Leaf It for Next Week

Couldn't ask for much better weather to kick off the month of October for our ride from Livermore last Saturday. It was definitely apple-picking weather, and the ride ended right at an apple orchard for all who wanted to take up the opportunity. Many thanks to John for leading, and to all who turned out! This weekend will see the return of the BCM Lobster Ride in Rockland on Saturday, so the KVBC ride will take place on Sunday, starting in Belgrade Lakes at the Community Center at 10am. We will search out some Fall foliage among many lakeside views, with a potential bakery stop near the end. As always, we hope you can join us! Sunday, October 11: BELGRADE LAKES "Take It or Leaf It" - a tour around Long Pond through Belgrade, Rome, and Mount Vernon. START: 10:00 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: 28 miles. TERRAIN: rolling with some hills HIGHLIGHTS: a Fall foliage tour around Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Castle Island, Blueberry Hill, and a possible stop at the bakery in Belgrade Lakes. LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com, 293-3784. LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41374806 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.

Taken for a Loop

We had a wonderful ride in and around Wayne last Saturday. There was an early Fall chill in the air, but it warmed up in the sun and we had a fine ride over paved and gravel options. Many thanks to Fritz and Susan for leading, and to Chris who brought muffins to the start! This Saturday we will revisit another popular club ride in and around the lakes in Smithfield with several mileage options. Hope you can join us! Saturday, September 20 - SMITHFIELD "Looping the Lakes" - a scenic tour through Smithfield, Belgrade, Rome, and Mercer. START: 9:00 AM, at Home, Hope & Healing, 189 Village Road, Smithfield, near the junction of Rt. 8 and Rt. 225 (just up the road from Tri-Pond Variety) DISTANCES: approx. 10, 17 or 30 miles. TERRAIN: moderate to moderately hilly. HIGHLIGHTS: many scenic lake views, summer camps, and some early fall foliage perhaps. LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47773258 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.

Gravel By Half

 

The weather was quite damp at the start of the KVBC ride from Waterville to Canaan on Saturday. In weather parlance, the expression that rain will end "mostly" by 9am should actually be "mostly (but not all)" - but eventually end it did, and once the roads dried up we had a fine ride.  This Sunday we will set off from Norridgewock for a ride over both paved and unpaved roads - about a 50/50 mix of each.  Wide tires are recommended - the route is a great introduction to gravel riding!  Please note the 10:00am start, and hope to see you Sunday!

Sunday, October 13th - NORRIDGEWOCK

"Indigenous Gravel" - a mixed surface ride exploring the back roads of Mercer, Rome and Norridgewock

START: 10:00 AM at 434 Fredericks Corner Road, about two miles from the junction of Rt.2 in Norridgewock. Please park along the driveway.

DISTANCE: 24 miles

TERRAIN: moderate; the route is about half gravel (despite what the route map indicates)

HIGHLIGHTS: lots of adventurous back roads, paved and unpaved, with Amish enclaves and Fall foliage

LEADERS: Brian Bowker, bbowk321@yahoo.com; and Denise Crowell, denisemcrowell@gmail.com.

LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48493902

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.

Lakes and Loops

We had a great Summer day for our ride in Turner on Saturday, perfect for taking on Streaked Mountain. The return route also took us on some roads little traveled by the club, winding through the towns of Hebron and Minot.  Many thanks to Fritz for another great ride!  This week we will return to Smithfield for one of our long-established KVBC rides, this time with a new starting location.  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, August 3 - SMITHFIELD 

"Looping the Lakes" - a scenic tour through Smithfield, Belgrade, Rome, and Mercer.

START: 9:00 AM, at Home, Hope & Healing, 189 Village Road, Smithfield, near the junction of Rt. 8 and Rt. 225 (just up the road from Tri-Pond Variety)

DISTANCES: approx. 10, 17 or 30 miles. 

TERRAIN: moderate to moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: many scenic lake views, summer camps, and a possible stop at the Ice Cream Place in Smithfield.

LEADER: Larry Childs, lrchilds@roadrunner.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47773258

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.

 

You Sure There's Seven Hills?

