Great Scot, Nezinscot!

We had a fine ride last Saturday around Palermo despite the rather cloudy weather. The roads were in good shape, including some sections of new pavement, and they stayed dry as the afternoon rains held off. We also welcomed a number of newcomers who added to a great turnout. Thanks to Paul for leading and to everyone who rode! This Sunday we will meet in Wayne for a ride out through Turner and Leeds with a potential stop at the popular Nezinscot Farm Store. Hope you can join us! Sunday, July 26 - WAYNE "A Nezinscot Necessary" - a tour across the Androscoggin to the Nezinscot, through Wayne, Turner and Leeds. START: 9:00 am at the Wayne Elementary School on 48 Pond Road. DISTANCE: 30 miles. TERRAIN: some flat, some hilly. HIGHLIGHTS: scenic riversheds and ridgetop views, Androscoggin Riverlands State Park, and an optional stop at the Nezinscot Farm Store. LEADER: Jim Merrick, 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com. LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56041546

Wake Up, Wake Up!

We had another fine turnout for our KVBC ride last Saturday in Kents Hill, despite the fact that it was blustery and a lot cooler than forecast. The ride leader was testing out a new bike and had a few technical issues finishing well off the pace, but hopefully everyone had a nice ride. The folks at the bakery were happy that we stopped by, and I assume the feeling was mutual! We are approaching Earth Day so it is once again time for our "Wake Up the Earth" ride this Saturday in Turner, featuring some scenic roads along the river and over ridgetops, followed by a potential stop at the Nezinscot Farm Store Cafe. Hope to see you Saturday! Saturday, April 18 - TURNER "Wake Up the Earth" - an Earth Day ride celebrating the coming of Spring, parklands, local organic farm producers, and biking of course! START: 10:30 am at the parking lot of the Turner Public Schools on Matthews Way off of RT. 117 in Turner DISTANCE: 22 miles TERRAIN: moderate with several long hills HIGHLIGHTS: a scenic ride along rivers and ridgetops through Turner and Leeds, celebrating Earth Week and the coming of Spring, with a stop at the Nezinscot Farm Store. LEADER: Jim Merrick, 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54364858 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.

Wake Up, Earth!

Although our KVBC ride scheduled for this past weekend was washed out, hopefully we have dryer weather ahead for next Sunday and our annual "Wake Up the Earth" ride in Turner. Traditionally, the club holds this ride on the closest day to Earth Day, and this year that falls on Easter Sunday. We have a planned stop at the Nezinscot Farm Store just a few miles from the ride's end, and they are not only open, they are serving Easter dinners for those who might want to indulge! Hope to see you Sunday! Sunday, April 20 - TURNER "Wake Up the Earth" - an Earth Day ride celebrating the coming of Spring, parklands, local organic farm producers, and biking of course! START: 10:30 am at the north parking lot of the Androscoggin Riverlands State Park on Center Bridge Road in Turner. Detailed directions (and a nifty downloadable map of the park) can be found on their website: https://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=98 DISTANCE: 22 miles TERRAIN: moderate with several long hills HIGHLIGHTS: a scenic ride along rivers and ridgetops through Turner and Leeds, celebrating Earth Week and the coming of Spring, with a stop at the Nezinscot Farm Store. LEADER: Jim Merrick, 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39006194 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.

A Mountain in Buckfield

We had gorgeous weather for our ride from Liberty to Palermo, Appleton and Searsmont on Saturday.  The route was very rural and hilly and featured some spectacular scenery especially up on Appleton Ridge.  Many thanks to Paul for leading!  Last Saturday's ride was hilly, but this Saturday will be mountainous as we will venture up & over Streaked Mountain in Buckfield, followed by a stop at the Nezinscot Farm Store in Turner.  Hope you can join us as we close out the month of July!

Saturday, July 27 - TURNER

"Streaking Up Streaked Mountain" - an uplifting tour from Turner to Buckfield, South Paris, Hebron, and Minot

START: 9:00 am at the Turner Elementary School at Mathews Way off Rt. 117

DISTANCE: 40 or 25 miles (the shorter route includes the mountain, but is out and back).

TERRAIN: Mountain!

