Sunday, June 29, 2008

Locals Free at Maine Bike Rally

The Maine Bike Rally is in Fryeburg this year. Dave Kinsman, who many of you know from the Rental Shop at Jackson Ski Touring, is one of the chief organizers of the event.

Check this out: Locals ride free at Maine Bike Rally Events (see below)
Check out the bike and kayak event!
Notice on the schedule that there is a Century Ride on the morning of Saturday, July 12th starting at 7:00 am. There supposedly are 2 options for a century ride -- and easy one and a hard one -- why not give it a try??

http://www.bikemaine.org/mainebikerally/

http://www.bikemaine.org/mainebikerally/mbr-free.htm


From the Rally Website:

"Maine Bike Rally, July 11-13, 2008
L.L. Bean Local Rider Sponsorship

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of L.L.Bean, local bicyclists can participate in the Maine Bike Rally rides free of charge.* Bicyclists from the Fryeburg area towns listed below need to show their driver's license or proof of residence and will be able to ride on Rally rides and participate in many events at the Rally free of charge.
Bartlett ~ Bridgton ~ Brownfield ~ Chatham ~ DenmarkCenter Conway ~ Conway ~ East Conway ~ North ConwayFryeburg ~ North Fryeburg ~ Glen ~ JacksonIntervale ~ Lovell ~ Stow ~ Sweden
* Local bicyclists who plan to camp, eat meals etc., are still required to pay the registration fee. Local Riders are welcome to join us for meals for an additional $15 fee per meal.
For additional information, contact the BCM at (207) 623-4511 or email
info@BikeMaine.org."

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Hi From Marianne and Tom in California!

Tom and I have been thinking about all of you as we ride out bikes out here in Orange County, CA. Tom lived in San Juan Capistrano for 27 years, and rode his bike with the local Saturday bike group, the "Ciclistas". The ThursdayBike Group was modeled after the Ciclistas style of riding -- fun social rides, lots of scenery, lots of chatting and lots of food.

We joined in with the Ciclistas on Saturday for their ride of the week, which went south, along the Pacific coast and onto the Camp Pendelton Marine Base, all with great views of the ocean and the coastal hills. The weather has been hot and "summer dry", but the breeze off the ocean was refreshing.

I wanted to share a few photos of the ride with you!

Happy Riding!

Cheers from Marianne and Tom

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Post Archives

Thursday, June 26
Hosted by Linda Kearney
Other Side of Crawford Notch
Let's go with the "Other Side of Crawford Notch" which is essentially the ride described by Marty Basch in the paper last year. The difference is that we might as well save gas and start at Crawford Notch rather than drive to Twin Mountain. We should have a nice tailwind to help us sail up the notch back to our cars at the end of the ride! The ride includes Mount Clinton Road, The Base Road, Route 302 towards Bethlehem, Trudeau Road to Route 3, then back via Route 302 up the easy side of Crawford Notch. When: 9:30 am, ready to ride. Those wishing to car pool, meet at Grant's parking lot in Glen and leave at 8:45 Where: Crawford Notch Train Station Depot, which is on the tracks just east of the AMC Highland Center. Meet on your bikes near the train depot bathroom/giftshop buildings. Parking may be crowded due to tourist season - park in one of several lots (AMC or depot) or hikers parking on highway shoulder near RR tracks (or ride up the notch from home....!). Total miles to do the entire ride: 35 miles Shorter version (without the Trudeau Road loop, but includes picnic stop): 22 miles Picnic/Food stop: Subway sub shop at campground and gas station, just East of the Twin Mountain 4-corners junction of Route 302 and Route 3.




