It may be early October already (where did the summer go?!) but there's still plenty of good bike riding--both on road and off--to go before winter arrives.

Cool, invigorating weather, blue skies, colorful highways, byways and trails, yes, fall is a great time to get outside and ride!

Given that, you'll want to pick up a copy the newly minted 2nd edition of the White Mountain Ride Guide authored by bicycling adventurer extraordinaire Marty Basch (and speaking of, Marty will be the guest speaker at tonight's meeting of the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club in Portland).

Image courtesy Marty Basch/Top of the World Communications

The guide chronicles 42 terrific rides through the Mount Washington Valley, and the northern and western Whites for road riders and mountain bikers alike; from easy pedals of a few short hours and miles to heart-pumping, thigh-cramping advanced all-day pulls.

Check out the scenic back roads of Tamworth west of Route 16 on the Chocurua Lake Loop, an easy 12-miler. Step it up a notch, so to speak, with the Bear Notch Boogie, a 39-mile intermediate loop connecting the Saco and Swift River Valleys through Bear Notch. Test your meddle on the big one, the White Mountain Triple Notch Century, and grind up and over Kacamangus Pass, Franconia Notch and Crawford Notch through some spectacular mountain scenery on your way to tallying 112 miles in the saddle. Riders of all abilities, and families in particular, will be smiling on the Wild River Road, an 11-miler following the Wild River along the Maine-New Hampshire border.

Each of the rides is well-described and includes a high-quality route map. The general location, riding surfaces, starting point, and food stops are noted up front, followed by a brief introduction summarizing the highlights of the ride. Ride details by major mile markers will help to keep you on track as you go.

The White Mountain Guide is an excellent resource for anyone--from the novice to seasoned bicyclist--interested in exploring the natural beauty of our nearby White Mountains.

And come join Marty Basch at MOAC tonight. Should be a fun show!

Whew! It just ain't so.

Mountain bikes are NOT banned from the Bigelow Preserve, nor is there any plan to do so, according to Kathy Eichenburg of the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.

Woo-hoo!!!

An ecstatic mountain biker rejoices at the news!
Carey Kish photo

I had a real nice and rather lengthy conversation with Eichenburg this morning about a variety of issues regarding the Bigelow Preserve and the newly minted management plan.

Mountain bikes are a welcome part of the recreational mix, Eichenburg assured me, just as they have been for a long time.

In a effort to clear up any misunderstandings on this hot button issue Eichenburg issued a press release today detailing the state's official position on mountain bikes in the preserve.

Rather than highlight, synopsize or risk muddying up the singletrack in any way, here's the message--the good news for concerned mountain bikers--straight from the BPL:

Mountain Biking on the Bigelow Preserve Is Allowed Under the New Flagstaff Regional Management Plan adopted by the State Bureau of Parks and Lands

An article in the August 3, 2007 Morning Sentinel has raised concerns that the Bureau of Parks & Lands plans to eliminate a favored mountain bike route on the Bigelow Preserve. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the new Flagstaff Region Management Plan explicitly recognizes mountain biking as an allowed use on the Preserve for the first time in the Preserve’s history. Mountain biking was not addressed in the previous management plan for this area, the 1989 Bigelow Preserve Management Plan. In designating mountain biking as a new allowed use, the Plan stated “It is the Bureau’s view that mountain biking, as a backcountry touring experience, can be compatible with the quiet backcountry recreation opportunities that are currently provided in the Preserve in the non-winter seasons.”

Contrary to what was reported on August 3, the new Flagstaff Region Management Plan adopted on June 12 of this year will not restrict mountain bikes to roads designated for automobile use. The Plan will allow mountain biking on designated management roads and trails, which are identified in the Plan to include the East and West Flagstaff Roads, the Stratton Brook Road, the extension of the Huston Brook Road that links with the Stratton Brook Road, and the woods management road linking the Stratton Brook Road to Stratton. This system includes the route that is presently used by the mountain biking community. The Plan recognized that some use conflicts could occur, but has addressed these through its policy of limiting mountain bikes to designated trails.

The Bigelow Preserve and the nearby state properties on Flagstaff Lake and the surrounding region offer great opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking the Appalachian Trail, canoeing and kayaking on Flagstaff Lake and the Dead River, hunting, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, mountain biking and more – a great place to “Take it Outside.”

