Pedaling for nature

The 10th annual Loon Echo Land Trust Hike and Bike Trek took place last weekend, an event held each year where trekkers choose between a hike up Pleasant Mountain or a 25-, 50- or 100-mile bike trek over hilly and scenic roads. This year, 193 people participated and raised nearly $30,000 for land conservation and stewardship programs. I ride in this trek every year but this year was extra special because I rode it with two of my children. Greg, 12, and Danielle, 10, announced they wanted to try to do the 50-mile ride which was quite the undertaking for kids who have never ridden even half that amount. I am happy to report that they completed the whole thing and loved every minute of it. My friend and also first-time 50-miler, Ellen Gagne, joined us and we all had a spectacular day.

Although they were the youngest, they weren’t the only children. Their 13-year-old friends Julia Rand and Katelyn Dostie, who rode the 25-mile option last year, completed 50 miles this year and cross country star Lucy Algeo easily completed 25 miles. Proving youth isn’t everything, Doug Brockelbank, Tom Dostie, Tom Meader and John Rand all completed the century ride as well as father/daughter team Jeff and Liz Stevenson. In addition to the adventurous cyclists from Raymond and beyond, many businesses and volunteers helped make this event a big success and the perfect weather, stunning views and my kids’ smiles made this one of my favorite rides of the year.

Riding through town

Speaking of cycling, do not forget that this Sunday, Oct. 3, cyclists participating in the 2nd Annual Dempsey Challenge will be riding through town. A mind-boggling 3800 people from 38 states have registered for this event which includes running and cycling treks of various lengths. The ride will be led by famous actor and Maine’s own Patrick Dempsey who will be joined by professional cyclists Contador, Levi Leipheimer, Chris Horner and Kevin Livingston. Together with hundreds of cyclists, they will ride over a challenging and scenic course that goes right through Raymond coming in from Ledge Hill Road. Cyclists participating in the 50-mile ride will turn right onto Spiller Road and over to Conesca Road. The 100-mile riders will continue straight making the grueling climb up Valley Road, down Raymond Hill Road, up Webbs Mills Road, down to Plains Road and head out to Casco via Meadow Road. Any of these areas will make excellent viewing spots, and I encourage you to come out to see them. There will also be rest stops at Jordan Small Middle School and the Casco Town Hall where cyclists stop to refuel.

This event has raised over a million dollars for the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing in Lewiston which provides high-quality education, support and wellness services to patients, survivors and caregivers. The ride starts in Auburn at 8 a.m. and I expect them to arrive in town shortly after 9. Come out to see them and cheer them on; it should be quite the sight.

AmFam tickets on sale

September flew by, October is already here and you can be sure it won’t be long before the holidays are among us. An American Family Holiday, a concert brought to you by the Windham Chamber Singers which is comprised of 40 talented high school students from Raymond and Windham, is a highlight of the season. Dr. Richard Nickerson, conductor of the group, has excitedly proclaimed that this year’s show is sure to be the best. He has booked special guests Daniel Strange, Ashley Liberty, and Sutton Foster and along with our Chamber Singers, they will provide a night of entertainment you will not want to miss. It will be hosted by WGME’s Kim Block and held on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 2 and 7:30 p.m. at the Windham Performing Arts Center. Tickets go on sale beginning Monday, Oct. 4, at 8 a.m. and I am told the show will sell out immediately. Tickets are $15 and $20 and can be purchased by calling the ticket office at 892-1810, ext. 306, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by leaving a voice mail at 892-1810, ext. 275. You can also send an e-mail to wcsingers@windham.k12.me.us or purchase them directly online by going to Mktix.com. All ticket requests must include your name, address, phone number, which show you wish to see and seating preferences. For complete details, please visit windham.k12.me.us/wsd_hs/staff/chambersingers/amfam07.cfm.

More than ?a bean supper

I often announce upcoming church suppers, but this one should not be overlooked. On Saturday, Oct. 2, Christ Chapel will once again open its doors to the community and offer a free meal. However, this one is unique because the meal will be followed by guest speaker Bill Irwin, who, with his seeing-eye dog Orient, is the only blind hiker to have completed the 2,168-mile Appalachian Trail. This is so incredible and I encourage you to come listen to the story of his adventure. We all need to be reminded of his message that no one can kill your impossible dreams. The menu consists of sliced turkey, casseroles, side dishes, desserts and drinks and will take place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the chapel at 37 Northern Pines Road off Route 85. For more information, contact Tammy Gisel at 655-5058.

Electronic recycling

A bit late on spring cleaning, I have finally started tackling the piles in my basement. I discovered two computers, a printer, scanner, stereo, television and many other items still in good shape that we no longer use and I was unsure what to do with them. Ironically, I received a notice this week announcing an electronic recycling day which will be hosted by the Windham Hill United Church of Christ on Saturday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Windham Mall next to Friendly’s. They will graciously accept televisions, computer monitors and CPU’s, cordless phones, VCRs, DVDs, and audio equipment. No household appliances such stoves, refrigerators and microwaves will be accepted. This event is sponsored by the church and eWaste Recycling Solutions. For more information, contact Judy at 652-5989.

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