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[Note: This article appeared in the Late Fall 2013 Newsletter. The full newsletter can be viewed in this pdf document]

No doubt most athletic fundraisers have their hidden stories of triumph over adversity, of difficult goals quietly reached. Certainly, those of us who plan and run the Maine Lighthouse Ride have heard or overheard a few of these stories over the years. We are grateful to be able to share one such story with you. Patrick Joyce, who rode the century in the 2013 MLR, found himself facing surgery that might have discouraged others from riding again. Patrick had another plan. Here, in his words, is his story:

“I had ridden in the MLR in 2012 and 2011, but my story is a about how the 2013 ride became so important to me.”

“In January 2013, doctors discovered a benign tumor in the lining of my brain that would need to be surgically removed. The tumor was located in the area of the brain that controls motor function. It was successfully removed but left me with significant neurological weakness in my right leg. I was not able move my right leg at all. The doctors believed it was a temporary condition, but I was worried.”

“I needed to establish in my mind that no matter what the long-term outcome, I would return to my normal life. My normal life included riding my bike. The day after surgery, I set a goal that I would ride the 100-mile Maine Lighthouse Ride as I had done in 2012 even if I had to do it with only one functional leg. Fortunately, I began to get some movement back after 48 hours, but full function was a still a long way off.”

“The goal of riding the MLR was a great incentive. It did two things. First, it gave me a a measurement of full recovery. Second, it gave me long time line – seven months to prepare. This was extremely important for me. I am not a patient patient, as witnessed in my first PT session when the therapist talked about fitting me with an ankle brace I commented, ‘How long is this going to take?’ ”

“After two months of PT, I started riding again. Leg movement was normal but neurological weakness remained. I began work-ing with a trainer to develop my affected leg.”

“When the MLR came around in September, I was well prepared. I think this year’s ride was easier for me than it was in 2012.”

“When I crossed the finish line at SMCC, I had fulfilled a goal set in a bed at Maine Medical Center. I had tangible proof that I was again fully functional.”

“I will do MLR’s century ride in the future, but it will never mean as much as it did in 2013.”

Thank you, Patrick. We look forward to seeing you at the 2014 MLR.

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By Scott Marcoux

[Note: This article appeared in the Late Fall 2013 Newsletter. The full newsletter can be viewed in this pdf document]

The Eastern Trail began with a simple idea: to create a green transportation route for non-motorized travel through southern Maine. But for the growing number of activity groups and organizations now using the trail for a variety of events, the trail’s off-road sections are now, in themselves, also a regular destination.

Once again in 2013, the number of fundraising events hosted on at least part of the ET grew, totaling 15 this year. Returning events from last year included Southern Maine Medical’s BeHealthy 5K, the Rev3 Triathlon in Old Orchard Beach, and the Snowy Egret 5K Run/Walk. Events new to the trail in 2013 included The Maine Walk, Run or Roll Against Bullying, the Connor Chretien Memorial Scholarship Walk ‘n Roll, and the Walk to Cure Diabetes.

The benefits to moving a fundraiser to the ET are obvious: walkers and runners find a surface more forgiving than roads and sidewalks, and interaction with vehicular traffic is greatly reduced or entirely eliminated. Participants and volunteers trade exhaust fumes for fresh air and occasional pine scent. The mile markers don’t hurt either!. Given the demand, if you are planning to hold an event on the trail next year, be sure to download the Event Request Application from the Events page on our website— www.easterntrail.org. The application process is essential to avoiding conflicts with other events, especially with at least ten events already scheduled for 2014.

Wait, we wanna play too!

Through all of our interactions with trail fans — educational fairs, corporate and school presentations, and phone inquiries to our office — we’ve learned a lot about how the trail has been embraced by less formal groups of users. Local outing clubs like the Kennebunk Newcomers and Biddeford’s 50+ Club are adding trail-centered activities to their offerings. A number of informal ET running and cycling meet-ups have sprung up since the completion of some sections, and visitors to Maine or their in-state hosts now regularly call for information about the trail while planning family vacation time.

The Lure of the Moon Walk

Of course, the ET Moonlight Walks have become regular and popular outings during autumn, winter and spring. With up to 30-40 participants in clear weather, group leader and ETA Trustee Joe Yuhas takes to the trail in Biddeford and Arundel most months with only the moon to light the way. Joe will have led nine of these walks by year’s end.