This is great news! For mountain bikers and other multiple-use users of the Bigelow Preserve, a very special place that we all care about deeply. Thank you Kathy and the BPL for your continued hard work and dedication to Maine's outdoors.

If you have any questions about the plan or want to download a copy of it check with the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.

I can go back to my happy place now...

Hey mountain bikers: Guess what?

The state no longer wants you and your kind riding in the Bigelow Preserve!

Yes, that's right. A new management plan for the preserve has been approved and mountain biking is out. O-U-T, out.

Mountain bikers will no longer be able to enjoy this fine view along Stratton Brook Pond in the Bigelow Preserve now that the state has banned this disturbing recreational mode.
Carey Kish photo

The new plan "commits to good stewardship of competing recreational opportunities... while making the public lands available to enjoy."

Except, of course, if you happen to be a mountain biker.

The Bigelow Preserve was established by referendum vote in 1976 to "set aside land to be retained in its natural state for the use and enjoyment of the public."

Except, of course, if you happen to be a mountain biker.

Under the new plan timber harvesting will continue. So will snowmobiling. In fact, it appears that all existing uses will be allowed going forward.

Except, of course, if you happen to be a mountain biker.

Are you starting to sense a common thread here?

Good.

"One concern was the increased use of mountain bikes," said Kathy Eichenberg, coordinator for something (I can't discern from the article). "In recent years, mountain bikers, often from connecting from outside recreational trails have unofficially been using woods roads and trails and disturbing traditional uses."

Well, I officially think that's a lot of crap.

Imagine... Timber harvesting and snowmobiling are OK (uses which I wholeheartedly support by the way), but mountain biking is "disturbing" these other uses.

Huh?

You've got to be kidding me, right?

No joke, my nasty, dirty, unwanted mountain bike friends and neighbors.

The blather dithers on: "For folks who are concerned, the Preserve will not be overrun with pressures to have more snowmobile and mountain bike trails."

Uh, correction. Make that NO mountain bike trails. And NO mountain bikes.

This is crap. Honest to goodness crap.

Where was the public process surrounding this plan and these issues? Even mountain biking advocates regularly "in the know" on such topics are stunned at this outcome.

That's not good.

So we must ask our dear friends at the state who've apparently gone off the edge of the trail, so to speak, on this matter: What the heck were you thinking?

How does mountain biking NOT fit with the recreational plan for Bigelow? Many of us have been riding these trails for years, with no incident, no disturbance (except for the occasional moose--ban them perhaps?), no problems.

How exactly does a mountain bike disturb traditional uses? Please tell me.

How did mountain biking suddenly become such a significant problem that it needed to be banned?

When did mountain bikers cease to rate when it comes to the "use and enjoyment by the public"?

This is outrageous. And the mountain biking community deserves answers. And a change in this policy.

It gives me pause, I must say, that the state would do this. I thought we were supposed to be wary of the likes of Roxanne Quimby when it came to restricting access to lands?

Are you a mountain biker? What's your take on this?

If you missed the 19th annual Maine Bike Rally in Yarmouth this past weekend, well, you missed a lot of good fun, good riding and good people.

There were 33 road rides on the docket: Friday evening rides mostly had a food theme... Lobster & L.L., Buck's Naked BBQ, and Ice Cream at Pat's were among the yummy choices.

The 19th annual Maine Bike Rally was held last weekend at Yarmouth High School.
Carey Kish photo

The rally attracted several hundred bicycling enthusiasts for a very fun and full weekend.
Carey Kish photo

On Saturday the hard core roadies could go full tilt for the Hilltop Century, the Lighthouse Metric Century, the Hill of a Ride. Of a more moderate and easy flavor: Mackworth Bike Hike, Pineland Garden and Audubon Gilsland Farm.

Sunday concluded with rides like Bailey Ferry, Portland Peninusula and a History Ride. Sunrise and Stargazer Rides were available daily for the early birds and night owls.

For the knobby-tired crowd (well, not so much of a crowd as was hoped--where are all you folks and why don't you come to the MBR?), there were 10 rides offered, ranging from Bradbury Mountain State Park to Pineland to the Presumpscot River to an Urban Assault on Portland.

Not being much of a road biker and still in possesion of a 1987 Bianchi 12-speed, I opted for the mountain biking.

Saturday morning three of us rode the Presumpscot River, one of the area's premier mountain bike rides. You can make it as easy or as hard as you want; ride out and back along the river, or include any of a number of loops up and down the hill. Either way it's great single track and wicked scenic to boot.