We had a sublime Autumn day last Saturday for our ride from Wayne. Bright sunshine, temps hovering around 70, lots of late Fall foliage, and a stop at the Apple Shed Bakery.  Add in some unique cemeteries and Halloween decorations, and it was a memorable ride.  The weather will be a lot cooler as we move into November, but this Saturday looks to be sunny and in the 50s, so we will try to fit in a ride around Rome with a possible bakery stop in Belgrade Lakes.  Hope you can be there!

Saturday, November 4th: ROME

"The Seven Hills of Rome" - a roadside tour of the many hillside trails through Rome and Belgrade.

START: 10:00 AM, Rome Park & Ride near the junction of Rt. 27 and Rt. 225.

DISTANCE: 20 miles.

TERRAIN: Moderately Hilly to Hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: the route passes 5 trailheads, Blueberry Hill and the Kennebec Highlands.  There is an optional short gravel ride up Blueberry Hill to a spectacular scenic vista. Possible stop at Hello Good Pie Bakery in Belgrade Lakes

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44864048

Leaves in the Lakes

We had a splendid ride from Wayne last Sunday to put a fitting end to October and our regularly scheduled rides of the year.  Heading into November we will have some impromptu rides depending on weather conditions and interest.  The forecast for this Saturday calls for sunny skies and temperatures near 70, so let's meet in Belgrade Lakes for a ride around Rome and Mt. Vernon with a possible bakery stop at Hello Good Pie at the end.  See you Saturday!

November 5th, Saturday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Take It or Leaf It" - a tour around Great Pond through Belgrade, Rome, and Mount Vernon.

START:  10:00 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:  28 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to "moderately" hilly (translation: there are hills on this ride).

HIGHLIGHTS:  a balmy November tour of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Castle Island, Blueberry Hill, and a possible stop at the bakery in Belgrade Lakes.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6796306

 

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.

Yes, We're Twenty!

 We had another fine sunny day for the ride around China Lake from Vassalboro on Mother's Day. It was nice to see China Lake with a calm surface without white caps, and many of the roads were in great shape making a really nice loop. Many Thanks to Jeanine for leading and for the fine group that turned out. This Saturday we will return to Belgrade Lakes to revisit the very first KVBC ride from 20 years ago. You do not need to show up at the ride start with a bike that is 20 years old, but if you have a vintage bike in riding condition this might be a good occasion to dust it off! Otherwise, bring what you have to celebrate 20 years of cycling in Central Maine, and we'll see you Saturday!

May 14th, Saturday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"KVBC 20th Anniversary Ride" - a traditional tour through Castle Island, Belgrade, and Rome.

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).

DISTANCES:  15 or 24 or 30 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: views of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Castle Island, and Blueberry Hill - possible post-ride stop at the bakery in Belgrade Lakes Village.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAPS (short loop): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39364542
(longer loop): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39364462

(petite loop): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39364514
 

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 Around the Pond

 We had a nice crisp, Fall day for our not so Wicked Wayne ride last Saturday - much nicer weather than the previous weekend.  This was followed by some superb Fall days earlier this week which were a tantalizing prospect for further late season riding.  This weekend also looks nice, if a bit cooler, so we will meet Saturday at the Belgrade Community Center for a circuit around Great Pond, perhaps with a stop at Hello Good Pie in Belgrade Village.  Hope you can join us!

November 13th, Saturday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Great Pond Go Round" - a November tour through Castle Island, Belgrade, and Rome.

START:  10:00 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:  23 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: views of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Castle Island, and Blueberry Hill - possible post-ride stop at the bakery in Belgrade Lakes Village.

LEADER:  David Chiappetta, dlchiappetta@aol.com.

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37985825
 

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.  

Smithfield on Saturday, Lincolnville on Sunday

We had another outstanding Tour de Whitefield on Saturday, thanks to Bryan and Holly, and to whomever made an offering to the weather gods. The torrential rains held off til about an hour or so after we finished, and the 25 of us had a fine ride.  This weekend we have a double header, with rides in Smithfield on Saturday, and in Lincolnville on Sunday (details on Sunday's ride to come shortly).  Hope you can join us on one or both days!

