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

You Must Lead a Charming Life

We've had some beautiful Spring days of late - to be followed by... more snow?  Ah well, it can't keep doing this forever (we hope) and here's hoping that the third time is the charm as we plan to run the maple syrup ride once again, on Sunday this time.  We are still putting some finishing touches on the special Total Eclipse ride for next Monday afternoon.  If you are planning to join in on Monday, please remember to pick up some eclipse glasses if you haven't already.  They can be ordered on line, or purchased at the gift shop of the L.C. Bates Museum in Hinkley, and many local public libraries are distributing eclipse shades.  More info to follow.  Hope to see you Sunday and/or Monday!

Sunday, April 7 - 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

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