Some walkers have become regular attendees, and some months, everyone swaps shoes for snowshoes and cross-country skis. The walks are a chance to learn about the ET from Joe and other trustees who often tag along.

Additionally, ET Bicycle Loop Rides were twice led by volunteer Russ Lamer, and a number of Monday Morning Walks were offered by Trustee Jim Monroe through the summer.

For information on upcoming ETA-led events, check the Events page on our website, www.easterntrail.org, or become a fan of our Facebook page.

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By Joe Yuhas

[Note: This article appeared in the Spring 2014 Newsletter. The full newsletter can be viewed in this pdf document]

The Southern ETA group has gained gratifying strength and numbers since last summer’s community displays and presentations. Those activities were designed to spread the word of the Eastern Trail and increase support at the grass roots level. Our awareness program showcased the far reaching benefits of the existing trail, as well as the benefits that will follow as the off road trail is extended to and through Wells, the Berwicks, Eliot and Kittery to connect with NH at the Memorial Bridge.

Since fall, SETA members have been meeting on a regular basis to explore and increase the effectiveness of our awareness program. Many new faces have been added to the group, increasing the pool of talent and imaginative ideas to accomplish our goals.

Ann Kendall came up with the idea of our sponsoring a trail ride which would follow the on road section of the ET (also known as U. S. Bicycle Route One). For the last few months we have been researching that project, developing possible routes, checking with town officials and, with the help of some of the Maine Lighthouse Ride’s experienced leaders, studying the details that have made that ride so successful.

After hitting a roadblock on our initial choice of date for the event, we decided that we would instead initiate a series of smaller monthly rides over the summer. Rather than try to bring off a major trail ride with all it’s details in a short period of time to plan and execute it, we’d work up to that project.

The monthly rides will also give us a chance to become familiar with the route in hopes that we will be ready to host the Spring on the Trail next year.

In Ann’s words, “We have decided to start slowly to build awareness and interest in the Eastern Trail by having a series of rides — Discovering the Eastern Trail — to be offered once a month for groups of about 20 riders.” The first ride is planned for June 14th from Kittery to Vaughn Woods and could return along the scenic River Rd.

Each ride will continue up the Eastern Trail with rides on the second Saturday of each month until we get to the off-road section at the Kennebunk Elementary School.

The rides will be around 20 miles in length, allowing for travel at a moderate pace, emphasizing safety and the pleasure of bicycling along the trail. We plan to stop occasionally at points of interest and concentrate on features of local historical or natural significance. Each ride will have a leader, a sweeper and a support vehicle to assist with breakdowns if necessary.

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By Judy Haley

[Note: This article appeared in the Late Fall 2013 Newsletter. The full newsletter can be viewed in this pdf document]

The summer of 2013 was a busy one for members of SETA, a subcommittee of ETA! Their enthusiasm and dedication were boundless, as the volunteers set up displays and presentations to spread the word of the Eastern Trail and build support at many seasonal outside events and celebrations, emphasizing that the ETA is now concentrating on bringing the trail to and through their towns and villages. Without exception, these York County missionaries reported successes and are eager to continue the efforts for better trail awareness moving south.

They are also proposing more ways to bring the ET experience to new people and communities, for example by organizing outings for youth groups, schools, and interested adults— cycling, cross-country skiing, evening walks. Those “on the trail” events would supplement the many target presentations of local club and civic organizations.

Members attending the October meeting first shared their summer success stories, then quickly progressed to the issues at hand, focusing primarily on two of them:

Identifying the ways and means to move southward with an Awareness Program which would underline the far reaching benefits of the existing trail, as well as the benefits that would follow as the trail is extended to and through Wells, the Berwicks, Eliot and Kittery.

Researching alternate ways to finance the initial costs involved with trail building: e.g., feasibility studies, legal expenses, and design costs needed to present “shovel ready” projects for state and federal funding.

SETA is gaining strength each month with new members who are eager to see the trail extensions become a reality. Their mission is daunting, with approximately 36 miles of trail remaining to be built in order to connect with NH at the Memorial Bridge in Kittery. Anyone interested in joining in this effort will be warmly welcomed! More information is available at www.easterntrail.org

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By Joe Yuhas

[Note: This article appeared in the Late Fall 2013 Newsletter. The full newsletter can be viewed in this pdf document]

According to Peggy Belanger RN, who is Cancer Care Coordinator and Oncology Nurse Navigator at Southern Maine Medical Center (SMMC), access to the Eastern Trail contributes greatly to the programs that she administers. The mere fact that the trail is in such close proximity to the medical center campus encourages creativity and innovation in programing for patients.

