Hillier than Thou

We had a splendid turnout for the KVBC ride Sunday from Gardiner to Bowdoinham. A suburb route, despite a few miles of inevitable road construction, and it was great to see the newly reopened store at the midpoint in Bowdoinham again. Many thanks to Joe for leading us! We also had a few members show up and do the ride on Saturday due to some confusion as to the date of the ride start. My apologies, and I will try to be clearer in the future. We all wish Jim Linker a speedy recovery from his crash on Saturday. This coming Saturday we will meet at the Palermo Town Office for a challenging ride over and around the hills of China and Palermo. Please join us - on Saturday - for our first club ride in September! Saturday, September 5 - PALERMO "China and Palermo Hills" - a challenging tour over scenic vistas in Palermo, Albion, and South China START: 9:00 am at the Palermo Town Office, 45 North Palermo Road DISTANCE: 28 miles TERRAIN: Hilly HIGHLIGHTS: many scenic vistas and some challenging back roads LEADER: Paul Mitnik, pjmejm@gmail.com LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/509663173 , https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56951557

Montville the Pale

We had a near perfect day for our ride from Damariscotta to Pemaquid on Saturday. Beautiful sunshine, spectacular coastlines, great sea breezes, and more! Many thanks to David for leading us! This Saturday we will head out to Liberty and Palermo for a ride featuring options up Appleton Ridge and a possible post-ride stop at a renowned local ice cream parlor. Hope you can join us! Saturday, July 18 - LIBERTY "Palermo, Beyond the Pale" - an adventurous ride through Liberty, Palermo, Appleton and Searsmont. START: 9:30 am at the parking lot of ReVision Energy on Rt. 3 near the Liberty/Montville line, about a half mile east of the junction of Rt.s 3 & 220 (about 1.5 miles past the entrance to Liberty State Park). ReVision Energy is on the left, east-bound. DISTANCE: 31 or 34 miles. TERRAIN: rolling to hilly; the Appleton Ridge option is partially unpaved. HIGHLIGHTS: exceptional rural back roads and small hamlets, including the option of traversing Appleton Ridge with its spectacular vistas. Possible post-ride stop at John's Ice Cream in Liberty. LEADER: Paul Mitnik, pjmejm@gmail.com. LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/484177261 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36795930 LINK to ROUTE MAP with Appleton Ridge Option: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/484176802 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36795947

Mo' Bettah Hills

We had beautiful weather for our ride last Saturday from Manchester to Litchfield. The roads were in "OK" condition but could use some resurfacing soon. Maybe they can smooth out some of the hills while they're at it. And there was a nice ice cream stop at the end. This Saturday we will venture out to the hill country around South China, Palermo and Albion. The weather looks like it will continue to be in our favor, so we hope you can join us Saturday! Saturday, August 16 - SOUTH CHINA "China and Palermo Hills" - a challenging tour over scenic vistas in Palermo, Albion, and South China START: 9:00 am at Tobey's Grocery at the junction of Rt. 3 and Branch Mills Road in South China DISTANCE: 34 miles TERRAIN: Hilly HIGHLIGHTS: many scenic vistas and some challenging back roads LEADER: Paul Mitnik, pjmejm@gmail.com LINK TO REVISED ROUTE MAP: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/391413512 or https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43616992

Libertarian Cycling

We had a nice sunny, warm day for our annual Independence Day ride from Sidney on Saturday. The roads were in great shape for the most part, stretched over a fine route laid out more than 20 years ago, thanks to Jim Putnam. This week we will head out to Liberty for another adventurous ride over some great roads with an optional climb up Appleton Ridge. Please note the 9:30am start time. Hope you can join us! Saturday, July 12 - LIBERTY "Palermo, Beyond the Pale" - an adventurous ride through Liberty, Palermo, Appleton and Searsmont. START: 9:30 am at the parking lot of ReVision Energy on Rt. 3 near the Liberty/Montville line, about a half mile east of the junction of Rt.s 3 & 220 (about 1.5 miles past the entrance to Liberty State Park). ReVision Energy is on the left, east-bound. DISTANCE: 31 or 34 miles. TERRAIN: rolling to hilly; the Appleton Ridge option is partially unpaved. HIGHLIGHTS: exceptional rural back roads and small hamlets, including the option of traversing Appleton Ridge with its spectacular vistas. Possible post-ride stop at John's Ice Cream in Liberty. LEADER: Paul Mitnik, pjmejm@gmail.com, ride sweep TBD. LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7599701, https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36795930 LINK to ROUTE MAP with Appleton Ridge Option: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7599703, https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36795947

