It May be Maple in March

Yes, once again it is that time of year when maple sugaring enters its seasonal cycle, and so shall we! This weekend brings in Maine Maple Sunday so we will meet in Chesterville on Saturday, weather permitting (stay tuned for updates) for our first ride of Spring past scenic back roads along numerous stands of sugar bush. John has been hard at his work and bottling it to distribute as a sweet start to the riding season. Hope to see you on Saturday! Saturday, March 21: CHESTERVILLE "Maine Maple Sunday (on Saturday)" - an early Spring syrup cycling ride in Chesterville. START: Saturday, 10:30am at the Sand Pond parking area in Chesterville. Follow Borough Road west from its junction with Zion Hill Road for about 1.5 miles and turn right on Sand Pond Road (may be unmarked). The parking area by the beach is about .7 mi down Sand Pond Road with a turnout on the left. See the route map below for a further guide. DISTANCE: approx. 27 miles TERRAIN: mostly flat with one significant hill, roads may be in late winter condition LEADER: John Lanoue, johnlanoue@hotmail.com HIGHLIGHTS: Zion Hill, the Chesterville Esker, and some local maple syrup, of course! LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54223794

Chesterville Ride Rescheduled from Sunday to SATURDAY

The KVBC ride in Chesterville scheduled for Sunday has been switched to SATURDAY to take advantage of the forecast for warmer ride conditions, which are predicted to be sunny and mild and sweet. Well, John says it will be sweet, so that's pretty authoritative. Hope to see you on Saturday! Saturday, March 22: CHESTERVILLE "Pishou's Sucrerie" - a sweet syrup-sampling ride from Chesterville to Farmington Falls. START: 11:00 am at the junction of Egypt Pond Road and Main Road (about a mile from the junction of Egypt Pond Road and Tower Road). As you turn onto Main Road (unpaved) there is a small parking area next to a small green dumpster; additional parking roadside. Signs say No Trespassing except with permission - John says we have his permission. DISTANCE: 23.5 miles. TERRAIN: flat to hilly; sandy road conditions call for caution on descents. HIGHLIGHTS: a post-ride gathering at the ride leader's house for sap boiling and sugar sampling! LEADER: John Lanoue, johnlanoue@hotmail.com LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45880277

Boiling Down Chesterville

We had a surprisingly nice, mild sunny day for our Pratt's Birthday Ride in Vassalboro on Saturday. The roads were in great shape, we didn't hit any headwinds until right at the very end, and we had a dozen riders including some newcomers! Welcome! A fine turnout for the Ides of March. This weekend looks to be sunny as well, so we will hope for a repeat as we gather on Maine Maple Sunday in Chesterville for a ride ending at John's sugaring operation with some sweet sampling! It all boils down to a great ride, so we will see you Sunday! Sunday, March 23: CHESTERVILLE "Pishou's Sucrerie" - a sweet syrup-sampling ride from Chesterville to Farmington Falls. START: 11:00 am at the junction of Egypt Pond Road and Main Road (about a mile from the junction of Egypt Pond Road and Tower Road). As you turn onto Main Road (unpaved) there is a small parking area next to a small green dumpster; additional parking roadside. Signs say No Trespassing except with permission - John says we have his permission. DISTANCE: 23.5 miles. TERRAIN: flat to hilly; sandy road conditions call for caution on descents. HIGHLIGHTS: a post-ride gathering at the ride leader's house for sap boiling and sugar sampling! LEADER: John Lanoue, johnlanoue@hotmail.com LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45880277

UPDATE: Saturday's Ride in Chesterville Switched to SUNDAY

 Hi Folks, it is Spring on the calendar but Winter is not quite finished with us yet, so we are switching the Maine Maple Sunday ride in Chesterville from Saturday to a Sunday start to try and avoid Saturday's storm.  If conditions are poor on Sunday we may postpone the ride.  But keep your fingers crossed and your tires pumped, and hope to see you Sunday in Chesterville!

Sunday, March 24 - CHESTERVILLE

"Pishou's Sucrerie" - a sweet syrup-sampling ride from Chesterville to Farmington Falls.

START: 11:00 am at the junction of Egypt Pond Road and Main Road (about a mile from the junction of Egypt Pond Road and Tower Road).  As you turn onto Main Road (unpaved) there is a small parking area next to a small green dumpster; additional parking roadside. Signs say No Trespassing except with permission - John says we have his permission.

DISTANCE: 23.5 miles.

TERRAIN: flat to hilly; sandy road conditions call for caution on descents.

HIGHLIGHTS: a postride gathering at the ride leader's house for sap boiling and sugar sampling on Maine Maple Sunday weekend.

LEADER: John Lanoue, johnlanoue@hotmail.com

LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45880277

In the Sugarbush with Pishou

 

We are just days away from the first day of Spring!  Hopefully the last gasps of Winter will hold off and let us get in a ride this weekend for Maine Maple Sunday.  We'll meet in Chesterville on Saturday (or Sunday, if the weather is more favorable) for a 23-mile ride out to Farmington Falls and back to the ride leader's to check out his Maple Syrup operation - with some sampling in store!  Stay tuned for last-minute updates, and hope to see you this weekend!