Saturday, August 21 - SMITHFIELD 

"Looping the Lakes" - a scenic tour through Smithfield, Belgrade, Rome, and Mercer.

START: 9:00 AM, at Tri-Pond Variety (formerly Sweet Dreams) on Rt. 8 in Smithfield, at the junction of Rt. 8 and Rt. 137. Please park in the back along the northwest side of the lot away from the redemption center and store entrance..

DISTANCES: approx. 10, 17 or 30 miles. 

TERRAIN: moderate to moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: many scenic lake views, summer camps, and a possible stop at the Ice Cream Place in Smithfield.

LEADER: Larry Childs, lrchilds@roadrunner.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7295953

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.

Turning Another Leaf

After a string of chilly rides in October it is a welcome treat to have temperatures climb up into the 60s again, and we'll gladly take advantage of it this Sunday in Belgrade Lakes. We are regrettably beginning to see a surge of COVID cases in the state, so be extra cautious, bring masks and use them when near others, keep up with distancing, and stay home if you have a temperature or other symptoms. We may not see too many more days for riding than those predicted for the weekend, so we hope to see you Sunday!

November 8th, Sunday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Take It or Leaf It" - a tour around Great Pond through Belgrade, Rome, and Mount Vernon.

START:  10:00 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:  28 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to "moderately" hilly (translation: there are hills on this ride).

HIGHLIGHTS:  post-peak foliage views of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Castle Island, Blueberry Hill, and a possible stop at Hello Good Pie in Belgrade Lakes.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7509613

 

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. 

Ice Cream Loops

 We had another fine "Tour de Whitefield" last Saturday. Our ride leaders, Bryan and Holly, did a great job reconfiguring the route to make our ability to gather safer, as well as providing another outstanding route.  Many thanks!  This Saturday the weather looks nice for another scenic ride, this time in Smithfield.  Our KVBC rides have gone very well this bizarre summer, but please remember to stay vigilant - bring masks and wear them in close quarters, maintain distancing, and stay home and rest if you are feeling sick.  Hope to see you Saturday!

Saturday, August 15 - SMITHFIELD 

"Looping the Lakes" - a scenic tour through Smithfield, Belgrade, Rome, and Mercer.

START: 9:00 AM, at Tri-Pond Variety (formerly Sweet Dreams) on Rt. 8 in Smithfield, at the junction of Rt. 8 and Rt. 137. Please park in the back of the lot away from the store entrance..

DISTANCES: approx. 10, 17 or 30 miles. 

TERRAIN: moderate to moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: many scenic lake views, summer camps, and a possible stop at the Ice Cream Place in Smithfield.

LEADER: Larry Childs, lrchilds@roadrunner.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7295953

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.

Lakes in a Field of Smiths

We've had some beautiful, fall-like cycling weather of late, and we're still not out of August!  We had a great ride from Lincolnville on Sunday - thanks to Tammy - and this weekend is looking good, too.  This Saturday's ride is in Smithfield, another classic tour with very pretty back roads.  We hope you can join us as we close out August and head into Fall.  If not, have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Saturday, August 31st - SMITHFIELD 

"Looping the Lakes" - a scenic tour through Smithfield, Belgrade, Rome, and Mercer.

START: 9:00 AM, at Tri-Pond Variety (formerly Sweet Dreams) on Rt. 8 in Smithfield, at the junction of Rt. 8 and Rt. 137. Please park in the back of the lot away from the store entrance..

DISTANCES: approx. 10, 17 or 30 miles. 

TERRAIN: moderate to moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: many scenic lake views, summer camps, and back roads with new pavement!

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7295953

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.

Great Pond, Great Pavement

Last Saturday we had another wonderful joint ride with the Kennebec Land Trust on a new tour of many of their conservation properties. The day started to heat up and we just managed to finish back in West Gardiner before some thunderstorms rolled in.  Our thanks to Jean-Luc and everyone who came out for this special ride.  This Saturday we'll see if we can dodge potential thunderstorms again, as we meet in Belgrade Lakes for a tour over newly completed road projects and long stretches of smooth pavement.  Should be a treat!

June 29th, Saturday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Great Pond Go Round" - a new pavement tour through Castle Island, Belgrade, and Rome.

