BIKING INTO DOVER-FOXCROFT

On the afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 8 about 250 bicyclists began to arrive in Dover-Foxcroft from eastern Piscataquis County via the Vaughn Road during the inaugural Bike Maine ride. The group of cyclists, which represented 33 states including Alaska and New Mexico, are in the midst of a seven-day, 400-mile ride throughout central and coastal Maine. The Bike Maine riders spent the night at Kiwanis Park in Dover-Foxcroft, after enjoying a meal at Foxcroft Academy and taking in the sights of town, before departing for Belfast the following morning.

Top: Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom
Bottom: Observer photo/Jeannette Hughes

    The first rider to arrive in Milo from Orono was John Cavanaugh of South Portland. He left Orono at 8 a.m. and arrived at the American Legion Post 41 lunch stop at 10:45 a.m. He has participated in 33 long distance bike rides prior to Bike Maine. Cavanaugh has done three in Oregon, one in Colorado, 17 across Maine and he has taken part in the MS Ride 11 times in Maine and once in Rhode Island. When the riders arrived in Milo, they were cold, wet and hungry, and they welcomed a warm dry place to sit and eat and relax. The hot coffee, soup, chowder and chili were a big hit.

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom

    WELCOME TO DOVER-FOXCROFT! — Riders in the inaugural Bike Maine event got a taste of the local favor as they were greeted on outer Vaughn Road in Dover-Foxcroft by Maine Whoopie Pie Festival organizer Patrick Myers, his daughter Alice and festival mascot Sweetie Pie. On Sunday, Sept. 8 the seven-day, 400-mile ride began with the bicyclists departing from Orono and traveling into Piscataquis County, riding through Milo, Brownville and Sebec before arriving in Dover-Foxcroft where they camped at the Bike Maine village set up at Kiwanis Park.

Observer photos/Stuart Hedstrom

    BICYCLE TRAFFIC — Bike Maine riders traveled through in-town Dover-Foxcroft on the afternoon of Sept. 8 as they arrived from eastern Piscataquis County. Clockwise from above left, the bicyclists came into Dover-Foxcroft via the Vaughn Road, before turning toward Essex Street. At the intersection of Essex Street and Lincoln Street, the riders were directed where to go as they traveled to Kiwanis Park behind the PRYMCA for an overnight stay.