Saturday, March 23 - CHESTERVILLE (Rain Date: Sunday, March 24)

"Pishou's Sucrerie" - a sweet syrup-sampling ride from Chesterville to Farmington Falls.

START: 11:00 am at the junction of Egypt Pond Road and Main Road (about a mile from the junction of Egypt Pond Road and Tower Road).  As you turn onto Main Road (unpaved) there is a small parking area next to a small green dumpster; additional parking roadside. Signs say No Trespassing except with permission - John says we have his permission.

DISTANCE: 23.5 miles.

TERRAIN: flat to hilly; sandy road conditions call for caution on descents.

HIGHLIGHTS: a postride gathering at the ride leader's house for sap boiling and sugar sampling on Maine Maple Sunday weekend.

LEADER: John Lanoue, johnlanoue@hotmail.com

LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45880277

Pishou Pishou

 Welcome to the first day of Spring!  We had splendid weather for our ride from Vassalboro on Charles Pratt's birthday two weeks ago.  Hopefully the last gasps of Winter will hold off and let us get in a ride this weekend for Maine Maple Sunday.  We'll meet in Chesterville on Saturday (or Sunday, if the weather is more favorable) for a 23-mile ride out to Farmington Falls and back to the ride leader's to check out his Maple Syrup operation - with some sampling in store!  Stay tuned for last-minute updates, and hope to see you this weekend!

Saturday, March 25 - CHESTERVILLE (Rain Date: Sunday, March 26)

"Pishou's Sucrerie" - a sweet syrup-sampling ride from Chesterville to Farmington Falls.

START: 11:00 am at the junction of Egypt Pond Road and Main Street (about a mile from the junction of Egypt Pond Road and Tower Road).  As you turn onto Main Street (unpaved) there is a small parking area next to a small green dumpster; additional parking roadside. Signs say No Trespassing except with permission - John says we have his permission.

DISTANCE: 23.5 miles.

TERRAIN: flat to hilly; sandy road conditions call for caution on descents.

HIGHLIGHTS: a postride gathering at the ride leader's house for sap boiling and sugar sampling on Maine Maple Sunday weekend.

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

LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7642740

Don't be a Sap

Welcome to Spring everyone!  The sap is running and we are approaching Maine Maple Sunday.  If the weather is cooperative we will have a ride Saturday in the backwoods of Chesterville, with a special maple syrup tasting at the ride leader's house.  We are not under any specific COVID restrictions, but it is a good idea to keep up with distancing and staying home if you are feeling sick.  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, March 26 - CHESTERVILLE

"John & Karen's Sugar Shack" - a sweet syrup-sampling ride from Chesterville to Farmington Falls.

START: 11:00 am at the junction of Egypt Pond Road and Main Street (about a mile from the junction of Egypt Pond Road and Tower Road).  As you turn onto Main Street (unpaved) there is a small parking area next to a small green dumpster; additional parking roadside. Signs say No Trespassing except with permission - John says we have his permission.

DISTANCE: 23.5 miles.

TERRAIN: flat to hilly; sandy road conditions call for caution on descents.

HIGHLIGHTS: a postride gathering at the ride leader's house for sap boiling and sugar sampling on Maine Maple Sunday weekend.

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

LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7642740

Maine Maple Sidney!

We had spectacular spring weather for our impromptu ride from Manchester to Wings Mills last Sunday. It doesn't look quite as sunny and warm this weekend for Maine Maple Sunday, but Saturday may prove to be a nice day to ride to one of the Maple Sap Houses in Sidney, so we will meet at the James H. Bean Elementary School on Middle Road (not the Oakland Post Office as originally planned for Sunday, when we may get more snow). Please remember to bring and wear masks when congregating at the start and stopping at stores, attend to proper distancing, and stay at home to ride another day if you are feeling sick. Hope we can get a ride in on Saturday! Saturday, March 27th, SIDNEY: "Maine Maple Sidney" - an early Spring ride to a Maple Syrup House. START: 10:30 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: 20 Miles. TERRAIN: moderate with a few hills. HIGHLIGHTS: some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and a possible stop at one or two local Maple Sap Houses for some syrup sampling. LEADER: Jim Merrick, 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com. RIDE MAP LINK: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6813917

KVBC Ride Maple Sunday Postponed

Many of the maple sugar houses are following the State's recommendations to postpone Maine Maple Sunday, so we will likewise postpone the scheduled KVBC ride for this Sunday.  You are still encouraged to get out and ride in the fresh air as often as you can - just not in groups larger than ten.  Maintain six feet social distancing, and encourage motorists to do the same!  Wash your hands, mind what you touch, and stay home if you're sick.  Stay well!  We are hopeful that we can get back to group riding next month for the Wake Up the Earth Ride, but we'll keep a close eye on things and hope for the best.

Jim

Maine Maple Sidney

The weather forecast this week is for more spring thaw, and it is looking good for Maine Maple Sunday this weekend!  We will hope to get out before we enter full Mud Season with an early ride from Oakland to the Bacon Maple Farm in Sidney.  The ride season is shaping up nicely, although we still have some open dates in the calendar, so if you have a ride you'd like to lead, let Jim know.  Many thanks to all of our ride leaders who have volunteered to lead rides!  We could not do it without you!  Hope everyone can join us on Sunday, and on the warmer days ahead!

