When the ice on Toddy Pond is thick and clear, the skaters and fishermen come out. Sometimes, so do people on bicycles.
They’re part of a group of friends who started riding across the ice several years ago using studded titanium tires on the mountain bikes they enjoy in the other three seasons.
It’s a fun, practical and unusual way to stay active outside and spend time together during the winter months. But it also gives them opportunities to explore Hancock County’s ponds, lakes and rivers from a new point of view.
“It was like we were 10 years old again, just goofing off and pure enjoyment,” Greg Forrest said of his first ice bike ride with friend Mike Zboray. “We went from feeling nervous to feeling invincible.”
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Their group of friends met years ago through school activities for their children, now in their late teens and early 20s. Forrest and Zboray often went mountain biking and canoeing together in warmer weather; they started to wonder how they could keep going year-round.
Spiked tires were the answer. They can be ridden on ice that’s too rough for skating, can be added to regular mountain bikes and give enough traction to make cycling over ice feel like riding on pavement.
Ice biking has scattered fans in other cold states, including Wisconsin and Minnesota, where some replace their front wheels with ice skates. It’s not so widespread in Maine.
Once Forrest and Zboray tried them, there was no going back. Their friend Paul Markosian borrowed a bike and was “hooked,” he said, using his bike to commute to work.
Soon more friends and their spouses joined the outings, and for the last several years, a fluctuating group of up to 10 have hit the ice around the county every weekend when conditions allow. Sometimes, skaters join them too.
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They’ve traveled often on their “home pond,” Toddy Pond, nearby Craig Pond, Hothole Pond and Alamoosook Lake. They’ve explored water bodies in Acadia National Park including Bubble Pond, Jordan Pond, Long Pond and Eagle Lake. They’ve ridden a tidal swamp stream down to the ocean and explored the meandering whaleback of the Union River’s east branch.
With the ability to travel farther and faster across the water, bikers can have new adventures. Markosian recalled exploring behind beaver dams. Forrest described tracking coyote prints across the snow and discovering eagles eating a carcass.
“I’m more confident, and can cover a lot more ground” than on skates, said Markosian. “I like being able to explore these bodies of water from that vantage point.”
On sunny days, the bikers can head into the wind, then turn around and let it push them back, gliding over the ice with almost no effort. Sometimes they joust with cattails. If snow is followed by rain and a hard freeze, Zboray can take his bike out in the forest, cruising on top of the snow.
A group of Hancock County friends and a canine companion cycle across a frozen lake using special studded tires. Credit: Courtesy of Paul Markosian
They can’t ride when the ice is covered in snow or slush, as it has been this February, and changing ice-out dates can shorten the season. But it’s worth the wait.
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“Nobody can put a finger on what’s addicting about it,” Forrest said. “Some days you’re out there and you’re like, ‘This is boring.’ But it’s not.”
For some, it’s a source of camaraderie with friends, a chance for adventure or a fun source of exercise, Zboray said. It can also be a way to feel in touch with nature and get “in the zone” while riding.
“It’s just really wonderful to have a group of friends who like to do some similar things and adventuring together,” he said. “Everybody gets something a little different from the experience.”
BIDDEFORD –– A new state highway improvement project aims to address safety issues along one of Biddeford’s busiest roadways.
The Maine Department of Transportation is planning a project to redesign a 1,500-foot segment of Route 1, known locally as Elm Street, with work expected to begin in early 2027. The work will stretch from the southern end of the Saco River Bridge to the Main Street intersection.
“The proposed improvements are intended to reduce conflicts and improve overall safety for all users,” DOT Spokesperson Andrew Gobeil said in a statement.
Among other safety issues, the new project aims to address the intersection with Lincoln Street. According to a DOT report, the intersection has had nine reported crashes between 2021 and 2023 alone, making it a “high-crash location.”
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Jason Beaulieu owns Jason’s Auto Service, which is right up the street from the Lincoln Street intersection. He said a rear-ender accident just recently happened right in front of his business, and welcomed safety-related improvements.
Jason Beaulieu stands in front of his business, Jason’s Auto Service, on Route 1 in Biddeford Wednesday. He said he looks forward to safety-related improvements scheduled for the busy roadway. (Spectrum News/Sean Murphy)
“Route 1’s a busy road, a lot of things going on,” he said. “You know, if we can make things better, I like seeing our money going into roads, into transportation and everything.”
Other DOT documents indicate that higher traffic volumes in recent years have contributed to “congestion, delay, and operational challenges.”
The project includes adding new signals at key intersections, including Lincoln Street. The project also calls for new curbs and sidewalks to accommodate pedestrians. The plan will convert Pearl Street into a one-way roadway, with traffic moving away from Elm Street.
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Officials said they are still seeking public input to refine the project’s final design, but they expect to solicit bids this fall, with work to begin in early 2027.
Beaulieu said the work might be noisy when it happens, but he doesn’t think it will really disrupt his business, and he looks forward to the benefits when it’s done.
“Any kind of progress is good,” he said. “That’s what we’ve got to do.”
Beach Pea Biking Co. in Kittery offers house-made pastries, sandwiches and a mild iced latte. Beach Pea and four others make our list of great spots to stop for coffee in southern York County. (Isabelle Oss/Staff Writer)
The weather in Vacationland has finally warmed up, and that urge to drop everything for a ride along Route 1 with the windows down is getting stronger.
