Trekkers’ Pedal to the Port 2013

Thomaston, Maine - Trekkers’ fifth annual Pedal to the Port bike ride raised over $12,000 for its youth programs. After being postponed due to the inclement weather on Saturday, the ride took place on Sunday, June 9th.  In spite of the last minute date change, over 80 riders participated in the event, enjoying the scenic route and the post-ride cookout. All funds raised directly support the students who participate in Trekkers’ mentoring programs. 

Of the eighty-two participants, 18 of them were current students and 4 alumni Trekkers. Riders in this year’s family-friendly event chose one of three routes, which took them from Oceanside High School West down the St. George peninsula and back. The 35-mile and 45-mile options included a rest stop at Marshall Point Lighthouse in Port Clyde. There was also a guided ride for students who chose the 12-mile route. It was led by Trekkers’ program staff and adult mentors.  

Dozens of community members contributed to this year’s success. Volunteers welcomed and registered participants before the ride. Representatives from Side Country Sports in Rockland offered complementary bicycle tune-ups before the ride. Joel Fishman from the Bicycle Coalition of Maine provided safety suggestions that were relayed to all participants by Trekkers’ Executive Director Don Carpenter before the ride began. Volunteers from Rockland, South Thomaston, St. George and Thomaston EMS monitored all the major turns and intersections along the routes. And, many helpers prepared and served a post-ride potluck-style cookout at Oceanside West High School to the cyclists and volunteers.  

Fifteen local businesses sponsored this year’s event. The primary Pedal to the Port 2013 sponsors included Epifanes North America, Inc., The First Bank, FMC BioPolymer, Glen Cove Dental Associates, Harbor Builders, Harbor Road Veterinary Hospital, Lonza Rockland, Maine Coast Petroleum, Inc, Side Country Sports and Summer Maine Classic Vacation Rentals.  Other businesses that sponsored the event were Bay Chiropractic Center, Brooks Trap Mill, Coastal Documentation, Eastern Tire & Auto Service, Inc., Superior Bait and Salt, 

Expressing his appreciation for all the community volunteers and business sponsors, Trekkers Executive Director, Don Carpenter, commented, “We are so grateful to the all the community volunteers and to the local business community for their support. The success of this year’s fundraiser, as well as the success of our youth mentoring programs, is dependent on the generosity and support of this community. At events like this, it is clearly visible that our community cares about the young people who are growing up here. We truly appreciate the way everyone comes together to support Trekkers and local youth.” 

Trekkers is a non-profit, outdoor-based mentoring organization that connects young people with caring adults through expeditionary learning, community service and adventure-based education. Pedal to the Port is one of the organization’s primary fundraising events.

To learn more about Trekkers, please visit www.trekkers.org or contact the Trekkers office by calling 207-594-5095.