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:  15 or 24 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: views of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Castle Island, and Blueberry Hill - possible post-ride stop at the bakery in Belgrade Lakes Village.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP (short loop): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7167541
(longer loop): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7167543
 

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.

Lakes Fit to Loop

Last week's ride from Richmond was a real treat, especially the ride stop at Treats in Wiscassett. We had lots of nice roads with little traffic and great scenery - our thanks to David for leading another great ride. This Sunday we will scope out some newly paved roads around Smithfield, starting at the Sweet Dreams store at the junction of Rt.s 8 and 137. Hope you can join us!

Sunday, September 9th - SMITHFIELD 

"Route 8 Figure 8" - a scenic tour through Smithfield, Belgrade, Rome, and Mercer.

START: 9:00 AM, at Sweet Dreams Convenience Store on Rt. 8 in Smithfield, at the junction of Rt. 8 and Rt. 137. Please park in the back of the lot away from the store entrance..

DISTANCES: approx. 10, 17 or 30 miles. 

TERRAIN: moderate to moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: many scenic lake views and back roads with new pavement!

LEADER: Larry Childs, lrchilds@roadrunner.com.  

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7295953

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.

Post-Thanksgiving

Well, we definitely got rained out last Sunday (although I have to give an honorable mention to David, who rode over to my house afterward to pick up his jerseys). We'll try again this Saturday and hope for better conditions to work off all the extra calories taken in on Thursday.. For those who have yet to pick up their new KVBC jerseys I will again have those at the start. Meanwhile, have a great Thanksgiving, and see you Saturday!

November 25th, Saturday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Post-Thanksgiving Ride" - a tour through Castle Island, Belgrade, and Rome.

START:  10:00 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:  15 or 24 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to "moderately" hilly (translation: there are hills on this ride).

HIGHLIGHTS: views of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Castle Island, and Blueberry Hill - possible post-ride stop at the bakery in Belgrade Lakes Village.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP (short loop): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7167541
(longer loop): https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7167543
 

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.

Field of Smiths

We are coming up on the end of September and only now are we getting the dog days of August. Too early to say if we will have an extended season of late Fall riding weather, but we had a great ride last Sunday in Wayne thanks to Fritz and his gang. Slightly cooler temperatures are predicted for this Saturday's ride in Smithfield. Let's hope for more great Fall riding ahead!

Saturday, September 30th - SMITHFIELD 

"Route 8 Figure 8" - a scenic tour through Smithfield, Belgrade, Rome, and Mercer.

START: 9:00 AM, at the new Smithfield Fire Station on Rt. 8 in Smithfield, about a quarter-mile north of the junction of Rt. 8 and Rt. 137.

DISTANCES: approx. 15 and 30 miles. 

TERRAIN: moderate to moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: many scenic lake views and back roads with some early Fall foliage.

LEADER: Larry Childs, lrchilds@roadrunner.com.  

LINK to ROUTE MAP (2015): http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6800182  

Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club rides are open to members and to the cycling public. Helmets are required of all riders at KVBC events. It is also recommended that you bring with you on KVBC rides: a map of the area in case you stray off route; tools for simple roadside repairs, especially a tire pump, spare tube and/or patch kit; water bottles or hydration systems; personal ID and a small first aid kit; and money for purchasing snacks & drinks en-route. In case of severe weather, scheduled rides may be postponed or designated as "show & go" rides at the discretion of the ride leader. We welcome suggestions for improving our rides and encourage active participation of all members. For more information, contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784 or hjmerrick@gmail.com, and check out the KVBC blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com.

Falling Leaves

We had a great time riding about the local haunts on our pre-Halloween cemetery ride in Wayne on Sunday, with lots of colorful foliage and costumes. Speaking of costumes - I'm pleased to report that the second batch of KVBC jerseys have been shipped and may actually arrive in time for the ride on Saturday! The ride on Saturday? Oh, yes - we will meet at the Belgrade Center for all Seasons on Saturday for our last ride in Daylight Savings Time for the year. If the weather holds in the weeks ahead we'll check out Standard Time, too, but for those of you looking forward to KVBC long-sleeve jerseys (and the other assorted jerseys on order) this Saturday may be your lucky day! Those of you who can't make Saturday's ride, fear not - I'll get your jerseys to you one way or another. Stay warm!

