Loon Echo Trek a huge success

BRIDGTON — The light rain that fell overnight cleared just as cars loaded with cyclists and hikers entered Shawnee Peak Ski Area ready to embark on the 12th annual Loon Echo Trek to benefit Loon Echo Land Trust.

More than 100 cyclists started their 100-mile ride at 8 a.m. and the sun began to shine and reveal outstanding views of Western Maine and the White Mountains. Over 200 trekkers riding the 25- and 50-mile courses, as well as hikers who climbed Pleasant Mountain, all left at 10 a.m.

Just over 300 people rode in the Trek, choosing between the 25-, 50- or 100-mile routes through some of Maine’s most beautiful scenery. Century riders had a challenging ride through Evans Notch but had nothing but good things to say.

Forty-eight people participated in a 6.2 mile hike trek over Pleasant Mountain and Loon Echo’s conservation land. Jon Evans, Stewardship and Volunteer Coordinator for LELT and part of the final group of hikers was pleased with the turnout, the highest number of hikers to date. Hikers were treated to three rest stops along the way, each stocked with goodies including the final stop where hikers indulged in whoopie pies on the peak of Shawnee.

A total of $37,000 was raised from the event, including entry fees, pledges raised by participants, and business sponsorship contributions. An additional $35,000 was received in in-kind contributions from area businesses. Top individual fundraisers were Ken Smith who raised $1400, David Silk with $1000, and John Keller, who raised $820.

Prizes for individuals included a season pass to Shawnee Peak Ski Area, a weekend stay at Cam Wigwam’s retreat on Bear Pond, and a weekend getaway at Migis Lodge. Trekkers who raised at least $250 received a bag full of goodies including a Shawnee Peak day ski pass.

The Trek’s Platinum sponsors included Integrated Forest Management, Shawnee Peak Ski Area, 98.9 WCLZ, 93.5 WMWV and Magic 104 FM; Gold sponsors included Appalachian Mountain Club, Migis Lodge, and Norway Savings Bank; Silver sponsors included About Time Graphics, Allagash Brewing Company, Atayne, The Bridgton News, Camp Wigwam, Ernie’s Cycle Shop, Hannaford Supermarkets, HealthSource, Moose Landing Marina, and Yankee Amateur Radio Emergency Service; Bronze sponsors included Bridgton Hospital, Cardinal Printing, Chalmers Insurance Agency, DLD, Macdonald Motors, and Main Eco Homes.

The Trek’s other business and community supporters included Bethel Bicycle Club, Bridgton Police, USFS – White Mountain National Forest, Wilkins Community Center, Saco Valley Fire Association, Sweden Selectmen, United Ambulance, Camp Wyonegonic, Five Fields Farm, Road I.D., The Good Life Market and Poland Spring Water.

The 13th Annual Loon Echo Trek is scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2013. Start training now!