BRIDGTON — A biking and hiking event put on by a conservation group will mark its 10th year on Saturday.

The Loon Echo Land Trust Hike n’ Bike Trek will be based at Shawnee Peak Ski Resort. Departures for hikes and bike rides begin at 8 a.m.

The bike rides include 25, 50, and 100 mile outings. Registration for the century ride, billed as the toughest of its kind in the state, begins at 7 a.m. The ride leaves at 8 a.m. includes a 1,200-foot increase as it goes through Evans Notch.

The 50-mile expedition goes out to the White Mountain National Forest Basin and returns. The 25-mile trip heads out to a rest stop near Stow before returning to the resort. Registration for both rides begins at 8 a.m., with riders setting out at 10 a.m.

The hike is a 6.2., 1,200 foot climb over the ridge of Pleasant Mountain. Hikers will be shuttled to the trail head every 20 minutes between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

The event will cost $75 for adult bikers, $55 for adult hikers, and $25 for children under the age of 16. Teams of three or more may get $5 off registration prices. The cost includes a barbecue or vegetarian lunch after the outings, as well as bicycle support from Ernie’s Cycle Shop in Westbrook.

People who pledge a certain amount to the event are also eligible to receive prizes, including a European bicycle, season pass to Shawnee Peak, and weekend getaway on Bear Pond. Those pledging more than $200 will receive a free day pass to Shawnee Peak and a decorative loon head to wear on their bike helmet.

Proceeds from the event benefit the land trust and stewardship of Pleasant Mountain. For more information, call the land trust at 647-4352 or visit loonecholandtrust.org.

mlangeveld@sunjournal.com

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