BikeMaine 2013 extends entry deadline to Aug. 1

If you’ve spent the weekend kicking yourself because you missed out on the deadline for BikeMaine 2013, I’ve got some great news for you.

The entry deadline has been extended to Aug. 1.

BikeMaine 2013, which is being organized by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, is an ambitious project. Participants will spend a week in September touring eastern Maine, starting in Orono and continuing to Dover-Foxcroft, Belfast, Castine, Bar Harbor and Ellsworth.

In all, riders will cover 400 miles and be welcomed by enthusiastic volunteers in each host town.

Brian Allenby, Bicycle Coalition of Maine communications director, recently said that the ride could appeal to a wide range of cyclists.

“I think it’s important to reiterate that you don’t have to be a superman to ride this ride,” Allenby said. “If you’re a fit rider with some training this summer, you’ll be able to do it.”

This year organizers have capped the field of riders at 350; the entry fee is $875.

Billed as a “400-mile celebration of Maine,” the tour includes camping at each site, along with 18 meals, entertainment and support along the route.

To enter or learn more, click here.

The route:

Saturday, Sept. 7, Arrive in Orono

Day 1: Sunday, Sept. 8, Orono to Dover-Foxcroft, 70 miles

Day 2: Monday, Sept. 9, Dover-Foxcroft to Belfast, 69 miles.

Day 3: Tuesday, Sept. 10, Belfast to Castine, 73 miles.

Day 4: Wednesday, Sept. 11, Castine to Bar Harbor, 62 miles.

Day 5: Thursday, Sept. 12, rest day in Bar Harbor.

Day 6: Friday, Sept. 13, Bar Harbor to Camp Jordan, Ellsworth, 69 miles.

Day 7: Saturday, Sept. 14, Camp Jordan, Ellsworth, to Orono, 57 miles.

Editor’s note: BDN Maine is a sponsor of BikeMaine 2013.

John Holyoke

About John Holyoke

John Holyoke has been enjoying himself in Maine's great outdoors since he was a kid. Today, he's the Outdoors editor for the BDN, a job that allows him to meet up with Maine outdoors enthusiasts in their natural habitat. The stories he gathers provide fodder for his columns, and this blog.