HIGHLIGHTS: Streaked Mountain! Post-ride stop at the Nezinscot Farm Store!

LEADER: Fritz Onion, frittzonion@gmail.com

LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.strava.com/routes/2870294751623127776; https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47605264

 

Wake Up the Earth!

We had another beautiful day and a great turnout for our ride on the rail trail from Augusta last Sunday.  There was still a lot of work underway cleaning up and repairing winter storm damage, but the rail trail was mostly clear of debris and the ride went very smoothly.  Many thanks to Jeanine for leading and to all who turned out!  This Sunday we will venture out to Turner for Earth Day and our annual Wake Up the Earth ride, featuring a stop at the Nezinscot Farm.  Hope you can join us!

Sunday, April 21 - TURNER

"Wake Up the Earth" - an Earth Day ride celebrating the coming of Spring, parklands, local organic farm producers, and biking of course!

START: 10:00 am at the north parking lot of the Androscoggin Riverlands State Park on Center Bridge Road in Turner. Detailed directions (and a nifty downloadable map of the park) can be found on their website: https://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=98

DISTANCE: 22 or 24 miles

TERRAIN: moderate with several long hills

HIGHLIGHTS: a scenic ride along rivers and ridgetops through Turner and Leeds, celebrating Earth Week and the coming of Spring, with a stop at the Nezinscot Farm Store.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP (longer): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39005991

LINK to ROUTE MAP (shorter): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39006194

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.

Earth Day Every Day!

 The abrupt onset of warm weather brought about a beautiful spring ride from Winslow last Saturday.  We had a fine turnout of 17 riders including some newcomers!  A number of folks went out and did some additional miles, while others gathered afterward for lunch at Big G's.  Many thanks to Jeanine for leading another great ride.  This weekend tops off Earth Week with our traditional "Wake Up the Earth" ride on Saturday in Turner.  We are hopeful that the forecast rains will hold off until later on Saturday, but if it is raining with temperatures in the 40s at the start we may postpone the ride.  Let's hope for good weather and we'll see you Saturday in Turner!

Saturday, April 22 - TURNER

"Wake Up the Earth" - an Earth Day ride celebrating the coming of Spring, parklands, local organic farm producers, and biking of course!

START: 10:30 am at the north parking lot of the Androscoggin Riverlands State Park on Center Bridge Road in Turner. Detailed directions (and a nifty downloadable map of the park) can be found on their website: https://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=98

DISTANCE: 22 or 24 miles

TERRAIN: moderate with several long hills

HIGHLIGHTS: a scenic ride along rivers and ridgetops through Turner and Leeds, celebrating Earth Week and the coming of Spring, with a stop at the Nezinscot Farm Store.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP (longer): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39005991

LINK to ROUTE MAP (shorter): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39006194

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.

Wake Up the Earth!

 We got lucky on last Saturday's KVBC ride from Augusta. The rains held off until we were packing up and leaving, and the six of us who gambled a bit with conflicting forecasts managed to get in a fine ride. After a bit of snow early this week we should all be ready for Spring to make an appearance, and we will hold our annual Wake Up the Earth ride this Saturday to top off Earth Week! This year we will meet at the Androscoggin Riverlands State Park and ride to the Nezinscot Farm Store in Turner. Hope you can join us!

Saturday, April 23 - TURNER

"Wake Up the Earth" - an Earth Week ride celebrating the coming of Spring, parklands, local organic farm producers, and biking of course!

START: 10:30 am at the north parking lot of the Androscoggin Riverlands State Park on Center Bridge Road in Turner. Detailed directions (and a nifty downloadable map of the park) can be found on their website: https://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=98

DISTANCE: 22 or 24 miles

TERRAIN: moderate with several long hills

HIGHLIGHTS: a scenic ride along rivers and ridgetops through Turner and Leeds, celebrating Earth Week and the coming of Spring, with a stop at the Nezinscot Farm Store.

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

LINK to ROUTE MAP (longer): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39005991

LINK to ROUTE MAP (shorter): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39006194

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.