Sunday, March 24 - OAKLAND

"Maine Maple Sidney" - a sweet, spring ride from Oakland to Sidney.

START: 10:00 am at the Oakland Post Office at the corner of Water Street (Rt.11) and East School Street.

DISTANCE: about 20 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate with some hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: fine back roads with lakeside views and a stop at a Maple Sugar shack on Maine Maple Sunday..

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6813910

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.

Happy First Day of Spring! It may not look much like it, but the calendar indicates that today marks the Vernal Equinox, so that must be the vernal truth. Depending on conditions, we will attempt to coax Spring along with a short ride on Saturday as part of Maine Maple Sunday. Join us on the road, or just stop in at the Sugar House and sample some of their wares. Otherwise, Think Spring!

Saturday, March 24 - SIDNEY

"Maine Maple Sidney" - a sweet ride to mark the alleged arrival of Spring and Maine Maple Sunday with a stop at a Sugar House on Goodhue Road in Sidney.

START: 10:00 AM, at Bacon Farm Maple Products at the corner of Goodhue Road and Rt. 23 (Pond Road) in Sidney. Parking may be limited to streetside, although there may be additional parking available at the New England Music Camp on Rt. 23 just north of the Sugar House.

DISTANCE: about 17 miles

TERRAIN: moderate with some hills

HIGHLIGHTS: It's Spring! Maple Syrup, Maple Sugar, Maple Sidney!

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

LINK to RIDE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7214025

Saturday, March 25, Ride in Sidney CANCELED

Winter does not seem to want to call it quits just yet, so due to possibly poor road conditions our planned KVBC ride tomorrow in Sidney will be canceled.  We will shoot for our next scheduled ride, Saturday April 8, in Vassalboro.  Stay warm, and see you in April!

Johnny B. Good(hu)e

According to the calendar, the Vernal Equinox is tomorrow, March 20, and this weekend is Maine Maple Sunday, and (if the weather holds up) we will have a ride on Saturday!  We will meet "Way back up in the woods among the evergreens" at Bacon Farm Maple Products in Sidney for a 20-mile ride. In case of rain (or worse) we may cancel and just "go sit beneath the tree by the railroad track." Hope to see you Saturday!

Saturday, March 25 - SIDNEY

"Johnny B. Good(hu)e, or Maine Maple Sidney" - a sweet ride to mark the alleged arrival of Spring and Maine Maple Sunday with a stop at a Sugar House on Goodhue Road in Sidney.

START: 10:00 AM, at Bacon Farm Maple Products at the corner of Goodhue Road and Rt. 23 (Pond Road) in Sidney. Parking may be limited to streetside, although there may be additional parking available at the New England Music Camp on Rt. 23 just north of the Sugar House.

DISTANCE: about 20 miles

TERRAIN: moderate with some hills

HIGHLIGHTS: Maple syrup! Maple products! Maple Sidney! Go Johnnie Go!

LEADER: John Lanoue

BCM Calendar Link: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-maine-maple-sidney

Maine Maple Sidney

The weathermen swear they didn't take Spring away - that it will be back this weekend, just in time for Maine Maple Sunday! Which is also Easter Sunday, so many of the sugar houses are also open on Saturday, so Saturday it is! We'll start from the Bean Elementary School on Middle Road in Sidney on Saturday for a 20-mile ride, with an optional stop at the Bacon Farm Maple House. I don't know if they carry those fancy maple syrup energy packs for cyclists, but they do have maple whoopie pies, and those should do the trick. See you Saturday!

Saturday, March 26th, SIDNEY:

"Maine Maple Sidney" - an early Spring ride to a Maple Syrup House.START:  10:30 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:  20 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and a stop at a local Maple Sap House for some syrup sampling.
LEADER:  Jim Merrick.

RIDE MAP LINK: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6813917

Maine Maple Sunday

 

 

Spring is just about upon us, the Posted Roads signs are out, the sap is running, and the weather is turning nice (finally).  Time for a short bike ride!  The weather tomorrow looks to be sunny, warmer, and not so windy.  And it is Maine Maple Sunday, with small local sugarhouses open to the public and giving out free samples.  All those interested can meet at the Manchester Elementary School on Rt. 17 and we will set out on a short 12-mile ride in search of some syrup!

 

Sunday, March 24th - MANCHESTER

"Maine Maple Sunday in Manchester" - a syrupy, posted roads tour around Manchester.

START:  11:00 AM, at the Manchester Elementary School parking lot on Rt. 17, near the junction of Rt. 17 & Rt. 202.  The school is on the left just after you turn off Rt. 202 onto Rt. 17 West.

DISTANCE:  12 miles.

TERRAIN:  moderate, with one long hill.

HIGHLIGHTS:  We'll ride some paved (albeit sandy) back roads to the Hilltop Farm on Prescott Road for some maple syrup sampling as we tap into Spring.

LEADER:  Jim Merrick.