The Bicycle Coalition of Maine today announced the cancellation of its BikeMaine 2020: Katahdin Frontier event, citing the safety of riders, volunteers, host communities, and staff during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
BikeMaine, held annually in a different region of Maine since 2013, was scheduled to take place this year from Sept. 12-19, 2020, and visit the host communities of Old Town, Lincoln, Patten, Millinocket, and Dover-Foxcroft. The ride is capped each year at 450 riders, but also includes more than 70 volunteers.
“After carefully considering all options and contingencies, consulting with leaders in our host communities, and referring to Gov. Janet Mills’ guidelines for hosting events in Maine in the coming months, it is clear that we cannot operate a ride that is up to our standards while also safeguarding the health and wellbeing of all participants,” said BikeMaine Ride Director Will Elting in an email distributed by the BCM.
Registered riders have the option of rolling over their registration to 2021, requesting a refund, or donating all or part of their registration to the 501(c)(3) non-profit.
The Coalition plans to hold the BikeMaine: Katahdin Frontier ride from Sept. 11-18, 2021 with the same route and host communities.
“Though this is a tough decision for us as a small non-profit organization, we are appreciative of the support we’ve already received from our members during these uncertain times,” Elting said. “Provided we can do it in a safe, responsible manner, we cannot wait to bring our amazing group of cyclists to one of Maine’s most scenic and rugged regions in 2021.”