 |
Staff photo/Kevin Sjoberg Gregg Collins of Caribou, left, and Von Perry of Easton head into the rest stop at Cary Medical Center after completing the first leg of Ride Aroostook Aug. 10. |
Despite low numbers at its third annual event held Aug. 10 and 11, Ride Aroostook officials are still calling the fundraiser for Camp Adventure a success and are already looking ahead to 2014.
“We had 43 people register [compared to 90 in 2012), so our numbers were down,” said Bill Flagg, Cary Medical Center’s director of community relations and development and one of the organizers of the ride. “Still, we raised almost as much money in pledges as last year with six riders raising more than $500, including three that raised more than 1,000,” he added.
He said the volunteer effort was remarkable, with approximately 60 volunteers involved over the two days. Loring Job Corps provided 37 students and several Washburn District High School National Honor Society students also participated.
“We had more local adult volunteers that ever before and we had some 40 sponsors,” Flagg said, “and without them, this event would not be possible.”
Flagg said there were some competing bicycling events, including a ride for muliple sclerosis, that organizers were not aware of when planning the date for Ride Aroostook.
“I think we have built a great event and we are already planning for next year,” he said.
Highlighting the 2013 ride was the participation of Project Hero, including Col. Barbara Springer and Capt. Sandy Buckle, along with U.S. cross country skiing champion and Olympian Kris Freeman.
“We also had a Camp Adventure camper with Type 1 diabetes, Chris Farley, ride in the event,” Flagg said. “There was a very special program during the dinner on Saturday night.”
“Our volunteer committee really did a great job,” he continued. “We are very excited about next year and hope to build our participation to 100 riders.”
