May is Bike Month - No, Really!

May is fast upon us, and May is Bike Month, and is seems like every bicycle clothing manufacturer is busy cranking out...masks.  Here in Maine we are still under the same restrictions as last month - no more than 10 people at any gathering or event - and that's with masks.  With luck, that may be raised to 50 in June, but for the time being we will abide by those constraints.  Will we have any group rides?  That is still "to be determined" although some of us are looking into trying out some possible "social distancing" rides for small groups, with an eye for testing out parameters for when we can ride in larger groups.  Stay tuned for details, and in the meantime we will try for some more creative "virtual spins" coinciding with our previously scheduled rides.  Get out and ride in any case!

Remotely Retro

For a number of years now we have talked about organizing a Retro Ride, where members could show up with some vintage wheels that aren't often seen in group rides (well, with some exceptions).  We finally scheduled such a ride for April 26, in Waterville, but given the current situation and lockdown, we have to postpone riding in a group, lest we all become retro.  But that doesn't mean you can't venture out with your vintage machines on your own!  Feel free to dust off your old steeds and take a spin, and take a picture, too.  A "vintage" bike is one that is vintage to you.  Those of you who buy a new bike every year, last year's bike might do.  It should at least be roadworthy.  We'll try to compile a gallery of Retro Rides after the fact.  And if we do get to reschedule the ride in the future, the photos will serve as a preview.  Take care, and stay well!

KVBC Ride Postponements

Hello everyone!  I hope you are all well, staying safe and responsible, and getting out and riding.  In case you didn't know, the governor's current "Stay Healthy at Home" executive order does consider outdoor exercise an essential activity, including bicycling:  "Engaging in outdoor exercise activities, such as walking, hiking, running, or biking [ Yay!], BUT, only in compliance with the social gathering restriction in Executive Order 14 and all applicable social distancing guidance published by the U.S. and Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention." [Darn.]  That means you can go out and ride, but not in groups larger than ten, which effectively means no group rides while the executive order is in effect - currently through the end of April, and quite possibly beyond.  Some cycling groups have already cancelled all of their scheduled rides for May.  We haven't gone quite that far, but we have postponed indefinitely the "Wake Up the Earth Ride" scheduled for April 19 in Augusta, and most likely the "Retro" bike ride in Waterville on April 26.  We will reappraise the situation for KVBC rides in May as we get more information.

I did try to devise some strategy to allow for social distancing on our social rides (if that isn't a contradiction in terms) such as: signing up in advance, restricting congregating at ride starts and no waiting in groups at turns, staggered starts, avoiding stores and restrooms, staying far enough apart to avoid other riders "respiration zones" (which no one seems to know what that means), and it all comes back to: "What's the point of having a group ride when you can't ride in a group?"  Also, I don't feel it is right to ask our volunteer ride leaders to risk exposure to themselves and their families, so we will abide by the group riding restrictions as long as they are in effect.

I do encourage everyone to go out and ride.  I did go so far as to work up an alternate "Wake Up the Earth" ride that starts at the Belgrade Town Office and doesn't pass any stores, and if you are looking for a spring ride, here it is: https://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7422505.  I hope to scope out some other potential rides during our hiatus, and I'm thinking of doing a 50-mile ride on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day (solo, of course).  Meanwhile, take care everyone, and stay well!

KVBC Ride Maple Sunday Postponed

Many of the maple sugar houses are following the State's recommendations to postpone Maine Maple Sunday, so we will likewise postpone the scheduled KVBC ride for this Sunday.  You are still encouraged to get out and ride in the fresh air as often as you can - just not in groups larger than ten.  Maintain six feet social distancing, and encourage motorists to do the same!  Wash your hands, mind what you touch, and stay home if you're sick.  Stay well!  We are hopeful that we can get back to group riding next month for the Wake Up the Earth Ride, but we'll keep a close eye on things and hope for the best.

Jim

The Therapeutics of Pi

Happy Pi Day! (Most likely has no anti-viral properties, real or imagined, but it can't hurt!)

It's Charles E. Pratt Day!

Happy Charles E. Pratt Day! Birthday of Charles E. Pratt, one of the early founders of American Cycling and first President of the League of American Wheelmen (1880-1882), born in Vassalboro, Me. on March 13, 1845. More info: http://postedroads.blogspot.com/…/happy-birthday-charles-e-…

Leap Into It

Hey, Look!  A ride announcement?  Yes, it's 2020, a Leap Year, which means we get an extra day to ride bikes!  Leap Day also falls on a Saturday, which has to be good luck - and good luck will come in handy, because it's also February, when weather, temperatures, and road conditions might make things (d)icey.  The ride itself is 23 miles, but might be shortened or canceled depending on conditions - stay tuned for last-minute updates.  Last Leap Day we had a nice mild day with a great turnout, considering that it fell on a Monday.  Let's hope for more of the same on Saturday!  See you then!

Saturday, February 29 - HALLOWELL

"Take a Leap" - the 5th Quadrennial KVBC Leap Day Ride, through Hallowell, Litchfield, and West Gardiner.

START: 11:00 am at the Hall-Dale Elementary School at 26 Garden Lane off of Winthrop Street in Hallowell.

DISTANCE: 23 miles.

TERRAIN: rolling with some good climbs; flat along the rail trail.

HIGHLIGHTS: riding on Leap Day; the Kennebec Rail Trail; possible stop at Slate's Bakery.

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

LINK TO RIDE MAP: http://gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6763231