Thursday, June 12
Yes, it is time for another Notch!! NOTE EARLIER START TIME!!! Climb before it is too hot! Pinkham Notch to Gorham for Lunch Yes, there is a climb, but the ride down, in each direction, is spectacular and you will love it!! Choose your starting place: 9:00, ready to ride at the Dunkin Donuts parking lot for a 40 mile round trip. Climbs the notch 2x, once in each direction. 9:15, ready to ride at the Rocky Branch Trialhead parking lot, just up route16, on the left, about 1/2 mile north of the Dana Place Inn. This cuts out a significant amount of climbing (climb the notch 1.5x) and gives you a 30 mile round trip. The road widens from here, giving you a better shoulder and more "breathing room"! I'll climb the notch just once, thank you, option: AMC Pinkham Notch parking lot. ~10:00 am. 22 miles round trip. Catch the riders coming up (likely stopping to use the bathroom at the AMC!) and join in for the wonderful cruise downhill to Gorham.The ride back up is not difficult! Bear Notch is harder. Easiest option: Great Glen Trails parking lot ~10:15 am. 17 miles round trip. Catch the riders cruising downhill with big smiles on their faces. The ride back up to Great Glen from Gorham is surprisingly gradual (easier than Bear Notch, with flatter sections).
For those of you in Glen or Jackson, ride from your house and meet the riders coming up Route 16! Lunch in Gorham: As you approach Gorham, before you intersect with Route 2, cross the RR tracks (Very Carefully!!! Walk!!) and take an immediate left, before the park, onto Railroad Avenue. Continue down Railroad Avenue to The Moonbeam Cafe, or go over to The White Mountain Cafe or Saladino's. The group can make the choice. Eat outside in the park if you like! Here is the map to play with:


Thursday, June 19
CANCELLED FOR TODAY
POSTPONED UNTIL JULY 24 North Road to Bethel Hosted by Ralph Fiore North Road is a gem!! It is a scenic, quiet road which goes from the eastern end of Gorham to Shelburne to Gilead and then to Bethel, ME. The road goes along the north side of the Androscoggin River. Route 2, which has trucks, tourists and traffic, travels along the south ride of the river. Start at the intersection of North Road and Hogan Road, on the north side of the river, ready to ride at 10:00 am. To get to this point, drive north over Pinkham Notch on Route 16. Turn right at the intersection with route 2 in Gorham. Drive about 3 miles, and turn left onto North Road, just after a beautiful stone house and barn. Cross the river at the dam, and proceed about 1/4 mile to where North Road bears sharply right. Hogan Road, a dirt road with access to several trailheads, comes in from the left at this point, and there is a dirt parking area there.
PLEASE CARPOOL to minimize the number of cars in this lot (see below..)! The ThursdayBike group could overwhelm this lot! There is additional parking on the right side of Route 3, just past the intersection with North Road. It is the Appalachain Trailhead parking. If you know this lot, park there and ride over to the Hogan Road lot - this will save parking spaces for others. The entire ride on North Road to the picnic area alongside the river in Bethel, and back, is 39 miles. The ride is not difficult, no notches! There are flat sections, sections of rolling hills, lots of scenery and occasional views of the river. Near the end, just before reaching Route 2/Route 5, there is a bike path that turns right at a red fire hydrant and goes behind the water slide park. The path goes for 1.1 miles, ending at a nice picnic spot (and porta-potty). There are many options for food in Bethel, or just bring your own. Shorter Options: Since the ride is out-and-back, you can decide when you've had enough and turn back to the parking lot: To Shelburne and back is 10.2 miles round trip To the Gilead steel trestle bridge is 18.6 miles round trip Or, to have fewer miles, but still join in on the eating and chatting at the picnic area in Bethel, drive to the Gilead bridge (Bridge Street), park there at the canoe parking area on the southwest side of the bridge, and join the riders there as they ride by on North Road at about 10:45-11:00. Starting at the bridge and riding to Bethel will give you a 20 mile round trip. CARPOOLING! To carpool, meet at the Dunkin Donuts in Glen at 8:45-9:00 if you can either take a bike or two in/on your car, or if you would like to join a carpool. Carpools will leave Dunkin Donuts at 9:10. For a map you can play with, click on:

Friday, June 6, 2008

Summer Ride Schedule

Thursday, July 3

The Basin

Hosted by Trish Ashworth

The Basin is a great ride - It is a small glacial lake surrounded by mountains southwest of Evans Notch.

Meeting Place: Peace With-Inn parking lot
The Peace With-Inn is a beautiful bed and breakfast inn managed part time by Catherine Kyle. It is located on the left side (west side) of Route 113 approximately 2.2 miles north of Sherman's Farmstand. It is 1 mile north of the intersection of Green Hill Road and 113.
Pull into the driveway and park on the left side, there is a sign for guest parking.
http://www.peacewithinn.com/directions.htm

When: 9:00 am ready to ride

Carpool from Glen: Meet at Dunkin Donuts at 8:00 am to carpool

The route: We will ride the sunny flats of the turf farms and potato and corn fields, then head up 113 north to The Basin for a picnic lunch.

