2019 Trek Across Maine New Route Announced
The Trek Across Maine and the American Lung Association have confirmed that the ride for this year, which marks the event’s 35th anniversary, will have a new route that includes even more cities and towns in Maine.
The annual event, which takes place Friday, June 14, through Sunday, June 16, is the country’s largest fundraising event for the American Lung Association. Since 1985, it has raised over $24 million for the prevention and treatment of lung disease.
This year, nearly 2,000 cyclists and 750 volunteers are expected to participate in the Trek Across Maine. Three routes are available, each one with a different level of mileage and fundraising. A virtual trek is also available to allow more supporters to participate and be rewarded for exercise options that match the trek experience.
The 2019 route will start and finish at Brunswick Landing and encompass more cities and towns, including Augusta and Lewiston. The itinerary still includes Team Tent City at Colby College in Waterville but features additional rest steps, one of which is at L.L. Bean in Freeport.
A pre-trek dinner will be hosted at Flight Deck on Thursday, June 13. The event, which takes place over the Father’s Day weekend, is expected to have a positive economic impact in the regions added to this year’s itinerary.
Come Celebrate in Lewiston!
On Friday, June 14, Lewiston will be hosting Trek Downtown, a block party event that will close Lisbon Street between Ash and Main Streets to vehicle traffic. There will be food trucks, a beer garden in Dufresne Plaza and live music from Skosh starting at 7:00 p.m. Community members are invited to eat, drink, visit local businesses and, of course, cheer on the cyclists.
Bicycle Safety Reminders
A new public service announcement from the American Lung Association of the Northeast is advising motorists that more cyclists will be on the road during the days leading up to the event. To help ensure a safe and enjoyable weekend, here are some recommended safety tips.
For Motorists:
- Watch carefully for bicyclists before turning. The majority of collisions occur when a cyclist is riding straight and a car is turning right, into the bike’s trajectory.
- Confirm that no cyclists are approaching before opening a car door near traffic.
- Be alert when changing lanes or approaching intersections.
- Look both ways as you back out of a driveway.
- Refrain from impaired or distracted driving
For Cyclists:
- Wear a helmet.
- Slow down at intersections.
- Signal your turns.
- Look behind you or in a mirror before moving left into the lane of traffic.
- Do not wear headphones.s
- Wear bright reflective clothing, even during the day.
- Apply blinking lights to your clothing or bicycle.
Bicycling is an enjoyable way of maintaining physical fitness, and when you participate in the Trek Across Maine, you combine a healthy pastime with excellent cause. At Fales & Fales, we wish every participant a safe and invigorating ride, and look forward to welcoming all participants in Lewiston on the 14th!
