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[Eds. note: This article makes many references to the Eastern Tail Alliance’s Maine Lighthouse Ride and Bob Bowker, the founder of that ride and long time ETA Trustee and officer.]

Cycling advocates think a more bike-centric culture could take hold in Maine as a result of the pandemic.

By Deirdre Fleming, Staff Writer Maine Sunday Telegram. Published May 10, 2020

When Bob Bowker’s daughter, MacKenzie, asked for ideas on where to ride her bicycle in Maine this spring, he had an easy answer. Bowker, founder of the popular Maine Lighthouse Ride, suggested she try the southern portion of the 100-mile lighthouse route, where coastal views abound.

The expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean and rocky beaches in the Kennebunks delighted MacKenzie Bowker, a jewelry maker and bike tour guide.

“I’m trying to ride local,” MacKenzie Bowker said. “I wanted something along the water. It’s nice to have those views. (My boyfriend and I) took a couple of different roads just because they went closer to the water. There was slightly less traffic than normal. So we were able to cruise around and not have to worry about out-of-staters.”

Bowker is not alone in seeking out new bicycle routes at this time. Bike paths have been busy and crowded during the pandemic, so many cyclists are looking for other options, bike advocates say.

“I see a lot of riders out riding by themselves now,” said Victor Langelo, ride director for the Merrymeeting Wheelers Bicycle Club. “The group rides are not taking place, because it’s not socially responsible right now. But there are a lot of bikes on the roads.”

Resources are plentiful for cyclists wanting to explore new roadways…….

You can read the entire article online here

Biddeford -In the midst of the uncertainty of COVID-19, the Eastern Trail Alliance will not hold its usual in-person event, the 2020 Maine Lighthouse Ride, on a single day. Instead, the event will take place with a ‘do it yourself’ flavor, challenging participants to choose their own path, and their own distance, their own experience. The MLR is the Eastern Trail’s largest operational fundraiser. This annual event helps keep the lights on and allows us to continue our mission to complete this glorious 65 mile trail.

The event has been renamed the Maine Lighthouse Experience and will take place the week of September 5-12, offering participants an opportunity to not only ride, but to walk or run a route of their choice in support of the Eastern Trail. The ETA will provide participants with some suggested routes for various lengths for those completing the event in Maine. A Go Pro Video of the various Maine Lighthouse Rides –25, 40, 62 and 100 miles will be available so you can either ride it at home, or ride it in person! All participants will be entered to win raffle prizes. Every rider, runner and walker will earn additional raffle entries based on their level of participation.

“Given the social distancing and stay at home orders, it has never been more evident how important the Eastern Trail truly is to our Maine community. Our 65 miles of glorious on and off road trails have offered a wonderful reprieve for these uncertain and stressful days. The Lighthouse Ride is the Eastern Trail’s largest operational fundraiser. This annual event helps keep the lights on and allows us to continue our mission to complete an off road 65-mile trail,” states Nancy Borg, Executive Director of the Eastern Trail Alliance. “Though we cannot be together for fellowship and celebration, we feel it is imperative to continue supporting our mission,” Borg concludes.

Plans are currently underway. Stay tuned for more information by visiting https://www.easterntrail.org/mle or following the Eastern Trail on Facebook or Instagram.

Land trusts in southern Maine are determined to keep trails open, but managing crowds during the pandemic has been a struggle.

BY DEIRDRE FLEMING | STAFF WRITER

SCARBOROUGH — On a Sunday with temperatures nearing 60 degrees, runners, bikers and walkers on the popular Scarborough Marsh trail were out early in the morning last weekend. And they just kept coming.