Riding terrific single track trail along the Presumpscot River, Portland/Falmouth.
Carey Kish photo

Taking a break along the Presumpscot River.
Carey Kish photo

Bike swing on the Presumpscot River. Hmmm...
Carey Kish photo

Early Saturday afternoon we added a couple of folks to the group and rode the fantastic singe track trails of Bradbury: Fox West and East, Lanzo, Ragan, Ginn. Incredible! Without question the best mountain bike riding in the state. And it shows with miles and miles of well designed trails that are now attracting lots of riders. Well done!

Riding Maine's best: the single track of Bradbury Mountain State Park, Pownal.
Carey Kish photo

Sweet riding through the woods of Bradbury!
Carey Kish photo

Congrats and cheers to the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, the many, many dedicated volunteers, and the several hundred bicycle enthusiasts who came for the weekend to enjoy the riding, the food, the music and the camaraderie. All good!

Next year's Maine Bike Rally: Fryeburg! That'll be awesome. Mark it down on your calendar now and plan on a solid weekend of bicycling fun.

Start the weekend off right with a mountain bike ride tomorrow morning on the trails of South Portland.

The ride, the first Tour de Trails ride of the season, will be led by my good friends at the Bicycle Coaltion of Maine.

The riding starts at 10AM from Hinckley Park on Highland Ave. It's a beginner/intermediate ride that'll go for a couple of hours and cover about 10 miles or so of fun terrain.

Maybe see you there, or at one the next BCM Tour de Trails rides this summer...

The never ending struggle between automobiles and bicycles for a fair share of the road continues (note: bikes seem to lose more often than not).

And this stand-off between motorists and bicyclists is back in the news again today.

So it's timely that there should be a meeting in Portland this Wednesday night to discuss just that: Safe Biking in Traffic.

John Brooking, a local cyclist, has been leading the way in establishing a Bike Commuting Club, and this event is another step in that process.

Pete Phair from the Bicycle Coalition of Maine will lead the bike safety discussion.

It's obviously an important topic, so bike commuters and those who'd like to be, as well as drivers interested in knowing more about the rules of the road are welcome to attend.

Specifics on the meeting are available from the Bike Commuters Club.

As a bicyclist, do you follow the Rules of the Road? Motorists?

What would you do for a delicious lobster roll?

Would you pedal your ancient 12-speed Bianchi for 30 miles along the Maine coast?

Sure you would!

And I did. Last Saturday at the 5th annual Lobster Ride & Roll up in Rockland, sponsored the Bicycle Coalition of Maine.

More than 500 riders took part in four rides ranging from 16 to 100 miles, winding about along fabulously serene and scenic coastal byways.

I opted for the 9am ride, a moderate 30-miler that led through the back streets of Rockland to Owls Head Lighthouse and on to the village of South Thomaston.

Starting out from Rockland High School.

On the 30-mile ride.

Checking out Owls Head Light.

That's where the BCM had a rest stop set up complete with Gatorade, water, and tons of delicious and healthy snacks, like oranges, bananas, bagels, granola bars, Fig Newtons and pretzels.

I devoured my share before saddling up and heading south to Spruce Head and the turnaround point at Burnt Island, where it was back to the rest stop and the mountain of goodies and then on to the finish in Rockland.

A well-stocked rest stop in South Thosmaston.

Gray skies and fog at Spruce Head near the turnaround point of my ride.

Despite the fact that I hadn't ridden my road bike (I'm much more of a mountain biker these days) for anything more serious than an around-town jaunt, to the beach or to work, for some time, I managed a surprisingly strong and enjoyable ride. The cool morning fog and mist helped considerably, as did the pretty scenery flying by at the speed of my pedals, and the fun and friendly fellow riders in the ever changing accordian group that snaked along the road.

The reward for our physical efforts?

A very tasty lobster roll lunch! Mounded over with the succulent meat, and complete with chips, cole slaw, cookies and cold drinks.

Yum!

So, cheers to the BCM and the many wonderful volunteers for putting on a great day of bicycling! Can't wait to do it all over again next summer.

Oh yeah, and thanks for way cool red lobster riding socks! Them's some kinda styling socks Mista Man!

Quite possibly the coolest socks on Earth!

Coming back after lunch this afternoon I noticed a police bicycle parked in the lobby of the AAA Building in Portland where I work my daytime gig.

