UPDATE: We are still on for our scheduled "Ugly Sweater Ride" in North Belgrade this weekend but due to blustery conditions around the lake forecast for Saturday we will switch the ride to Sunday, November 2. This Sunday we will meet in North Belgrade at 10:30am for a ride around McGrath Pond with stops at sights along Great Pond including a post-ride get-together at a cabin site on the shore of the lake. Dress warmly, and dig out your ugliest sweater if you have one. Hope you can join us on the last scheduled ride of the year! Sunday, November 2 - NORTH BELGRADE "Ugly Sweater Ride" - a questionably-stylish ride around North Belgrade and Oakland. START: 10:30 am at the North Belgrade Community Center, 508 Smithfield Road, Route 8. (Not to be confused with the Belgrade Community Center on Rt. 27.) DISTANCE: 17+ miles TERRAIN: flat to rolling; some short gravel sections to sights along Great Pond. HIGHLIGHTS: a possible stop at an unusual WWI memorial on Great Pond near Armistice Day, and a post-ride get-together around a campfire at the lakeside, with refreshments! Feel free to bring something to share if you wish, as this may be our last gathering of the year. LEADER: Anne Uecker, anuecker@gmail.com. LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44924531

Vassalboro Rambling

 

We had outstanding weather and a great turnout for our ride from Winslow on Saturday.  It was great to ride with some old friends again and to kick off the holiday weekend.  Many thanks to Tom for leading us on another fine ride!  This coming Sunday we will explore some more fine roads around Vassalboro, topped off by a post-ride lunch at the ride leaders' house.  If you plan to join us for lunch please RSVP to Laura at laura.lipman@roadrunner.com so she can get a head count, thank you!  Hope to see you Sunday!

Sunday, June 2 - VASSALBORO

"Velo Vassalboro" - a scenic tour around the China Lake region

START:  9:00am at the home of David and Laura Lipman. Condo is after Natanis Golf Course on ARROWHEAD DRIVE off of Webber Pond Road 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 at the end of the road, beyond the garages in the large dirt parking lot after the condo buildings.

DISTANCE: approx. 33 miles

TERRAIN:  Moderate to Hilly

HIGHLIGHTS: Views of China Lake and Webber Pond, gentleman farms and country homes along the Neck Road. Stay afterwards for a light lunch and to socialize with fellow bikers.  Please RVSP to laura.lipman@roadrunner.com so Laura can get an idea of how many will be staying for lunch.

LEADER:  David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com

LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36421718

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.

The Warmth of an Ugly Sweater

We had a nice, hilly ride over the seven hills of Rome last Saturday.  We did see some moments of sunshine, although none that could be interpreted at the "Stonehenge" on Mercer Road in Rome, but the views from Wooster Hill and Blueberry Hill were worth the climbing.  This Saturday we will meet in North Belgrade at 10:30am for a ride around McGrath Pond with stops at sights along Great Pond including a post-ride get-together at a cabin site on the shore of the lake.  Dress warmly, and dig out your ugliest sweater if you have one.  Hope you can join us on the last scheduled ride of the year!

Saturday, November 11 - NORTH BELGRADE

"Ugly Sweater Ride" - a questionably-stylish ride around North Belgrade and Oakland.

START: 10:30 am at the North Belgrade Community Center, 508 Smithfield Road, Route 8. (Not to be confused with the Belgrade Community Center on Rt. 27.)

DISTANCE: 17 miles.

TERRAIN: flat to rolling; some short gravel sections to sights along Great Pond.

HIGHLIGHTS: a possible stop at an unusual WWI memorial on Great Pond on Armistice Day, and a post-ride get-together around a campfire at the lakeside, with refreshments! Feel free to bring something to share if you wish, as this may be our last gathering of the year.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44924531

Velo Vassilous

 We had another fine ride Saturday from Chesterville. The rains held off and it was breezy enough to keep (most of) the bugs at bay.  Many thanks to John for leading and providing post-ride snacks which were much appreciated!  This coming Sunday will feature one of our club favorite tours around Vassalboro and China Lake, followed by a post-ride lunch graciously offered by the Lipmans.  Please let Laura know (contact below) if you plan to attend, and we'll see you on Sunday!

