Camp Sunshine benfits from event

CASCO — Camp Sunshine, a one-of-a-kind national retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families, recently announced that the Auburn-based Pine Tree Trail Riders presented an $800 check to support Maine families following a two-day charity ride this past fall. To date, the club has raised nearly $4,000 for Camp Sunshine.

Founded in 1969, the Pine Tree Trail Riders represent the oldest all-terrain vehicle (ATV) organization in the state of Maine. Members ride every type of ATV imaginable, from vintage to new. All levels of experience are welcome and members include beginners, pro motocross competitors, ice racing and hare scramble gurus, and even past international U.S. team endurance riders.

Last fall, the Pine Tree Trail Riders held a two-day ride from Buckfield to Bethel and back; participants stayed overnight at the Sunday River ski resort. The Pine Tree Trail Riders have more than 100 members, and although most are from right here in Maine, their constituents are from across the Northeast.

Michael Smith, director of special events at Camp Sunshine, stated, "We are just pleased that they continue to find places to ride annually, and that their efforts to support Camp Sunshine to this point have helped change the lives of ill children and their families from across the state."

While the Pine Tree Trail Riders organize weekend rides most Sundays in various places across Maine, members also travel to events across the Northeast to represent the club. The Auburn-based club also takes responsibility for maintaining some of the trails in the area, and members are encouraged to offer trail assistance to local snowmobile and four-wheel clubs whenever possible.

"We are really trying to make sure residents and landowners here in Maine know that we care about the community," said Pete Gagnon, president of the Pine Tree Trail Riders. "Maintaining access to private land continues to be a yearly challenge, and trails that we are legally allowed to ride on one year may be closed the next. This event, and our continued support of Camp Sunshine, is just one example of why some of these trails need to be kept public."