SMR Begins April 4th at 9:00 a.m.!

==UPDATE==
Cold is one thing, wet is another: cold and wet together are dangerous. I don't think this morning's ride is the best of ideas, gentle riders. I think we should hold off for a better day.

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Yeah, yeah, I know: it's snowing again...but I have to have hope! The official start for CCCP club rides is Thursday, April 2nd, so we will follow suit and plan for the first Saturday after. We'll start at 9:00 until we get a little more warmth in the morning.

Assuming it will be the most beautiful of days, sunny and windless, where shall we go? Have a look at the SMR rides group for some reminders of past routes and leave a comment here with your suggestions (let's keep it to 30-35 miles, please).

Car-Free Acadia!

Mark your calendars, folks: Acadia National Park will be holding two car-free days this season: May 16th and September 26th. The park loop road will be officially open to cyclists. If you missed the Cadillac Challenge two years ago during the sequestration, it was one of the mast wonderful experiences ever! If you have a chance to take advantage, you should.

Summer Dreaming

Now that it is clear that winter is upon us, dreams of summer seem more than appropriate, and it's never too early to plan! A friend shared the video below from last year's BikeMaine: he's ridden it twice and cannot recommend it more highly. I'd like to add it to my list... anyone else?

Here's the long version:

Winter Project

Sooner or later we all regard the trainer as a winter necessity. Personally, I have been thinking about getting a set of rollers, hearing how much they improve handling and pedal stroke. Then I found this, and was filled with wonder--and dread!
http://velonews.competitor.com/2014/12/video/video-make-rollers-indoor-riding_354827

Because I just can't let it go

I missed my bike all weekend.
I may have a problem.
Luckily, there's a hoodie for that:

Closing the Season

All right, sports fans, I am giving in to the voice of the people: it's time to accept the end of the season. Last weekend I had a lovely breakfast with everyone who came to the ride (it was a table for one). I am in New Jersey for the weekend, next weekend is the holiday, and I don't see it getting any warmer, so it's time.

If we have a reprieve from the cold and we can get out again, send me an email and let's set up a ride. In the meantime, enjoy the coming snow, and I'll see you in the spring!

11/15 Saturday Ride

Ok, so lat week might be considered warm when compared to tomorrow. Moving to 9:00 will only gain us two degrees, so there's really no point in starting later--especially if no one shows up. So let's see who's brave in the morning, and we'll pick a route then. Or go for breakfast... that works, too!

Later Start?

You missed all the fun-- 41 cool, crisp, beautiful miles, out to the Fairgrounds and home via Cousins Island! I, personally, enjoyed a guilt-free cupcake afterwards... you?

We had a great time, but perhaps a later start time will encourage more ridership. Would people be interested in riding at 9 or 10:00?

11/7 Saturday Ride

Sorry for the late post, but was on the road again.

Tomorrow looks to be a cold one; for the hearty, I think we should stay inland. Westbrook or the Fairgrounds seem good choices for the day. If there's anyone there in the morning, we'll choose then.

11/1 Saturday Ride

Okay... I've been down in Washington all week, and stepped off the plane today to find it's a good deal cooler here!

The weather indicates we want to be off the roads in two hours tomorrow, so I would say Westbrook, Freeport, or the Fairgrounds. We can pick in the morning, but dress for a cool ride. I've been 500 miles away from my bike all week, so I plan to lead valiantly from the rear!

10/25 Saturday Ride

Sorry... been traveling this week. How about Pinelands via Dutton Hill and Depot Road? We can modify the route tomorrow if needed.

Sunday: Bob’s Memorial Kennebec River Ride

It's not too early to be thinking about the weekend, so I wanted to a) get input on ride preferences, and b) remind everyone that the end-of-season Kennebec River Ride is on Sunday. I plan to ride that one, and hope to see a bunch of you there. It's a 10:00 start (nice and warm) up at Lion's Pride/Ebeneezer's in Brunswick, so we're assured of a great beer afterwards! If folks want to carpool, feel free to leave messages here in the comments.

Now, as for Saturday: it's going to be a good day, so we could do Pinelands, Dutton Hill, Westbrook, or even Mitchell Hill. Any preferences?

10/11 Saturday Ride

Century season is finally over, so we can return to our trypical Saturday morning rides! Cadillac featured a pouring rain start, but a beautiful end, so well worth the wet!

 

So, on to this week: I feel like I haven't ridden the SMR in a month (mostly because I haven't), so I'm just going to be happy to see everyone. Let's plan to decide on a route in the morning, but feel free to leave a comment with your picks so you can get others' minds thinking about them. Let's shoot for 40-ish, but less than 60, please. It should only vary about 5° from the 48° when we start, so dress accordingly. Afterwards, you can help me work on my Halloween costume: