Wed, 09/10/2014 - 9:15am

SUZI THAYER, Staff Reporter

BIKEMAINE riders are expected to arrive in Boothbay Harbor on Wednesday. Be on the lookout, and drive safely. Courtesy of BikeMaine

Around 350 cyclists will be rolling into Boothbay Harbor on Wednesday, Sept. 10.

BikeMaine 2014, a project of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, is a seven-day tour covering some 348 miles.

After stops in Westbrook, Norway, Winthrop and Gardiner, the cyclists will be pedaling into Boothbay Harbor.

Communications Director of Bicycle Coalition of Maine Brian Allenby said in an email that he expects the bicyclists to start arriving around noon.

“Riders depart (and arrive) at all different times, but I would bet that most riders will arrive in the noon to 3 p.m. time frame,” Allenby said.

Unlike the previous stops on their route, they won't be pedaling out the same day. The bicyclists will be setting up camp on the Boothbay Region High School football field, where they'll spend two nights.

On Wednesday night the group will be free to make their own plans for dinner at local restaurants. It's going to be a busy night for our restaurateurs.

Thursday will be a day for riders to enjoy some of the area's activities, including a visit to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, kayak rides, shopping, taking a cruise and visiting the Railway Village. There is no schedule for these activities. The cyclists are free to choose their own Boothbay region adventures.

On Thursday night there will be a lobster bake for the cyclists in the parking lot at the footbridge. The parking lot will be closed all day.

The Opera House will hold a free concert from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday night featuring the Holy Mackerels and The Boneheads. BikeMaine cyclists and the general public are invited.

There will be food available to the group at the football field Snack Shack from 2 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, 5:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Thursday and starting at 5:30 a.m. on Friday. The Shack will offer lobster rolls, hot dogs, chop suey and chili, among other food items. Proceeds will go toward the Class of 2015 Project Graduation and the Booster Club. Donations of food and time to help feed the cyclists are still being accepted. Call coordinator Stephanie Hawke at 207-380-6803 if you're willing to help.

Several local restaurants, motels and inns will be offering special rates to the cyclists.

350 cyclists coming to Boothbay Harbor