Biking in Maine (Brunswick, Scarborough, Rumford: ski resorts, insurance, design)

[peachie_in_maine]

Actually this thread started as a day trip for a member and turned into a bike vs bike.
How did that happen.
We all have likes and dislikes... but, we all know we have different feelings about things. That's what makes it nice to come here and post.
Tami~peachie

[broadbill]

Originally Posted by peachie_in_maine

Actually this thread started as a day trip for a member and turned into a bike vs bike.
How did that happen.
We all have likes and dislikes... but, we all know we have different feelings about things. That's what makes it nice to come here and post.
Tami~peachie

I agree....

[RANGER.101ST]

Originally Posted by broadbill

I guess that is what I'm saying and you I guess you are correct that I'm part of the problem too as we all are to some extent...that is one reason why I ride my bike.

What are YOU doing to solve the problem? Not much by the sounds of your "IF IT DONT RUN ON GAS IT AINT MOVIN MY #$%" comment!

But I digress,....this is a topic about why cyclists are childish, look silly in spandex, why they should stay off the road and trails...

your right on the topic thing.people have the right to whear what ever they want and ride on public land.

[broadbill]

Originally Posted by RANGER.101ST

people have the right to whear what ever they want

Yup....despite what some might think about the silliness of cyclist's clothing they fufill two important functions:

1. They are brightly colored...this is so cyclists stand out and motorists notice them. How many accidents have occurred between cars and cyclists (and motorcyclists for the matter) where the motorist said "I didn't see them!"

2. Spandex prevents rubbing.....try riding 50 miles in a pair of baggy shorts and see what happens between your legs...not pretty!

[Shuffler]

Yep, the lycra (not spandex any more) clothing is very functional...for comfort in the saddle, the synthetic chamois padding really keeps my fun bits happy, especially when used in conjunction with chamois cream. Saddle sores are not fun.

The tight-fitting clothing really enhances its ability to wick moisture away from the skin, too. Loose clothing doesn't do that.

I find that wearing a pair of cycling shorts under my moto pants, especially trail riding, REALLY helps keep the saddle sores and chaffing to a minimum.

I also shave my legs It makes the post-ride or post-race massage a lot easier, and wounds are easier to clean and heal much better without all that hair getting in the way. And my girlfriend thinks it is cool....then again she raced on the Texas A&M cycling team and knows what it's all about...

So there you have it...I'm a leg-shaving, gun-loving, cigar-smoking, throttle-twisting, bike-riding heterosexual man of contradictions...

[Boomerang]

Originally Posted by Maineah

I am not anti-bicycle, far from it. I do have a problem with the use of mountain bikes on public walking and hiking trails in State parks. I do not like the attitude I receive form bicyclers on trails when we meet during hunting season. I also have a problem with them on commonly used ATV and dirtbike trails. I have read complaints from bicyclers about feeling bullied off the ATV trails by ATV's ....imagine that. And my dislike for spandex garments extends to all cyclists, road, or trail. Unfortunately ninnies is an appropriate term for many of these people I have encountered in the woods.

Yes, we too have had problems with mountain bikers on hiking trails.
A few years ago we went to a state park that had both hiking and "shared use" trails, and met some packs of very aggressive mountain bikers on the hiking-only trails. Really rude, like bellowing "out of the way!" as they were coming down the trail and not slowing down as they passed. I firmly resisted the unkind and unladylike urge to poke a stick through their spokes as they barreled on by Not to mention they were totally ruining the trail for hikers through soil erosion.

I really don't understand why people sometimes behave so rottenly on public trails, or choose to aggressively flaunt trail rules. I just feel like geez, we're all out there trying to enjoy ourselves, and we'll all enjoy it a lot more by sharing and playing nice. Or by poking a stick in their spokes.
(Sorry, that was my evil twin writing. Bad girl! Bad! )

P.S. want to add that DH has a very nice, 'old school' type of mountain bike. He can do either rough trails or paved roads. Comes in handy when crossing rugged terrain and he gets better grip on those terrible loose sandy spots than I do on my standard hybrid.

[RANGER.101ST]

Originally Posted by Boomerang

Yes, we too have had problems with mountain bikers on hiking trails.
A few years ago we went to a state park that had both hiking and "shared use" trails, and met some packs of very aggressive mountain bikers on the hiking-only trails. Really rude, like bellowing "out of the way!" as they were coming down the trail and not slowing down as they passed. I firmly resisted the unkind and unladylike urge to poke a stick through their spokes as they barreled on by Not to mention they were totally ruining the trail for hikers through soil erosion.

I really don't understand why people sometimes behave so rottenly on public trails, or choose to aggressively flaunt trail rules. I just feel like geez, we're all out there trying to enjoy ourselves, and we'll all enjoy it a lot more by sharing and playing nice. Or by poking a stick in their spokes.
(Sorry, that was my evil twin writing. Bad girl! Bad! )

that would be a cool job trail monitor.you could sit on the trail with a pile of stick's beside you. and have a sighn that say's coution slow down lady with sticks ahead.if they didnt under stand what that means they would get the point real quick like.

[Boomerang]

Originally Posted by mollysmiles

ahhhhh, but see? that is NOT what this topic is SUPPOSED to be about at all. I dare say that the OP was not headed in this direction.
Why can't we just have a nice biking in Maine thread? Why does it have to be a debate? AND why can't you dirt bike guys start your own thread on that?

Thank you Molly ---- quite so.
I was actually hoping to hear from others who enjoy recreational cycling.

I'd like to know about nice places to ride, whether it's around town, in a park, or other types of trails, what kind of equipment makes the trip nicer or easier, etc.

Regarding equipment/accessories, I'm the kind of person who likes to get involved in their hobby and learn everything there is to know about it. I may never buy an $80 saddle but I'd sure like to know what makes that saddle desirable or useful. I may never buy top-quality components or frame, but I'm interested to know the reasons behind the design and materials chosen for those items. I know for sure that riding in a cotton T-shirt is murderously hot in the summer and I'll be looking for cycling or other cool-fabric shirts on sale this year. I vaguely remember someone, somewhere saying that even Target might have them.

But mainly I'd be really interested in hearing where folks go to ride and why they like it. Traffic-free trail? Quiet road? Pretty scenery? Nice little restaurant to tie-up at and go in for bite? Picnic area? Other historically or otherwise interesting place to visit as part of the ride? Anyone go bike camping or take their bike along to their favorite campground? You know, normal stuff that non-Olympians can manage

[Boomerang]

Originally Posted by RANGER.101ST

that would be a cool job trail monitor.you could sit on the trail with a pile of stick's beside you. and have a sighn that say's coution slow down lady with sticks ahead.if they didnt under stand what that means they would get the point real quick like.

I'm laughing hysterically, but feel I should emphasize that I was only kidding. Kidding!!! I can't complain about other people's behavior if I'm not going to behave myself first ---- and I'm absolutely not giving up my right to complain, no matter what. Sometimes the mischievous Irish side of me gets the upper hand but I try to be good, really.

[7th generation]

All of my biking is off road and as steep as we can find. What is sweet about this area are the discontinued county roads.
My favorite is in Milton Twp. It gradually climbs through Nature Conservancy land, past the old gold mine and into the Rumford Water District's property, which is on top of Mt. Zircon. Remember the soda?
The views are incredible and I'm real familiar with the terrain. Hunted this area since I was a kid. Down the backside leads to Concord Pond and on to West Peru.