BRIDGTON — Cyclists and hikers will gather at Shawnee Peak next week to enjoy the natural beauty of the area and raise funds for its conservation.
The ninth annual Hike n’ Bike Trek will take place on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 19. Proceeds from the event will benefit the conservation and stewardship programs of the Loon Echo Land Trust, which manages more than 3,300 acres of land in seven towns.
Executive Director Carrie Walia said last year’s event drew 200 people and raised about $25,000.
The bicycle route of the Trek offers excursions of 25, 50 or 100 miles. The 25-mile route goes to Fryeburg and back, while the 50-mile route goes to the White Mountain National Forest Basin before returning. The 100-mile trek makes a loop through Lovell, Sweden, Bridgton, Waterford, Albany Township, Bethel, Gilead, Evans Notch, and Fryeburg before returning to Shawnee Peak.
Registration for the shorter rides runs from 8 a.m., and the rides depart at 10 a.m. The century ride registration begins at 7 a.m., and the ride leaves at 8 a.m.
In addition to the bike routes, the event offers a six-mile hike over Pleasant Mountain. Shuttles will leave from Shawnee Peak for the trail head between 8 and 10 a.m.
Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and cyclists must wear bike helmets. The trek will include medical and communication support, rest stops, bicycle inspections and a barbecue meal.
Registration before Sunday is $65 for adult bicyclists, $50 for adult hikers and $25 for children. Prices increase $10 for adult bicyclists and $5 for adult hikers after Sunday and for day-of registrations. People who form teams of three may receive $5 off their registration price.
Walia said trekkers are also encouraged to raise funds in addition to the registration fee.
“It’s not a requirement, but it really does help,” she said. “This is our biggest fundraiser.”
The top two individual fundraisers will receive either a two-night stay at the Noble House Bed and Breakfast or a season pass to Shawnee Peak. The top two team fundraisers will receive either a weekend stay at Camp Wigwam or a whitewater rafting trip on the Kennebec River. A minimum amount must be raised to be eligible for the prizes.
A trio of three local riders known as the Loony Girls will offer handcrafted loon feathers or a loon head to adorn cyclists that raise $100 or $200, respectively. Walia said the Loony Girls have participated in the ride since 2003 while wearing such gear, and offered to make additional feathers and heads this year to assist fundraising.
For more information, go to www.loonecholandtrust.org.
Supporting Sponsor for the Advertiser Democrat
Keeping communities informed by supporting local news. norwaysavings.bank
Comments are no longer available on this story