LEWISTON — The annual Dempsey Challenge weekend will have an added event this year, a two-day ride that begins on the morning of Oct. 17, with an overnight hotel stay for cyclists Saturday in Brunswick.
According to a written statement from The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing, the event will explore the rolling hills of central Maine as well as the rugged coast, challenging participants in new ways with back-to-back days of cycling new routes that include some great climbs and coastal Maine views.
This ride is geared toward accomplished cyclists and offers a taste of Maine hospitality and authenticity while raising funds for those affected by cancer. The ride will be open to only 75 riders.
On the first day, cyclists will explore the midcoast, covering more than 60 miles and over 3,000 vertical feet of challenging roads, ending with a Maine farm-to-table dinner at Wolfe’s Neck Farm in Freeport.
The second day will cover almost 70 miles and will include more than 3,500 feet of climbing, including Sabbathday Lake in New Gloucester, before hooking back up with the Dempsey Challenge course to finish the last 30 miles alongside the one-day riders.
At the finish line, cyclists will experience cheering spectators, music, fun and traditional Maine Lobster Bake that the Dempsey Challenge has become known for, according to the Dempsey Center statement.
“We decided to add the two-day ride to the Dempsey Challenge offerings for 2015 because we wanted to offer a new way to engage cyclists and share the beauty of Maine with an even larger community,” Aimee Arsenault, manager of development and special events for the Dempsey Center, said.
Registration for the ride is $150, with a fundraising minimum of $1,000. Meals and overnight accommodations on Saturday are included.
Other events for the Dempsey Challenge weekend will be held Oct. 17 and 18. For more information or to register, go to www.dempseychallenge.org
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