Trek Across Maine 2009

Yesterday I registered for the 2009 Trek Across Maine. It is a 3 day 180 mile bike ride from Bethel to Belfast, Maine to raise money for the American Lung Association. A couple of years ago I rode the MS150 (1,2) and had a great time, so this year when Wife suggested I do 'the trek' I was all over it. Plus I could use the training leading up to the ride.

The fundraiser minimum is $500 and I would really like the help of my fellow bloggers in reaching this goal. To each blogger that donates I will do a post about you. What else could I offer? really.

I have set up a fund raising page through ALA for tax deductible donations. I should also mention that I am riding on the PercyCycles Team. It is a small team based out of the small shop that I do my bike repair and wheel building through. I can't wait for June.

Great Day for a Ride

On Sunday last I prepared the Trek and hit the road. I needed the ride after driving for 8 hours the day before.
With no real loop in mind, but feeling strong I ended up taking myself across the Dresden swing bridge and up Blinn Hill. At the top of Blinn Hill I could see Mt. Washington in the distance. It must be 75 miles away but there it was.

On the decent from Blinn I got my speed up to 51 mph. My highest ever. after 45 it starts to get scary fast. But my skills are good and my fear is minimal. As i bottomed out of the decline I let out a big " woo hoooooo".

On the return home I met another rider...he had been to Wiscassett and was nearly done for the day. We rode along together for a couple of miles. I still had about a dozen miles to get home.

I sped up the drive way and looked at my computer. 46 miles.

That is a good day of riding.