It’s Thanksgiving here in Vacationland, and there’s good news and bad news. The bad news is that winter is fast approaching and it won’t be long until the snow arrives and buries us for many months. Now you might be wondering what optimist could see any good news in that? I’ll admit that the prospect of motorcycling in Maine is bleak, on the short term. However the good news is that many rural roads in Maine were repaved last summer. Great news in a state infamous for poor secondary road conditions. I don’t know if the money came from the Reinvestment and Recovery Act (putting America in debt) or not. In either case, provided that the winter isn’t too harsh, the new surfaces will make for some great riding next summer and I’m thankful for that.
Here’s one ride that I highly recommend, Winterport to Waldoboro on routes 139 and 220. It snakes through farmland and forests covering a total distance of about 55 miles each way. Much of route 139 got a new surface last summer and the part that didn’t, didn’t need it. Therefore the surfaces are almost ideal. I don’t know when route 220 was last paved, but it too is in great shape.
Like many rural Maine highways, both 220 and 139 are narrow but not so much so to cause a problem. I’d characterize the route as curvy, not twisty, but there are a few 90° turns at intersections that sometimes have some gravel cover, so mind the road conditions. The route starts and ends near sea level and rises to a maximum elevation of almost 800 feet along route 220, but the terrain is gently rolling with only a few steep grades. Hill crests are often blind which can be more than a little disconcerting if you are going a bit too fast. Forested tracks punctuate a journey passing mostly through farmland providing for numerous beautiful country scenes. However for the most part the road demands the full attention of the driver, so unless you’re riding pillion, you may not fully appreciated the scenery along the way.
The best opportunities for food, water and facilities are at the Freshies in Winterport or Moody’s Diner (or other numerous establishments) in Waldoboro. Brooks is probably your best bet for refreshments along the way as the little towns of Monroe and Thorndike have little to offer along these lines. Traffic is generally light and that’s good because there aren’t many good places to overtake. The only intersection of real concern is where routes 220 and 3 cross. Proceed with caution.
Enjoy Thanksgiving and when the effects of a large turkey dinner take control, dream of motorcycling in Maine next summer!