CARIBOU, Maine – Snowmobile riders and enthusiasts gathered at Northern Maine Brewing Company on Saturday for a series of races that brought community members together while supporting cancer patients.
The Mega Meltdown Vintage and Kids Endurance races were held in conjunction with Brian’s Ride Cancer Fund and the Maine-based Tame the Track Snowmobile Tour.
Snowmobilers from across Maine and New Hampshire took part in 19 competitive races throughout the day, including Brian’s Bracket Challenge in memory of Brian Caldwell.
Caldwell, who lost his battle with Stage 4 gastric cancer in 2014, was a self-employed carpenter and motorcycle enthusiast. Brian’s Ride Cancer Fund began in 2015 when friends and family hosted Brian’s Ride, a memorial motorcycle ride that raised over $8,000 and launched an annual fundraiser of the same name.
Over the years, Brian’s Ride has raised more than $130,000 and assisted 250 Cary Medical Center cancer patients with costs not covered by insurance, including travel, lodging and medical supplies.
Since COVID-19 struck, the fund has continued supporting patients through grants and smaller scale fundraisers. This year marks the third annual race, but only the first time since 2019, that the folks with Brian’s Ride have been able to host snowmobile races in Caldwell’s honor.
“Brian was pretty quiet. He never liked being in the spotlight,” said Pam Caldwell, Brian’s sister. “But I think what would mean the most to him is seeing all these people come out to help their neighbors.”
The Mega Meltdown races were the last in a series of eight races hosted by Tame the Track. Hundreds of riders of all ages took part in races held on a specially designed track behind the Brewing Company. Many folks had taken part in previous Maine races and were competing for the high-point trophy.
Chris Moneypenny of Ossipee, New Hampshire competed in several race divisions with his son Henry and family friends. An amateur snowmobile racer, Moneypenny has enjoyed riding in Aroostook County so much that he recently purchased a camp in Smyrna Mills.
“This is our second time [racing] in Caribou,” Moneypenny said. “The competitiveness is great, and we’ve met a lot of the same people from past races.”
Nine-year-old Savannah Pelletier of Woodland was among the youth snowmobilers who raced in the children’s divisions. Pelletier, who has been snowmobiling since she was seven, was taking part in her second race of the winter.
“I like competing and I like going fast,” Pelletier said, on what she likes most about snowmobiling.
Riders and spectators alike lined up near the track to cheer on friends and fellow racers. Former NASCAR driver Andy Santerre, who now lives in North Yarmouth, stopped by to support friend Cody Thibodeau of Woodland. Santerre said he especially enjoyed watching the children’s races.
“It’s a great way to get them started at a young age and show them about sportsmanship,” Santerre said.
Thibodeau is a longtime participant of Mega Meltdown and said he was glad to compete in support of Brian’s Ride.
“It’s fun, competitive and it’s for a good cause,” Thibodeau said.
CARIBOU, Maine — March 19, 2022 — Chase Rideout of Oakland leads the way during the Kids 120 Stock Class division of the Mega Meltdown snowmobile races. Following close behind are Jeremiah Jandreau of Caribou (left) and Oakley Caron of Fort Kent. (Melissa Lizotte | Aroostook Republican)
CARIBOU, Maine — March 19, 2022 — Camdyn Ross of Skowhegan, Maine (front) and Savannah Pelletier of Woodland go head to head during the Kids 200 Stock Class division of the Mega Meltdown Vintage Snowmobile Races on Saturday. (Melissa Lizotte | Aroostook Republican)
CARIBOU, Maine — March 19, 2022 — MacKenzie Gould of Dexter, Maine speeds past the crowd durng the Vintage Women’s Class division of the Mega Meltdown snowmobile races. (Melissa Lizotte | Aroostook Republican)
