Fort Kent to Kittery ride
will raise funds for cancer charities
What started as an idea to honor a loved one who passed from cancer seven years ago and support a current one receiving treatment, has evolved into 12 cycling friends from Aroostook taking the challenge of riding from Fort Kent to Kittery with the goal of raising money for cancer.
From passion, dedication and inspiration, Spokes for Hope was established. In its inaugural year during the summer of 2009, Spokes for Hope raised nearly $8,000 for the cancer charities it supported; with another $6,000 raised in 2010.
Ten cyclists and two friends driving support vehicles will make their way from Fort Kent to Kittery over five days beginning Thursday, Sept. 1. The nearly 400 miles will be covered over the Labor Day weekend, with two consecutive days of 100 miles ridden.
Spokes for Hope riders are made up of: Stephanie Caverhill, Dan Jandreau and Brent Jepson of Caribou, Sarah Gahagan, Jonathan Kelly, Penny McHatten, Kyle Washington and Denise Theriault of Presque Isle, Cary Grant of New Sweden and Brent Grass of Mars Hill.
Cancer has affected the lives of each rider, making this venture all the more reason to face the challenge of a multi-day, extensive ride.
This year two charities were chosen to support; C.A.N.C.E.R. (Caring Area Neighbors for Cancer Education and Recover based in Presque Isle) and the Dempsey Challenge, October 8 and 9 in Lewiston, benefiting the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing.
The first day will take riders from Fort Kent to Houlton along Routes 161 and 1; day two will travel along Route 2A and 2 and finish in Bangor; day three will travel along Route 202 and finish in Augusta; day four will travel along Routes 201 and 1 and finish in Portland; and the final day will travel along Route 1 finishing at the Maine/New Hampshire border in Kittery.
Please visit www.spokesforhope.com for donation links, more information, and daily updates along the ride.
