A Ride to Father Rasle's

Kennebec River near Old Point, Madison

We have a special tour on tap for this Saturday in Smithfield, partly in keeping with our Halloween tradition of cemetery rides. On this last ride of the year during Daylight Savings Time, we will visit the site of the Battle of Norridgewock, the climax of Father Rasle's War in 1724.  We hope to time our arrival to coincide with a site tour and interpretation led by Colby History Professor Daniel Tortora.  The ride will also explore some back roads in Smithfield and some quiet riverside roads in Norridgewock and Madison - there may be some short stretches of gravel to contend with, but we expect to bypass the Rt. 8 construction project.  If you plan to attend please let me know, as I'd like to get a rough head count for our hosts.  Hope you can join us!

 

Saturday, November 2 - SMITHFIELD

"Monuments, Missions, and Massacres" - a scenic and historic river tour through Smithfield, Norridgewock, and Madison.

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.

DISTANCE:  approx. 27 miles.

TERRAIN:  moderate to moderately hilly.

HIGHLIGHTS:  a tour of the Norridgewock Village Historic Site, an eighteenth century Abenaki Indian settlement and a French Catholic Mission wiped out by British soldiers in 1724.  Now a tranquil spot on the riverside, we will explore the site and its history, as interpreted by professional historians.

LEADER:  Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com.

 

Also, don't forget there will also be a special fundraising event for Leeann Smith in Palermo on Sunday.  Please note that these times below are Eastern Standard Time - don't forget to turn your clocks back an hour on Sunday AM or you'll be an hour late for the rides:

 

Fundraiser for Leeann Smith.
Sunday November 3, 2013.
VFW, Turner Ridge Rd., Palermo, Me.
2 pm - Benefit Bike Ride (three separate speed rides). $20 donation to ride (all funds go directly to Leeann).
4:30 to 6:00 pm - $10 Spaghetti Dinner - Open to Public.
4:00 to 5:30 pm - Silent Auction.

Additional donations welcome!  For more info, call Richard Golden, 485-4088.

 

Fall Foliage Bike & Hike

Norcross Hill, Mount Vernon

We had a very scenic ride last Saturday around Wayne, Leeds, and Monmouth on the Tour de Lacs.  Lots of great views and Fall foliage.  Many thanks to the ride originator, Ray Giglio, who was unable to join us - Get Well Ray!  There is still a lot of Fall cycling in store, so this Sunday we will reprise the Mount Vernon ride, featuring the Chesterville Esker - the roads that were torn up earlier this summer have been repaved, and the route should be much improved (promise!).  Jeanine has also offered to lead a short hike in the Kennebec Highlands following the ride to fully take in the seasonal foliage.  Bring along some trail climbing shoes.  See you Sunday!

 

Sunday, October 20th - MOUNT VERNON

"Fall foliage bike & hike" - a bike tour past many of the hidden ponds and lakes in Mount Vernon, Fayette, Chesterville, and Vienna; and a scenic hike in the Kennebec Highlands.

START:  9:00 AM, Mount Vernon Post Office, just off Rt. 41 on Main Street in Mount Vernon.

DISTANCE:  14 and 29 miles.

TERRAIN:  Rolling with a few good hills.

HIGHLIGHTS:  rural back roads winding through many small ponds and lakes, and across the top of the Chesterville Esker at near peak foliage.  Optional post-ride hike up Round Top or French's Mountain in the nearby Kennebec Highlands.  Possible get-together afterwards at the cafe in Mt. Vernon village.

LEADERS:  Jim Merrick and Jeanine Libby.

 

Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club rides are open to members and to the cycling public.  Helmets are required of all riders at KVBC events.  In case of severe weather, scheduled rides may be postponed or designated as "show & go" rides at the discretion of the ride leader.  For ride updates and reports, follow the KVBC blog or check out our Facebook page.