Good idea to get it inside as it was pouring rain.

But then, as I approached the bike on my way to the elevator, I noticed it was locked to a sign post.

With handcuffs!

Cool.

I thought the handcuff bike lock thing was so unusual and ingenious that I ran up to my office for a digital camera to grab a picture of it.

And as I was taking the photos the officer appeared and we both had a pretty good laugh.

He said he uses the handcuffs often to lock the bike up, figuring that they act as a pretty strong deterrent.

Damn straight.

No petty thief in their right mind is going to frig with a rig like that!

It was a biking weekend, this past one, for sure.

That's because the 18th annual Maine Bike Rally was on in Yarmouth. Big time.

Picture some 400 people from all over Maine and well beyond. Bikes of all shapes, colors and sizes. Mondo amounts of food, from AYCE breakfast feasts to a big pasta dinner, as well as huge quantities of Ben & Jerry's ice cream. And, of course, more than 30 on and off road bike rides over two very fun days.

Put it all together, add some glorious sunshine and blue skies, and you've got a heckuva good time on your hands!

Many thanks to the Bicycle Coalition of Maine and all the dedicated volunteers for putting on a terrific weekend.

The 18th annual Maine Bike Rally in Yarmouth was a blast!

Some 400 bicycle enthusiasts from all over showed up for a weekend of great on and off road biking.

One of the more than 30 road rides heads out.

Master bike art guy Fred wheels along with one of his creations.

There's nothing like camping in a big field with a few hundred bicyclists.

The mountain bike contingent took off Saturday for a ride on Bradbury Mountain State Park's outstanding singletrack trails.

This is the best singletrack riding in the state!

Popping a wheelie.

Negotiating a long, narrow bridge.

We snuck out to Outlet Beach in New Gloucester each afternoon after biking to swim and beat the heat.

The water was warm and the ice cream cold and delicious!

On Sunday the mountain bikers rode Bruce Hill, a fun and challenging 10-mile ride in Cumberland.

The trail wasn't entirely dry yet!

Our Bruce Hill group. Thanks!

Don't miss the upcoming Maine Lobster Ride in Rockland on Saturday, July 22nd. It's another fun ride organized by BCM and guaranteed to be a good time. See you there!

How did you spend this past fine summer weekend?

When my mountain bike was stolen right off my car in my driveway in Portland six years ago, I angrily searched throughout the neighborhood for it (and the rotten thieving scoundrels, too).

But, for some reason, I never bothered to check with the police to see if they'd picked it up.

I'll bet a lot of folks do the same.

And, like me, never see their missing bike again.

Maybe that's why the storage locker at the Portland Police Dept. is filled to capacity with bicycles of all kinds. So much so that they're considering turning to an auction company to help get rid of them.

So you just might be able to help take one off their hands. Yours!

So if you've had a road or mountain bike stolen in the city in the past year, there's a pretty good chance it'll have turned up and been taken to the police storage.

Worth a call or a visit anyway.

You never know. Your trusty bike might be there waiting for you...

Last Sunday, dreary Sunday, was the day of the 4th annual Bicycle Coalition of Maine Fat Tire Frolic mountain bike ride on the trails in Carrabassett Valley.

Incredibly, despite the steady rain and 45 degree temps, a number of hardy (though possibly imbalanced) people did actually show up to ride. It was a bleak scene, though, with not a shred of hope for the slightest ray of sun.

But even so, a dozen riders bundled up, smiled nice for the camera and pedaled off for a 15-mile round trip ride on the Narrow Gauge Pathway.

Fat Tire Frolic organizer extraordinaire Ellen overjoyed at the rain. That's Pete in the background with the nice tights.

BCM Big Boss Jeff gets ready to go.

Twelve strong and ready to ride.

Colors along the raging Carrabassett River.

I (one of the imbalanced ones, or maybe not) decided to leave my bike firmly attached to its rack and bag on the idea. And chose instead to go for more coffee, then some hound-dogging through the area looking for real estate with my good buddy Phil, in the never ending search for that perfect (and affordable) little cabin in the woods.

Phil with his 'teef' in.

Mountain bikers, hybrid bikers, fun outdoorsy people of all persuasions: This coming Sunday is the annual Fat Tire Frolic, organized by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine.

That's where I'll be. Hope you will too. You just gotta go. It's a blast!

