Still Winsome in Winslow

We had a great apple ride from Livermore last Saturday. Our first "official" Fall ride featured some great weather, good roads, and some first-rate apple picking at the end! Many thanks to John for leading, and to everyone who turned out. This coming Saturday we will revisit a popular ride in Winslow that was rained out in the spring. Please note the 10:00 o'clock start. Hope you can join us! Saturday, October 4 - WINSLOW "Winsome Winslow" - a tour along the Kennebec through Winslow, Benton, Fairfield and Clinton START: 10:00 am at the Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow DISTANCE: 30.8 miles TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills HIGHLIGHTS: Scenic back roads with Kennebec River views in Fall colors LEADER: Tom Michaud, sdnytom@yahoo.com LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/70587004 https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/65546974

Smoked Alewives

We had a splendid, sunny ride on Mothers' Day from South China to Albion. The newly-revised route was outstanding, with many scenic hilltop vistas. Our thanks to Duncan for leading and to all who turned out! We have another fine ride lined up for this Saturday in Winslow, winding its way through Benton, Fairfield and Clinton. The ride coincides this year with the Benton Alewife Festival - an optional stop near the ride's end: https://tockify.com/wabi.calendar/detail/2369/1747494000000. Hope you can join us! Saturday, May 17 - WINSLOW "Winsome Winslow" - a tour along the Kennebec through Winslow, Benton, Fairfield and Clinton START: 9:00 am at the Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow DISTANCE: 30.8 miles TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills HIGHLIGHTS: Scenic back roads with Kennebec River views and an optional stop at the Benton Alewife Festival LEADER: Tom Michaud, sdnytom@yahoo.com LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/70587004 https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/65546974

Summer in Vassalboro

We had some splendid weather for our ride from Mount Vernon on Saturday.  There was some nice new pavement (made all the sweeter by stretches of old pavement), some great hilltop views, and the run along the Chesterville Esker was, as always, a treat.  This Saturday we will look for some respite from the heat wave midweek as we set out on the tour of the backroads of Vassalboro.  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, June 22 - WINSLOW

"Tour de Vassalboro" - a summertime exploration of the backroads from Winslow to Vassalboro and back

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: 27 miles

TERRAIN: rolling with hills & valleys

HIGHLIGHTS: smooth pavement on back roads with river & lakeside views to usher in the start to summer

LEADER: Steve Hall, ridehills@gmail.com

LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/120644308

Winslow's a Winner

Despite another grey, cloudy day, the KVBC ride last Sunday from Smithfield went very well.  We had a nice turnout and our intrepid ride leaders, Brian & Denise, routed us around the ever present road construction, and we had a very pleasant ride.  Our thanks to Denise & Brian and to all who took part!  This week promises to be a lot sunnier and warmer, if predictions hold up, and we may have some early summer-like weather for our ride in Winslow on Saturday.  Hope you can join us!

Saturday, May 25 - WINSLOW

"Winsome Winslow" - a tour along the Kennebec through Winslow, Benton, Fairfield and Clinton

START: 9 am at the Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow

DISTANCE: 30.8 miles

TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills

HIGHLIGHTS: Back roads of Winslow, Benton, Fairfield, and Clinton with Kennebec River views.

LEADER: Tom Michaud, sdnytom@yahoo.com

LINK TO RIDE MAP: 

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/70587004

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/65546974

 

Don't Get Lost on Labor Day

We had a great turnout for Sunday's ride from Readfield.  We managed to avoid any localized showers, although we did have a few sprinkles and wet roads glistening in the bright sunshine, plus a stop at the Kents Hill bakery.  Kudos to all who turned out.  This Saturday we kick off the month of September with a new ride from Winslow as we ride into Autumn.  Mayhap you can join us?  See you Saturday!

Saturday, September 2 - WINSLOW

"Love's Labor Day Lost" - a not necessarily laborious backroads tour from Winslow to Vassalboro and back

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: 27 miles

TERRAIN: rolling with hills & valleys

HIGHLIGHTS: smooth pavement on back roads with river & lakeside views to start a long weekend

LEADER: Steve Hall, ridehills@gmail.com

LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/120644308 

Winslow and the River

We had a great turnout for our annual Independence ride from Sidney on Saturday.  The weather turned out to be much more favorable than expected, and we even had some sunshine - a rarity these days!  Let's hope for more nice weather for the ride this Saturday from Winslow.  And have a safe and happy 4th!