Albion My Best

UPDATE: due to forecasts of cold, rainy conditions on Saturday, the KVBC ride from China to Albion has been rescheduled to Sunday, May 11 (Mothers' Day). Please note the 9:30 am start time, and we'll hope to see you on the ride Sunday! Sunday, May 11 - CHINA "O Albion" - a Spring tour through China, Palermo, and Albion. START: 9:30 am at the China Primary School at 763 Lakeview Drive, Rt. 202, in China. DISTANCE: 24 miles. TERRAIN: Moderate to Rolling HIGHLIGHTS: some really nice, scenic back roads for group cycling. LEADER: Duncan Tate, datateme@gmail.com LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50436982 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.

Albion My May

We had wonderful luck with the weather for the Summerhaven ride on Saturday. Despite forecasts of showers, thunderstorms, and overcast skies, we instead found lots of blue skies, sunshine and fair weather. It turned out to be a great day! Our thanks to Cynthia for leading, and for providing some great cookies after the ride. This Saturday we will meet at the China Primary School (the one in the rear of the campus) and we will venture out to Palermo and Albion. The route this year has been updated so be sure to download the new route map below, and we'll see you Saturday! Saturday, May 10 - CHINA "O Albion" - a Spring tour through China, Palermo, and Albion. START: 9:00 am at the China Primary School at 763 Lakeview Drive, Rt. 202, in China. DISTANCE: 24 miles. TERRAIN: Moderate to Rolling HIGHLIGHTS: some really nice, scenic back roads for group cycling. LEADER: Duncan Tate, datateme@gmail.com LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50436982 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.

Once More Beyond the Pale

We had a great turnout for our KVBC ride Saturday in Oakland, despite the forecast and the hour delayed start.  The predicted rain and storms did not materialize, and while it was hot and humid we had mostly clear skies which had us seeking shade wherever possible. The ice cream stop at the end was definitely popular.  Many thanks to Tammy for leading and for all who turned out!  This Saturday we will head out to Liberty to tour Palermo and vicinity, including an optional climb up Appleton Ridge.  See you Saturday!

Saturday, July 20 - LIBERTY

"Palermo, Beyond the Pale" - an adventurous ride through Liberty, Palermo, Appleton and Searsmont.

START: 9:00 am at the parking lot of ReVision Energy on Rt. 3 in Liberty, about a half mile east of the junction of Rt.s 3 & 220 (about 1.5 miles past the entrance to Liberty State Park). ReVision Energy is on the left, east-bound.

DISTANCE: 31 or 34 miles.

TERRAIN: rolling to hilly; the Appleton Ridge option is partially unpaved.

HIGHLIGHTS: exceptional rural back roads and small hamlets, including the option of traversing Appleton Ridge with its spectacular vistas.

LEADER: Paul Mitnik, pjmejm@gmail.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7599701, https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36795930

LINK to ROUTE MAP with Appleton Ridge Option: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7599703, https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36795947 

Albion by way of Palermo

RIDE UPDATE: New Starting Location!  We will be meeting Saturday at the Palermo Town Office instead of Tobey's Grocery in South China.  The new starting location is about 3/4 mile away.  Take Branch Mills Road off of Rt. 3 in So. China and turn onto North Palermo Road; the Town Office will be just on the right.

Saturday, August 19 - SOUTH CHINA

"Ambling Towards Albion" - a challenging tour over scenic vistas in Palermo, Albion, and South China

START: 9:00 am at the Palermo Town Office, 45 North Palermo Road off Branch Mills Road in Palermo

DISTANCE: 30 or 31 miles

TERRAIN: Hilly

HIGHLIGHTS: many scenic vistas and some challenging back roads

LEADER: Paul Mitnik, pjmejm@gmail.com

LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43616992 

Albion My Way

We had more splendid weather for our ride down the coast from Damariscotta to Pemaquid on Saturday.  Lots of great ocean views, salty sea breezes, and even a local parade!  Many thanks to David for leading the ride, and to all who took part.  This Saturday we have a new ride in store, starting in South China and exploring the hills around Palermo and Albion.  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, August 19 - SOUTH CHINA

"Ambling Towards Albion" - a challenging tour over scenic vistas in Palermo, Albion, and South China

START: 9:00 am at Tobey's Grocery at the junction of Rt. 3 and Branch Mills Road in South China