The FTF is a 20-mile loop ride along the outrageously beautiful Carrabassett River on the Narrow Gauge Pathway, then back along the base of Bigelow Mountain on jeep roads and sweet single track.

The BCM website has event and registration info...

And here's some pics from last year's fun ride. Enjoy!

In case you haven't already figured it out, I just love the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. In my 8 years or so of association with them, I've watched them do an incredible job furthering the cause of bicycle safety, education, access, trails and just plain and simple enjoyment of bicycle riding, for all ages.

I credit the energy and enthusiasm of Jeff and Deb, and now Pete, for all the good things they've done and will continue to do. Bicyclists all over Maine are fortunate to have such a dedicated crew working on their behalf. So kudos to you folks!

And whenever I can assist BCM in getting the word out about bicycling news and events I do. So here's the latest from Uncle Petey at BCM on their upcoming ride this weekend...

The last of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine's Tour de Trails rides for 2005 is happening at the Kennebec Highlands. As the BCM website says... "We wrap up the 2005 season exploring the Kennebec Highlands in the Belgrade Lakes Region. A 10-mile intermediate ride will be offered as well as a much more strenuous, advanced level ride of 18 miles. Both rides will consist of dirt two-track, single track, hill climbing, stream crossings and the highlight of the rides, topping out at the "Blueberry Barrens" with views of the White Mountains in N.H., the mountains of Western Maine and the coastal mountains of the Camden region. Meet at Park & Ride at intersection of Routes 27 and 225 in Rome at 10:00 a.m. FMI: www.kennebechighlands.org."

Join 'em and have fun!

It's been kind of a slow summer for mountain biking for me. A few rides here and there, but not like usual.

I have been getting out doing other things during the week, though, like walks, hikes, kayaks and more than a few rounds of golf.

All good.

But I finally did get to do my favorite mountain bike ride one evening last week: The Presumpscot River Ride in Falmouth.

It's several miles of wonderful riding along the river, with miles of side trails winding up and down the hill above its south bank.

Enough great single track, whoop-dees and technical stuff to keep you busy for a few hours.

Until pizza and beer time...

The Presumpscot River, Falmouth.

Great single track riding along the Presumpscot.

Watch out for the poison ivy!

With the bike loaded up, it's time for pizza and beer at Samuel's.

The fine upstanding folks (that would be Jeff, Deborah and even Pete) at the BCM (that's the Bicycle Coalition of Maine for anybody who may be from away) would like you to know that there's another Tour de Trails ride this Saturday.

This one's on the Androscoggin River Trails in Turner.

Here's da scoop from the BCM:

This ride is a great opportunity to try mountain biking for the first time or come along for a challenging 15-mile intermediate loop. This popular multi-use trail includes everything from dirt roads to double and single track ~ something for mountain bikers of all levels. Meet at parking lot on Center Bridge Road in Turner at 10:00 a.m.

Directions from Augusta: Take Route 202 South to Greene. Take right onto Allen Pond Road (flashing light) and follow till you come to the Androscoggin River. Cross the large metal Bridge. Parking will be less than ½ mile on the left after boat launch and inlet.

Directions from Auburn, Livermore etc: Take Route 4 north or south to Turner. Take Route 117 at flashing light into Turner center. Follow to stop sign (shcreps store on the corner) Go straight onto Center Bridge Road. Parking is a couple of miles up road on Right.

Sounds like a wicked good time. Join 'em and have some fun!

Stage 7 of the Tour de France is now in the history books. And our Lance Armstrong is still in the lead by 55 seconds.

I do believe that earns him the yellow jersey for tomorrow's leg. You look good in yellow, Lance. Keep it going!

The place to be for all bicycle enthusiasts this coming weekend is the Maine Bike Rally in Belfast.

According to Pete at the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, the rally will feature "nearly 40 different rides of all types, abilities and lengths and it is also a very family-friendly event so those of you with kids.... Come for the rides, the demos, the booths, the camaraderie or the food... Or, come to simply support the work of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine."

Sounds like a wicked good time! Are you planning on going?

Don't forget about the BCM's next fun time, the Lobster Ride in Rockland a couple of weeks.

Finally got out on the mountain bike for a serious mid-week ride last evening.

Bruce Hill in Cumberland is a varied and often technical 9-mile ride that is one of my favorites. There's powerlines, woods, fields, ledges, roads and plenty of muck that's keeps it interesting and fun. And for the first time ever I actually made the initial climb without stopping (hey, you try it!).