Saturday, July 8 - WINSLOW

"Winsome Winslow" - a tour along the Kennebec through Winslow, Benton, Fairfield and Clinton

START: 9 am at the Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow. NOTE: if the school parking lot is blocked off for resurfacing please park in the adjacent Superintendent's lot.

DISTANCE: 30.8 miles

TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills

HIGHLIGHTS: Back roads of Winslow, Benton, Fairfield, and Clinton with Kennebec River views.

LEADER: Tom Michaud, sdnytom@yahoo.com

LINK TO RIDE MAP: 

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/70587004

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/65546974

 

KVBC Ride Saturday in Winslow RESCHEDULED to MONDAY, June 19

The weather for this weekend is looking very wet if predictions are accurate, and since Monday is a holiday, Juneteenth, for many people, and is looking much more favorable, we have decided to reschedule Saturday's KVBC ride in Winslow to MONDAY, June 19. We hope that many of you can make it!

Monday, June 19 - 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

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

How Big are Gs?

 

We had another fine ride last Saturday along the very smooth back roads of Windsor, China, and South Vassalboro.  Still rather blustery, but lots of good sunshine - and good company!. Many thanks to Paul for stepping up and offering a ride to get us out and about.  The weather is supposed to really warm up this week, just in time for our ride from Winslow on Saturday.  With any luck, we may be able to show up at Big Gs with bare knees (or those of us opting for a post-ride lunch). We may also have a collection of women's cycling kits to distribute before and after the ride.  Hope you can join us!

April 15th, Saturday - WINSLOW
"Big G's and Bare Knees" - a riverside tour through Winslow, Benton, and Clinton.
START: 11:00 AM at Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow.
DISTANCE: 25-30 miles.
TERRAIN: moderate.
HIGHLIGHTS: an early Spring ride along the Kennebec and Sebasticook rivers. Optional lunch stop at "Big G's" in Winslow.
LEADER: Jeanine Libby, jjlibby13@roadrunner.com.

LINK TO ROUTE MAP:  https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/4932699574

Winsome Roads

We have been enjoying a nice streak of fine riding weather of late, including last Sunday's ride in Sidney, for which we also had a nice turnout!  Thanks to all of the 21 riders who turned out on the holiday weekend.  A special thanks to Bill Marsh Sacks who kindly gave a tour of his perennial greenhouses nearby in Sidney for a group after the ride.  Join us this Sunday if you can for a ride out of Winslow northward along the river.  More great riding in store for July!

Sunday, July 10 - WINSLOW

"Winsome Winslow" - a tour along the Kennebec through Winslow, Benton, Fairfield and Clinton

START: 9 am at the Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow

DISTANCE: 30.8 miles

TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills

HIGHLIGHTS: Back roads of Winslow, Benton, Fairfield, and Clinton with Kennebec River views.

LEADER: Tom Michaud, sdnytom@yahoo.com

LINK TO RIDE MAP: 

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/70587004

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/65546974 

Big Knees

We had a really nice ride out of Manchester on Sunday, with an impressive turnout (for early April) of 19 riders. The day was sunnier than expected and the winds were calm, making for a very pleasant ride. It looks like we might have another nice forecast in store for this coming Sunday's ride in Winslow. Will it be warm enough for bare knees? Who knows, but we may have a post-ride get-together at Big Gs for lunch. Hope to see you then!

April 10th, Sunday - WINSLOW

"Big G's and Bare Knees" - a riverside tour through Winslow, Benton, and Clinton.

START: 10:30 AM at Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow.

DISTANCE: 25-30 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate.

HIGHLIGHTS: an early Spring ride along the Kennebec and Sebasticook rivers. Optional lunch stop at "Big G's" in Winslow.

LEADER: Jeanine Libby, jjlibby13@roadrunner.com.

LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/4932699574

(Bicycle Chain Sculpture: "Nirvana 180" by Seo Young Deok, 2018.)

Win Some, Win Slow

We had a fine Fourth of July ride in Sidney on July 5th, taking advantage of the long weekend to bypass the cold, wet conditions on Sunday for sunshine, dry pavement, and warmer temperatures on Monday. Many thanks to Peggy for prompt rescheduling, welcomed by the 20 other riders who turned out (especially those of us who wouldn't have been able to make it otherwise). Thank you! Next Sunday we will head out from Winslow along the banks of the Kennebec. Hope you can join us! Sunday, July 11 - WINSLOW "Winsome Winslow" - a tour along the Kennebec through Winslow, Benton, Fairfield and Clinton START: 9 am at the Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow DISTANCE: 30.8 miles TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills HIGHLIGHTS: Back roads of Winslow, Benton, Fairfield, and Clinton with Kennebec River views. LEADER: Tom Michaud, sdnytom@yahoo.com LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/70587004 https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/65546974

