Sunday was sunny and Ed Miller was smiling.

Friday had been rainy. Ditto for Saturday. That’s two-thirds of the three-day Trek Across Maine, 120 of the 180 miles that the trek covers from Sunday River to the sea.

But Sunday brightened everyone’s spirits, Miller’s included. And most of the 1,485 riders who started the 21st annual trek, a fund-raiser for the American Lung Association of Maine, rolled into Rockland to find a glistening sea and lots of cheering.

The cheers were well-deserved, too.

Miller, ALA Maine’s chief executive officer, noted that while riders again braved mile after mile of foul weather – “We have some riders who haven’t seen a sunny Saturday in four years” – this year’s ride was among the event’s safest.

Only one rider was hurt over the course of the trek, Miller said. And that rider, who suffered some scrapes and bruises in that lone mishap, was quickly treated then discharged from a hospital emergency room.

A by-the-numbers look at the trek is impressive.

While ALA/Maine officials are still tallying donations, Miller said riders “again raised well over a million dollars for the sixth year in a row.”

He estimated that 90 percent of the riders taking part in the trek completed it, including the oldest rider, at 87 years, and the youngster, at 6.

People from 29 states joined in the ride, ALA’s largest single fund-raiser, according to Miller.

Miller blamed the rain for reducing the number of riders somewhat this year. More than 1,900 registered for the event over the last year, with 1,485 starting the trek Friday. But Miller noted, “We usually have about a 25 percent dropout rate” between sign-ups and the actual event.

While the event didn’t draw the 1,650 riders that some Maine treks have seen, Miller said those who did ride enjoyed themselves. Even in the rain.

“Everyone knew how the weather had been, and they came prepared,” he said.

“And seeing Sunday’s sun, seeing the coast,” Miller added, riders couldn’t help but crack some smiles.

Miller’s smiling, too, with the trek and the million-dollar results. “I’m very happy,” he said.


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