Loon Echo Hike ‘n Bike Trek Raises Funds for Land Conservation in the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine

Out and About for the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine, Sept 9 to 15
September 8, 2010
Tranquil Beauty Surrounds the Belgrade Lakes Region Town of Fayette, Maine
September 12, 2010

Loon Echo Hike ‘n Bike Trek Raises Funds for Land Conservation in the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine


The tenth annual Loon Echo Hike ‘n Bike Trek will begin just above the shores of Moose Pond in West Bridgton. On Saturday, September 18, 2010, you can join the toughest 100-mile bike trek in Maine, with 25 and 50 mile options, or hike six miles along the ridge of Pleasant Mountain.
Bikers will ride through the spectacular mountain and farmland country of western Maine while hikers will travel the ridge of southern Maine’s tallest mountain.All events begin and end at Shawnee Peak Ski Area on Mountain Road. Riders and hikers will be fully supported on their journeys with rest stops, all with water, and some with energy snacks, gatorade and porta-potties. Safety vehicles will patrol the bike routes. There will also be a rest stop at the summit of Pleasant Mountain for hikers. The 100-mile Bike Trek is known as the “toughest century ride in Maine” as riders pass through Waterford, tackle a big hill at Hunt’s Corner in Albany Township, head up to Bethel and down through Evan’s Notch, with a vertical decent of 1,200 feet.
About 40 people continually make the annual pilgrimage with Loon Echo and about 250 participate overall. The 25 and 50 mile Trek heads over Knights Hill to Fryeburg Harbor, with the longer route continuing on to the beginning of Evans Notch.
Carrie Walia, executive director of Loon Echo Land Trust notes, “The ‘looney girls,’ three local ladies, have been riding in the Trek since 2004. They have become our spokespeople because they created handmade loon heads and wear them on their helmets.”
Though pledges aren’t required, they are encouraged to help the cause. And those who raise pledges are entered into the prize pool giveaway held at the end of the event. Funds support conservation projects and programs in the seven towns Loon Echo serves: Bridgton, Casco, Denmark, Naples, Harrison, Sebago and Raymond. All registrants are invited to partake of a delicious barbecue after completing their Trek.
The Hike ‘n Bike was originally started by Connie Cross of Casco, Wendy Newcomb and Deb Dolan of Sebago, and Elizabeth Algeo of Raymond, as a 30-mile trek around Sebago Lake State Park to raise funds for land conservation. The Trek moved to Shawnee Peak Ski Area the following year. Three years ago the hiking option along the ridge of Pleasant Mountain was added to the Bike Trek, giving non-cyclists an opportunity to participate.
Carrie Walia says, “[The hike] connects people to Loon Echo’s largest land preserve, Pleasant Mountain. The mountain is the tallest in southern Maine, so the hike is moderately challenging, crossing over four summits.”
“To see all age groups and abilities participate, and retuning after their Trek with a smile on their face, makes it worth it to the staff and volunteers who put it together.
Many Lake Region businesses and residents become involved with Loon Echo through the Trek, either sponsoring the event or participating in it. Especially since the hike was added, awareness for preserving our landscape and providing local trails to our community has been an integral part of our event. We hope to build on the community involvement by having local bikers and hikers support Loon Echo this year, to ensure our community is adequately served by Loon Echo into the future,” says Carrie.
You can become involved by participating in the event, sponsoring a participant and cheering folks on during their Trek. And while you are here, consider taking a look at lakefront property on Moose Pond.

Search for properties on Moose Pond in Bridgton and Denmark

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