November 5th, Saturday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"Take It or Leaf It" - a tour around the lakes through Belgrade, Rome, and Mount Vernon.

START:  10:00 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:  28 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to "moderately" hilly (translation: there are hills on this ride).

HIGHLIGHTS:  post-peak foliage views of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Castle Island, Blueberry Hill, and a possible stop at the cafe in Mount Vernon.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6796306

 

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

Eights, Figuratively

We are definitely into Fall with crisp temperatures and a sudden onset of colorful foliage - great riding weather! This Sunday Larry Childs will take us on a tour of Smithfield, touching on Belgrade, Rome and Mercer - a club favorite. Hope you can join us!

Sunday, October 16th - SMITHFIELD 

"Route 8 Figure 8" - a scenic tour through Smithfield, Belgrade, Rome, and Mercer.

START: 9:00 AM, at the new Smithfield Fire Station on Rt. 8 in Smithfield, about a quarter-mile north of the junction of Rt. 8 and Rt. 137.

DISTANCES: approx. 15 and 30 miles. 

TERRAIN: moderate to moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: many scenic lake views and back roads with lots of Fall foliage.

LEADER: Larry Childs.  

LINK to ROUTE MAP (2015): http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6800182  

Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club rides are open to members and to the cycling public. Helmets are required of all riders at KVBC events. It is also recommended that you bring with you on KVBC rides: a map of the area in case you stray off route; tools for simple roadside repairs, especially a tire pump, spare tube and/or patch kit; water bottles or hydration systems; personal ID and a small first aid kit; and money for purchasing snacks & drinks en-route. In case of severe weather, scheduled rides may be postponed or designated as "show & go" rides at the discretion of the ride leader. We welcome suggestions for improving our rides and encourage active participation of all members. For more information, contact Jim Merrick at 293-3784 or hjmerrick@gmail.com, and check out the KVBC Facebook page.

Roaming Around Rome

We had a terrific ride Sunday in Wayne - great weather, great turnout, great route - and a top notch post ride gathering at the ride leaders'. Our thanks to Fritz and Susan for a special day! There are a lot of cycling events going on this weekend, with the Tour de Farms and the Maine Lighthouse Ride on Saturday, and Pedal the Penobscot and BikeMaine highlighting Sunday. We will venture out to Rome on Saturday for a scenic tour that is shorter and hillier than usual. You may lose count of the hills, but there are at least seven, and seven is an auspicious number. So they say. See you Saturday!

Saturday, September 10th: ROME

"The Seven Hills of Rome" - a roadside tour of the many hillside trails through Rome and Belgrade.

START: 9:00 AM, Rome Town Hall at the corner of Rt. 225 and Mercer Road, about 0.3 mi from the junction of Rt. 27 and Rt. 225.

DISTANCE: 20 miles.

TERRAIN: Moderately Hilly to Hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS: the route passes 5 trailheads, Blueberry Hill and the Kennebec Highlands.  There is an optional short hike up French's Mountain to a spectacular scenic vista.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6800281

November Lakes

We had a really fine ride last Saturday in Wayne, making the rounds of the round cemeteries.  The weather was quite pleasant, and the forecast is for more of the same this Saturday!  Let's meet at the Belgrade Community Center in Belgrade Lakes for a tour around Great Pond and the Kennebec Highlands.  We may get together afterwards for lunch in the village.  There may even be some fall foliage left on some late-turning trees.  Hopefully we can keep turning out this late in the season ourselves.  See you Saturday!

November 7th, Saturday:  BELGRADE LAKES

"The Lakes in November" - a tour around Great Pond through Belgrade, Rome, and Smithfield.

START:  10:00 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:  23 or 30 miles, with a short option of 15 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to "moderately" hilly (translation: there are hills on this ride).

HIGHLIGHTS:  post-peak foliage views of the Belgrade Lakes, some roller coaster hills, Castle Island, and Blueberry Hill.

LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.

 

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