DISTANCE: 30 or 31 miles

TERRAIN: Hilly

HIGHLIGHTS: many scenic vistas and some challenging back roads

LEADER: Paul Mitnik, pjmejm@gmail.com

LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43616992

 

Appleton Has a Ridge

The damp. dreary weather of late has certainly been persistent, but we are still here, as are most of our roads (unlike Vermont, sadly).  I missed last week's ride in Winslow, but I imagine that, thanks to Tom, it went off well if it was anything like last year's ride.  This week we head out to Liberty to explore the roads around Palermo and Appleton, always a treat!  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, July 15 - LIBERTY

"Palermo, Beyond the Pale" - an adventurous ride through Liberty, Palermo, Appleton and Searsport.

START: 9:00 am at the parking lot of ReVision Energy on Rt. 3 in Liberty, about a half mile east of the junction of Rt.s 3 & 220 (about 1.5 miles past the entrance to Liberty State Park). ReVision Energy is on the left, east-bound.

DISTANCE: 31 or 34 miles.

TERRAIN: rolling to hilly; the Appleton Ridge option is partially unpaved.

HIGHLIGHTS: exceptional rural back roads and small hamlets, including the option of traversing Appleton Ridge with its spectacular vistas.

LEADER: Paul Mitnik, pjmejm@gmail.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7599701, https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36795930

LINK to ROUTE MAP with Appleton Ridge Option: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7599703, https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36795947

O Albion, O Yes

We had a beautiful ride from Augusta last Saturday, despite having a weather forecast anomaly. The morning fog and drizzle failed to clear out as promised - at least not until the ride was almost over.  The route itself was exceptional, and kudos for Cynthia, the ride leader, are well deserved.  Thanks, also, to Cynthia and Chris who thoughtfully brought cookies and muffins respectively - which were well-appreciated!  With August behind us we head straight into September and some fine Autumn rides, starting this Saturday in China and Albion.  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, September 3 - CHINA

"O Albion" - an early Fall tour through China, Palermo, and Albion.

START: 9:00 am at the China Primary School at 763 Lakeview Drive, Rt. 202, in China. The Primary School sits well in back of the Middle School that fronts on the road.

DISTANCE: 28 miles.

TERRAIN: Moderate to Rolling

HIGHLIGHTS: some really nice, scenic back roads through the China/Albion area

LEADER: Duncan Tate, datateme@gmail.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7565084 or https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40645364?privacy_code=Q7VlKGZ6tNDre1Ty

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.

Taking Liberty

We had another hot day (beginning to detect a pattern here) for our side last Saturday from Readfield.  David led us on a new route on some old roads, and we finished before the real heat of the afternoon, making for a very pleasant day.  Thank you, David!  This Sunday we will close out the month of July and venture out to some very pretty roads in Liberty, Appleton, and Palermo.  See you Sunday!

Sunday, July 31 - LIBERTY

"Palermo, Beyond the Pale" - an adventurous ride through Liberty, Palermo, Appleton and Searsport.

START: 9:00 am at the parking lot of ReVision Energy on Rt. 3 in Liberty, about a half mile east of the junction of Rt.s 3 & 220 (about 1.5 miles past the entrance to Liberty State Park). ReVision Energy is on the left, east-bound.

DISTANCE: 31 or 34 miles.

TERRAIN: rolling to hilly; the Appleton Ridge option is partially unpaved.

HIGHLIGHTS: exceptional rural back roads and small hamlets, including the option of traversing Appleton Ridge with its spectacular vistas.

LEADER: Paul Mitnik, pjmejm@gmail.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7599701, https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36795930

LINK to ROUTE MAP with Appleton Ridge Option: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7599703, https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36795947

 

Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite

We had fine weather and a fine ride last Sunday in Winslow over some very pretty back roads and a nice run along the River Road. We had a nice turnout of 21 riders, including some new faces, and 3 or 4 folks biked to the start. Many thanks to Tom for leading (and to Paul for switching ride dates)! Next Saturday we will venture further afield for a ride around Liberty and Palermo and vicinity; please note the 9:30 am start, and a new starting location. Hope you can join us! Saturday, July 17 - LIBERTY "Palermo, Beyond the Pale" - an adventurous ride through Liberty, Palermo, Appleton and Searsport. START: 9:30 am at the parking lot of Revision Energy on Rt. 3 in Liberty, about a half mile east of the junction of Rt.s 3 & 220 (about 1.5 miles past the entrance to Liberty State Park). Revision Energy is on the left, east-bound. DISTANCE: 31 or 34 miles. TERRAIN: rolling to hilly; the Appleton Ridge option is partially unpaved. HIGHLIGHTS: exceptional rural back roads and small hamlets, including the option of traversing Appleton Ridge with its spectacular vistas. LEADER: Paul Mitnik, pjmejm@gmail.com LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7599701 LINK to ROUTE MAP with Appleton Ridge Option: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7599703