Sunday, May 28 - VASSALBORO

"Velo Vassalboro" - a scenic tour around the China Lake region

START:  9:00am at the home of David and Laura Lipman. Condo is after Natanis Golf Course on ARROWHEAD DRIVE off of Webber Pond Road 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 at the end of the road, beyond the garages in the large dirt parking lot after the condo buildings.

DISTANCE: approx. 33 miles

TERRAIN:  Moderate to Hilly

HIGHLIGHTS: Views of China Lake and Webber Pond, gentleman farms and country homes along the Neck Road. Stay afterwards for a light lunch and to socialize with fellow bikers.  Please RVSP to laura.lipman@roadrunner.com so Laura can get an idea of how many will be staying for lunch.

LEADER:  David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com

LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36421718

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.

The Vassals Will Velo

The KVBC ride Sunday was much cooler than the previous week, thanks to overcast skies that kept the heat down. An intrepid group of riders kept moving to avoid ravenous insects, especially on the three (or four) significant climbs on the route. Many thanks to John for leading so soon after knee surgery. At the ride's end we were treated to welcome coffee, muffins and snacks by our hosts. Thank you from all of us! 

This Sunday we will return to Vassalboro for a ride around one of our club's favorite areas. Please note that there will be a post-ride luncheon at the ride leaders' so an RSVP (as detailed below) to let them get a head count would be much appreciated. Hope you can join us!

Sunday, May 29 - VASSALBORO

"Velo Vassalboro" - a scenic tour around the China Lake region

START:  9am  at the home of David and Laura Lipman.  Condo is after Natanis Golf Course on ARROWHEAD DRIVE off of Webber Pond Road 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 at the end of the road, beyond the garages in the large dirt parking lot after the condo buildings.

DISTANCE: approx. 19 or 31 miles

TERRAIN:  Moderate to Hilly

HIGHLIGHTS: Views of China Lake and Webber Pond,  gentleman farms and country homes along the Neck Road.   Stay afterwards for a light lunch and to socialize with fellow bikers.  Please RVSP to laura.lipman@roadrunner.com so Laura can get an idea of how many will be staying for lunch.

LEADER:  David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com

LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36421718

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,   

Wire That Bridge, Grill Up Those Hotdogs

Sunday's KVBC ride (part 2 of our weekend doubleheader) will be a revision of our popular Fall ride out to the historic Wire Bridge in New Portland. The Long Ride (62 mi.) will start in Norridgewock at 9 am, and connect up with the Short Ride (37 mi.) starting in Madison at 9:30 am. We will have ride leaders at both starting locations. At the end of the ride we will pay homage to the traditions of Ken's Hot Dog Ride with a post-ride get together. Hope you can join us!

Sunday, September 26 - NORRIDGEWOCK and MADISON

"The Wire Bridge Ride" - a Fall Foliage tour along the scenic Carrabassett River, through Norridgewock, Madison, Anson, New Portland and New Vineyard.

START: Long Ride - 9:00 AM at 434 Frederick's Corner Road in Norridgewock; Short Ride - 9:30 AM at the parking lot across from the former Madison Mill on Main St. in Madison, just before the bridge over the Kennebec.

DISTANCE: Long Ride - approx 62 miles; Short Ride - approx. 37 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate with some hills

HIGHLIGHTS: Fall foliage along the Carrabassett River, and the historic Wire Bridge in New Portland, a civil engineering landmark built in 1866, perhaps the only one of its kind still in existence; and a post-ride gathering with hotdogs at the ride leaders' house!

LEADERS: Brian Bowker, 485-6793, bbowk321@yahoo.com; and Denise Crowell, 213-8336, denisemcrowell@gmail.com.

Link to long route (62 miles) starting at 434 Fredericks Corner Road in Norridgewock https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=888453

Link to short route (37 miles) starting from parking lot across the street from the former Madison Paper Mill, Madison

http://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=837129

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com, and check out the KVBC blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or the KVBC Facebook page.

