FARMINGTON — Several local cycling enthusiasts recently held an early-stage meeting at the Homestead Restaurant to discuss the newly formed “Northern Lights” team for the 2014 Trek Across Maine.

“This coming year marks the 30th anniversary of the Trek, so we’re hoping to get a very good turnout for the new Northern Lights Team,” said team captain Dennis Haszko.

During the meeting, previous local cycling organizer Bill Marceau was thanked for his past years. The discussion was open to anyone interested in participating in the Trek, which is a 180-mile bike ride spread across three days in June. The first overnight is traditionally in Farmington, which is a large part of the Trek where more than 2,000 cyclists and support crew spend their first night.

Members of the Northern Lights team will be eligible for coordinated assistance with housing at the start of the Trek. The team is working to secure group housing similar to last year.

“It’s really nice to be able to wake up and go, rather than drive out to Sunday River in the early hours of the first day,” says team member Sandy Richard.

Other benefits to team members will be coordinated transportation back to Farmington from the finish, a discounted official Northern Lights team cycling jersey and coordinated training rides.

The team is also planning a special “Farmington Finish” event, including a barbecue after the end of the finish in Farmington on the first day.

All are welcome to join with the team in riding, volunteering and support. If interested getting involved, contact team captain Dennis Haszko at 778-4870 or haszko@gmail.com.

To sign up for the Northern Lights Team, go to www.TrekMaine30.org. Click on “enter the event site” and then click on “join a team” where you can search the team name “Northern Lights.” Once you locate the Northern Lights team in the search results, just click “join” and complete registration.