Commentary

BikeMaine: 'You outdid yourselves, Boothbay Harbor'

Wed, 10/01/2014 - 3:00pm

BikeMaine is a weeklong bicycle ride exploring and celebrating a different part of Maine each September. Two hundred and fifty-five cyclists from thirty-seven states and five countries participated in this second edition of BikeMaine.

The ride started in Westbrook with stopovers the first three nights in Norway, Winthrop and Gardiner. All the communities along our BikeMaine route this year were incredibly welcoming — and then we arrived in Boothbay Harbor for two nights and a much needed "rest" day off the bikes.

To say that Boothbay Harbor was a highlight of the bicyclists' week touring Maine would be a massive understatement. From the start of planning our stopover in Boothbay Harbor many months ago to the actual visit itself, the town distinguished itself on so many levels.

Town Manager Tom Woodin was an inspiration to work with from the first meeting back last winter. He understood our event and helped coordinate the town's response with a very positive "can do" attitude.

Superintendent of Schools Eileen King helped on so many aspects of our stay — from securing permission for our cyclists to camp on the football field and arranging bus shuttle transportation to smoothing the way for a student fundraiser selling scrumptious lobster rolls, and helping to arrange our volunteer appreciation dinner at the Spruce Point Inn.

School food director Darlene French and her staff did a magnificent job feeding cyclists our departure breakfast (who can forget her delicious cinnamon rolls?) And cyclists will long dream about Tom Caron and crew's Lobster Bake on the harbor. And we can't forget Bill Mook's Sea Farm oysters, which were also a big hit.

The way the town came together in welcoming these cyclists was truly inspiring. The pride in your community and your enthusiastic welcome will stay in our cyclists' s memories (and likely prompt a return trip).

The town's public works crew, fire and police departments and countless others really made our stay memorable. Travis and the folks at Tidal Transit showed many cyclists the joy of sea kayaking. The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens was visual treat to all who visited.

Throughout town, shopkeepers were welcoming and quite aware of the bicycle ride. Cyclists had a wonderful time at the Opera House hearing the music of the Boneheads and Holy Mackerels. More than one cyclist was overhead complimenting the beauty of the restored Opera House. 

In planning BikeMaine, we try to show riders both the known and unknown corners of Maine.

Boothbay Harbor has a justified reputation as a tourist hot spot but you truly outdid yourselves for a group of tired cyclists who spent a couple of nights in your community.

Thank you from all of us at the Bicycle Coalition of Maine for being great partners in our very successful BikeMaine 2014 ride.