We finished off the fun evening with a big BBQ of burgers, dogs and Becky's world famous potato salad. Thanks Beck!

If you're interested, the Bruce Hill ride is listed in Mountain Bike! Maine, a great book of rides by David Gibbs and Sarah Hale.

Regina Erskine, a Portland schoolteacher and friend of mine, completed her coast to coast bike ride for Celiac disease yesterday at Savannah, Georgia.

It wasn't quite the finish Regina was hoping for, after being hit by a pick-up truck several weeks ago and suffering some pretty nasty injuries. But after resting up, she carried on and made it to the Atlantic Ocean. Not quite Maine, but it'll do. The trek was a success nonetheless and a testament to Regina's perserverance.

Regina will return home to Portland (via RV) and make a final ride into Payson Park on Saturday, July 2nd.

Congratulations!

Figured that would grab you...

But, sad to say, the info came a little too late. I missed the World Naked Bike Ride that was held last Saturday. You probably did too.

If you've never heard of it, join the club. It certainly sounds intriguing, though, doesn't it? Organizers call the ride "the craziest, wildest, most insane event of the year."

I can believe it.

The purpose of the ride is to "experience the naked joy of the worlds largest naked protest against oil dependency and car culture in the history of humanity..."

Okay. Good idea.

But I suspect it's also a hoot just to ride your bike around naked for the day!

Maybe next year...

In the meantime, provided you ride fully clothed, you might want to participate in Commute Another Way Day, Maine's statewide alternative transportation event this Wednesday. Ride your bike to work and mix a little exercise with your commute!

And, of course, this weekend is the Trek Across Maine, the 180-mile ride from Bethel to Rockland to raise funds for the American Lung Association of Maine. If you haven't already sponsored a rider, please do!

You may recall last fall I told you about my friend Regina from Portland and her plans to ride her bicycle across the U.S. from San Diego to Maine to raise money and awareness of Celiac Disease.

Well, she and her friend Alex started out on their big adventure last April 25th and biked their way through California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma. And by last week they were into Arkansas.

Unfortunately, that's when trouble struck.

Regina was hit by a pick-up truck while riding through Marvel, Arkansas last Wednesday. Besides a good case of road rash, it turns out she's got a broken vertebrae in her back. And that has not only left her in a lot of pain, it has derailed her dream of finishing the bike trek as planned.

Maybe.

She's a tough cookie, and is resting up right now and considering her options with that never-say-die spirit. Getting all the way to Maine doesn't look good for this year. But she thinks she might, as soon as she's well enough, be able bike to the Atlantic Coast and call it good there.

Whatever you do Regina, you've already succeeded! We wish you a quick recovery and best of luck completing your dream.

Registration numbers are still down for this year's Trek Across Maine so I just wanted to make another plea for support of this fantastic fundraising event for the American Lung Association of Maine, which hopes to raise somewhere around $1.2 mil to support their many important health efforts thoughout the year.

At least 300 more riders are needed to meet the goal of 2,200 riders, so please consider registering soon. And if you can't make the ride, consider ponying up a little extra when you make your pledge.

Thanks.

It's road biking season and riders are getting the fever for sure. There's certainly no shortage of places to ride or people to ride with. And a big calendar of biking events to keep you going for the season.

Of course, my road bike is still hanging in the basement, patiently awaiting some TLC from me and my friendly bike mechanic, so I've got to get on the stick soon. But don't wait for me. Get on out there!

Up for a monster challenge? Get in on the Casco Bay Bicycle Club's training series for a "century" ride (that's a 100 miles in a single-day ride). Century training rides start on May 28th.

Well, I never did make it up to Bangor in time to watch the Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race on Saturday.

Things happen.

But I did manage to get up there in time to get out on the trails of the Bangor City Forest to do some terrific mountain biking.

The forest has about 5 miles of gravel roads and 9 miles of foot/biking trails that wind through beautiful woods of pine. We rode everything we could in the time we had and enjoyed it all immensely. And when the single track dries out in a few weeks there's going to be plenty more terrain to explore. Can't wait for that! I'll definitely be back.

As it turns out, Bangor has quite an extensive system of hiking and biking trails, much of which I haven't been on since I was a kid growing up there.

Essex Woods, in particular, apparently has some killer single-track which absolutely must be ridden by this rider sometime soon.