Velo and Lunch

We once again had gorgeous weather for our ride in Jefferson on Sunday. There were sections of new pavement, lakeside views and verdant landscapes on a newly revised route that was top notch. Add in an ice cream stop at the end and it was a day well spent! Many thanks to Bryan and Holly for leading, and to all the riders and newcomers who turned out. This Saturday we will return to Vassalboro for a ride around one of our club's favorite areas. Please note that there will be a post-ride luncheon at the ride leaders' so an RSVP (as detailed below) to let them get a head count would be much appreciated. Hope you can join us! Saturday, June 19 - VASSALBORO "Velo Vassalboro" - a scenic tour around the China Lake region START: 9am at the home of David and Laura Lipman. Condo is after Natanis Golf Course on ARROWHEAD DRIVE off of Webber Pond Road 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 at the end of the road, beyond the garages in the large dirt parking lot after the condo buildings. DISTANCE: approx. 19 or 31 miles TERRAIN: Moderate to Hilly HIGHLIGHTS: Views of China Lake and Webber Pond, gentleman farms and country homes along the Neck Road. Stay afterwards for a light lunch and to socialize with fellow bikers. Please RVSP to laura.lipman@roadrunner.com so Laura can get an idea of how many will be staying for lunch. LEADER: David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com LINK TO RIDE MAP (2015): http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6796302 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.

Hill Topping

We had a really nice ride out to the Nezinscot Farm on Sunday, with a near record turnout of 28 riders, about a half-dozen or so actually stayed on the planned route, but everyone got back OK and in good spirits. Thanks to all who came out and kept their cool in the face of going astray and dealing with hostile truckers (dealt with admirably, I should note).. With luck, we will have more fine riding in store for this Saturday in Chesterville. Please remember that we are still in an on-going pandemic, despite mixed signals from public health authorities, so keep up with social distancing and bring a mask for times when you can't (especially if you are still waiting on vaccination), and please stay home if you are feeling unwell. Hope to see you Saturday! Saturday, May 22 - CHESTERVILLE "There's No Place Like Home" - a tour around Chesterville, Farmington Falls, New Sharon and Vienna. START: 9:00 am at the ride leader's new home at 192 Hilltop Road (aka Hill Top or Hill-Top) in Chesterville. Please park along the roadside. DISTANCE: 28 miles. TERRAIN: flat to rolling with some significant hills. HIGHLIGHTS: the scenic Chesterville Esker, Zion Hill, Cape Cod Hill, and a bunch of no-name hills. Possible post-ride get-together at the ride leader's house. LEADER: John Lanoue, john.lanoue@avid.com. LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.strava.com/routes/2821566370865323008

Back to Vassalboro

We had a fine ride around the Colby Loop on Saturday. There were 15 of us, so we broke into two riding groups, and the weather and the roads were better than expected.  Many thanks to Duncan, who was leading his first KVBC ride, although hardly anyone would've noticed.  This Saturday we have rescheduled one of our favorite club rides in Vassalboro.  We are permitted to ride in larger numbers, but pandemic protocols are still in effect.  Maintain social distancing, bring a mask for use in close quarters, and do not attend if you are feeling sick or have recently been in contact with anyone who has. There will be an opportunity for distant socializing outside after the ride - please bring a lawn chair and your own beverages.  Hope to see you behind your mask Saturday!

Saturday, June 6th- VASSALBORO

"Velo Vassalboro" -  a scenic tour around the China Lake region

START:  9 am  at the home of David and Laura Lipman.  Condo is after Natanis Golf Course on ARROWHEAD DRIVE off of Webber Pond Road 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 wide apart after the garages in the large dirt parking lot after the condo buildings.

DISTANCE: approx. 18 or 31 miles, with 1,200 or 2,000 feet of climbing respectively

TERRAIN:  Moderate to Hilly

HIGHLIGHTS: Views of China Lake and Webber Pond,  gentleman farms and country homes along the Neck Road.  If desired, stay afterwards to socialize (distantly) with fellow bikers over light snacks.  Please bring a lawn chair and your own beverages.

