While event organizers of the highly anticipated Tour de La Valleé are finalizing plans for the 19th annual bicycling event, to be held rain or shine on Sunday, August 16, bicyclists from throughout the region are also preparing on area bike trails and roadways.
Since its inception in 1990, the Tour has built a reputation among bicyclists as being a well supported bicycling adventure offering various degree of riding challenge, camaraderie, good food, and breath taking panoramic views of the most picturesque areas of the St. John Valley.
“The Tour de La Valleé offers a unique bicycling experience in that it appeals to riders of all levels and ages,” notes 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.
“What identifies the Tour de La Valleé as an exceptional bicycling event is the degree of support afforded to riders,” Daigle commented. “More than 100 volunteers contribute by staffing rest and lunch stops positioned every 10 miles along each route. Others circulate along the various routes in support vehicles, ready to lend a hand, or ride to those riders in need of assistance. As a result of the tremendous volunteer support, riders are able to focus on the road, enjoy the companionship of others in the group, and take in the stunning views unique to this region.”
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. An added benefit is the availability of therapists of NMMC’s Rehab Therapy Department, who are available to tend to those in need of stretching sore and tired muscles.
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. Monies raised through these and over events held throughout the year, assure that area individuals affected with a cancer diagnosis are provided with the knowledge and assistance they need to deal and cope with this experience.
Sponsors of the 2009 Tour de La Valleé include, Baker, Newman, and Noyes, Irving, Paradis Investments, Key Bank, Fraser, University of Maine at Fort Kent, and Northern Maine Medical Center. Other contributors include St. Agatha Federal Credit Union, NorState Federal Credit Union, and Acadia Federal Credit Union.
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 462-0277, or Allen Deeves at 834-1931.