Go Forth on the Fourth

We had a fine ride from Manchester to Litchfield on Saturday. Despite predictions of clouds and possible showers, we had mostly clear skies, little wind, and mild temperatures. We also had a few newcomers which is most welcome! This Saturday we will have one of our traditional club rides in Sidney on the Fourth of July. The ride is in two parts, with the first half ending back at the start after 16 miles for those who have to cut the ride short for holiday gatherings; the rest of us will continue on for about 30 miles. Hope to see you Saturday, and if not, have a wonderful (and safe) holiday! Saturday, July 4, SIDNEY: "Independence by Bike" - the traditional KVBC 4th of July tour through Sidney, Augusta and Waterville. START: 9:00 AM at the James H. Bean Elementary School on 2896 Middle Road in Sidney. Directions to the Bean School: From south: I-95 North exit #120. Turn right at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. From the north: I-95 South exit #120. Turn left at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right. DISTANCE: 16 or 29 Miles. TERRAIN: moderate with a few hills. HIGHLIGHTS: some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely. LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com, 293-3784. LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39964070 For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, check out our blog, Posted Roads at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or follow us on Facebook. Memberships in the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club provide funds for our club insurance, enabling us to hold rides and events. Membership funds also ensure our club memberships supporting the Bicycle Coalition of Maine and the League of American Bicyclists. Membership forms can be obtained at most club rides, and also via email by contacting Jim Merrick (email above) or Brian Bowker, bbowk321@yahoo.com, or Denise Crowell, denisemcrowell@gmail.com. Thank you!

Assert Your Independence

We had a very pleasant mixed surface ride from Readfield on Sunday. The recent rain kept the dust down on the gravel sections, and the paved roads dried up nicely in the sunshine. As an added plus, we had another stop at the Apple Shed Bakery near the end of the ride. Many thanks to David for leading us on a fine route! This week we will head into July and we will gather in Sidney for our annual Independence Day ride on Saturday. Please join us as we go Fourth on the Fifth! See you then! Saturday, July 5, SIDNEY: "Independence by Bike" - the traditional KVBC 4th of July tour through Sidney, Augusta and Waterville. START: 9:00 AM at the James H. Bean Elementary School on Middle Road in Sidney. Directions to the Bean School: From south: I-95 North exit #120. Turn right at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right. From the north: I-95 South exit #120. Turn left at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right. DISTANCE: 16 or 29 Miles. TERRAIN: moderate with a few hills. HIGHLIGHTS: some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely. LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com, 293-3784. LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39964070 For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, check out our blog, Posted Roads at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or follow us on Facebook. Memberships in the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club provide funds for our club insurance, enabling us to hold rides and events. Membership funds also ensure our club memberships supporting the Bicycle Coalition of Maine and the League of American Bicyclists. Membership forms can be obtained at most club rides, and also via email by contacting Jim Merrick (email above) or Brian Bowker, bbowk321@yahoo.com, or Denise Crowell, denisemcrowell@gmail.com. Thank you!

And Depends - Another Update - Saturday's Ride Switched to SUNDAY

Due to the updated forecast for rain on Saturday the KVBC ride has been rescheduled for Sunday, July 7.  Hope to see you Sunday!

Sunday, July 7, SIDNEY:

"Independence by Bike" - the traditional KVBC 4th of July tour through Sidney, Augusta and Waterville.
START:  9:00 AM at the James H. Bean Elementary School on Middle Road in Sidney. Please park in the lot at the south end of the school.
Directions to the Bean School:
From south: I-95 North exit #120. Turn right at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right.
From the north: I-95 South exit #120. Turn left at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right.

DISTANCE:  16 or 29 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely.
LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com, 293-3784.