LEADER:  David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP (2018): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7254750

Mind the Gap

We had another fine ride last Saturday out of Jay under clear blue skies.  Traffic was fairly light, temperatures cool, air quality excellent, and there was an abundance of spring flowers and greenery.  We did have some relentless head winds and some tire trouble on some rough spots, but all-in-all, a very nice day.  This Saturday we will return to a favorite club ride in Vassalboro.  You must preregister in advance with the ride leader - groups are restricted to ten riders - and pandemic protocols are in effect.  Maintain social distancing, bring a mask for use in close quarters, and do not attend if you are feeling sick or have recently been in contact with anyone who has.  There will be an opportunity for distant socializing outside after the ride - please bring a lawn chair and your own beverages.  Hope to see you behind your mask Saturday!

Saturday, May 30th- VASSALBORO

"Velo Vassalboro a l'ecart" - ("Bike Vassalboro at a gap") a scenic tour around the China Lake region

START:  9am  at the home of David and Laura Lipman.  Condo is after Natanis Golf Course on ARROWHEAD DRIVE off of Webber Pond Road 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 wide apart after the garages in the large dirt parking lot after the condo buildings. YOU MUST SIGN UP IN ADVANCE WITH THE RIDE LEADER. GROUPS ARE LIMITED TO TEN RIDERS.

DISTANCE: approx. 18 or 31 miles, with 1,200 or 2,000 feet of climbing respectively

TERRAIN:  Moderate to Hilly

HIGHLIGHTS: Views of China Lake and Webber Pond,  gentleman farms and country homes along the Neck Road.  If desired, stay afterwards to socialize (distantly) with fellow bikers over light snacks.  Please bring a lawn chair and your own beverages.

LEADER:  David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP (2018): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7254750

Fare-Thee-Well Floyd

We have a special treat in store for the ride this Sunday at the Belgrade Community Center. One of our club ride leaders, Jim Floyd, is moving to Pembroke, down Eastport way. While we try to figure out a way to get him back down here to lead the annual "Wake Up the Earth" ride to start our season every spring as he's done for many years, we're planning a send off ride and party for him this Sunday just a few miles away at the ride leader's house. More details from Lynn Mitchell: "Social at Lynn's house will follow the ride. We'll throw some chicken on the grill. Bring your favorite dish to share and feel free to bring your favorite water toys....kayaks, paddle boards & swimsuits. And spouses! I live a short distance from the start at 316 Timberpoint, on Long Pond. From the BCC after the ride turn left on Rt 27, take first right onto Castle Island road, take first left onto West road, go approximately 1 mile then turn right onto Timberpoint. Timberpoint is a dirt camp road. 316 is approximately 1.4 miles down on the left." See you all Sunday!

September 8th, Sunday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Jim's Send Off Spin and Social" - a tour through Belgrade Lakes, Readfield, and Wings Mills.

START:  9:00 A.M., at the 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:  29 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: views of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, quiet back roads through Wings Mills - and a post-ride gathering at the ride leader's.

LEADER:  Lynn Mitchell, mitchell.lynn222@gmail.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7407151
 

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.

Tour de Whitefield

We had some great riding weather over the weekend, and David Lipman and company did not let it pass by without taking full advantage of the opportunity, and we had a great ride from Damariscotta to Pemaquid on Saturday. Many thanks to David! The Tour de France is in full swing, and this Sunday we will counter with the Tour de Whitefield! If you haven't picked up your yellow jersey yet (the pre-ordered KVBC version), see Jim before or after the ride.  See you Sunday!

Sunday, July 15 - WHITEFIELD

"Tour de Whitefield" - a rural tour through the rolling hills and farms of Whitefield, Pittston, Jefferson and Windsor.

START: 9:00 am, at 184 Hunts Meadow Road in Whitefield, about 2 miles south of the junction of Rt. 17 and North Hunts Meadow Road. Park near the garage or on the grass along the driveway.

DISTANCE: about 32 miles.