Le Tour de Lacs

Passing the base of an early windmill on Morrison Heights

 

 

We had a great ride in Freeport on Saturday, despite the overcast and cool weather.  The roads were first rate and the traffic was light (except for Rt. 1 in Freeport on the return, although not as bad as in mid-summer).  We had a nice, long, flat run out to the end of Merepoint, and some great ocean views with fall foliage along the way.  Many thanks to Ken Louis for setting up the joint ride with MOAC.  This week we will return to Wayne for the "Tour de Lacs" with a great climb up Morrison Heights - ought to be great for foliage views!  Hope to see you Saturday!

Saturday, October 12th - WAYNE

"The Tour de Lacs" - a loop of Androscoggin Lake, with a couple detours for special Wayne sights. 

START: 9:00 AM, at the Wayne Elementary School, Pond Rd (turn north from Rt. 133, just west of Wayne village; go 1/4-mile, park in lot at north end of bldg.)

DISTANCE: 26 miles

TERRAIN: Moderately hilly

HIGHLIGHTS:  beginning loop goes by the Wayne Ring cemetery (Pond Rd) and the Wayne Desert (Berry Rd).  Great views eastward in Leeds (Rt. 106).  A detour near the end climbs Morrison Heights for a beautiful view westward over Lake Androscoggin.  Food and ice cream at Tubby's at the finish?

LEADER:  Jim Merrick.

 

For more information about the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club, contact Jim Merrick at hjmerrick@gmail.com and check out the KVBC Facebook page.

 

Freeport Freewheeling

Courtesy Bicycle Coalition of Maine - Women's Ride, Freeport

My apologies to one and all for not coming up with a club ride on this beautiful weekend.  I have been out with a miserable cold and the weather is making it all the more miserable.  I hope everyone has been able to get out and ride in this wonderful weather, which looks like it is going to continue for a while.  Ken has put together a great ride in Freeport for next Saturday - a joint ride with the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club (MOAC).  The following Sunday is the Cadillac Challenge, and I believe a number of people have expressed interest in doing that ride as well.  The following weekend we will be in Wayne, and we still have a few openings as we head into late Fall.  If you have any ride suggestions for later in October, please let me know.  Meanwhile enjoy the fine weather and hope to see you next Saturday!

 

Saturday, October 5th - FREEPORT

"Freeport, Four Bays...and Food" - a coastal tour of numerous bays and inlets around Freeport, and their seaside eateries.

START: 10:00 AM at the information booth in the lower parking lot across from L.L. Bean's Outlet Store.  Turn onto Bow Street in Freeport Center (across from L.L. Bean's Main Store) and then right onto Depot Street to the parking lot (free parking).

DISTANCE: 36 miles with a 26-mile option.

TERRAIN: Rolling with some moderate hills.

HIGHLIGHTS: Freeport, plus views of Merepoint, Maqoit, and Casco Bays, plus the Harraseeket River.  Lunch options at Harraseeket Lobster (cash only) or in Freeport.

LEADER:  Ken Louis.

 

Isleboro, Once More with Feeling

Islesboro

We had a really great ride Saturday in Farmington - nine people showed up despite less than 24 hours notice, and once the roads dried out the weather couldn't have been nicer.  Larry did a great job scrambling to get his scheduled rides switched, and hopefully this weekend we will reap the rewards as they are expected to have cleaned up all the storm damage on Islesboro and made the island rideable again.  We will now operate on the principle of "Let's try this one more time" and we hope you can join us (for sure this time) on our trip to Islesboro this Saturday (Sunday, if rain).

 

Islesboro is a pleasant island with about 30 miles of paved roads, and is a short ferry ride from Lincolnville Terminal, which is near the junction of Rt. 173 and Rt. 1, next to the Lincolnville Beach.  There is ferry service throughout the day, although most of us will be shooting for the 10 am ferry, with a return around 1:30 pm (or later).  There is some limited parking near the beach, and a paid-parking lot (a bit expensive) at the ferry, so many of us may park at the Bald Rock Trailhead (free parking) in Camden Hills State Park, about 2 1/2 miles away and ride to the ferry.  Don't miss the boat!  This is a ride you won't want to miss!

