Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Wheels will spin 180 miles in support of pure air and prevention of lung disease this June. Thirty-eight cyclists from Aroostook County plan to participate in the annul Trek Across Maine from June 13 to 15 to raise funds for the American Lung Association of Maine.
The event brings together over 2,000 bikers to push their lungs and muscles to the limit in three days of biking from Sunday River to Belfast for Maine’s lung health. Melanie Stewart, owner of Mojo’s and avid outdoor enthusiast, decided to participate in the race as a personal biking goal and grew up the team through promotion at the Presque Isle shop.
Team Mojo includes Andrew Coiley, Anja Whittington, Anne Marshall, Barbara Bartlett, Brent Grass, Cary Grant, Catherine Donovan, Dean Collin, Denise Condon, Denise Doughty, Douglas Cyr, Elissa Madore, Erin Bartlett, Glen Stairs, Hal Stewart, Jared Jandreau, Jeff Bennett, Jessica Grass, Joe Weber, John Marshall, Jonathan Kelley, Katherine Cantin, Kelly Hoffses, Kerry Flanagin, Kim McCrea, Kirk Ward, Kyle Washington, Marcia Hartt, Mark Fullen, Melissa Arndt, Penny McHatten, Peter Forbes, Rob Kieffer, Sean Donovan, Stephanie Caverhill, Steve Ayotte, Tonya Alexander and Vanessa Patenaude.
The 2008 event will mark the first Trek and long-distance bike ride for several of the members. However, the team has continued their indoor winter spin training to outdoor rides to increase their endurance for the event. The members keep each other going to get ready for the big weekend.
“I’ve been primarily riding with a fellow trekker and colleague, Anja Whittington,” said McCrea. “We help to keep each other motivated, especially when the temps are cold or the weather is not the best outside. We look to start increasing our mileage and doing some group rides in preparation for the event.”
The racers will travel along a route showing off the variety of Maine’s scenery from the mountains and thick woods inland to the rocky coastal areas while raising awareness of the importance of keeping Maine’s air fresh for future generations.
“The event is twofold,” explained Hartt. “It’s a fund-raising event that advocates a healthy lifestyle and keeps us in check with what we are all trying to do as we work hard to stay active. I have participated in many fund-raising events, all worthwhile, but this one allows me to continue my exercise routine and advocate an important cause. Unfortunately, myself included, we take for granted the air that we breathe. We are very fortunate to live in an area that allows us to breathe unpolluted air. Let’s hope our next generation is as lucky.”
While the bikers continue to collect donations to benefit ALAME, the event itself promises to raise awareness of the ALAME cause as the bikers pass through several Maine communities. “I like that ALAME is using cycling because there isn’t any other human-powered activity that can cover as much distance and bring as much attention,” commented Washington.
For many of the participants, including Bennett, the cause of the race has a more personal meaning. Bennett, himself a cancer survivor for four years, has already worked with events put on by Komen Maine and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. “Cancer f the number one cause of death in this country (under the age of 85), and impacts three out of four families, so I will always be raising awareness and participating when I can to raise funds.”
Each cyclist must raise a minimum of $500 to participate in the event, and members of team Mojo are still looking for donations. For more information about the event and to contribute to the local team, visit www.mainelung.org/Events/Trek/index.asp and click on “Pledge a Trekker” to search for individuals by name. Links are also available to view the teams and their progress.
Staff photo/Meridith Paterson
NOAH RUSH-MABRY in the 1,600-meter race walk event.
