What is the Trek Across Maine?

The Trek Across Maine is a multi-day cycling event starting and ending at Thomas Point Beach & Campground in Brunswick. Overnight stops at Bates College in Lewiston and St. Joseph’s College in Standish provide a place to rest and relax after each leg of the Trek. Activities, entertainment and food are all a part of the full Trek experience at each location.

With 600+ volunteers each year, the Trek is fully supported in all areas. Volunteers provide support at rest stops and intersections along the route, as cheerleaders and traffic control at the finish line, and much more. Bike shops from across the state volunteer their time to make sure your bike holds up just as long as you do!

The American Lung Association provides meals for all cyclists and volunteers during the weekend (as needed). Housing and camping at Bates and St. Joseph’s is reserved for fully vaccinated individuals only. Campers must provide their own tents.

Shuttle services will be available to some areas hotels if you choose to make your own sleeping arrangements off campus. A complete list of shuttle locations will be shared later this fall.

Route Info

All cyclists MUST be on the route by 8am, so please plan accordingly.

How do I sign up?

• You have the option to register as an individual, create a team or join a currently existing team. You may also be added to a team at a later date by simply contacting ALA with your request. Email: TrekAcrossMaine@Lung.org
• Registration fee of $40 is due at the time of registration. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
• If you have to drop out of the ride pre-event, simply contact us to let us know. Your registration fee cannot be transferred to another rider or to the next year. If you have pledges in your account, they may be transferred by calling Chrystal. Also, if you're unable to join us all 3 days, but still want to participate, please call Chrystal to make alternate arrangements at 207-624-0312.

Is there a minimum fundraising requirement?

• Every individual riding the Trek is required to raise $550 ($400 for ages 7 - 17) to participate. This applies to riders that are a part of a team as well.
• Donations are accepted online via credit card or through mailed checks (accompanied by a pledge sheet) to the ALA office:
  
  Trek Across Maine
  American Lung Association
  122 State Street
  Augusta, ME 04330

Does my registration fee go towards the fundraising minimum for each person?

No, the registration fee does not apply towards the fundraising minimum. Please contact Chrystal Toner if you would like to brainstorm fundraising ideas.

What is a team captain?

A team captain gathers together friends, family and co-workers. Each team captain helps guide their team members, from online registration, to setting and achieving their fundraising goal, to seeing them through to the finish line. Being a team captain is a fun and rewarding experience. Are you ready to make Every Mile Count? Register as a team captain today.

Does forming a team cost more?

No, the registration fees and fundraising minimum are per individual. There are no additional fees for creating a team.

What's the benefit of creating a team?

• Teams provide a way for groups to get involved with the American Lung Association to raise funds and awareness of healthy lungs and air.
• Teams allow organizations to show their philanthropic spirit.
• A team provides great motivation to reach a personal fitness goal while enjoying time with others.

Are there tools to assist the Team Captain?

Yes! We have several tools available to help team captains: from creating a team page, to helping additional team members register to join the event, and to ensuring your team fundraising goal is met.

• Mobile App: Download our mobile apps for Apple and Android devices to fundraise and communicate with your teammates on-the-go!
• Emails: We’ll help you through the process of being a team captain by providing you with email templates that are tailored to help you with recruitment and fundraising.
• Internal kick-offs and informational meetings: We're happy to work with you to have a memorable team kick-off to get your team all fired up!

Our local staff members are here to support you and your team with any questions. We are here to help you be successful in your fundraising efforts and to have FUN!

Where do my donations go?

Thanks to the generous support of people like you, the American Lung Association saves lives by fighting for healthy lungs and healthy air. Today, our fight is more important than ever, and 86 cents of every dollar raised by our organization goes directly to education, research and advocacy.

What do I need for check in?

Check in will take place on Thursday, June 15^th or on Friday morning, June 16^th at Thomas Point Beach & Campground. Times and additional details will be posted at a later date.

