Bicycle bits

YOU NEVER KNOW who you might run into along the Kennebec River Rail Trail. I was heading home the other day — finishing up a quick 22-mile ride — when I came upon this dude wearing these cannot-miss orange sneakers and about to climb aboard an ancient bicycle, which turned out to be a Raleigh. I'm thinking, I know who that person is as I hit the brakes on my Trek Domane speedster.

And, sure enough, it was my friend Kevin. The guy who sold me the 52-year-old Peugeot two-wheeled beauty back in July. Needless to say, I'm really enjoying this latest addition to my collection of bikes — mostly utilizing it to run errands around town.

Anyway, Kevin and I had a nice chat as we rode together — for the very first time — on the rail trail toward Hallowell. Arrangements are underway to get together again this coming week and go on a longer journey through the Maine countryside and stop somewhere for a mid-ride tea break. I can hardly wait.

IT'S BEEN A DELIGHTFUL summer for cycling, with hardly any rain over the last few weeks. Me and my little chicken legs — which is how my wife describes my two pedal pushers — have surpassed 4,600 miles, with more than 210 rides so far during the 2024 season. I still haven't done my customary 100-mile century, but that will definitely happen before the snow starts flying. I like to do one every year; last year I managed to do three. Also, I've got some bicycle rides coming up in my native state of Michigan.

I SEE THE NORTHWOODS Gravel Grind took place this last Saturday up in Rangeley, Maine. It has been three years since my big crash in that event, which ended up sending me to the hospital. Scars on my right knee and nerve damage in one finger are daily reminders of that fateful day. I haven't been back since, but I'm not ruling out a return trip. I just have to remember to take extra care with the steep downhill portion where I wiped out in 2021.

ONE LAST OBSERVATION about the Kennebec River Rail Trail. As most of my blog followers know, I end nearly all of my rides on this wonderful community asset. Bike traffic is way up this year, and I would say 70 percent of it involves e-bikes. This probably includes a lot of folks who would otherwise not be out getting some exercise and fresh air. I never see e-bikes on the open road, so cyclists obviously feel secure journeying on the rail trail. Stay safe!

My friend Kevin on the Kennebec River Rail Trail near Hallowell.