So pack up your hiking boots and load up your mountain bike some weekend soon and join me for some more Bangor trail exploring...

Pete mugs it up at the start of our Bangor City Forest ride.

Ellen checks the trail map...

Beautiful spring riding on sweet trails...

It was great to be out!

A side note: We cut short our mountain bike ride a little bit so we could make it to the Aztec Two-Step & John Pousette-Dart concert in Brewer which was awesome!

When you've thru-hiked the entire Appalachian Trail like Alan Shorb did last year, why rest? You might as well just keep moving and tackle some new adventure. Right?

And that's just what Alan is doing.

Alan set off from his New Hampshire home this past March 29th intent on riding his bicycle across the entire United States, visiting every state capital and staying overnight with at least one resident.

Yesterday he rode 61.3 miles up the Maine coast from York Beach to my good friends Sandie and Craig's home in Windham, where he spent the night. Sandie and "Ponderer" (his A.T. trail name) swapped trail stories (now that's a surprise!), while Craig, a crack bike mechanic, tuned Alan's bike.

Today, Alan is off to Augusta and will likely visit the good folks at the Bicycle Coalition of Maine while in the capital area. And then from there, well, I guess we'll just have to follow along and see...

Good luck with your grand pedaling adventure Alan!

Potholes and puddles in the road. And mud. Lots of it. Sure signs of spring in Maine. And after 2 AM Sunday morning, a little more light to play in each day.

It's time to get the road bike out and tuned up for the season. Probably could be riding right now. I'll bet many of you are already.

The mountain bike too. Although it's going to be awhile before we can ride in the woods. There's still snow in there and even when it's gone it's going to be pretty mucky. Don't want to be tearing up the trails after all.

So road riding will have to do for now. But that's okay. It's at least good to get out and pedal.

If you'd like to find a few new places to ride this year, on road or off, there's a new guidebook to biking that you might be interested in. It's called New England Biking: 100 of the Best Road and Trail Rides by Melissa Kim.

Melissa calls it an "all things to all people" type of guidebook with a wide variety of interesting rides in it. I thumbed through a copy the other day and it looks pretty good. I'll no doubt add it to my collection.

Ok, saddle up and let's ride!

Bicycles and cars and trucks sharing the same space on the road. Most of the time it works out. Yesterday it didn't.

Tragically.

The accident happened just down the street from my office. It was dusk. Commute time. Flashing lights, sirens, snarled traffic. Something had gone horribly wrong. I didn't know what.

Heading for home, I waited for an opening in the long queue of cars. Then the radio blurted out the news. My heart sank.

It could have been any one of us.

I'm pretty lousy when it comes to following the bicycling rules of the road. Be bold, act like a vehicle, and ride in the lane, or be timid and ride to the right. Stop at the traffic light because it's the law, or cruise on through because you can. Use the proper hand signal on your turn, or just figure "they'll see me." I know, I know...

Follow all the rules, though, and you can still get hurt, or worse. Cars are big and powerful and visible. Bikes aren't. And when they meet it's usually not good.

I feel awful for the bicyclist. It appears he was riding where he shouldn't have been. And paid a high price for that poor judgment. I can't imagine the anquish of the driver of the truck. He just didn't see him.

Damn.

None of us want to be, or should be, the next statistic. A refresher course on bicycle safety is certainly in order. And then, as bicyclists and drivers, we need to put it into practice every time we're on the road.

I had never heard of Celiac Disease before until today, when I received a Christmas card from my friend Regina of Portland. We hadn't been in touch with for several years and I've just learned that she was diagnosed with the disease in early 2003.

Celiac Disease is a genetic disorder caused by eating glutens (commonly found in proteins such as wheat, barley, rye and oats), which can cause very serious digestive disorders and even cancer.

Regina is battling the disease by adhering to a strict gluten-free diet, which isn't easy since nearly every manufactured or processed food contains some gluten.

But that's not all... In typical Regina fashion, she is planning a 3,500-mile Coast to Coast bicyling adventure across the U.S. from California to Maine next spring to help raise national awareness of Celiac Disease and funds for research and education. Regina is no stranger to big adventures, having hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, Long Trail and Wonderland Trail. The bike trip should take about two months, starting in April and finishing up at home here in Maine by June.

Good luck Regina!