LINK TO RIDE MAP (includes approx. 1 mile of road construction gravel): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39964070

LINK TO ALTERNATE ROUTE MAP (bypassing construction, no gravel): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47379567

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, check out our blog, Posted Roads at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or follow us on Facebook. Memberships in the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club provide funds for our club insurance, enabling us to hold rides and events. Membership funds also ensure our club memberships supporting the Bicycle Coalition of Maine and the League of American Bicyclists.  Membership forms can be obtained at most club rides, and also online on our club blog: https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7325223564827626545/1849360075373598671.  If you have difficulty accessing the forms, please contact Jim Merrick (email above) or Brian Bowker, bbowk321@yahoo.com, or Denise Crowell, denisemcrowell@gmail.com. Thank you!

 

Independence by Bike

 We had a wonderful ride from Readfield last Saturday. We had a great turnout and the weather gods smiled on us and kept the rain at bay. Aside from one tire mishap, everyone finished the ride in great shape. Many thanks to Lydia for leading and Greg for providing roadside assistance! We are coming into July, which means that our ride this Saturday will be our traditional 4th of July ride starting in Sidney. Hope you all can join us!

Saturday, July 6, SIDNEY:

"Independence by Bike" - the traditional KVBC 4th of July tour through Sidney, Augusta and Waterville.

START: 9:00 AM at the James H. Bean Elementary School on Middle Road in Sidney.

Directions to the Bean School:

From south: I-95 North exit #120. Turn right at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right.

From the north: I-95 South exit #120. Turn left at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right.

DISTANCE: 16 or 29 Miles.

TERRAIN: moderate with a few hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely.

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

LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39964070

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, check out our blog, Posted Roads at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or follow us on Facebook. Memberships in the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club provide funds for our club insurance, enabling us to hold rides and events. Membership funds also ensure our club memberships supporting the Bicycle Coalition of Maine and the League of American Bicyclists. Membership forms can be obtained at most club rides, and also online on our club blog: https://www.blogger.com/.../732522356.../1849360075373598671. If you have difficulty accessing the forms, please contact Jim Merrick (email above) or Brian Bowker, bbowk321@yahoo.com, or Denise Crowell, denisemcrowell@gmail.com. Thank you!

Assert Your Independence!

 Last Saturday's KVBC ride from Mt. Vernon was sunny and hot, befitting the first club ride of summer. We did, however, have some nice shady sections along the Chesterville Esker and many of the ponds & lakes enroute, and we finished the ride before the worst heat of the day. We are now coming into July, which means we start off with one of our traditional rides out of Sidney for the Fourth of July weekend.  Assert your independence!  And see you on Sunday!

Sunday, July 3rd, SIDNEY:
"Independence by Bike" - a Middle Road tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of the Fourth of July weekend.
START:  9:00 AM at the James H. Bean Elementary School on Middle Road in Sidney.
Directions to the Bean School:
From south: I-95 North exit #120. Turn right at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right.
From the north: I-95 South exit #120. Turn left at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right.

DISTANCE:  16 or 29 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely.
LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com, 293-3784.

LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39964070

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, check out our blog, Posted Roads at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or follow us on Facebook.

Ride Forth

We had a record turnout of 31 riders at the start of the KVBC ride Sunday in Readfield, and we were joined by 2 or 3 others along the route. The ride itself followed a popular and pretty route that offered lots of shade on a hot sunny day. Many thanks to Lydia for leading and to everyone who turned out! Next Sunday we will revisit a classic Fourth of July route starting at the Bean School on Middle Road in Sidney. If we don't see you, have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend! Sunday, July 4th, SIDNEY: "Go Forth on the Fourth" - a mainstream tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of a prime farming district & the middle of Fourth of July preparations. START: 9:00 AM at the James H. Bean Elementary School on Middle Road in Sidney. Directions to the Bean School: From south: I-95 North exit #120. Turn right at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right. From the north: I-95 South exit #120. Turn left at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right. DISTANCE: 16 or 30 Miles. TERRAIN: moderate with a few hills. HIGHLIGHTS: some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely. LEADER: Peggy Horner, phorner_1@yahoo.com LINK TO RIDE MAP: http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6799304 For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, check out our blog, Posted Roads at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or follow us on Facebook.