 

Saturday, September 21 - LINCOLNVILLE (ISLESBORO) [Rain Date: Sunday, September 22]

"Idyllic Islesboro" - a tour of one Maine's scenic off-shore islands

START: 9:45 am (for the 10 am ferry) at the Lincolnville Ferry Terminal, near the junction of Rt. 173 and Rt.1.  Many of us plan to park 2.5 miles away at the Bald Rock Trailhead lot in Camden at the Junction of Rt.173 and Youngstown Road, leaving no later than 9:30 am to catch the ferry.  More info below.

COSTS: $18.50 per rider, round trip on the ferry with bicycle (additional $$ if dining out in Lincolnville at ride's end) - more info below.

DISTANCE: 19 or 30 miles.  Map links below.

TERRAIN: rolling

HIGHLIGHTS: Ocean views!  Salt air!  Beaches!  Lobster shacks!  A ride on the Ferry!  (You know, seashore stuff.)

LEADER: Larry Childs, lrchilds@roadrunner.com, 207-557-3984 (cell)

 

For planning purposes, here is some information for the ride on Saturday, September 21 (rain date: 22)

-          To avoid expensive parking at the Lincolnville Ferry Terminal, we’ll plan on parking at the Bald Rock trailhead which is at the intersection of Rte. 173 (Beach Rd) and Youngtown Rd in Lincolnville. It’s about 2.4 miles to the Ferry Terminal, so less than 10 minutes to bike there.

-          Mainland departures are on the hour (except 12:00) starting at 9:00 AM and island departures on half hour (except 11:30) until 4:30 PM.

-          We will plan for the 10:00 AM ferry departure so we should leave the Bald Rock parking area by 9:30 at the latest to give people time to purchase tickets. They board bicycles at about 15 minutes before the hour. You can purchase tickets ahead of time, if desired, by calling the terminal at 789-5611. Each passenger is $10 plus $8.50 per bike for a total of $18.50 per rider. Tickets can be used at a later date and for any ferry. Ferry Service website at http://www.maine.gov/mdot/msfs/index.htm .

-          The crossing takes about 20 minutes so we’ll be starting the ride on the island about 10:30.

-          Optional 19 and 30 mile routes can be seen here: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/260119315 , http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/260114385 .

-          We’ll do a brief rest stop at Pendleton Point beach with nice views at about 9.5 mile point. There are three stores evenly spread along our route.

-          Most riders doing the 30 mile route probably will return on the 1:30 ferry but three later returns are available for those wishing to explore the island more.

-          Some of us may partake of a meal at the Lincolnville Lobster Pound after returning to the mainland so bring $$. It’s right next to the ferry terminal.

Hoping for good weather and a good turnout for a fun outing.

Larry

ISLESBORO POSTPONED - FARMINGTON INSTEAD!

Metal Sculptures on the road to Industry

KVBC RIDE TO ISLESBORO POSTPONED ONE WEEK -- KVBC FARMINGTON RIDE TOMORROW INSTEAD!

 

Due to severe storm damage on Islesboro we will be postponing tomorrow's scheduled KVBC ride to the island until NEXT week - Saturday, September 21 (Rain Date Sunday, September 22).  We've been informed that roads are still closed on the island while they clear away downed trees and washouts, and hopefully they will have everything cleaned up in another week.

 

Larry has offered to switch his two rides, and we will be meeting TOMORROW in Farmington instead, where the weather looks nice for an early Fall ride to Industry and Clearwater Pond.  We apologize for the last-minute notice, and we hope you can join us!

 

Saturday, September 14th:  FARMINGTON

"The Ups and Downs of Industry":  a ride through the picturesque hills and hollows of Farmington, New Sharon, and Industry.

START:  9:00 A.M., at the Hannaford Plaza on Rt. 4 in Farmington, about a mile south from the junction of Rt. 4 and Rt. 27, towards Wilton.  Park near the entrance to the shopping plaza.

DISTANCE:  25-30 miles.

