Shifting gears on lung disease

REGION -- Shift gears on lung disease when you join the American Lung Association in the Trek Across Maine on Friday.

The 27th annual Trek Across Maine is a three-day, 180-mile ride from Sunday River to Belfast.

Cyclists come from all across Maine, 28 states and Canada to ride 180 miles in three days from Sunday River Ski Resort in Bethel to Steamboat Landing Park in Belfast.

After 27 years, the Trek Across Maine means different things to different people - a family tradition on Father’s Day Weekend; a way for businesses to promote good health; a fundraising competition for a good cause; or a tribute to friends and family who’ve lived with, and in many cases died from lung disease.

The Trek is special not only for the number of riders it attracts (2,000 this year), but also for the number of volunteers who sign up to help year after year. This year more than 500 volunteers will donate their time.

“The Trek has become more than just an annual bicycle ride and fundraiser,” says Jeffrey Seyler, CEO of the American Lung Association of New England. “The individuals and businesses who participate in the Trek as riders, sponsors and volunteers become year-round advocates and partners in the work we do to protect lung health and promote healthy air in Maine. We couldn’t be more honored to plan and participate in this community event, and hope to raise $1.8 million this year in the fight for healthy air.”

For more information about the Trek Across Maine or the American Lung Association of New England, please visit biketreknewengland.org or call 1-800-499-LUNG, ext. 0312.