Go Forth on the Fourth

We had a fine ride from Manchester to Litchfield on Saturday. Despite predictions of clouds and possible showers, we had mostly clear skies, little wind, and mild temperatures. We also had a few newcomers which is most welcome! This Saturday we will have one of our traditional club rides in Sidney on the Fourth of July. The ride is in two parts, with the first half ending back at the start after 16 miles for those who have to cut the ride short for holiday gatherings; the rest of us will continue on for about 30 miles. Hope to see you Saturday, and if not, have a wonderful (and safe) holiday! Saturday, July 4, SIDNEY: "Independence by Bike" - the traditional KVBC 4th of July tour through Sidney, Augusta and Waterville. START: 9:00 AM at the James H. Bean Elementary School on 2896 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. 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: 16 or 29 Miles. TERRAIN: moderate with a few hills. HIGHLIGHTS: some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely. LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com, 293-3784. LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39964070 For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, check out our blog, Posted Roads at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or follow us on Facebook. Memberships in the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club provide funds for our club insurance, enabling us to hold rides and events. Membership funds also ensure our club memberships supporting the Bicycle Coalition of Maine and the League of American Bicyclists. Membership forms can be obtained at most club rides, and also via email by contacting Jim Merrick (email above) or Brian Bowker, bbowk321@yahoo.com, or Denise Crowell, denisemcrowell@gmail.com. Thank you!

Assert Your Independence

We had a very pleasant mixed surface ride from Readfield on Sunday. The recent rain kept the dust down on the gravel sections, and the paved roads dried up nicely in the sunshine. As an added plus, we had another stop at the Apple Shed Bakery near the end of the ride. Many thanks to David for leading us on a fine route! This week we will head into July and we will gather in Sidney for our annual Independence Day ride on Saturday. Please join us as we go Fourth on the Fifth! See you then! Saturday, July 5, SIDNEY: "Independence by Bike" - the traditional KVBC 4th of July tour through Sidney, Augusta and Waterville. START: 9:00 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: 16 or 29 Miles. TERRAIN: moderate with a few hills. HIGHLIGHTS: some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely. LEADER: Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com, 293-3784. LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39964070 For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, check out our blog, Posted Roads at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or follow us on Facebook. Memberships in the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club provide funds for our club insurance, enabling us to hold rides and events. Membership funds also ensure our club memberships supporting the Bicycle Coalition of Maine and the League of American Bicyclists. Membership forms can be obtained at most club rides, and also via email by contacting Jim Merrick (email above) or Brian Bowker, bbowk321@yahoo.com, or Denise Crowell, denisemcrowell@gmail.com. Thank you!

Independence Depends

Here are a few updates for the KVBC ride Saturday in Sidney.  One of the parking lots at the school is currently torn up, so please park in the lot at the south end of the school.  The south end of Middle Road (called Bog Road) in North Augusta is also undergoing construction with approx. one mile of rough gravel, so note below a new link to an alternate paved route for those who wish to avoid the gravel section.  The distances for both routes are the same, and the remaining roads are in fine shape.  See you Saturday!

Saturday, July 6, SIDNEY:

"Independence by Bike" - the traditional KVBC 4th of July tour through Sidney, Augusta and Waterville.
START:  9:00 AM at the James H. Bean Elementary School on Middle Road in Sidney. Please park in the lot at the south end of the school.
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:  16 or 29 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely.
LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com, 293-3784.

LINK TO RIDE MAP (includes approx. 1 mile of road construction gravel): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39964070

LINK TO ALTERNATE ROUTE MAP (bypassing construction, no gravel): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47379567

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, check out our blog, Posted Roads at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or follow us on Facebook. Memberships in the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club provide funds for our club insurance, enabling us to hold rides and events. Membership funds also ensure our club memberships supporting the Bicycle Coalition of Maine and the League of American Bicyclists.  Membership forms can be obtained at most club rides, and also online on our club blog: https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7325223564827626545/1849360075373598671.  If you have difficulty accessing the forms, please contact Jim Merrick (email above) or Brian Bowker, bbowk321@yahoo.com, or Denise Crowell, denisemcrowell@gmail.com. Thank you!

Independence by Bike

 We had a wonderful ride from Readfield last Saturday. We had a great turnout and the weather gods smiled on us and kept the rain at bay. Aside from one tire mishap, everyone finished the ride in great shape. Many thanks to Lydia for leading and Greg for providing roadside assistance! We are coming into July, which means that our ride this Saturday will be our traditional 4th of July ride starting in Sidney. Hope you all can join us!

Saturday, July 6, SIDNEY:

"Independence by Bike" - the traditional KVBC 4th of July tour through Sidney, Augusta and Waterville.

START: 9:00 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: 16 or 29 Miles.

TERRAIN: moderate with a few hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely.

