2010 Season in Review

The days are getting pretty chilly in New England and looks like the number of days to ride are coming to a close...for me anyway.  Some friends went out yesterday when the temperature was around 40 degrees...brrrrrrrr. Some day I will have the proper gear and will join, but for now, I will be content reminiscing about the fun riding season I had.

The season was a beauty. Days were warm, with little rain and not many were stifling with heat and humidity. We took full advantage and spent our time riding through New England. We were fortunate to visit many places within Vermont, Maine, RI, NH and Mass. Hmmm...seemed to have left out Connecticut...we're coming to you next year, my little Nutmeg state.



We spent a lot of time in New Hampshire, including taking a week-long vacation in a cabin along the shores of Lake Winnepausakee. We drove around the lake many times and stopped at several bars and restaurants, a few of which I have already reviewed on this blog.

Covered bridges are not just for Vermont! Many are found around the beautiful state of New Hampshire.

Enjoyed several picnics at the many free state parks located throughout New England.  Purgatory Chasm in Sutton, Masschusetts, pictured below, is our go-to for quick picnics but we discovered Colt State Park in Bristol, Rhode Island, with a little help from our friends. It is truly a wonderful spot to take the bikes.

One of my favorite weekends this past summer was visiting Southern Maine. We drove along the coast, ate fresh seafood (well, I did anyway) and took in some wonderful sights.  The Bush Compound in Kennebunk is a popular stop. If you are lucky (or some may say 'unlucky'), you may just bump in to one of the Bush's in a local restaurant. Our friends dined right next to President Bush, Sr. and his wife, Barbara. 

The weather cooperated so we chose to extend the trip and drive over to Laconia for a stop at one of our favorite bars. Along the way, we came across the Hawg's Pen and stopped in for a quick beverage.  A longer visit is on our to-do list for next year. It's a cool place.

And you can't ride through Laconia without a stop at the Broken Spoke, can you?

We also participated in a few charity rides.  I thoroughly enjoy the camaraderie and spirit involved in tagging along on a poker run or a charity ride. Bikers are very generous and what a way to give back...doing something you love and helping out those less fortunate. Looking forward to participating in more rides next year.

A new destination for me, on the bike, is Bristol, Rhode Island. Many waterfront restaurants with beautiful views, outdoor seating and delicious food. A winter visit might be in order this year...don't think I can wait til the weather warms.

It's been a great summer, lots of riding and great times with good friends. Sad the season is just about over....road trip anyone?

Visiting Southern Maine? Suggest this biker-friendly property...

We made our own balcony

When traveling on the bike, we have found that each of us has our own desires/needs. Me...clean, safe and affordable. Him...place where he can see bike from room and...place where he can see bike from room. Travelers know that this can be a tall order for a lot of roadside motels/inns.  Our late summer visit to Wells, Maine found us at the Sanford Inn on Main Street (Route 109)

Paved sports, directly in front of door

We were prepared to pay $139 a night for this property, as indicated on website for a king non-smoking. I know, seems a bit pricey but it was high season in an expensive area. After speaking to the owner, who was very kind, he suggested we try the smoking room for $40 less. He even told me there was a Walmart nearby that I could go buy some febreze if the smoke smell was really bothersome haha.  He was quite convincing, and I thought, heck, why not? He is trying to save ME some money, and not put it in his own pocket. I liked him already.

Off we went.  Property is very easy to find. Right off exit 19 from the Maine Turnpike (95).

We spent the day touring the area and arrived at the property around 5:00pm. Check-in was quick and simple, and owner was as friendly as he was on the phone. Even asked if he could get a ride on the bike. Room was very clean inside, has AC/heat, flatscreen TV, fridge, and microwave. Definitely suited our needs for one night and the best part...no smoking smell. There was an open window and we left door open for some time so we never had an issue. Very pleased with our choice.

Not the Ritz, but clean and convenient

The property has a seasonal outdoor pool, which was quite cold but refreshing. The standard continental breakfast is offered from about 7:30am-10:00am, I think...coffee, juice, and muffins and there is computer/printer for guests use in the main office area. 

There is a seafood restaurant nextdoor, Weathervane. We saw many guests heading over there for dinner and some bringing takeout back to room. Other than that, have to hop back on bike for other choices. There is a Walmart a couple of miles away and a pizza place, liquor just nearby. Restaurants and shops in Wells are about a 15 minute ride on Route 109. Easy to find and lots to do. 

Outdoor pool

Overall, we were very pleased with our choice of the Sanford Inn, Wells, Maine. Perhaps the best part of the stay though was meeting a couple riders, who were also staying at the motel.  They were two men from the mid-west, semi-retired, who chose to hop on their bikes (from Nebraska or something, I forget) and drive to Maine for a lobster roll. Now, that's an adventure and they both agreed that Maine lobster is worth the trip. I would agree. We spent a couple of hours, late at night, sharing our riding stories and then wished them well on the rest of their journey. The people you meet and the stories you hear....it's what riding is all about.

Contact Info:
Sanford Inn
1591 Main Street (Route 109)
Wells, ME
(207)324-4662
http://www.sanfordinn.com/index.html

Great Bah For Beeahs in Maine

Okay, I'm from New England so I can make fun of the accent, can't I? Spent the past weekend in Maine and have often heard about Bentley's but was not able to visit until this trip. Wow, we have been missing out!

Located in Arundel, Maine, Bentley's Saloon is located on Route 1 and is a quick drive from the Wells/Kennebunk area. Also attached to the saloon is a motel and a campground.


As you can see from the picture below, there is a large, paved praking lot with plenty of room for bikes. We arrived on a sunny Saturday afternoon to a pretty large crowd, live band and a pig roast. The band was great, playing old rock n' which seems to be obsolete these days.

There is a separate grill area offering items such as hamburgers, sausages, and steak and cheese. I went with a hamburger which was grilled perfectly. For $8.00, you can two choose two sides from several options: pasta salad, baked beans, potato chips, cold slaw and macaroni salad. For $2.00 less, you can get the sandwich only. My husband went with the hotdog meal - for $6.00 he received two hotdogs and two sides. Food is VERY reasonably priced and is equally as good.



The day of our visit, Bentley's was smoking a pig. I am not sure how often they do it but assume it must be somewhat frequently since they have two smokers on site.



Our friends got the pulled pork plate which was under $10.00 and a huge portion. It smelled delicious and looked yummy, just not my thing. Feel bad for these little guys. But, friends enjoyed it.








Bentley's Saloon has a full-liquor bar offering several drink specials. We stuck with cold, bottled beer of which they had several in stock. Price for 2 was $5.50, pretty reasonable. Our friends stuck with Summer Ale on tap and said it was cold and fresh.

There is a ton of room inside and out for the large crowds that gather here. There is a separate area for a band and a dance floor, a bar in the front of the building and lots of space outside with picnic tables and umbrellas.

I do not know much anything about the accommodations, looks like your basic motel. And the campground, well, it is a campground. Both are located right next to bar and only a minute walk for food and entertainment.



Fair warning: Signs posted all over indicating cops in Maine can pull you over to see your registration - in other words, no justifiable cause needed.


Although a quick visit for lunch and a couple of beers, we really enjoyed ourselves and highly recommend this place to bikers.