By 10:30 a.m. birders Marion Sprague and Ian Doherty left their productive birding spot after two hours because of clusters of walkers who walked side by side, making it difficult to leave a 6-foot-wide berth when passing, as health and state officials have recommended people do in public to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

By 11:15 a.m., when Hannah Temple arrived at the trail to cap off her hour-long walk with her Labrador retriever – most of which she took through other “secret woods trails” and empty sidewalks to avoid crowds – the Scarborough Marsh trail was full at the northern entrance. The rail trail in places is as wide as 10 to 12 feet. But last Sunday morning, groups of cyclists, parents with strollers, and dog walkers frequently moved along the trail two to three abreast.

“I’m not going there. That’s way too many people,” said Temple, a nurse at The Cedars in Portland, speaking through her red-calico mask. “And nobody has masks on. If I had more masks, I’d hand them out.”

The Scarborough Marsh trail is part of the Eastern Trail, which allows for 22 miles of off-road hiking from Bug Light in South Portland to Kennebunk. Carole Brush, the executive director of the Eastern Trail Management District, said use along the Eastern Trail has been at least double or triple what it normally is at this time of year.

Read the entire article online here.

Go here for More Resources to Help with Safe Use of the Eastern Trail During the Covid-19 Virus

[Eds. note: We are passing along this excellent content from the League of American Bicyclists about trail sharing etiquette, so important now as we follow recommended safety provisions while recreating on the trail, especially social distancing.]

Since the path can be congested it’s important to follow the same rules as everyone else in order to have a safe and enjoyable time.

•    Be courteous
•    Know the rules of the trail you are using
•    Give a clear signal when passing
•    Be cautious and yield to crossing traffic
•    Always be predictable by riding in a straight line
•    If you are riding while it is dark, be sure to use lights
•    Only use half the width of the trail
•    Keep it clean

[Eds. note: We are glad people are still using  the Eastern Trail, but it is important that we all follow recommended safety provisions as we recreate outdoors, especially social distancing. This Press Release provides good information on how you can go outside and still be safe.  The press release can be found here.]

For Immediate Release
April 2, 2020

Media Contacts
Warren Whitney, Maine Coast Heritage Trust, wwhitney@mcht.org
Jeremy Cluchey, The Nature Conservancy in Maine, jeremy.cluchey@tnc.org
Jim Britt, DACF, jim.britt@maine.gov

Three Steps for Mainers to Follow Before Heading Outdoors

AUGUSTA, Maine – The current “Stay Healthy at Home” mandate identifies “engaging in outdoor exercise activities, such as walking, hiking, running, or biking” as essential personal activities, provided they are conducted in accordance with all public health restrictions and guidance. Maine’s conservation community, natural resource agencies, and outdoor brands want everyone to have the opportunity to get outside during this challenging time.

Most of our publicly accessible conservation lands are available for healthy outdoor recreation. Still, we all must do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and prevent unnecessary stress on our Maine Warden Service, Forest Rangers, and first responders.

While some popular conservation lands have closed recently due to overuse and crowding, the vast majority remains open to the public. As spring weather arrives in Maine, it is critical that all individuals and families who head outdoors follow three simple steps:

• Find the Right Time and Place
• Be Prepared Before Heading Out
• Heed All COVID-19 Health Warnings

The following checklists will help us all enjoy Maine’s outdoors in ways that are safe and responsible during this difficult time. Before you hit the trail, cast a line, or launch a canoe, please be sure to:

 Find the Right Time and Place

• Know What’s Close to Home: Consider visiting a nearby Wildlife Management Area, or a less-trafficked state park, public land, or local land trust (Maine Trail Finder is a great resource!)
• Check before you go: Visit websites to see the latest information on closures or conditions. Please respect all property closures.
• Have a plan B: If the parking lot is full, the destination is too crowded. If your first destination has a busy parking lot, go to the next spot on your list!
• Avoid peak times: Get out earlier or later in the day.
• Recharge in your backyard and neighborhood!: Spring in Maine means there is a lot to see and explore right in our own yards.