All cyclists are required to complete check in with the ALA prior to the start of the ride.

You must have your fundraising minimum turned in at time of check in to participate in the Trek Across Maine.

You will receive these items as part of check in:

• Bib, helmet and bike frame numbers (must be worn at all times while riding)
• Handheld route map/queue sheet
• Luggage tags for your bags (2 per person or 3 if you are camping)
• Meal bracelet

You are not required to check in at Thomas Point on Thursday. If you are arriving on Friday, you can check in on Friday morning before you begin your ride.

How do the bikes get stored overnight?

Your bike will be stored for you in a secure location (security personnel provided) at each overnight location for the Trek (Friday and Saturday night).

What happens with my luggage?

• Your luggage will be transported to and from each Trek facility by volunteers starting on Friday morning at Thomas Point through Sunday morning in Standish.
• You are allowed two bags weighing no more than 25lbs each. Remember, volunteers have to lift and move these bags all weekend, and you have to carry them at the end of each day!
• You must place your provided Trek luggage tags on your bags. This will ensure they are placed in the right location for you to pick up at the end of each day.
• Additionally, please include personal identification on your bags, including your name and cell phone number. This is extremely helpful for ALA staff that might need to contact you in the event that your bag is waiting to be picked up at the end of the day.
• Your luggage row is written on your meal bracelet.

Need to know how to ship your bike to Maine? Contact Gale Auclair.

Are meals included?

• The Trek provides meals throughout Trek weekend for all registered cyclists and volunteers.
• Friday: light lunch & cafeteria dinner
• Saturday: cafeteria breakfast, light lunch & cafeteria dinner
• Sunday: cafeteria breakfast & catered lunch
• Guest meal tickets can be pre-purchased for Sunday only. Tickets will be available for purchase at the finish line at Thomas Point Beach & Campground.

ACCOMODATIONS

The Trek provides overnight accommodations for fully vaccinated trekkers and volunteers on Friday and Saturday evening of Trek weekend.

Cyclists

Available housing options for cyclists include:

• Dorm Bed (must provide sleeping bag/linens)
• Camping (must provide your own tent and sleeping bag)
• Home / Friend’s House / Other
• You will make your own arrangements for where to stay (including transportation to and from those locations)
• The ALA may provide shuttle service to and from some nearby hotels. Some locations may be offering discounted Trekker rates.

Please ask when calling for reservation to find out if a rate is offered at that location.

• Fairfield Inn & Suites-Brunswick, ME
• Residence Inn Bath, ME
• Hampton Inn-Lewiston, ME
• Residence Inn by Marriott Auburn, ME
• Fireside Inn & Suites Portland, ME
• Courtyard By Marriott Portland, ME

Volunteers

Volunteer housing will be provided on a case-by-case basis for fully vaccinated individuals only. Volunteer housing options for Friday and Saturday evening may include:

• Dorm Bed (must provide sleeping bag/linens)
• Camping (must provide your own tent and sleeping bag)
• Home / Friend’s House / Other

TRANSPORTATION

There are a variety of transportation options to get you to and from the 2023 Trek Across Maine. Please check out the information below to help with your planning.

Amtrak Downeaster

• The Downeaster runs from Boston to Brunswick with a variety of stops along the way.
• Bikes are allowed to be checked and transported on the train for a $20 fee. Please review the Amtrak bike policy here. For additional questions, please call the stations that will be included in your travel plans to confirm details.
• Bus and taxi services are available for transportation from the station to destinations around the Brunswick area.

Concord Coach Lines

• Bus lines travel to the Bath/Brunswick area during the summer months from Logan Airport in Boston.

Concord Coach Lines Plus

• Coach buses run from New York City to Portland.

Personal Vehicle

• There will be long-term weekend parking available at Thomas Point during Trek weekend. Participants can drive themselves to the event and park their car (no fee) for the duration of Trek weekend.