NEITHER RAIN NOR WIND NOR ......  Tour de Gagne Roars Off in the Rain
By Kathy Gagne
Sporting rain gear and smiles, 32 members of CVOA headed to the
southern Maine coast June 12 for a weekend of biking, boating and fun.
Although it rained, it didn't hamper a fun ride had by all.
This year Kathy and husband Dan, both avid cyclists, divided the group into two for a 20-mile and a 38-mile ride.
The A Group rode from the UNE campus in Biddeford into
Kennebunkport, Cape Porpoise, Goose Rocks Beach, Biddeford Pool, Hills
Beach and some interesting back roads. There were stops along the way
to enjoy the views and get a lobster roll on the pier in Cape Porpoise.
The B Group rode from the UNE campus into Biddeford Pool, Fortune's
Rock and Goose Rocks and then back into the parking lot at UNE. It was
then decided it was Miller Time! We put the bikes away and drove to
Hills Beach were we enjoyed refreshments at Buffleheads ocean-front
cafe. The hostess greeted us with open arms. Later we uncovered the
"Sugarloaf Connection:" Her husband Jack Shields had been the chef at
the old Trufflehound Restaurant and, more recently the Poplar Falls Hut
run by the Maine Huts and Trails. Jack's recipe for Poplar Falls
cornbread can be found in the CVOA cookbook Potluck in Paradise.
Following the ride the Gagne's hosted a fabulous hot dog and
hamburg cookout with side dishes from all the great CVOA chefs. Oh!
Let's not forget the efforts of grillmasters Duff Doherty and Pete
Weston.
Unfortunately, due to fog, Sunday's kayak trip on the Saco River
had to be cancelled. But we all had a great get-together at Nancy
Perry's beach house. She made the best seafood chowder I have ever had!
Thank you to all who made the 2cd annual Coastal Bike Ride a great event!
 |