Albion My Way

We had a great "Wake Up the Earth Ride" last Saturday in Belgrade Lakes with 23 riders turning out, many of whom rode the long (and hillier) route. Good show! This Saturday we are going to be treated with an all new ride from China out to Albion to start off the month of May. The CDC now says that fully vaccinated people (at least 2 weeks post-vaccination) can go maskless outside if they are not in large groups, but bring a mask anyway, especially at the ride start and anywhere on school grounds. Please maintain distancing, and join us another day if you are not feeling well. We have some great rides coming up this month and we hope we can all take part! See you Saturday! Saturday, May 1 - CHINA "Albion My Way" - a May Day tour through China, Palermo, and Albion. START: 9:00 am at the China Middle School at 773 Lakeview Drive, Rt. 202, in China. DISTANCE: 27 miles. TERRAIN: Moderate to Rolling HIGHLIGHTS: some really nice, scenic back roads on the first day of May. LEADER: Duncan Tate, datateme@gmail.com LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7565084 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.

Windsor and the Guardians of Rust

We had a beautiful ride to Pemaquid the last weekend of September, thanks to Sandi Hodge, and last weekend the Dempsey & Cadillac Challenges had great weather, too. Can we make it three in a row? Why not? The weather this Sunday looks very nice, and may be one of the last weekends to get a good ride in, so come on out and join us on one of our favorite trips along the Sheepscot River. We'll meet at the Windsor Fairgrounds for the pretty Sheepscot loop, and I'll bring maps for the optional 56 and 63 mile routes. If you are not doing the Tour de Farmington, this is a great alternative to get in a great metric century with fall foliage. If you can't make it, have a great Columbus Day weekend, and as always, stay tuned for some further rides ahead.

October 10th, Sunday: WINDSOR

"Sheepscot River - China Lake Tour": a tour up and down the banks of the Sheepscot River, through Windsor, Whitefield, Pittston, and Coopers Mills, plus an optional half-century or metric century around China Lake, adding the towns of China, Vassalboro, and Palermo.

START: 9:00 A.M., at the Windsor Fair Grounds on Rt. 32, about a half mile north from the junction of Rt. 17 and Rt. 32. Park in the lot across from the entrance.

DISTANCE: 27, 56, or 63 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate with no big hills on the short ride; moderate to hilly on the long routes.

HIGHLIGHTS: scenic back roads with fine straight runs, the R. Majorowitz Sculpture Garden in Alna, and nice views of the Sheepscot, one of the most pristine rivers in the Northeast; the long routes include ridgetop vistas and views of China Lake.

LEADER: Jim Merrick.

Almost Alna

Greetings everyone! Hope you all had a splendid weekend and were able to get out and ride. Mnay thanks to Frank Rosen for volunteering to lead the ride in Fayette on short notice. I had a great time down in Standish volunteering at the MS-150 ride - beautiful routes and great weather. Things are looking a bit dreary for this week, but better for the weekend. If we need the rain, better to see it fall midweek or at night!

If you haven't heard by now, the KVBC ride, "The Alna Alternative," scheduled for Sunday in Alna has been postponed and will be rescheduled for some other date in the future. Meanwhile we will have an alternative ride around China Lake on Saturday. It's "almost Alna," so I hope you can all make it!

Saturday, August 7th; EAST VASSALBORO

"Almost Alna" - a tour around China Lake, with Palermo and Windsor added on the longer loop.

START: 9:00 AM at the Vassalboro Historical Society on Rt. 32 in East Vassalboro. From Augusta take Rt. 3 East 9.5 miles to Rt. 32 North for 4.4 miles. The Vassalboro Historical Society is in a red shingle schoolhouse on the right, lakeside.

DISTANCE: 18 and 36 miles.

TERRAIN: Rolling with a few hills (short ride); moderately hilly to Hilly (long ride).

HIGHLIGHTS: Fine back roads and views of China Lake, ridgetop views and the village of Palermo (watch for Elk).

LEADER: Jim Merrick.