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

LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39964070

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, check out our blog, Posted Roads at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or follow us on Facebook. Memberships in the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club provide funds for our club insurance, enabling us to hold rides and events. Membership funds also ensure our club memberships supporting the Bicycle Coalition of Maine and the League of American Bicyclists. Membership forms can be obtained at most club rides, and also online on our club blog: https://www.blogger.com/.../732522356.../1849360075373598671. If you have difficulty accessing the forms, please contact Jim Merrick (email above) or Brian Bowker, bbowk321@yahoo.com, or Denise Crowell, denisemcrowell@gmail.com. Thank you!

Go Forth on the First

 

Another week, another ride rescheduling.  We seem to be stuck in a showery weather pattern - at least it's not the "heat dome" in the southwest, thankfully.  Saturday now appears to be the drier of the days this weekend, so we will assert our independence (and flexibility) and schedule this weekend's ride for Saturday instead.  Hope to see you then!

Saturday, July 1st, SIDNEY:

"Independence by Bike" - a Middle Road tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of the Fourth of July weekend.
START:  9:00 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:  16 or 29 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely.
LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com, 293-3784.

LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39964070

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

Go Forth on the Second

It was mostly cloudy and humid for the KVBC ride from Mt. Vernon on Saturday.  We did manage to dodge (most of) the rain.  We had a few sprinkles towards the end of the ride, but much of it held off until the ride was over, and the ride itself was quite pleasant.  We move right on into July with our next ride - a traditional jaunt through Sidney and North Augusta on the Fourth of July weekend.  Hope to see you there, and otherwise have a great holiday!

Sunday, July 2nd, SIDNEY:
"Independence by Bike" - a Middle Road tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of the Fourth of July weekend.
START:  9:00 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:  16 or 29 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely.
LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com, 293-3784.

LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39964070

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

 

Calling Bike Veterans

We had a nice sunny day for a ride on Sunday - finally.  We had a nice group of riders for our circumnavigation of Damariscotta Lake from Jefferson, with lush fields of lupines in abundance, and a fine ice cream stop at the end.  Many thanks to David for leading the ride put together by Bryan & Holly, who we hope to have back with us soon.  We would also like to see more of our stalwart ride members turn out - some of you we haven't seen since the pandemic outbreak (and we really hope you're still with us).  We are always thrilled to see old familiar faces (and bikes).  This Saturday we have an all new ride from the Winslow VFW Hall, and as always, we hope you can join us!

Saturday, June 17 - WINSLOW

"Trek Across the Kennebec" - a scenic backroads tour from Winslow through Waterville, Oakland, and Sidney

START: 9:00 am at the Winslow VFW, 175 Veteran Drive, about a quarter-mile off Rt. 32 just south of the junction of Rt.s 32 & 137.

DISTANCE: 31.5 miles

TERRAIN: rolling with hills & valleys

HIGHLIGHTS: smooth pavement on back roads with river & lakeside views

LEADER: Steve Hall, ridehills@gmail.com

LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/122882698

Assert Your Independence!

 Last Saturday's KVBC ride from Mt. Vernon was sunny and hot, befitting the first club ride of summer. We did, however, have some nice shady sections along the Chesterville Esker and many of the ponds & lakes enroute, and we finished the ride before the worst heat of the day. We are now coming into July, which means we start off with one of our traditional rides out of Sidney for the Fourth of July weekend.  Assert your independence!  And see you on Sunday!

Sunday, July 3rd, SIDNEY:
"Independence by Bike" - a Middle Road tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of the Fourth of July weekend.
START:  9:00 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:  16 or 29 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely.
LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com, 293-3784.

LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39964070

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

Ride Forth

We had a record turnout of 31 riders at the start of the KVBC ride Sunday in Readfield, and we were joined by 2 or 3 others along the route. The ride itself followed a popular and pretty route that offered lots of shade on a hot sunny day. Many thanks to Lydia for leading and to everyone who turned out! Next Sunday we will revisit a classic Fourth of July route starting at the Bean School on Middle Road in Sidney. If we don't see you, have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend! Sunday, July 4th, SIDNEY: "Go Forth on the Fourth" - a mainstream tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of a prime farming district & the middle of Fourth of July preparations. START: 9:00 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: 16 or 30 Miles. TERRAIN: moderate with a few hills. HIGHLIGHTS: some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely. LEADER: Peggy Horner, phorner_1@yahoo.com LINK TO RIDE MAP: http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6799304 For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, check out our blog, Posted Roads at http://postedroads.blogspot.com, or follow us on Facebook.

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

Independence! Independence!