Lose Fast, Winslow

We had a beautiful spring ride from Augusta last Saturday, as temperatures soared into the 70s and 17 riders turned out. May not be quite so warm this Sunday, but considering that it might snow Saturday, we'll be happy with a nice sunny day for our tour along the river in Winslow. Please remember to bring masks and to use them when in close quarters with others, maintain social and physical distancing, and please stay home if you are feeling unwell. Hope to see you Sunday! Sunday, April 18 - WINSLOW "Ice Out or Nice Out (and probably both)" - a tour east of the Kennebec through Winslow, Benton & Clinton. START: 9:30 am at Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Ave. in Winslow. DISTANCE: 20.5 miles TERRAIN: Moderate with a few Hills HIGHLIGHTS: some fine rural roads with some river views LEADER: Jeanine Libby, jjlibby13@roadrunner.com LINK TO ROUTE MAP: https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/3064215820 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.

Winsome Lose Some

 We had a nice, adventurous gravel ride last Saturday from New Sharon.  Despite the recent rains, most of the roads were in good shape.  It was a good opportunity to get off the beaten track and explore some little-traveled roads in foliage season.  On Sunday, a record number of 12 of us did all or parts of the Cadillac Challenge, the only Century ride in Maine this year.  This Sunday we will return to the pavement for another pretty ride on the roads east of the Kennebec through Winslow, Benton & Clinton.  There has been a recent spike in Covid cases (including you-know-who), so pandemic precautions are still in order: bring masks and use them when you can't distance, stay well apart, and stay home if you are feeling unwell.  Hope to see you Sunday!

Sunday, October 11 - WINSLOW

"Winsome Winslow" - a Fall tour around Winslow, Benton and Clinton

START: 9 am at the Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow

DISTANCE: Approx. 28 miles

TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills

HIGHLIGHTS: Back roads of Winslow, Benton, and Clinton

LEADER: Tom Michaud, sdnytom@yahoo.com

LINK TO RIDE MAP: https://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7526680

Sunday's Ride in Winslow Cancelled

NO RIDE TOMORROW - Sunday's ride in Winslow is cancelled.
We have been watching the weather intently and it looks like conditions will not improve from the predicted sub-freezing temperatures and the possibility of snow (or worse) so tomorrow's scheduled ride in Winslow has been cancelled. Hopefully things will improve for next Sunday's Wake up the Earth Ride in Augusta on Earth Day, April 22. Hope to see you a week from tomorrow!

On My Knees for Big G's

Winter hasn't quite decided if it is really Mud Season or not, but while it is trying to make up its mind, we have a KVBC ride planned for Sunday! We will start at the Winslow Elementary School and wend our way to Big G's for a lunch stop extraordinaire. Not sure at this writing if the weather will be conducive to bare knees or not. If it is more conducive towards hypothermia (raining and in the 40s) we may postpone at the ride leader's discretion. But let's hope Spring is just around the corner, and we'll see you Sunday!

April 15th, Sunday - WINSLOW
"Big G's and Bare Knees" - a riverside tour through Winslow, Benton, and Clinton.
START: 10:00 AM at Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow.
DISTANCE: 25-30 miles.
TERRAIN: moderate.
HIGHLIGHTS: an early Spring ride along the Kennebec and Sebasticook rivers. Optional lunch stop at "Big G's" in Winslow.
LEADER: Jeanine Libby, jjlibby13@roadrunner.com.

LINK TO ROUTE MAP (2015): http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6799300

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

From Waterville We'll Wend

We closed out May with a really beautiful ride Sunday in Vassalboro. It was sunny, calm, and cool, with lots of great roads and a great turnout of 25 riders, split into two groups for long and short rides. It was followed by another fine reception and lunch at the ride leaders' house - many thanks to the Lipmans! As we head into June we have a couple of new rides in store, starting this Saturday in Waterville. Things are warming up - hope you can join us!

Saturday, June 3rd - WATERVILLE

"China sans Green Bean's" - a ride in search of fine cycling and baked goods, through Waterville, Winslow, and China.

START: 9 am at the Waterville Junior High School located at 100 West River Road, south of Waterville. Park on the left side of the school lot.

DISTANCE: 32 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate to easy hills

HIGHLIGHTS: China Lake and roads east of the Kennebec; possible stop at The Landing at the north end of China Lake.

