2018 Day 1 – Presque Isle to Caribou
“And they’re off!”
Presque Isle to Caribou
The BikeMaine 2018 route begins by heading east to Fort Fairfield, which is located along the Canada–
US border and features the Potato Blossom Festival in mid-July. From there, we travel north to Limestone, a small Maine community that is home to the #1 ranked high school in Maine (Maine School of Science and Mathematics), the #1 largest industrial park in Maine at Loring Commerce Centre, the #1 ranked best tasting public drinking water in Maine, and the #1 ranked most affordable place to live in Maine. Our final destination for the day is Collins Pond Park in Caribou, the most northeastern city in the United States.
Caribou:
The City of Caribou is not only the most northeastern city in the United States; it sits as the central jewel in the Crown of Maine, Aroostook County. Located 345 miles NE of Boston, Caribou boasts four seasons, three nations (America, Canada, and the Aroostook Band of Micmacs), two languages (English and French), and one fantastic way of life! If you love the outdoors, adventure, and a collaborative community, you will love the 80 square miles that we call home on Day 1!
Although lumberjacks and trappers first came to Caribou in the early 1800s, it wasn’t until 1859 that this corner of The County was incorporated. In the 1890s, Caribou saw an influx of settlers and the establishment of the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad. This helped create a booming agricultural export business, making Caribou a worldwide name in the potato growing and shipping industries, and cementing our proud farming heritage. Today, Caribou and Aroostook County farmers plant approximately 60,000 acres of potatoes and have become known as the largest grower of broccoli on the East Coast. In addition to farming, Caribou industries include medical, information technology, comprehensive customer care companies, wood products, and some pretty amazing home-grown entrepreneurs!
Caribou is also famous for its weather: mild summers, charming autumns, and impressive winters. If you aren’t familiar with a Northern Maine winter, it should definitely be on your bucket list. Around here, folks brag about below-zero temps, Nor’easter storms, and accumulated snowfall. It’s a challenge to which they rise by and grabbing their skis or firing up their snowmobiles. Did you know northern Maine is home to over 2,300 miles of snowmobile trails? But it’s not all about snow! The trails are all-season – meaning ATV, mountain bike, and even horseback enthusiasts can experience life off the beaten path. Wildlife and untouched wilderness create a world of wonderment! Life in Caribou is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Be sure to spend some time in town and try one of the locally owned restaurants, unique shops, or City events. The summer series, “Thursdays on Sweden Street,” offers live music, food trucks, and craft vendors. The Caribou Days celebration in August combines the local affinity for heritage with community pride, and of course fireworks! From Winter Carnival in February to holiday events in December, you’ll never be bored in the City of Caribou!
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Wherever possible, purchased resources required for riders are Maine-sourced within host communities or businesses along the route. The economic boost to host community businesses and community organizations from riders, volunteers, and family members can be significant, as are the continuing benefits from increased community visibility. In 2017, BikeMaine’s total direct economic impact from the event to date grew to an estimated $2.3 million. Proceeds from the event support the Bicycle Coalition of Maine and its local cycling and pedestrian initiatives.
Bath used the funding to construct a “pump” track in a vacant lot between Bath Middle School and the Bath Skate Park. A “pump” track is a small, looping course of banked turns and other features, designed to be ridden without pedaling. Instead, riders gain momentum by “pumping” with up and down movements on the bicycle. The track has been equipped with 30 high-quality bicycles and helmets, as well as tools and supplies for maintenance.
MaryBeth was born and raised in western Maine. After attending college in Indiana, working in Connecticut, and spending time in Colorado, she moved back to Maine with her husband in 2006 to raise their family here. MaryBeth started with the Coalition as the Office Administrator in February 2016. In December 2017, she transitioned into the role of Ride Director, putting into action the decade of event management experience she brings with her.
Will has always loved adventures outdoors, whether it’s hiking New Hampshire’s 4,000 footers, sailing the coast of the Baja peninsula, or cycling the length of the Erie Canal in his home state of New York. He has a BS in Parks, Recreation and Ecotourism from Unity College, a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management from USM, and a decade of experience working with recreation focused nonprofits. He and his wife Emily live on Portland’s Munjoy Hill, where they can frequently be seen riding their tandem bike.
Liz is the Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s Development Director, and has the honor of serving as the volunteer coordinator for the BikeMaine ride each year! Liz hails originally from Vermont, and after a stint in Washington, DC, has loved settling into her new home in Maine and discovering so many amazing places to ride and people to befriend throughout the state. During BikeMaine, you’ll find Liz dancing around the BikeMaine Village, lending a hand wherever needed, and working to make BikeMaine the best experience imaginable for our amazing volunteers!
Mahoosuc Pathways
“Kingfield Trail Builders is thrilled to receive this grant from the Bicycle Coalition of Maine,” spokesperson Polly MacMichael said. “We are excited to partner with the Kingfield community as we work toward our goal to make Kingfield a safe and fun place for bicyclists and pedestrians alike.”
