PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — BikeMaine is coming to Aroostook County, and organizers will host a kickoff party in Presque Isle on Saturday, Feb. 3.
The gathering will be held at the Sargent Family Community Center in Presque Isle from 4:30 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 3. The event is free and open to the public. In case of inclement weather the snow date is Feb. 10.
In only five years, BikeMaine has become an iconic cycling event, with the details of each year’s route eagerly anticipated by cyclists throughout the country and around the world. The event is spearheaded by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine.
The party will feature the unveiling of the route and the specific host communities for BikeMaine 2018: Acadia in the St. John Valley – La Terre Entre Deux. Coalition staff will be on hand to provide specific information about BikeMaine and its positive impacts on communities.
In addition, the Coalition will honor individuals who went above and beyond on behalf of Maine cycling with the 2017 Bicycle Coalition of Maine Awards, and draw the winners of the 2018 Super Raffle. The event will be preceded by educational, advocacy, and on-bike programming.
Frank Gallagher, communications director for the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, said BikeMaine has become both a widely anticipated event among cyclists and an opportunity for economic growth; in 2017 it contributed more than $600,000 to the local economy in the Maine Lakes and Mountains region. Last year’s event was capped at 400 riders, but this year that cap has been increased to 450.
The coalition is the statewide voice of cyclists and pedestrians. Since 1992, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine has led the effort to make Maine better for bicycling and walking by protecting the rights and safety of cyclists and pedestrians through education, advocacy, legislation and encouragement. For more information visit bikemaine.org.
