August 12 Ride in York County

A mid week day off with no plans in the morning had me itching to ride. As I got ready to go I realized I was lacking motivation to go to any particular place. I was amped to go but without destination. I started down 103 to Haley Road, piecing my route together as I went. The result: 40 miles by way of Chases Pond, Ogunquit Rd, South Berwick, Oldfields to 101 and back. A great ride, averaging over 19 mph despite a constant southwestern breeze and a decent amount of elevation gain. Here's the ROUTE via G Maps Pedometer.

It's On: Group Ride Thursday October 22nd

I've set a date. I came up with this day because Josh Pierce can ride that day. So there's two of us. We'll go for at least 50 miles with an caffeine/carb stop somewhere. Ride is limited to fixed gears only cause any freewheeling flounders can join any old group ride, OK??. Helmets and front brakes STRONGLY recommended. Some money for a coffee, food to eat en route, at least two pints of water, warm riding gear and flat repair stuff also strongly recommended. I'm thinking we'll be in for partly sunny under 50 degrees f. But I'll update as we get closer. Check back here for a route as well. Or will it be a surprise? I'm not sure yet!
We're meeting at Papa Wheelies at 653 Islington in Portsmouth. Why? Cause us two Joshes work there, that's why. Plus there's food, coffee, and any bike related stuff anybody might need right there. No "oh, I have to go ride to the bike shop for a tube. Can you guys wait here?" funny business. Got it? Cool. Please comment to RSVP.

60 Miles on the Squeaky Cleat Trail

I tried greasing the bolts and bolt plate of my SPD cleats before I left. They still creaked like a mo'fo for all 60 miles. I didn't lose my map this time. But I did discover that some road names used by Google Maps are incorrect. In fact, there is one road in Kittery on Google Maps that no longer exists! I know because I bushwacked it with my fixie last spring. It's overgrown poison ivy patch boardering a swamp. Scenic, yes. A road, definitely not. And near by that chicken path is a distribution warehouse Google Maps labels as a shopping plaza. But it's not just Google Maps. I also had problems with incorrect road names on my Maine Gazetteer atlas. Thus, I needed to stop repeatedly to get my bearings. Apparently, Maine is so primitive as to not been mapped accurately or not recently.
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60 Miles and 6 Hours in the Saddle

View Larger MapI was feeling a bit under the weather yesterday and today. But with the autumn weather so sweet right now, I had to go. This loop described from my place in Kittery Point is about 45 miles. I took 4 hours to do it. Long, slow miles. That's what the doc ordered. I timed it just right to get home for a few bites, change riding clothes, and head to Portsmouth Critical Mass. With the addition of those miles/hours, I was 6 hours in the saddle for about 60 miles with 4 stops in there to eat. I feel pretty good still. Think I might add on 30 more tomorrow... If you want to check out this ride, CLICK HERE to see the larger map plus directions. You can print those and get rolling...