Biking tour benefits Paradis Fund

    FORT KENT – Event organizers of the highly anticipated Tour de La Valleé are finalizing plans for the 18th annual bicycling event, to be held rain or shine on Sunday, August 17 while bicyclists from throughout the region are also preparing on area bike trails and roadways.     “The Tour de La Valleé offers a unique bicycling experience in that it appeals to riders of all levels and ages,” noted Nancy Daigle, event chairperson and veteran Tour participant. “The availability of four distance riding options appeals to all individuals, team and families as the event accommodates those interested in a group ride at a leisurely pace, recreational bicyclists with an interest in challenging themselves with distance touring and athletes who begin preparing months in advance for long distance riding of 100 miles.”
    The shortest of the Tours, appealing to the recreational athletes or family, is the 25-mile or quarter century ride. Bicyclists travel from Fort Kent, along U.S. Route 1 to Frenchville and back.
    Those interested in challenging themselves with a greater distance are invited to choose from either the 50-mile, or half century, or the 62-mile, or metric century. Both of these tours take the same route to Frenchville, continuing on to either Madawaska or Lille before turning and heading back to Fort Kent.
    Then there is the 100-mile for full century. For the athletic rider, in search of challenge and adventure, this tour does not disappoint. As with the other treks, the route begins in Fort Kent and travels along U.S. Route 1, with riders heading to Van Buren. At the turn around point at the Gateway Elementary School, bicyclists stay on Route 1 to Grand Isle where they turn up onto Morneault Road and proceed to Long Lake. From there it’s back to Fort Kent by way of U.S. Route 161.
    Each of the Tours begins and ends at Northern Maine Medical Center in Fort Kent. Upon completion of their rides, bicyclists are treated to a BBQ prepared by members of the Fort Kent Rotary Club.
    The Tour de La Valleé is the major fund raising event of the Edgar J. (Guy) Paradis Cancer Fund. A service of NMMC, the Paradis Fund provides a variety of support services to St. John Valley cancer patients, survivors and their families.
    Anyone interested in learning more, or to obtain a registration packet for this year’s Tour de La Vallee, is invited to contact Nancy Daigle at 728-6439 or Allen Deeves at 834-3195, ext: 3355.