2012 Saturday Morning Rides

There's more snow on the ground now than we've had for most of the winter, but it's time to start thinking about starting things up for the 2012 season. Right now, I'm thinking that the first ride of the season will be on St. Patrick's Day — Saturday, March 17.

Maybe it's just me, but I feel that St. Patrick's day offers a great excuse for us to head out a bit later than usual and to plan on collecting somewhere after the ride to grab a drink. Every spring we look to poll the group on what you want to accomplish this year and how you would like to see the rides structured. This year we might as well discuss the options over a drink. Hopefully people will turn out for a nice early season ride and a chance to share your thoughts on the upcoming season.

Given that it's early in the season and we have no idea what the weather will look like, we will plan on a relatively short ride on 3/17 to get our legs back. Probably a jaunt out Middle and then back in Rte 88 (MapMyRide route). It will be the first Saturday after we push the clocks forward, so we're thinking it makes sense to head out at 11:00 with the hope that we will be sitting somewhere warm with a drink in hand around 12:30.

If you have thoughts on where we should head after the ride, or if you want to voice your thoughts on the upcoming season, please leave a comment (name included so we can follow-up) and/or drop me an email.

New Year's Ride

UPDATE

Just when everything was going great, I had to pick up bronchitis as an extra Christmas present. I'm afraid my throat and chest won't do well tomorrow. Bruce wants to ride at 11:00 and, with the likely freezing tonight, I can't disagree. So meet at the shop by 11:00, and ride safe.
Happy New Year!

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I was going to see if anyone was interested in a Day Before New Year's ride (one last chance to get your miles in before the end of the year), but the weather is looking icky for Saturday. So how about Sunday, and what time? The football game is at 1:00, so I'm leaning towards a 10:00 start. Any takers? Comment or send email to bron@cyclemaine.com.

The temperatures are cooling off and the holidays are heating up: I'm thinking the season may finally need to come to a close, but let's make one last start time at 9:00.

I think a New Year's Ride is a moral imperative, but since the football game is on at 1:00 on Sunday, how about a New Year's Eve ride? A noon start time from the shop on Saturday should be post-cold and pre-hangover, right? Provided we aren't fighting rain, snow, or freezing temps, do folks want to ride?

If we get lucky enough to have more freakishly warm weather after the New Year, be sure to check in to see if we call an impromptu ride. If you plan to ride, we're happy to advertise it here; just email sean@cyclemaine.com or bron@cyclemaine.com.

4th Annual Reindeer Ride

December 2nd for the First Friday Art Walk
Meet at Back Bay Bike at 5:00
(for costuming)
Ride starts at 5:30

11/26 Saturday Ride

Well, it could be an interesting weekend, beyond the weather. Could I get a show of hands from those who think they'd like to ride this weekend? If everyone's going to be out of town, I might as well be, too. Please leave a comment.

Also, let me know if you think we should keep going or wind down for the season. If we do wind down, but you want to ride some weekend, you can simply email me at bron@cyclemaine.com and I'll put up an entry to help find ride buddies.

Let me know what you think, on both counts, and have a great holiday.

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UPDATE: It looks to be a lovely day on Saturday, and Bruce's suggestion of a later start seems a fine idea. Let's plan to leave the shop at 9:00. See you there!

11/19 Saturday Ride

Saturday looks to be sunny and clear, so the riding should be fine. Unfortunately, I will be in NJ enjoying the riding there. We will maintain our default routes for the day, regardless (Falmouth, Mountain Rd., Blanchard, Rte 88 [MapMyRide route]; or Mountain, branch off to Dutton Hill, Hunts & Long Hill, Sligo, Rte 88 [MapMyRide route]). I'm counting on someone to step up to lead. We should also discuss starting the ride a little later (9:00?) to let the chill burn off. Please post a comment or email bron@cyclemaine.com

American League of Cyclists Petition

This blog is usually devoted entirely to ride details, but every now and then we have other issues that crop up.

For those of you who are politically minded and interested in maintaining cyclists' right to use the roads, the American League of Bicyclists has created a petition directed to a draft of the Senate's transportation authorization bill. In short the draft bill would introduce a mandatory sidepath law in National Parks and other Federal lands.

Currently, cyclists are not required to use bike paths and may elect to ride on the road. This bill, if passed in its current form, would end that policy on Federal land (including areas such as Acadia National Park). If you have a minute, check out the Bike League's petition and decide for yourself whether you want to sign.