge on Rt. 197 which had some great scenic views of the river from the top.  David has another great route - and another fine coffee shop - in store for us this Sunday.  Hope you can join us!

Sunday, August 23rd - VASSALBORO

"Hills and Beans" - a scenic tour around China and Vassalboro.

START:  9am  at the home of David and Laura Lipman.  Condo is after Natanis Golf Course at 6 Arrowhead Drive 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. 25 miles.

TERRAIN:  Moderate to Hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: an assortment of fine back roads in China and Vassalboro, with a stop at a fine local coffee shop or two.

LEADER:  David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com

BCM Calendar Link: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-hills-and-beans

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com, or keep up to date via our Facebook page.

Leaf Peepers on Wheels

We had a great Fall foliage ride last Saturday around Winthrop and Monmouth, despite it being cooler and darker than forecast.  Our thanks to Denise for leading, and for all the hardy folks who came out for the ride.  The Fall weather has been spectacular of late, and this Saturday Ken Louis will be leading his ride from Belgrade that got washed out a few weeks ago.  And David Lipman will be leading a Sunday afternoon ride from his house in Vassalboro.  The weather hopefully will be fine, with lots of great scenery still to enjoy!

 

Saturday, October 18th - BELGRADE

"Once Again, Take it or Leaf it" - Belgrade, Mount Vernon and Rome Late-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.

 

Sunday, October 19th - VASSALBORO

"More Hills and More Beans" - a scenic tour around the China and Vassalboro.

START:  1:00 pm at the home of David and Laura Lipman.  Condo is after Natanis Golf Course at 6 Arrowhead Drive 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. 30 miles.

TERRAIN:  Moderate to Hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: an assortment of fine back roads in China and Vassalboro, with a stop at a fine local coffee shop or two.

LEADER:  David Lipman.

 

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

Hills and Beans

 

We got in a great ride Sunday, despite threatening skies, wet roads, occasional light rain and mist, and we managed to traverse the entire Colby Loop in fairly mild conditions. Many thanks to Jeanine for leading the ride and once again warding off any serious rain.  Next Sunday we will return to Vassalboro to tackle some hills and some select roasted coffee beans - some of the best central Maine has to offer.  We still have some fine summer riding to get in before Fall.  Hope you can join us!

 

Sunday, August 24th - VASSALBORO

"Hills and Beans" - a scenic tour around the China and Vassalboro.

START:  9am  at the home of David and Laura Lipman.  Condo is after Natanis Golf Course at 6 Arrowhead Drive 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. 25 miles.

TERRAIN:  Moderate to Hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: an assortment of fine back roads in China and Vassalboro, with a stop at a fine local coffee shop or two.

LEADER:  David Lipman.

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, or keep up to date via our Facebook page.