Independence! Independence!

We had a really pretty ride around the 5 Boros of Vassalboro last Sunday, thanks to Jeanine, who put together the ride on short notice to substitute for the event in Greenville that was cancelled. The ride was well attended and well appreciated! This week we will "go forth on the Fourth" and revisit one of our popular, traditional rides on Independence Day in Sidney. We cannot emphasize enough that we are still following pandemic protocols, so riders should carry masks and use them when appropriate, maintain social distancing, and stay at home if feeling sick. We look forward to seeing you all, and if you cannot make the ride on the Fourth, have a safe and wonderful holiday!

Saturday, July 4th, SIDNEY:
"Independence along the Middle Road" - a mainstream  tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of a prime farming district & the middle of Fourth of July preparations.
START:  9:00 AM at the James H. Bean Elementary School on Middle Road in Sidney.
Directions to the Bean School:
From south: I-95 North exit #120. Turn right at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right.
From the north: I-95 South exit #120. Turn left at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right.

DISTANCE:  16 or 30 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely.
LEADER:  Jim Putnam, put@roadrunner.com.

LINK TO RIDE MAP: http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6799304

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, check out our blog, Posted Roads at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or follow us on Facebook.

Take the Middle

We had some remarkable luck with the weather last Saturday in Belgrade Lakes, as the forecasts spoke of heavy rain and thundershowers, and the skies looked like they weren't kidding. But the rains never materialized despite it being dark and foreboding, so perhaps they were kidding all along. We did get in a very nice ride on nice new pavement, the darkness notwithstanding.  And we wouldn't be kidding to say that we have another fine ride in store for this Saturday - a classic Fourth of July ride from the Bean School on Middle Road in Sidney.  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, July 6th, SIDNEY:
"Independence along the Middle Road" - a mainstream  tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of a prime farming district & the middle of Fourth of July preparations.
START:  9:00 AM at the James H. Bean Elementary School on Middle Road in Sidney.
Directions to the Bean School:
From south: I-95 North exit #120. Turn right at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right.
From the north: I-95 South exit #120. Turn left at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right.

DISTANCE:  16 or 30 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely.
LEADER:  Jim Putnam, put@roadrunner.com.
LINK TO RIDE MAP: http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6799304

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, check out our blog, Posted Roads at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or follow us on Facebook.

The Fourth is First

We had a great ride last Sunday from Brunswick to Harpswell. The weather cooperated, the scenery was first-rate, we had a fine turnout, and there were two bakery stops! Our thanks to Ken for leading the ride and to everyone who took part.

We will start off July with our popular "Fourth of July Ride" starting from the Bean School on Middle Road in Sidney on this Sunday, July 1. Celebrate your Independence! And join us if you can!

Sunday, July 1st, SIDNEY:
"Independence along Middle Road" - a mainstream  tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of a prime farming district & the middle of Fourth of July preparations.
START:  9:00 AM at the James H. Bean Elementary School on Middle Road in Sidney.
Directions to the Bean School:
From south: I-95 North exit #120. Turn right at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right.
From the north: I-95 South exit #120. Turn left at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean
School is approximately one mile on the right.

DISTANCE:  16 or 30 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely.
LEADER:  Jim Putnam, put@roadrunner.com.
LINK TO RIDE MAP: http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6799304

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, check out our blog, Posted Roads at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or follow us on Facebook.

Independence Ride

We will start off July with our popular "Fourth of July Ride" starting from the Bean School on Middle Road in Sidney on this Saturday, July 1. Celebrate your Independence! And join us if you can!

