2nd Annual Trail-A-Thon

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Second Annual Eastern Trail Trail-A-Thon - Saturday,
October 4, 2003

Final Plans for Events in Communities along the Eastern Trail
Updated 9/24/2003

Note: The first region-wide event for the Eastern Trail Alliance in October 2002 drew many new people to both the pleasures of the scenic on-road route and allowed a few a taste of what the actual trail itself will offer in the future. It also served as an invaluable foundation to continue to build this event into a keystone for the future success of the ETA as increasing numbers of people will be attracted to the trail for the first time, then to continue to come to it for both recreation and practical use. Thank you to all the volunteers and businesses that contributed to the first year. Click here to view information, including news articles and pictures, from the 2002 Trail-a-Thon.

Following the successful first Eastern Trail Alliance in October 2002, ETA Trustee Kevin Dawson organized our 2003 event. The goal is to introduce bike riders, walker and others to the On-Road Eastern Trail. The On-Road ET is marked with signs from Kittery to Casco Bay. A no-cost trail guide with maps is available for downloading from www.EasternTrail.Org. Come enjoy it!

All bike riders must wear helmets to participate. Those under 18 are invited to participate but only if they are accompanied by at least one parent. Trails and life have risks. Participants are responsible for their own safety. Those who do not occasionally experience outings of the lengths described should select a shorter event.
Bring lunches and beverages for the longer rides. Rides will begin mid morning. Exact times and meeting places can be learned by contacting your trip leader. See below. Planned activities for Eastern Trail-a-Thon 2003 listed from west to east are:

South Berwick – ETA Trustee Beth Jordan will lead a 20-to-25 mile loop-ride on the On-Road Eastern Trail. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at Vaughn Woods State Park. For more information and to register, send e-mail to jasonbeth@metrocast.net, or call 207-324-1565.

South Berwick-Wells ETMD Trustee Terrence Parker will lead a 50-mile, up and back route leaving at 11 a.m. from Vaughn Woods State Park on Old Fields Road in South Berwick The group will head north for 25 miles at a riding pace between 16 and 17 mph. The leader may be contacted at 207.384.5330 or by e-mail at Terrence@terrafirmalandarch.com.

A Kennebunk to Scarborough 50+ mile loop bike-ride will be led by ETA Member Peter Chace. Meet at Kennebunk Middle School at 9:00 a.m. For more information send e-mail to pchace@adelphia.net, or call leader at 207-985-7548. Start time: 9:00am

Biddeford-Arundel-Kennebunk - ETA Vice President Ethan Davis will lead a 30-mile loop ride following the On-Road Eastern Trail from Biddeford through Arundel into Kennebunk. The return route will follow coastal roads. Meet at the JFK school parking lot on West and Hill St. at 9:30AM Contact Ethan at recumbo@gwi.net, 284-7572

Old Orchard Beach will celebrate Eastern Trail-a-Thon with a ten-mile loop ride following the On-Road ET to Scarborough. Meet at 9 a.m. at Memorial Field Park across from the Amtrak station. The return ride will follow part of the Off-Road ET. This, the easiest ride, is intended for children accompanied by a parent. Click here to view a flyer with a map for this ride. Contact ETA President and trip leader John Andrews at Jandrews@GWI.Net, 282-1979

A Scarborough Marsh 3-mile walk will be led on the Off-Road ET by ETA volunteers. A naturalist may accompany the group. Trip departs from the trailhead parking lot west of Black Point Road at approximately 9:30 a.m. To register or for more information send e-mail to ETA Trustee Bob Bowker rbowker@gwi.net, 883-3271 or Tom Daley, 883-6183

A Scarborough-South Portland a 10 (or 20) mile on-road bicycle ride to Bug Light that includes the South Portland Greenbelt. Bring helmets (required), snacks, water, family, and friends! (Return ride optional - transportation will be provided.) Trip will depart from the trailhead parking lot west of Black Point Road at approximately 9:30 a.m. To register, or for more information, send e-mail to ETA Trustee Bob Bowker rbowker@gwi.net, 883-3271 or ETA Trustee Tom Daley, 883-6183.

A Scarborough Marsh 3-mile bike ride will be offered for families with young children. Trip departs from the trailhead parking lot west of Black Point Road at approximately 9:30 a.m. To register or for more information, send e-mail to ETA Trustee Bob Bowker rbowker@gwi.net, 883-3271 or Tom Daley, 883-6183

To get learn more about the Trail-a-thon and each local event, contact Marie at the ETA, 207-284-9260 or monitor this web page, or the main page at www.easterntrail.org.