TERRAIN: rolling hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: lots of scenic rural roads around the Sheepscot River Valley, and a post-ride gathering at the ride leaders'; if you plan to stay for a while after the ride, please RSVP to the ride leader below - thanks!

LEADER: Bryan Griffin, bjgriffin@roadrunner.com, 207-332-1775 (cell).

For more information about the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784 or hjmerrick@gmail.com, and check out the KVBC blog, Posted Roads, at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or follow our Facebook page.

Vassalboro, Vassalboro

As we approach Memorial Day we have been getting some superb riding weather (at last!), and last Sunday's ride in Vassalboro was first rate: cool, dry, calm and sunny. The roads were so nice that a number of us (including yours truly) went right past key turns and kept right on going - with little or no regret.  Our thanks to David for stepping up to lead the Alewives ride in Jeanine's absence (we all missed you, Jeanine).  It was so nice that David and company will take us back to Vassalboro this Sunday to explore some entirely different roads, followed by a post-ride gathering at his house.  Please RSVP below, if you would, and we'll see you Sunday!  If not, have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend!

Sunday, May 28th - VASSALBORO

"Velo Vassalboro" - a scenic tour around the China Lake region

START:  9am  at the home of David and Laura Lipman.  Condo is after Natanis Golf Course on ARROWHEAD DRIVE off of Webber Pond Road 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: Views of China Lake and Webber Pond,  gentleman farms and country homes along the Neck Road.   Stay afterwards for a light lunch and to socialize with fellow bikers.  Please RVSP to laura.lipman@roadrunner.com so Laura can get an idea of how many will be staying for lunch.

LEADER:  David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com

BCM CALENDAR LINK: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-velo-vassalboro-2

LINK TO RIDE MAP (2015): http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6796302

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.

Pontoon or Poutine?

We had a beautiful Fall day for the ride last Saturday from Winthrop to the Monmouth Apple Fest. Crisp temperatures, bright sunshine, and some superb apple pie, doughnuts, and other treats at the festival in Monmouth. And the ride wasn't too bad, either!  Hopefully we'll have more of the same this Saturday as John will take us into October with another great ride in Chesterville.  Hope to see you Saturday!

Saturday, October 1st - CHESTERVILLE

"Three Peaks and a Pontoon" - an early fall foliage tour of the ponds and ridges around Livermore, Fayette, and Chesterville.

START: 9:00 am at the Sand Pond Parking Lot; from Chesterville Center (by the Chesterville Corner Store at the junction of Ridge Rd, Dutch Gap Rd, and Zions Hill Rd) take Zions Hill Rd north for 1/4 mile, turn left on Borough Rd for approx. one mile, then turn right on Sand Pond Rd; the parking lot is about 1/2 mile in.

DISTANCE: 30-35 miles.

TERRAIN: moderately hilly with several good hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: some fall foliage viewpoints on scenic back roads including the famed Ridge Road along the Chesterville Esker, and a post-ride gathering at the ride leader's camp, followed by a potential pontoon boat ride on the lake.

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

 

Here’s the route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/BRTWebUI/Course/728937

 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club find us on Facebook, or contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com or 293-3784.

Very Verdant Vassalboro

We had a great ride from Readfield through Wayne and Winthrop last Sunday, with some great scenery and some terrific downhills off of Mt. Pisgah and Nickerson Hill! We also had a pleasant stop at Tubby's Ice Cream in Wayne, where they graciously opened early for us (a crowd of paying cyclists is hard to ignore).  Many thanks to Lydia - kudos for leading her first KVBC ride!  This Sunday we will venture to Vassalboro for some more great back road touring and a post-ride gathering at the Lipmans.  We hope you can join us - otherwise have a great Memorial Day Weekend!

Sunday, May 29th - VASSALBORO

"Velo Vassalboro" - a scenic tour around the China Lake region

START:  9am  at the home of David and Laura Lipman.  Condo is after Natanis Golf Course on ARROWHEAD DRIVE off of Webber Pond Road 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: Views of China Lake and Webber Pond,  gentleman farms and country homes along the Neck Road.   Stay afterwards for a light lunch and to socialize with fellow bikers.  Please RVSP to laura.lipman@roadrunner.com so Laura can get an idea of how many will be staying for lunch.