Peggy described “Walk Away From Cancer,” which utilizes the trail for the exercise component of the program. This program was specifically designed for both recently diagnosed patients and patients currently in treatment to provide them with the opportunity to develop a sustained regimen of beneficial exercise. The program meets two times a week for six weeks, and in addition to exercise it has educational and a nutritional components and serves as a support group. Groups meet in the spring and fall and walk the trail at their own pace in small groups that facilitate sharing and support, thus fostering a very important social contribution to recovery.

With the trail head at the rear of the SMMC parking lot, the participants can conveniently walk in a safe shaded area and enjoy fresh air and the ET’s natural environment. By eliminating barriers to participation in exercise, patients experience success, which in turn promotes ongoing participation and leads to continuing lifelong healthy habits. The program, now completing its first year, was partially funded by a grant from the Maine Cancer Foundation. Few hospitals are sited in such a favorable location and that factor must have been a positive influence to award the grant to SMMC.

For three years now the SMMC “Be Healthy” 5K Run/Walk has utilized the ET, and its proceeds have helped support SMMC’s Center for Breast Care. Hosting this community event is a natural, and logistics are simplified with the convenient access to the ET at the rear of the campus. The event also dovetails nicely with the hospital’s mission of encouraging health and fitness in its patients, employees and the community in general.

In a recent survey, nearly one third of the employees based at the medical center’s Biddeford location reported using the Eastern Trail for exercise and recreation, with walking and cycling the two most frequent uses. The trail extending to Kennebunk also provides an opportunity for many to use it as a commuting route to work, providing both economic and health benefits while reducing carbon emissions to the atmosphere.

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by Bob LaNigra

[Note: This article appeared in the Late Fall 2013 Newsletter. The full newsletter can be viewed in this pdf document]

What is all that construction going on in Scarborough??

You may have noticed considerable evidence of construction at the Pine Point Road and Black Point Road intersections with the ET. I talked with the Scarborough Town Planner, Dan Bacon, and learned that the town has funded upwards of $400,000 for construction at those crucial points to improve traffic flow and, more important, to ensure the safety of pedestrians and bikers using the Eastern Trail.

A new sidewalk is being installed along Black Point Road, from Route1 to Eastern Road, which is the road leading to the trail. The crosswalk is being built to better connect the Eastern Trail with businesses at Oak Hill and the schools along Route 114. This concrete sidewalk will be six-feet wide, which is wider than normal, to accommodate both pedestrians and bikers. A flashing light will be installed at the intersection of Black Point Road and Eastern Road, aiming to slow motorist down for safer crossing of Black Point Road. As another safety measure, street lighting will be improved to make pedestrians and bicyclists more visible. Finally, new curbing and landscaping will be installed.

Similar projects are happening along Pine Point Road: upgrades to the sidewalk from Dunstan corner at Route 1, and installation of a flashing light at the Pine Point intersection of the trail. An asphalt apron has already been installed on the trail on either side of Pine Point Road. In
addition, the town took advantage of this construction work to increase the bollard widths at the south portion of the trail from 32 and 37 inch widths to approximately 40 inch width to accommodate adaptive bikes, baby carriages and wheel chairs.

Both projects should be completed by the end of November or early December.

As considerable as these projects are, Scarborough is investing still more time and energy in a grander addition to the trail. Members of the town have been working with the MDOT on a major project to complete the Eastern Trail within its town boundaries by closing the .8 mile gap from the Nonesuch River (at the end of Eastern Road) to the Wainwright Recreation area in South Portland. The engineering design should be completed by the end of this year. Then the next big challenge will be to get funding to construct the project, which may take several more years. The town recently hosted a presentation on the preliminary design for this section of trail. A video from the meeting is available on Scarborough’s website.

Thank you, Town of Scarborough, for your foresight and for continuing to invest in the future of the Eastern Trail. Clearly, the town believes in the benefits of the trail and is willing to support that belief with investments in money and resources.

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