We had a really pretty ride around the 5 Boros of Vassalboro last Sunday, thanks to Jeanine, who put together the ride on short notice to substitute for the event in Greenville that was cancelled. The ride was well attended and well appreciated! This week we will "go forth on the Fourth" and revisit one of our popular, traditional rides on Independence Day in Sidney. We cannot emphasize enough that we are still following pandemic protocols, so riders should carry masks and use them when appropriate, maintain social distancing, and stay at home if feeling sick. We look forward to seeing you all, and if you cannot make the ride on the Fourth, have a safe and wonderful holiday!

Saturday, July 4th, SIDNEY:
"Independence along the Middle Road" - a mainstream  tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of a prime farming district & the middle of Fourth of July preparations.
START:  9:00 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:  16 or 30 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely.
LEADER:  Jim Putnam, put@roadrunner.com.

LINK TO RIDE MAP: http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6799304

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

Take the Middle

We had some remarkable luck with the weather last Saturday in Belgrade Lakes, as the forecasts spoke of heavy rain and thundershowers, and the skies looked like they weren't kidding. But the rains never materialized despite it being dark and foreboding, so perhaps they were kidding all along. We did get in a very nice ride on nice new pavement, the darkness notwithstanding.  And we wouldn't be kidding to say that we have another fine ride in store for this Saturday - a classic Fourth of July ride from the Bean School on Middle Road in Sidney.  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, July 6th, SIDNEY:
"Independence along the Middle Road" - a mainstream  tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of a prime farming district & the middle of Fourth of July preparations.
START:  9:00 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:  16 or 30 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely.
LEADER:  Jim Putnam, put@roadrunner.com.
LINK TO RIDE MAP: http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6799304

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

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.

The Fourth is First

We had a great ride last Sunday from Brunswick to Harpswell. The weather cooperated, the scenery was first-rate, we had a fine turnout, and there were two bakery stops! Our thanks to Ken for leading the ride and to everyone who took part.

We will start off July with our popular "Fourth of July Ride" starting from the Bean School on Middle Road in Sidney on this Sunday, July 1. Celebrate your Independence! And join us if you can!

Sunday, July 1st, SIDNEY:
"Independence along Middle Road" - a mainstream  tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of a prime farming district & the middle of Fourth of July preparations.
START:  9:00 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:  16 or 30 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely.
LEADER:  Jim Putnam, put@roadrunner.com.
LINK TO RIDE MAP: http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6799304

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

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

Not-So-Early Bird

After a few false starts, we managed to get in a nice ride to finish off November last Saturday in Belgrade Lakes.. We'll see if the moderate weather continues into December, as we'll try for another group ride on Sunday in Oakland.  I still have a few jerseys to distribute, so if you haven't picked yours up yet let me know if you can on Sunday, or let me know how I can get yours to you.  Otherwise, see you Sunday!

Sunday, December 3 - OAKLAND
"The Messalonskee Meander" - a backroads tour through Oakland and Sidney.
START: 10:00 AM at the Oakland Post Office at the corner of Oakland Road and East School Street.
DISTANCE: 25 miles.
TERRAIN: flat to rolling, a short section of unpaved surface.
HIGHLIGHTS: quiet back roads along the shore of Messalonskee Lake and the Kennebec River.  Possible pre-ride and/or post-ride get-together at the Early Bird Cafe in Oakland.
LEADER: Jim Merrick, 293-2784, hjmerrick@gmail.com.
LINK TO RIDE MAP: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6753840

NOTE: in case of wet and cold weather conditions, the ride may be cancelled.

Independence Ride

We will start off July with our popular "Fourth of July Ride" starting from the Bean School on Middle Road in Sidney on this Saturday, July 1. Celebrate your Independence! And join us if you can!

Saturday, July 1st, SIDNEY:
"Independence along Middle Road" - a mainstream  tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of a prime farming district & the middle of Fourth of July preparations.
START:  9:00 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:  16 or 30 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely.
LEADER:  Jim Putnam, put@roadrunner.com.
LINK TO RIDE MAP: http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6799304

LINK to BCM CALENDAR: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-independence-day-ride-2
For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com, or follow us on Facebook.

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

Independence Ride

We had another superb weather weekend for cycling - those of you lucky enough to take part in Jeanine's Bike & Boat weekend in Greenville no doubt had a great time (Thanks Jeanine!).  This week we ride into July, starting off on Saturday with a traditional 4th of July weekend ride led by Jim Putnam in Sidney!  It's a great ride, with or without pyrotechnics, and we hope to see you there!


Saturday, July 2nd, SIDNEY:
"Independence along Middle Road" - a mainstream  tour through the middle of Sidney & the middle of a prime farming district & the middle of Fourth of July preparations.
START:  9:00 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:  16 or 30 Miles.
TERRAIN:  moderate with a few hills.
HIGHLIGHTS:  some fine back roads and Kennebec River views, and some Fourth of July paraphernalia, most likely.
LEADER:  Jim Putnam, put@roadrunner.com.
LINK TO RIDE MAP: http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6799304

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