Not for Naught by the Nezinscot

We had a wonderful Mothers' Day ride out of Vassalboro last Sunday under exceptionally clear, sunny skies. We had a great group of 20 riders as we explored some of the prime roads around Vassalboro and China. Many thanks to Jeanine for again leading another fine ride. This Sunday we will start in Wayne and head out to Turner and Leeds and explore some new roads, taking us past the Nezinscot Farm. Please remember to bring masks and use them at the ride start and when stopping at stores, maintain social distancing, and stay home and get well if you are feeling sick. Hope to see you Sunday! Sunday, May 16 - WAYNE "A Nezinscot Necessary" - a tour across the Androscoggin to the Nezinscot, through Wayne, Turner and Leeds. START: 9:00 am at the Wayne Elementary School on 48 Pond Road. DISTANCE: 30 miles. TERRAIN: some flat, some hilly. HIGHLIGHTS: scenic riversheds and ridgetop views, Androscoggin Riverlands State Park, and a possible stop at the Nezinscot Farm Store. LEADER: Jim Merrick, 293-2784, hjmerrick@gmail.com. LINK to ROUTE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7422519

Wayne Ride To Paris Rescheduled to SUNDAY

The KVBC Ride from Wayne to Paris that was scheduled for this Saturday has been changed to SUNDAY instead.  We have learned that there is another event, a 5K walk/run fundraiser for the local library, scheduled at the Wayne Elementary School on Saturday at the same time.  Also the weather Saturday is now calling for showers and scattered thunderstorms.  Sunday's weather is looking much more favorable, and there should be no conflict at the ride start.  Please forward this update to anyone not on the list to whom you may have sent the earlier ride announcement - Thanks!

Those of you who were disappointed in the cancellation of the Lobster Ride and looking for another challenge may find this Sunday's KVBC ride from Wayne much to your liking. We have a challenging but doable metric century that will venture out to Paris by way of Buckfield and return through Hebron, Turner, and Leeds. Lots of beautiful countryside, and if you haven't done Streaked Mountain you can soon cross it off your list.  There is a shorter route of 40 miles with a turn-around in Buckfield, and both rides are fully arrowed.  See you Sunday!

Sunday, August 5th - WAYNE

"We'll Always Have Paris" - an all-new, fully-arrowed metric century out to Paris and Buckfield.

START: 9:00 am at the Wayne Elementary School, 48 Pond Road in Wayne.

DISTANCE(S): 40 or 63 miles

TERRAIN: Challenging, with numerous hills and distance.

HIGHLIGHTS: Streaked Mountain, Paris Hill, Hebron Academy, lots of scenic back roads, and a possible stop at the Nezinscott Farm Cafe in Turner.

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

LINK to LONG RIDE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7008015

LINK to SHORT RIDE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7217238

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, follow us on Facebook or check out "Posted Roads" - our club blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com.

We'll Always Have Paris

We had a great ride last Sunday from Gardiner to Bowdoinham that was wonderfully marked and ably led by Joe Renda (Thanks, Joe!). We had a good group turn out, no one got lost, and we even encountered another large group of cyclists passing in the opposite direction, leading to a spirited exchange of greetings. Those of you who were disappointed in the cancellation of the Lobster Ride and looking for another challenge may find this Saturday's KVBC ride from Wayne much to your liking. We have a challenging but doable metric century that will venture out to Paris by way of Buckfield and return through Hebron, Turner, and Leeds. Lots of beautiful countryside, and if you haven't done Streaked Mountain you can soon cross it off your list.  There is a shorter route of 40 miles with a turn-around in Buckfield, and both rides are fully arrowed.  See you Saturday!

Saturday, August 4th - WAYNE

"We'll Always Have Paris" - an all-new, fully-arrowed metric century out to Paris and Buckfield.

START: 9:00 am at the Wayne Elementary School, 48 Pond Road in Wayne.

DISTANCE(S): 40 or 63 miles

TERRAIN: Challenging, with numerous hills and distance.

HIGHLIGHTS: Streaked Mountain, Paris Hill, Hebron Academy, lots of scenic back roads, and a possible stop at the Nezinscott Farm Cafe in Turner.

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

LINK to LONG RIDE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7008015

LINK to SHORT RIDE MAP: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7217238

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, follow us on Facebook or check out "Posted Roads" - our club blog at http://postedroads.blogspot.com.