Be Prepared Before Heading Out

• Expect limited services: Facilities like public restrooms are likely closed, so plan accordingly.
• Pack snacks and water: Do what you can to avoid having to make stops along the way.
• Dress for success: It is spring in Maine, so trails are likely to be wet, muddy, slippery, or icy; bring appropriate gear to match the conditions. Local outdoor brands are open for online sales and are available to give advice on appropriate gear and equipment.
• Don’t take risks: Stick to easier terrain to avoid injuries, which add stress on first responders and medical resources.
• Watch out for ticks: Wear light-colored pants, closed-toe shoes, and apply EPA-approved bug repellent.

Heed All COVID-19 Health Warnings

• Practice social distancing: Stay at least six feet away from other people who do not live in your household. If necessary, step aside when passing other people on the trail. And remember that groups of 10 or more are prohibited.
• Don’t linger: Shorten your stay when visiting natural stopping points such as waterfalls, summits, and viewpoints so everyone can enjoy them while maintaining a safe distance.
• Don’t touch: Avoid touching signs, kiosks, buildings, and benches to minimize the potent spread of the virus.
• If you’re sick, stay home: It puts others at risk when you leave home while exhibiting symptoms related to COVID-19, or if you have recently been exposed to the virus.

If we all follow these guidelines and put public health first, we can enjoy Maine’s natural resources in safe and responsible ways as we work through this difficult time together.

###

Appalachian Mountain Club
Center for Community GIS
Forest Society of Maine
Maine Audubon
Maine Coast Heritage Trust
Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Maine Land Trust Network
Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation
Maine Outdoor Brands
Maine Trails Coalition
The Nature Conservancy in Maine

Go here for More Resources to Help with Safe Use of the Eastern Trail During the Covid-19 Virus

KEEP IT SAFE; KEEP IT HEALTHY

We are pleased so many people are enjoying the Eastern Trail for mental and physical therapy; however, sad to say, there can be too many people using it at the same time in certain areas!

If you find the parking lots are full, please do not park on the roads or in the neighborhoods. Try to visit the trail at a different, less crowded time. Our neighbors are very important to us, as are the local municipalities.

We do not want towns to close the trail, as they have done with some parks and beaches.

With your help and careful social distancing, we can keep the trail open for all to use safely in these trying times.

Thank for your support!

Go here for More Resources to Help with Safe Use of the Eastern Trail During the Covid-19 Virus

Welcome to spring on the Eastern Trail – the birds are singing, peepers are peeping and ticks are coming out of hiding.

Fortunately the trail is wide enough to accommodate trail users while keeping 6′ apart.  You can limit exposure to ticks by maintaining a similar distance from long grasses, undergrowth, marshes and wooded shrubs.

Please stay on the trail while maintaining this safe distance to minimize your chances. Wear light-colored clothing that is tucked in to further reduce exposure, And remember to check yourself AND your pet carefully after you get back home.

Here’s a pamphlet we have created with more information on how to be safe regarding ticks.

Take a look at this excellent “Week-A-Year” video put together and shared by Dave Read of the East Coast Greenway Alliance.

Nine years ago, riders started at the Canadian border in Calais, Maine and began a ride south along the 3000-mile East Coast Greenway. They rode for a week each year. For example, they biked the first year (2011) from Calais to Portland.

On Friday, November 15, 2019 a group of 40 cyclists plus support staff reached Key West, Florida, to wrap the final leg of the East Coast Greenway Alliance’s Week-A-Year (WAY) Tour.

In 2012 they traveled along the Eastern Trail,  and the brief ET segment (starting at 2:02 on the video) includes a nice aerial-drone-shot along the Scarborough Marsh.

The video is a collage of trip videos and photographs that includes an engaging narration about the yearly rides and the Greenway.

Dave Read lives in Massachusetts, is currently a member of the Greenway Council, and chaired the Board of Trustees of the East Coast Greenway Alliance from 2011 through 2015. He is also the Vice President of Ambulatory Care Operations and Medical Oncology at Dana–Farber Cancer Institute.