LEADER: Steve Robe, steve.robe@hotmail.com.

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.

KVBC Ride This Mornimg in Augusta CANCELED,

Good Morning, everyone.  Due to poor weather this morning, our scheduled KVBC ride in Augusta at 10:00 am is canceled.  Tomorrow's ride in Winslow is still on, and we look forward to seeing you then!  Meanwhile, Happy Earth Day!  (The Weather is always part of the Day.)

April 23rd, Sunday - WINSLOW
"Wake up the Bare Knees, By Gee" - a riverside tour through Winslow, Benton, and Clinton.
START: 9:30 AM at Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow.
DISTANCE: 25-30 miles.
TERRAIN: moderate.
HIGHLIGHTS: an early Spring ride along the Kennebec and Sebasticook rivers. Optional lunch stop at "Big G's" in Winslow.
LEADER: Jeanine Libby, jjlibby13@roadrunner.com.
LINK TO BCM CALENDAR: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-big-gs-and-bare-knees-2
LINK TO ROUTE MAP (2015): http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6799300

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

 

Wake Up!

Next weekend is Earth Day, and we have a double-header lined up!  Saturday will be our annual Wake Up The Earth Ride along the Kennebec River Rail Trail in Augusta, a reasonably flat, mostly off-road route that is a perfect warm-up if you haven't been able to get your bike out much - and it falls on Earth Day this year!  It is a fun ride and features a stop at Slate's Bakery in Hallowell.  Sunday we will head up river to Winslow for another popular early ride, Big G's and Bare Knees, intended to warm things up to shed some layers - plus an optional stop at Big G's for lunch.  Hope you can join us on one ride, or both!

April 22nd, Saturday - AUGUSTA
"Wake Up the Earth" - an early Spring/Earth Day ride along the Kennebec River Rail Trail through Augusta, Hallowell, and Gardiner.
START: 10:00 AM at the Augusta trail head of the rail trail - the municipal parking lot off of Water Street adjacent to the Maine State Housing Authority (353 Water St.) in the shadow of Memorial Bridge.
DISTANCE: 20+ miles
TERRAIN: flat (and we mean flat)
HIGHLIGHTS: EARTH DAY! For many of us, the first ride of the season, a pleasant run along the Kennebec River, with some great natural scenery mixed with some urban vistas, kicking off another great year of cycling. Probable stop at Slate's Bakery in Hallowell!
LEADER: Jim Floyd, jimfloyd@fairpoint.net.

LINK TO BCM CALENDAR: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-wake-up-the-earth-ride-2

LINK TO ROUTE MAP (2016): http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6838283

 

 

April 23rd, Sunday - WINSLOW
"Big G's and Bare Knees" - a riverside tour through Winslow, Benton, and Clinton.
START: 9:30 AM at Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow.
DISTANCE: 25-30 miles.
TERRAIN: moderate.
HIGHLIGHTS: an early Spring ride along the Kennebec and Sebasticook rivers. Optional lunch stop at "Big G's" in Winslow.
LEADER: Jeanine Libby, jjlibby13@roadrunner.com.

LINK TO BCM CALENDAR: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-big-gs-and-bare-knees-2

LINK TO ROUTE MAP (2015): http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6799300

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

Bare Knees to Big G's

We had a really fine day last Saturday for the annual KVBC "Wake Up the Earth Ride" along the Kennebec River Rail Trail in Augusta. We had a great group of 16 riders, and far better than expected weather - dryer, clearer, and at least ten degrees warmer than predicted - at this time of year we'll cut the weathermen some slack if they err on the "right" side. Many thanks to Jim Floyd's "uneventful" ride leadership (compared to last year) and to all the folks who came out. Did we Wake Up the Earth? Find out this Sunday, when we reconvene in Winslow for a new ride along the Kennebec and Sebasticook rivers - maybe lunch, too! Happy Earth Day!

April 26th, Sunday - WINSLOW

"Big G's and Bare Knees" - a riverside tour through Winslow, Benton, and Clinton.

START: 10:30 AM at Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Avenue, Winslow.

DISTANCE: 25-30 miles.

TERRAIN: moderate.

HIGHLIGHTS: an early Spring ride along the Kennebec and Sebasticook rivers. Optional lunch stop at "Big G's" in Winslow.

LEADER: Jeanine Libby.

BCM Calendar link: http://www.bikemaine.org/event2/kvbc-big-gs-and-bare-knees

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick, 293-3784, hjmerrick@gmail.com, or check out our Facebook page.