Saturday, July 1st, SIDNEY:
"Independence along Middle Road" - a mainstream  tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of a prime farming district & the middle of Fourth of July preparations.
START:  9:00 AM at the James H. Bean Elementary School on Middle Road in Sidney.
Directions to the Bean School:
From south: I-95 North exit #120. Turn right at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right.
From the north: I-95 South exit #120. Turn left at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean
School is approximately one mile on the right.

DISTANCE:  16 or 30 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely.
LEADER:  Jim Putnam, put@roadrunner.com.
LINK TO RIDE MAP: http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6799304

LINK to BCM CALENDAR: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-independence-day-ride-2
For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, or follow us on Facebook.

Independence Ride

We had another superb weather weekend for cycling - those of you lucky enough to take part in Jeanine's Bike & Boat weekend in Greenville no doubt had a great time (Thanks Jeanine!).  This week we ride into July, starting off on Saturday with a traditional 4th of July weekend ride led by Jim Putnam in Sidney!  It's a great ride, with or without pyrotechnics, and we hope to see you there!


Saturday, July 2nd, SIDNEY:
"Independence along Middle Road" - a mainstream  tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of a prime farming district & the middle of Fourth of July preparations.
START:  9:00 AM at the James H. Bean Elementary School on Middle Road in Sidney.
Directions to the Bean School:
From south: I-95 North exit #120. Turn right at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right.
From the north: I-95 South exit #120. Turn left at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean
School is approximately one mile on the right.

DISTANCE:  16 or 30 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely.
LEADER:  Jim Putnam, put@roadrunner.com.
LINK TO RIDE MAP: http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6799304

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

Go Forth on the Fourth

Time once again to assert your independence (even if you're feeling pretty independent already) and what better way to do it than to join us on the annual KVBC Independence Day Ride in Sidney on Saturday!  Oh sure, I suppose you could go off and ride on your own, but where's the fun in that?  And besides, Jim has a great ride planned for us, and you are all invited to come.  Patriotic attire and accoutrements are optional (I think Confederate flag motifs are definitely out this year).  Plus we'll get you back in time and all warmed up for whatever 4th of July festivities await you later in the day!  That's worthy of a declaration!  See you then!

Saturday, July 4th, SIDNEY:
"Go Forth on the Fourth" - an Independence Day  tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of a prime farming district & the middle of Fourth of July preparations.
START:  9:00 AM at the James H. Bean Elementary School on Middle Road in Sidney.
Directions to the Bean School:
From south: I-95 North exit #120. Turn right at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right.
From the north: I-95 South exit #120. Turn left at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean
School is approximately one mile on the right.

DISTANCE:  16 or 30 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely.
LEADER:  Jim Putnam, put@roadrunner.com.

BCM Calendar Link: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-independence-day-ride

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, check out our blog, Posted Roads at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or follow us on Facebook.

Sidney Ride Rescheduled for Sunday

 

 

 

We had a quorum for the ride in Sidney on Saturday morning, and while the skies showed signs of clearing, it was still wet, windy, and cold (mid-50s) and there were incidents of minor road flooding.  So the optimists were persuaded by reason (and a forecast for sun and 80s for Sunday) and voted to reschedule the ride for tomorrow, same time, same place.  Let's do it again tomorrow! 

 

 

 

Sunday, July 6th, SIDNEY:
"Independence Day Ride" - a tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of a prime farming district & the middle of Fourth of July preparations.
START:  9:00 AM at the James H. Bean Elementary School on Middle Road in Sidney.
Directions to the Bean School:
From south: I-95 North exit #120. Turn right at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right.
From the north: I-95 South exit #120. Turn left at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean
School is approximately one mile on the right.

DISTANCE:  16 or 30 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely.
LEADER:  Jim Putnam.