The perfect addition to a summer road trip? A tasty drink from a locally owned cafe.
Whether you’re on your way to one of Maine’s famous lighthouses, you’re an avid coffee shop hopper or you just have a free day to explore our state, these five spots in southern York county are worth a detour.
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Beach Pea Baking Co.
53 State Road, Suite A, Kittery. beachpeabaking.com
Starting in Maine’s southernmost town, Beach Pea Baking Co. is just as quaint as the name suggests. Specializing in artisan breads and baked goods, the shop is a neighborhood favorite in Kittery.
The bakery’s interior includes a bustling front-of-house with an inviting nook, perfect for a break from the car. Beach Pea looks like it could be someone’s home, providing that “made-with-love” feeling complete with a sun-soaked porch seating overlooking lush foliage.
The extensive lunch and coffee menu makes it an easy choice for an early-morning jump-start or a midday stop. The iced latte is mild with a nutty palate, offering a refreshing treat that pairs perfectly with any of the baked goods.
Pro tip: If there’s one thing you try, let it be the lemon poppyseed cookie.
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Provisions at Pepperrell Cove
88 Pepperrell Road, Kittery. pepperrellcove.com
An iced coffee from Provisions at Pepperrell Cove. (Isabelle Oss/staff Writer)
Perhaps the most scenic stop on this list is Provisions at Pepperrell Cove. Opened in 2018 as part of the Pepperell Cove site’s expansion, this small shop has become a central spot for visitors.
Stop in for some affordable self-serve brews from North Berwick roaster Carpe Diem Brews, look around the market and wander out to the marina to take it all in. Enjoying an iced coffee with panoramic views of the cove, Portsmouth Harbor and Gooseberry Island is sure to be a memorable piece of any Maine road trip.
Bonus: If coffee isn’t enough, the Pepperell Cove site also features two gourmet restaurants right on the water, making it a great place to commemorate a fun vacation.
Chickadee Tea, Coffee, Eats
43 State Route 236, Suite 1, Eliot. chickadeemaine.com
Chickadee Tea, Coffee, Eats in Eliot specializes in looseleaf tea and roasts its own coffee beans. (Isabelle Oss/Staff Writer)
A few minutes off the coastal road trip path — but still worth a detour — is Chickadee Tea, Coffee, Eats. The shop specializes in sustainably sourced looseleaf teas inspired by owner Jonathan Blakeslee’s time spent in Hokkaido, Japan, as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard.
In addition to its teas, which are sold in bags alongside local goods, Chickadee offers an exciting array of house-baked pastries, seasonal matcha drinks and a solid iced latte.
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This shop pays homage to Maine classics with flavors like salted blueberry maple and provides enticing opportunities for new flavor combos like orange cardamom.
A stop into Chickadee will immerse you in the spirit of Vacationland and offer the perfect dose of small-town charm.
Nectar Cafe at Bell Farms
244 U.S. Route 1, York. nectarcafeatbellfarm.com
An iced latte from Nectar Cafe. (Isabelle Oss/Staff Writer)
Another stop right on Route 1, Nectar Cafe is situated in a bright red, 20-foot trailer outside a barn-style shop called Bell Farms.
With specialty drinks like the blueberry pancake or Maine maple latte, this is an idyllic stop to stretch your legs and spend some time outside.
Nectar also features baked goods from other southern Maine favorites, like Pie Girl Baking Co.’s cinnamon rolls and tasty treats from Lovebirds Donuts.
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Surrounded by lush forest and chirping birds, Nectar is well-suited for those that want a breath of fresh, coastal air.
Swell House
1300 U.S. Route 1, York. swellhousemaine.com
On your way to Nubble Light? Swell House is right around the corner, serving stellar food and drink.
Swell House in Cape Neddick sells coffee and beachwear and hosts events. (Isabelle Oss/Staff Writer)
Named after the state’s iconic tides, the shop is more than coffee. Inside, you’ll find racks of trendy beachwear, locally made goods and friendly staff. The entire shop is decked out with carefully curated vintage decor, all perfectly on theme for a surfer’s coastal Maine dreams.
Using beans from Portland roaster Coffee By Design, Swell’s drinks pair perfectly with unique and tasty bites like a breakfast empanada.
In addition to being a coffee and vintage shop, Swell is also a social house that hosts events throughout the year.
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The shop’s outside seating boasts a fire pit and that backyard summer party feel that we all crave when the weather is right. It’s another fantastic stop for a road trip up the Maine coast.
Lily Fortin didn’t allow a hit until the seventh inning and No. 2 North Yarmouth Academy beat No. 1 Buckfield 5-0 in the Class D South softball final Tuesday at St. Joseph’s College in Standish.
The Panthers (17-1) will face North champion Penobscot Valley (17-0) in the state championship game on Saturday, also at St. Joseph’s. NYA won back-to-back Class D state titles in 2023-24, before losing to Buckfield, 2-1, in the regional final last season.
Buckfield ends the season 16-3.
Grace Veinott singled to lead off the seventh inning, breaking up Fortin’s no-hit bit. The NYA sophomore recorded a strikeout and two groundouts to finish off the one-hitter. She recorded eight strikeouts and five walks.
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Jordan Nash hit a two-run single in the first inning to give NYA the lead. Aurora Blier made it 3-0 in the third with an RBI groundout. Cami Casserly had an RBI single and Reese Walker walked with the bases loaded in the fifth to make it 5-0.