After five seasons of regular riding and minimal maintenance (read: mega-neglect!) my mountain bike was in need of some serious repairs. So I took it up to the bike shop at L.L. Bean to find out what needed to be done. I bought my bike there originally and have had great luck with their service, so I keep going back. Besides, it gives me a good excuse to shop at the store and spend more money on outdoor stuff. Sound familiar?

Anyway, it turned out I needed a new drive train (cassette, bottom bracket, crank and chain), as well as a full tune-up. Ouch! But it had to be done. I got it back in just four days and it rides like new. Thanks guys!

Anybody know where I can take a bike maintenance course?

If you're a mountain biker and haven't yet been to the Kingdom Trails in East Burke, Vermont, why?? Kingdom Trails has arguably the best mountain biking in the East. There are about 100 miles of well-constructed, very scenic single-track and double-track trails. The trails range in difficulty from easy to pretty technical, so there's no doubt something to suit the ability of every rider.

A group of biking friends from MOAC made our annual pilgrimage to Kingdom Trails last weekend. There were fourteen of us this year which made for great fun.

On Saturday, we parked at the trailhead up on Darling Hill Road and blasted off down Fence Line, a black diamond-rated trail and a wild way to start the day. We hooted and hollered through the woods down the trail. Mind you, it had rained heavily a few days prior to our visit, so the trails were still a bit slick. Within the first hour, the rocks and roots and twists and turns had taken their toll. Nearly everyone had one or more scrapes or bruises to show off. But we got used to the conditions, made adjustments, and continued on. Trail after trail, mile after mile. It was fantastic riding... Fence Line, Pasture Point, River Run, Toady's, Web's, Dry Feet.

We finally stopped for a rest, lunch and a refreshing swim on a beautiful sandbar on the Passumpsic River. Then we saddled up and spent the afternoon (until fatigue and thrist got the best of us) biking the other side of the ridge, finishing up with a sweet run right into Burke Village. The Pub Outback called and we felt obliged to answer, so in we went for beers and dinner.

On Sunday, we shuttled ourselves part way up Burke Mountain for a phenomenal day of technical riding downhill. Owl's was our first trail. That led to the unbelievable ride down Dead Moose Alley--many miles of great single-track riding down the mountainside. We emerged from the woods and pedaled down classic Vermont dirt roads for several miles before heading off across an extensive area of fields. We lunched on a wide open hilltop with wonderful views of Burke Mountain and the route we had just ridden. After lunch, there was more of the same (damn!), whooshing downhill on Lower Moose Alley to Nose Dive, before heading back to Burke village along another picturesque branch of the Passumpsic River.

Whew! I need a break just thinking about it... Check Kingdom Trails out for yourself and let me know what you think. I trust you'll return home with a huge grin on your face.

By the way, we camped for the weekend about twenty miles north of Kingdom Trails at Brighton State Park, just outside of Island Pond. It's an idyllic place with nice campsites, shelters and hot showers. And it's quiet too!

Wednesday might be "hump" day for most folks, but for me it's definitely Tuesday. For five years now I've been mountain biking on Tuesday nights with friends from the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club (MOAC). From May through September we ride somewhere in the Greater Portland area, then gather up afterward at a local watering hole for chow and brew. It's good exercise and good fun and it sure helps the week go by quicker and easier.

There's plenty of great trails to ride in the area: The City Ride, Dump Run and River Run in Portland, Hinckley Park in South Portland, Pride's Corner in Westbrook, Bruce Hill in Cumberland and Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal, just to name a few. They're all a little different in both character and challenge.

Last night Wendy led us on another great ride along the Presumpscot River called the River Run. Portland Trails and local mountain bikers have done a fantastic job building new bridges and plenty of new single track trail. Thanks for the great riding! Post-ride festivities were held at Wendy's home in Falmouth where we BBQd and relaxed in her new screenhouse. Another tough Tuesday night!

By far (and I think most of the MOAC Tuesday night group would agree) the best riding is found at Bradbury Mountain State Park. Over the past several years, the Park has made a concerted effort to build new trails specifically for mountain bikers. And they've done quite a job! It's no wonder we seem to go back there every few weeks. You've gotta go check them out!

Our favorite post-ride spot is no doubt Samuel's Pub at Morrill's Corner in Portland. Tuesdays nights are 2 for 1 pizza and cheap drafts night. It's crowded but fun. And very often we'll run into other Tuesday night fanatics from MOAC, like the rock climbers and sea kayakers. It's sure adds to the spirit of camaraderie!