 

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

Fourth of July Ride in Sidney

We had a wonderful ride from Damariscotta to Pemaquid Point on Sunday, with some spectacular coastal scenery, some great cycling routes, and even some souvenir pins, no less. To top it off, we had a splendid mid-ride stop for lunch courtesy of our gracious hosts, Connie and John Towne, who opened up their seaside home to us, and grilled up some great fare.  Our thanks to the Townes for their hospitality, and to our ride leader, David Lipman, for a superb ride to the coast.  This Saturday sees the return of Jim Putnam's popular 4th of July Ride in Sidney, where the weather is usually outstanding, one way or another, and the ride always is.  Hope to see you Saturday, and if not, have a great holiday weekend!

Saturday, July 5th, SIDNEY:
"Go Fourth on the Fifth" - a tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of a prime farming district & the middle of Fourth of July preparations.
START:  9:00 AM at the James H. Bean Elementary School on Middle Road in Sidney.
Directions to the Bean School:
From south: I-95 North exit #120. Turn right at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right.
From the north: I-95 South exit #120. Turn left at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean
School is approximately one mile on the right.

DISTANCE:  16 or 30 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely.
LEADER:  Jim Putnam.

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

Go Forth on the Fourth!

The damp conditions at the start didn't dampen this turnout.

Well, our glorious Fourth-of-July ride last Saturday wasn't quite glorious enough, apparently, even though we had a respectable turnout of nine people in damp conditions.  For all those who missed it (and those who want to do it again!) we've decided to run it again this Thursday - a special holiday ride!  Hey, doing the Fourth-of-July ride on the Fourth-of-July - what a concept!  You can join us for the ride in the morning and still take part in whatever activities you may have lined up in the afternoon!  And we have an open weekend coming up with perhaps another ride in store - stay tuned!

 

 

Thursday, July 4th, SIDNEY:
"Go Forth on the Fourth" - a tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of a prime farming district & the middle of Fourth of July preparations.
START:  9:00 AM at the James H. Bean Elementary School on Middle Road in Sidney.
Directions to the Bean School:
From south: I-95 North exit #120. Turn right at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right.
From the north: I-95 South exit #120. Turn left at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean
School is approximately one mile on the right.

DISTANCE:  16 or 30 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely.
LEADER:  Jim Putnam.

 

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

 

It was foggy and damp on Saturday's ride, enhanced in this image by road spray on the camera lens.

 

Pre-Fourth of July Ride

Glorious!

 

Yessir, it's that time of year again.  Time for fireworks, bonfires, parades, barbecues - and Jim Putnam's glorious annual "Fourth-of-July" ride in June.  Don't wait til July!  Truly, it will be glorious, and you can't get much better than glorious.  (At least not until we get one more shot at using the word "glorious," and who could pass that up?)  Just show up at the Bean School on Saturday in Sidney.  That alone will make it glorious.  We'll see you then!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, June 29th, SIDNEY:
"Independence along the Middle Road" - a tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of a prime farming district & the middle of Fourth of July preparations.
START:  9:00 AM at the James H. Bean Elementary School on Middle Road in Sidney.
Directions to the Bean School:
From south: I-95 North exit #120. Turn right at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right.
From the north: I-95 South exit #120. Turn left at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean
School is approximately one mile on the right.

DISTANCE:  16 or 30 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, perhaps.  Simply Glorious!
LEADER:  Jim Putnam.

 

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

On the first loop of the ride in Sidney

 

What the Doctor Ordered

A Good Crowd at the Start in Sidney

With great weather and great roads ordered up by the good doctor, Jim Putnam's annual Fourth of July ride always attracts a good crowd. Traditionally on Fourth of July weekend, this year the ride was held on June 30, proceeding a mid-week 4th.

Heading out from the James H. Bean Elementary School on Middle Road on the first leg of a "figure 8" route, we climbed up and over the interstate to pick up the West River Road heading north.

Riding through Farmland on West River Road

Both Middle Road and West River Road provide long, flat straightaways, perfect for cruising or hammering, whichever suits your fancy.

Stepping up the Hills on Trafton Road

Of course, when you have two flat roads that parallel, it figures that you have to do some climbing to cross over from one to the other, and getting back to Middle Road meant we had to first tackle some hill work.

