ROCKLAND — Snow Marine Park, in Rockland, will be a layover point during the 2019 BikeMaine Trek, September 7 - 14.

Cyclists will start rolling into Rockland on the afternoon of September 10, and will ride out the morning of September 12. 

For an entire day, upwards of 450 cyclists and 80 BikeMaine volunteers will rest their legs, park their gear, explore local attractions, and eat.

“In particular, I'd say that all the restaurants in town should be ready for an influx of business, as the riders will be on their own for three meals; it's the only day we don't feed them,” said BikeMaine Ride Director Will Elting, in an email.

Now in its seventh year, a mission of Bicycle Coaltion of Maine for the annual trek is to be an economic driver. Since 2013, the trek has generated a $3 million impact for the state while highlighting different regions. Last year’s route brought cyclists through Northern Aroostook County. This year, the trek is called Coastal Connections, connecting Southern Kennebec Valley with Midcoast Maine.

Registration is sold out. However, a wait list exists, as does the option of volunteering.

Day 1, riders pedal from Waterville to Hope, camping at Alford Lake Camp.

Day 2 takes riders from Hope, down the Pemaquid Penninsula, and back north to Round Top Farm in Damariscotta.

Day 3 draws participants through Nobleboro, Waldoboro, the farm fields of Whitney Corner, and Thomaston before stopping in Rockland.

Day 5 gets them back on the banana seat for a trip to Belfast via Camden, Lincolnville, and Belmont.

Day 6 is a loop taking riders around Swan Lake, Jackson, Monroe, Searsport, and back to Belfast.

Day 7 takes cyclists back to their Waterville starting point via Montville and Monroe.

(View route maps per day here)

In Rockland, preparations are already underway, according to Wilting. BikeMaine has trained local officials in “all the ins and outs of the event,”  he said.

These local officials, which includes Gordon Page, of Rockland Maine Street, Inc., have a long list of ideas for activities and events for the riders, and a local committee is being formed, according to Wilting.

“Rockland is a quintessential Maine community with much to offer our riders, so it was kind of a no-brainer when we were looking at the region,” said Elting. “Between the restaurants, cultural attractions, and historical landmarks, Rockland really encapsulates some of the best of what BikeMaine tries to promote about the state.”  

BikeMaine is a different event from the annual Trek Across Maine, which occurs in June and is in its 35th year. That route will begin at Brunswick Landing in Brunswick, and take riders through cities including Augusta, Auburn, Bath, Belgrade, Freeport, and Lewiston. 

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com