NEWRY – The 25th Annual Trek Across Maine got off to a soggier start than organizers and riders had hoped, but the weather failed to dampen spirits.

A steady rain and cool temperatures kept most cyclists under the eaves or inside the South Ridge Base Area at the Sunday River Ski Resort until they were ready to push off. Riders wore jackets and foot coverings, and strapped plastic bags over bicycle seats. Shower caps proved popular for helmet coverings, though one trekker opted to attach a cocktail umbrella.

“This is probably one of the worst starts, weather-wise, but people’s spirits are up,” said Ed Miller, executive director of the American Lung Association of Maine. “If you ride a bike in Maine, you’re used to riding in the rain.”

As he encouraged cyclists to use extra caution on the ride due to the wet conditions, Miller slipped a few jokes into the safety precautions.

“Is everybody lathered up with their sunscreen?” he asked. “I hear the UV index today is minus 11.”

Friday was the first scheduled leg of the three-day, 180-mile tour, which will end in Belfast on Sunday. On the first day, riders traveled 65.5 miles from Sunday River to the University of Maine at Farmington.

Participants must raise at least $500 to participate in the trek. The money benefits the American Lung Association and goes toward public policy work such as anti-smoking campaigns.

Miller said this year’s event attracted 2,600 cyclists and 600 volunteers and raised more than $1.5 million. He estimated that the event has raised more than $12 million in the 25 years it has run. The first ride drew 100 participants and three volunteers, but has since become more well-known due to team participation and word of mouth.

Rob Johnson of Waterboro was riding in his 12th trek and guessed that he had raised $8,000 to $9,000 in those years. This year, he is riding tandem with his sister. Johnson said the weather would not stop him from heading to the coast.

“It is what it is,” he said. “We’re getting used to it. We’re still going to ride.”

Eileen Witte and Andrew Orr, both of Portland, were taking part in the event for the first time.

“We’ll ride in the rain; no problem,” Orr said.

“It’ll improve next year, unless it snows,” Witte said. “I think it’s great that so many people came out.”

The two met in March while attending a meeting on the trek at a bike shop. Orr said his cousin and her boyfriend also met on the trek and have been together for two years.

Julie Armstrong, a volunteer from Winthrop, was impressed with the number of riders who showed up. “I thought a lot of people would back out with the rain,” she said. “They’re hardy souls.”

Near the starting point, Bethel neighbors Ginny Gamble, Tineke Ouwinga and Jan Stowell cheered on departing cyclists. Gamble said the group was there because of their support of the cause. Ouwinga said her mother died of lung cancer. Stowell said she had a daughter riding in the event and was a former board member of the American Lung Association.

“I never in my life thought I’d be standing here this early in the morning in the rain,” Ouwinga said. “And it’s a wonderful experience.”