Rides in Maine --- cue sheets

[DeniseGoldberg]

If you're planning a trip to Maine, the state has cue sheets for 25 rides - rides that I would consider as day trips. I've done a few of them in the southern coastal area, and the ones I rode were quite enjoyable.

You can find a map with links to the areas of the state - which then goes on to link to the list of rides in that area - at http://www.exploremaine.org/bike/bike_tours.html.

You can find descriptions and some photos from the tours that I've done in my journal Exploring a small piece of the Maine coast (and New Hampshire too!).

[Veronica]

I really like that beach and sea grass picture. Makes me wish we were taking our bikes to Maine.

V.

[oldbikah]

The link you mention, Denise, also will give one an opportunity to request a wonderful print version of those rides, bound together with descriptions and fold out maps...and FREE! It was first put together in 2000 or 2001 and has grown from just a pamhlet.

If one rides in Maine, especially western Maine, it behooves one to know which roads are heavily used by logging trucks. Two logging trucks passing in opposite directions are lethal to bikes.. There is NO room left and many roads have no paved shoulders and precious little gravel shoulder. Route 27 in the mountains near Sugarloaf (where I live) is a beautiful, scenic ride, but scary.

[DeniseGoldberg]

...also will give one an opportunity to request a wonderful print version of those rides, bound together with descriptions and fold out maps...and FREE!

I stopped at a Maine information center on I-95 to pick up a current version of the Maine bicycling map and the book that you mentioned. All I can say is WOW! What a nice publication. I'll continue to use the web site to print cue sheets for any rides that I plan to do rather than tear the cue sheets out of the book. I intend to use the book as a reference for future trips (overnight or day trips) in Maine.

Thanks for mentioning this - I wouldn't have known to ask for it.

--- Denise

[mainerider]

I lead a women's only ride on Saturdays, leaving at 8 am from Cape Able Bike Shop in Kennebunkport, ME. It is a 26 mile loop that goes around Biddeford Pool (ocean vistas). The ride just started this spring and I've been really psyched by the number of women that have shown up. Most are pretty good cyclists that have never done group riding but pick up the skills really fast. I'm planning the ride to continue through the winter but it will likely turn co-ed for the winter.

There is also a Sunday morning ride (co-ed) leaving at 8 am from the same bike shop. We break out into 5 groups (from fast 20+ to recreational). The rides go from 30-45 miles in length. The group I lead is the B+. We generally average 17-18 mph and do a 32 mile loop. Our bike club supplies coffee and muffins after the Sunday ride so we can socialize afterwards. This ride also continues all winter long (conditions are above 10 degrees and roads are mostly clear - most of us used our mountain bikes/cross bikes through the winter).

So if you are visiting the area, please bring your bike and join us!

Maureen

[SpinSis]

This is great! I meant to write awhile back because I checked out the link under your earlier posting Denise. I am going to be spending a week on Schoodic penisula in September and had heard from the camp owner that there is a nice 12-15 mile loop to ride out there. And then I found it on the Maine bike website! I had him look it over and he agreed that the web site was a great resource. So it is stamped with local approval!

And I'm so glad that you have a good-sized group of women riders up there, Mainerider. It's refreshing to hear.

Happy Peddle Vacations (or weekdays...)
S

[BikeMomma]

I lead a women's only ride on Saturdays, leaving at 8 am from Cape Able Bike Shop in Kennebunkport, ME. It is a 26 mile loop that goes around Biddeford Pool (ocean vistas). bikes through the winter).Maureen

Mainerider -

Is this anywhere near Augusta or Saco? See my thread.... http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=4026. I'm looking for a Saturday ride (..ummm...I need a bike first, tho' ) while I'm there.

-BikeMomma