LEADER:  David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com

LINK TO RIDE MAP (2015): http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6796302

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.

Ken's Hot Dog Ride

We had spectacular weather last Sunday for our ride in Wayne - sunny, calm, and cool.  This Sunday's weather is forecast to be just as nice and maybe better!  And how much better could it be, just in time for Ken's seventh annual Hot Dog Ride!  We'll meet in tiny locale of Wings Mills in Mount Vernon (directions below) for a very scenic ride and a Hot Dog cookout later.  Ken would appreciate if you email him at klouis17@hotmail.com so he can get an approximate headcount.  Hope you can join us!

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday, June 14th - WINGS MILLS (Mount Vernon)

"Hot Dog! - The Hot Dog Ride" (not because we'll ride like one but because we will want one) - a tour through Mount Vernon, Belgrade, North Augusta, and Manchester

START: 9:00 AM at 49 Marble Point Rd., Mount Vernon

      Directions to Start:

           From Augusta, take #27 North to Belgrade and turn left onto #135 (Christy's store and blinking light). Go 3 miles and right onto Wings Mill Rd; go 2.5 miles and right onto Marble Point Rd. which is just after crossing Belgrade Stream; it is a hard pack dirt road and we are the log home on the right).

           From Mount Vernon, Readfield: Take North Rd to Wings Mills Rd and go about 3 miles to Marble Point Rd; just after passing Bartlett Rd on the right, turn left onto Marble Point.

           Delorme Maine Atlas Map 12; A-4. Just west and across the stream from the intersection of Dunn Rd and Wings Mill Rd. (Marble Point is not listed by name on the map).

Park along the sides of the driveway wherever you can.
DISTANCE: 29 miles
TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills
HIGHLIGHTS: Views of Belgrade Stream, Hamilton Pond, Stuart Pond, Messalonskee Lake, Doctor Pond, Silver Lake, Gould Pond, with a Hot Dog cookout lunch following the ride - swimming available also.  
LEADER: Ken Louis, klouis17@hotmail.com.

BCM Calendar Link: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-kens-hot-dog-ride

For more information about the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784 or hjmerrick@gmail.com, follow us on Facebook, or check out the KVBC blog, Posted Roads, at http://postedroads.blogspot.com.

Vassalboro Again!

 

What?  Vassalboro again?  Yes! Vassalboro again!  Sure, we had a great ride last Sunday from Vassalboro (thanks Jeanine!), but I missed it.  If you missed it, too, here's another chance!  We will meet again in Vassalboro this Sunday for another route, led by our own David Lipman.  As a bonus, we will be joined by the folks from BikeMaine, and we'll have a post-ride gathering at the Lipmans.  So don't miss it!  See you then!

 

Sunday, May 24th - VASSALBORO

"Velo Vassalboro" - a scenic tour around the China Lake region

START:  9am  at the home of David and Laura Lipman.  Condo is after Natanis Golf Course on 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: 28 miles

TERRAIN:  Moderate to Hilly

HIGHLIGHTS: Views of China Lake and Webber Pond,  gentleman farms and country homes along the Neck Road.   Stay afterwards for a light lunch and to socialize with fellow bikers, including representatives from BikeMaine who will update us on this year's tour!  Please RVSP to laura.lipman@roadrunner.com so we can get an idea of how many will be staying for lunch.

LEADER:  David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com

BCM Calendar Link: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-velo-vassalboro

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.

Bikes and Pontoons, with an Esker Thrown In

We had balmy summer-like weather Saturday with temperatures pushing 80 on the KVBC ride from Winthrop to Monmouth.  Great weather for apple pie a la mode (actually any weather would be great for apple pie a la mode) and we made an obligatory stop at the "Pie Cafe" at the Monmouth AppleFest, where some of us had pie, some of us had apples, some of us had cider, and some of us had all three.  Somewhat satiated in the pomology department, we headed out for some more great riding and some early Fall foliage.  We have more foliage and great riding ahead this Saturday, as John Lanoue will take us on a tour around the unique features of Chesterville, including the scenic ridge top of the Chesterville Esker (in Fall colors, no less) followed by a post-ride get-together at his camp.  Please note the 10 am start, as it is not likely to be 80 degrees in the morning everyday in October in Maine.  Hope you can make it!

 

Saturday, October 4th - CHESTERVILLE

"Three Peaks and a Pontoon" - an early fall foliage tour of the ponds and ridges around Livermore, Fayette, and Chesterville.

START: 10:00 am at the Sand Pond Parking Lot; from Chesterville Center (by the "Chesterville Mall" at the junction of Ridge Rd, Dutch Gap Rd, and Zions Hill Rd) take Zions Hill Rd north for 1/4 mile, turn left on Borough Rd for approx. one mile, then turn right on Sand Pond Rd; the parking lot is about 1/2 mile in.

DISTANCE: 30 miles.

TERRAIN: moderately hilly with several good hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: some fall foliage viewpoints on scenic back roads including the famed Ridge Road along the Chesterville Esker, and a post-ride gathering at the ride leader's camp, followed by a potential pontoon boat ride on the lake.

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

 

SPECIAL NOTE: the Cadillac Mountain Challenge is scheduled for Sunday, October 5th, and we'd like to know if anyone wants to get together and go up Saturday night and camp nearby.  If you are interested, let Jim know - contact info below.  Thanks! 

 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club check out our blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or find us on Facebook, or contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com or 293-3784.

Vassalboro and Bike Month

We another adventurous ride on Saturday around the challenging hills bordering Cobbossee Lake, and once again we managed to dodge the forecast rains.  Our thanks to John Lanoue for a great ride.  Hopefully we will start getting some sunnier and warmer weather as we move into summer, all the better to showcase these great rides our intrepid leaders are coming up with!  We'll meet in Vassalboro this Saturday to close out the rides for Bike Month.  Last year the temperatures on this ride soared to 90 degrees!  Not sure we'll challenge that record, but the Lipmans have again arranged for a post-ride gathering - much appreciated! - and they'd appreciate RSVPs so they can get a head count.  If the sun will RSVP we'll be in great shape!  See you Saturday!

Saturday, May 31st - VASSALBORO

"Velo Vassalboro" - a scenic tour around the China Lake region

Start:  9am  at the home of David and Laura Lipman.  Condo is after Natanis Golf Course on 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: 28 miles

Terrain:  Moderate to Hilly

Highlights: Views of China Lake and Webber Pond,  gentleman farms and country homes along the Neck Road.   Stay afterwards for a light lunch and to socialize with fellow bikers.  Please RVSP to laura.lipman@roadrunner.com so we can get an idea of how many will be staying for lunch.

Leader:  David Lipman, dlipman@lipmankatz.com

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.

Velo Vassalboro

Round and About in Vassalboro

Nothing short of dismal to cancel a ride on Memorial Day weekend due to nasty weather. And a great ride, too. Bummer. Our thanks and sympathies to Leanne for putting the ride together, only to have it called off - maybe we can reschedule it later this summer on an open date. Hopefully the sun will come out, things will dry out a bit, and we'll meet in Vassalboro on Saturday to kick off the rides for the month of June. The Lipmans have arranged for a post-ride gathering, much appreciated - and they'd appreciate RSVPs so they can get a head count. If the sun will RSVP we'll be in great shape! See you Saturday!

Saturday, June 1st - VASSALBORO
"Velo Vassalboro" - a scenic tour around the China Lake region
Start: 9:00 am at the home of David and Laura Lipman. Condo is after Natanis Golf Course on Fairway View 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: 28 miles
Terrain: Moderate to Hilly
Highlights: Views of China Lake and Webber Pond, gentleman farms and country homes along the Neck Road. Stay afterwards for lunch and to socialize with fellow bikers. Please RVSP so we can get an idea of how many will be staying for lunch.
Leader: David Lipman.

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