TERRAIN:  rolling to hilly - includes an optional short (1/4 mi.) section of hard-packed dirt road, which can be circumvented by adding a mile to the overall route.

HIGHLIGHTS:  quiet back roads along the Sandy River, spectacular panoramic views from the ridgetops of New Sharon & Industry, Clearwater Pond at Allens Mills.

LEADER:  Larry Childs, 557-3984, lrchilds@roadrunner.com.

 

For more information on the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club and its rides contact Jim Merrick, hjmerrick@gmail.com, or check out the KVBC Facebook Page.

Idyllic Islesboro

Islesboro (1943 USGS Castine Quadrangle) UNH Dimond Library

We are a week away from our Island Adventure on Islesboro!  Islesboro is a pleasant island with about 30 miles of paved roads, and is a short ferry ride from Lincolnville Terminal, which is near the junction of Rt. 173 and Rt. 1, next to the Lincolnville Beach.  There is ferry service throughout the day, although most of us will be shooting for the 10 am ferry, with a return around 1:30 pm (or later).  There is some limited parking near the beach, and a paid-parking lot (a bit expensive) at the ferry, so many of us may park at the Bald Rock Trailhead (free parking) in Camden Hills State Park, about 2 1/2 miles away and ride to the ferry.  Don't miss the boat!  This is a ride you won't want to miss!

 

Saturday, September 14 - LINCOLNVILLE (ISLESBORO) [Rain Date: Sunday, September 15]

"Idyllic Islesboro" - a tour of one Maine's scenic off-shore islands

START: 9:45 am (for the 10 am ferry) at the Lincolnville Ferry Terminal, near the junction of Rt. 173 and Rt.1.  Many of us plan to park 2.5 miles away at the Bald Rock Trailhead lot in Camden at the Junction of Rt.173 and Youngstown Road, leaving no later than 9:30 am to catch the ferry.  More info below.

COSTS: $18.50 per rider, round trip with bicycle (additional $$ if dining out in Lincolnville at ride's end) - more info below.

DISTANCE: 19 or 30 miles.  Map links below.

TERRAIN: rolling

HIGHLIGHTS: Ocean views!  Salt air!  Beaches!  Lobster shacks!  A ride on the Ferry!  (You know, seashore stuff.)

LEADER: Larry Childs

 

For planning purposes, here is some information for the ride on Saturday, September 14^th  (rain date: 15^th)

-          To avoid expensive parking at the Lincolnville Ferry Terminal, we’ll plan on parking at the Bald Rock trailhead which is at the intersection of Rte. 173 (Beach Rd) and Youngtown Rd in Lincolnville. It’s about 2.4 miles to the Ferry Terminal, so less than 10 minutes to bike there.

-          Mainland departures are on the hour (except 12:00) starting at 9:00 AM and island departures on half hour (except 11:30) until 4:30 PM.

-          We will plan for the 10:00 AM ferry departure so we should leave the Bald Rock parking area by 9:30 at the latest to give people time to purchase tickets. They board bicycles at about 15 minutes before the hour. You can purchase tickets ahead of time, if desired, by calling the terminal at 789-5611. Each passenger is $10 plus $8.50 per bike for a total of $18.50 per rider. Tickets can be used at a later date and for any ferry. Ferry Service website at http://www.maine.gov/mdot/msfs/index.htm .

-          The crossing takes about 20 minutes so we’ll be starting the ride on the island about 10:30.

-          Optional 19 and 30 mile routes can be seen here: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/260119315 , http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/260114385 .

-          We’ll do a brief rest stop at Pendleton Point beach with nice views at about 9.5 mile point. There are three stores evenly spread along our route.

-          Most riders doing the 30 mile route probably will return on the 1:30 ferry but three later returns are available for those wishing to explore the island more.

-          Some of us may partake of a meal at the Lincolnville Lobster Pound after returning to the mainland so bring $$. It’s right next to the ferry terminal.

Hoping for good weather and a good turnout for a fun outing.

Larry