Chasing Shadows

The route flattened out again as we made our way back to Middle Road and the Bean School, chasing shadows a good part of the way. The second part of the ride took us past fields and bogs, down through Sidney to North Augusta, where we turned up Rt. 27 to Rt. 23, picking up the first real traffic on the ride.

Heading Back on the Return Route

We soon left the traffic behind, turning off on Quaker Road, where we encountered a hill that would make anyone quake. The climb was rewarded with a sweet downhill run, and from there it was only a series of low hills back to the start. Another great Fourth of July ride, regardless of the calendar, and just what the doctor ordered.

Riding Into the Fourth

Sidney on the Fourth

We had a great ride in Augusta last Saturday.  We had a great group, the stormy weather held off, no one got (seriously) lost, and we had a great time.  Our thanks to Connie Brown (sadly in absentia, and sorely missed) who laid out the route.  This Saturday we return to Sidney for Jim Putnam's popular annual "Fourth-of-July" ride in June.  In this Leap Year the Fourth falls on a Wednesday, so we'll be riding the weekend before.  So why don't we call it the "End-of-the-Fiscal-Year-Ride," you ask?  Don't ask.  Just show up at the Bean School on Saturday.  We'll see you then!

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, June 30th, SIDNEY:
"Independence along the Middle Road" - a tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of a prime farming district, in the midst of Fourth of July preparations.
START:  9:00 AM at the James H. Bean Elementary School on Middle Road in Sidney.
Directions to the Bean School:
From south: I-95 North exit #120. Turn right at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right.
From the north: I-95 South exit #120. Turn left at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean
School is approximately one mile on the right.

DISTANCE:  16 or 30 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, perhaps.
LEADER:  Jim Putnam.

 

Cycling Fourth

Well, it's either going to stop raining soon or some clever person is going to invent an automatic self-replenishing chain-lube. Either one of those might be nifty, but right now I think I'd like to see a sunny day for one of our rides. The Fourth of July is coming up this weekend, which means another great ride in Sidney, led, as in year's past, by Jim Putnam. Hope you can make it, and if not, have a great holiday weekend!

Saturday, July 2nd, SIDNEY:
"Independence along the Middle Road" - a tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of a prime farming district, in the middle of the Fourth of July weekend.
START: 9:00 AM at the James H. Bean Elementary School on Middle Road in Sidney.
Directions to the Bean School:
From south: I-95 North exit #120. Turn right at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right.
From the north: I-95 South exit #120. Turn left at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean
School is approximately one mile on the right.

DISTANCE: 16 or 30 Miles.
TERRAIN: moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS: some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some 4th of July paraphernalia, perhaps.
LEADER: Jim Putnam.

Ride on the Fourth of July

We had a nice hilly ride in Mount Vernon last Saturday. The weather was fine, the roads were (mostly) great, and we had a good group - including some new folks - which is always welcome. The Fourth of July is coming up, which means another great ride in Sidney, led, as in year's past, by Jim Putnam. Hope you can make it, and if not, have a great holiday weekend.

(Photo: Fourth of July, 1941, Vale, Oregon. Library of Congress Collection.)

Saturday, July 3rd, SIDNEY:
"Independence along the Middle Road" - a tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of a prime farming district, in the middle of the Fourth of July weekend.
START: 9:00 AM at the James H. Bean Elementary School on Middle Road in Sidney.
Directions to the Bean School:
From south: I-95 North exit #120. Turn right at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean School is approximately one mile on the right.
From the north: I-95 South exit #120. Turn left at end of exit ramp onto Lyons Rd. Follow Lyons Rd. to stop sign. Turn left onto Middle Rd. Bean
School is approximately one mile on the right.

DISTANCE: 16 or 30 Miles.
TERRAIN: moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS: some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some 4th of July paraphernalia, perhaps.
LEADER: Jim Putnam.