Bring: Picnic to eat lakeside at The Basin; water, snacks. There is no place to buy food on the way.

How far: 38 miles (a rather easy ride!)

Shorter options?
1. Start at the Stow Store and just go up to The Basin (16.8 miles, nice gradual climb up)

2. Start at The Peace With-Inn and do the flats until we get to the Stow Store, then turn back on 113 south to the Peace With-Inn (21 mostly flat miles)

3. Start at The Peace With-Inn and do a shorter loop by turning back at Harbor Road and 113 south (~14 miles)

Longer option? Go up Evans Notch from the Basin. It's only a mile, but it's a steep one.

Map: Try this one: http://veloroutes.org/bikemaps/?route=4277 It is called "Peace With Inn to The Basin".
Or try the MapMyRide map:

View Interactive Map on MapMyRide.com

Don't forget: Pump your tires, lube your chain, carry a spare tube, patch kit, tire irons and pump.



Thursday, July 10


Ossipee Pine Barrens to Tamworth


Hosted by Roland DuBois

The ride goes south on Route 153, turns right onto Bennett Road and cruises across the top of Ossipee Lake before intersecting with Route 41 briefly and then Route 16 to Route 25. We then ride into Tamworth to eat at The Other Store in the sun (I hope!) on the deck. We return via Depot Road and Route 41 along Silver Lake, though Madison village and take the ride over the hill to pop out right at Purity Spring resort, King Pine Ski Area and our cars. The total mileage is 34 miles. We can easily cut it shorter if the weather starts to close in on us.


When: 9:30 am, ready to ride

Where: King Pine Ski Area big dirt parking lot, left side (lake side) of Route 153 south just before the main base lodge. It is 2.5 miles south of The Eaton Store.

Bring: Your lunch or buy lunch and/or ice cream at The Other Store in Tamworth

View Interactive Map on MapMyRide.com

Thursday, July 17


Ride Around Squam Lake


Hosted by Leland Yee


Ride around beautiful Squam Lake. This 27 mile ride is mostly rolling. There is one fairly long climb, followed by a longer downhill. You'll have a number of good views of the lake and the Squam Range. Lunch is a the end the ride at the Sandwich General Store. We'll leave from the parking lot of the Sandwich Central School at 10AM. For those who want to ride some more after lunch, an additional loop of 15 miles is available.

You can get to the Sandwich Central School from Route 16 by turning right at the light in West Ossipee, on to Route 25 east. Follow that road to the second Route 113 junction and turn right. This will look familiar to those who have ridden the Wonalancet loop. Follow 113 through North Sandwich to a right turn on Church Street (just past the Sandwich Child Care Center and the Grange Hall). Go straight at the stop sign and blinking light, and the school will be on your left. As always, car pooling is encouraged.

For those wishing to carpool, meet at the old Duncan Donuts meeting place at Grant's parking lot in Glen ready to leave at 9:00 am.


Here are links to maps of the ride, including the extra loop.


http://www.cyclistnexus.com/CyclistNexus/route_view.jsp?rid=1962


http://www.cyclistnexus.com/CyclistNexus/route_view.jsp?rid=2207


Watch this ThursdayBike blog for last minute announcements.




Thursday, July 24


North Road to Bethel


Hosted by Ralph Fiore

North Road is a gem!! It is a scenic, quiet road which goes from the eastern end of Gorham to Shelburne to Gilead and then to Bethel, ME. The road goes along the north side of the Androscoggin River. Route 2, which has trucks, tourists and traffic, travels along the south ride of the river.

Start at the intersection of North Road and Hogan Road, on the north side of the river, ready to ride at 10:00 am. To get to this point, drive north over Pinkham Notch on Route 16. Turn right at the intersection with route 2 in Gorham. Drive about 3 miles, and turn left onto North Road, just after a beautiful stone house and barn. Cross the river at the dam, and proceed about 1/4 mile to where North Road bears sharply right. Hogan Road, a dirt road with access to several trailheads, comes in from the left at this point, and there is a dirt parking area there.


