BRIDGTON — The 2011 Loon Echo Trek committee is calling cyclists, hikers and volunteers to join them at Shawnee Peak Ski Area on Saturday, Sept. 17.

Participants will choose between a 25-, 50- or 100-mile bicycle trek through beautiful farm fields, lakes and mountains or hike six miles across the ridge of Pleasant Mountain. All proceeds benefit Loon Echo Land Trust’s land conservation in the northern Sebago Lake region.

With several major initiatives ahead this year, Loon Echo set an ambitious goal to recruit twice as many participants for the 2011 Trek. “We are pleased that we already have more trekkers registered than last year, but we still haven’t reached our goal of 300 participants,” said Executive Director Carrie Walia.

For more than 50% of people registered, this will be their first Loon Echo Trek experience.

Casco resident John Curtis is one such person. He recruited friends and family to join. He calls his team the “Hacker’s Hill Climbers” and they include Mary Brigid Curtis, Larry Dyer, Audrey Langley and Dave Langley, all from Casco. His son Jared Curtis is also volunteering at a rest stop.

To join the Hacker’s Hill Climbers and help the Loon Echo Land Trust reach their goal of 300 trekkers, register at www.loonechotrek.com or call 647-4352. All participants receive a BBQ meal, beverage, massage and performance T-shirt at the “finisher’s nest.” Preregistration ends Sept. 12 at 11:59 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome afterwards for $10 more.

Public welcome at Pre-Trek Bridge Party

New this year, Loon Echo Land Trust will host a Pre-Trek Bridge Party from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, at the entrance of Pondicherry Park on Depot Street in downtown Bridgton. Maine bluegrass/folk fusion band Tricky Britches will play live on the bridge and local beverages and treats will be served.

Registration packets will be available. To RSVP for bridge party, email trek@lelt.org. The event is free for Trekkers or $12 for the general public. Funds benefit the Loon Echo Land Trust.

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