PORTLAND, Maine — The sixth annual BikeMaine ride has sold out and is no longer accepting registrations from prospective riders, although people interested in volunteering in some capacity are still welcome to sign on, the event’s organizers announced March 20.
This year’s ride, dubbed “Acadia in the St. John Valley: La Terre Entre Deux,” will be held from Sept. 8-15 and make stops in Presque Isle, Caribou, Madawaska, Fort Kent and St. Agatha.
Participation has reached its limit of 450 riders. Interestingly, this year half of the registrants come from in state this year, as opposed to only one-third in past rides.
“BikeMaine is an opportunity to showcase the splendor and natural beauty of Maine, along with its people, culture and food, and it’s become one of the most popular rides in the state,” BikeMaine Ride Director MaryBeth Luce said.
“It’s a very special ride, and we’re proud to work alongside the people who live and work in these northern Maine communities, and our sponsors, to create one of the best biking experiences that can be had anywhere in the world,” she said.
BikeMaine is a fully supported, seven-day cycling tour organized by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. Formed in 1992, the coalition is the statewide voice of cyclists and pedestrians, working to protect both through education, advocacy, legislation and encouragement.
Luce said that even though registration for BikeMaine riders is full, people can still participate as volunteers.
“Volunteers are every bit as important to BikeMaine as the riders, and we know our volunteers have just as much fun as those riding the route each day! They help with all aspects of the ride,” Luce said. “If you missed out on registering as a rider, you can still enjoy all that BikeMaine has to offer by volunteering.”
Prospective volunteers can sign up online at the BikeMaine website:ride.bikemaine.org.
Since 2013, BikeMaine has pumped over $2.3 million into the local economies of the regions where past events were located. Last year’s sold-out ride in Western and Central Maine contributed $660,000 in direct economic impact, including nearly $400,000 spent by riders during the ride, and $262,000 spent by the Coalition to produce the event, which includes most meals for the participants. Whenever possible, food is purchased from Maine farmers, fishermen, and lobstermen, highlighting Maine products and local services, Luce said.
The BikeMaine daily schedule is developed to allow participants to enjoy a carefully curated ride each morning, while leaving time to explore the hospitable and welcoming host communities each afternoon. Many local businesses, lodging establishments, bars, restaurants and gift shops in the past have reported record sales around BikeMaine’s visit to their communities, said Luce.