PLEASE CARPOOL to minimize the number of cars in this lot (see below..)! The ThursdayBike group could overwhelm this lot! There is additional parking on the right side of Route 2, just past the intersection with North Road. It is the Appalachain Trailhead parking. If you know this lot, park there and ride over to the Hogan Road lot - this will save parking spaces for others.

The entire ride on North Road to the picnic area alongside the river in Bethel, and back, is 39 miles. The ride is not difficult, no notches! There are flat sections, sections of rolling hills, lots of scenery and occasional views of the river. Near the end, just before reaching Route 2/Route 5, there is a bike path that turns right at a red fire hydrant and goes behind the water slide park. The path goes for 1.1 miles, ending at a nice picnic spot (and porta-potty). There are many options for food in Bethel, or just bring your own.

Shorter Options: Since the ride is out-and-back, you can decide when you've had enough and turn back to the parking lot:

To Shelburne and back is 10.2 miles round trip
To the Gilead steel trestle bridge is 18.6 miles round trip

Or, to have fewer miles, but still join in on the eating and chatting at the picnic area in Bethel, drive to the Gilead bridge (Bridge Street), park there at the canoe parking area on the southwest side of the bridge, and join the riders there as they ride by on North Road at about 10:45-11:00. Starting at the bridge and riding to Bethel will give you a 20 mile round trip.

CARPOOLING! To carpool, meet at the Dunkin Donuts in Glen at 8:45-9:00 if you can either take a bike or two in/on your car, or if you would like to join a carpool. Carpools will leave Dunkin Donuts at 9:10.

For a map you can play with, click on:


View Interactive Map on MapMyRide.com

Thursday July 31


Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Thursday June 5: Lancaster to DeBanville's General Store via VT side of the CT River

The weather should be fine for a bike ride tomorrow! Let's do it!! The forecast as of 5:15 pm on Wednesday is for clouds in the morning and some sun in the afternoon, very light winds, mid to upper 60's. This should be fine for a bike ride -- no rain and no heat!!

One of the ThursdayBike Group's favorite places is the Vermont side of the Connecticut River. Vermont Route 102 is a quiet rural road that is very green and lush in the springtime. Typically, the group has done the section starting from DeBanville's General Store in Bloomfield, VT to the Canadian Border, and sometimes we have crossed to border to ride a bit of Quebec.

This ride for Thursday, June 5th follows the southern section of VT102, starting from Lancaster and ends at DeBanville's General Store, where we can get food and ice cream for the lunch stop. A few ThursdayBikers (including Russ on his motorcycle!) did this section last fall, and it was decided that it was a great ThursdayBike ride!

Carpool, save gas: Dunkin Donuts in Glen at 8:30 am

Ride Starts: 10:00 from the parking lot of Shaw's Supermarket in Lancaster, on the right side of Route 3 North, just north of the town center.


Terrain: Lots of flat or very gradual ups and downs, some rolling hills; no Asparagus Hill, easier than Snowville, easier than that hilly section of the Wonalancet ride, no notches. Great ride to achieve your first 50 miler...

How far: 49 miles. See map below. (If you just have to get that 50 mile ride in for your record books - just continue up Route 102 from DeBanville's until your odometer says 25.00 then turn back!!)
I have longer options that includes 2 covered bridges for a total of 60 miles, or 3 covered bridges for 76 miles - see map below.

Shorter Option?!!! Drive up a bit further up Route 3 north and cross the CT River via the bridge into Guildhall, VT and start from there. Park alongside the Town Green (bear right after you cross the bridge, then make a left alongside the green). This will take 18 miles off and give you a 31 mile ride.


Another shorter option? Ride from Lancaster to Guildhall for an 18 mile ride. Bring your lunch if you opt for this -- the General Store in Guildhall is not always open.

Directions: Route 302 to Twin Mountain stoplight. Take a right onto Route 3 north. Follow Route 3 though Whitefield, then continue on Route 3 into Lancaster. Shaw's Supermarket is on the right, approximately 0.5 mile north of the center of Lancaster on Route 3. It is across the street from Dunkin Donuts. Park at the part of the lot closest to the road, furthest from the store entrance.

Bring: Snacks and water. Bring your lunch or buy it at DeBanville's - there is a deli.


Don't forget to pump your tires and lube your chain!

For the map Click on:


View Interactive Map on MapMyRide.com


For the map of the longer, covered bridge ride, click on:

View Interactive Map on MapMyRide.com