FAQs

1.What is the Trek Across Maine?


The Trek is a three-day bicycle ride held annually on Father’s Day weekend in June. The ride is approximately 180 miles across Maine, from the mountains of Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry to the coastline in Belfast, Maine. We have overnight stops at the University of Maine in Farmington and Colby College in Waterville.

2. Do I have to fundraise?


Yes. Each Trekker is required to raise a minimum of $500 ($400 for ages 7 - 17). Set your sights on raising $1,000 or more and join our “Winners Circle” of fundraisers and receive VIP treatment throughout the entire weekend of the Trek.

3. Are there fundraising incentives for the Trek and how do I get them?


Fundraising incentives are a fun way to for you to raise more money and offered for those that raise more than $500. The more you raise the more incentives you can earn. For a current list of incentives, please check out our incentive section of the website.

4. How do I get to the Sunday River Ski Resort start and home from the finish line?


Bus tickets are available for purchase through ALA. There are departure locations in Augusta, Bangor, Belfast, Portland, and Yarmouth. Return trips are also available for puchase; all departing from Belfast and returning to their respective locations.  Tickets go on sale starting April 1, 2012 and can be purchased directly through the Trek website. Deadline for ticket purchase is May 22, 2012.

5. How can my friends and family participate in the Trek?


They can make a donation toward your fundraising here. Ask family, friends and co-workers first. Be optimistic and share your enthusiasm about why you are riding.

Friends and family may also choose to support you by volunteering. Each year more than 600 volunteers are needed to ensure that the event runs smoothly. Click here to sign up to volunteer!

6. I know someone who is riding the Trek! Can I form a team?


Yes. Cycling with a team is more fun! Working as part of a team makes it easier to reach your fundraising goals and also provides a group of friends to train with. Each team must consist of 5 or more people. Each cyclist must register individually for the Trek and then join your team. For more information go here!

7. Can I do my fundraising online?


Yes! We encourage all trekkers to take advantage of our many fundraising tools that are available in the Participant Center. Simply login with your username and password to unlock a world of fundraising tips and tricks!

8. Where does the money go that is raised for the Trek?


The money raised by the Trek supports the work of the American Lung Association. Almost 90% of the money we raise stays in the local community and is used to support lung health research, education and advocacy work. The 2011 Trek raised over $1.8 million dollars to support our work. An additional 6% supports our national research and advocacy programs.

9. What does my participation in the Trek include?


ALA provides overnight accommodations, breakfast and dinner at UMF and Colby College. Along the route, we have medical support, rest stops, and mechanical assistance. At the Finish Line on the last day, we provide lunch. You will also receive an event t-shirt, a route map, entertainment each day, great staff/volunteer support for the weekend and friendships that can last a lifetime.

10. What are the accommodations?


When you register you may choose from the following options: a dorm bed, camping, or the gym/field house. You may also choose to make your own arrangements at a local motel. *ALL DORM BEDS ARE NOW FULL - Please select camping, gym/fieldhouse, or other sleeping arrangements when you register.*

11. Do I need to check-in at the event?


Yes. To ensure the safety of each participant we need to know that you are riding. Each person must attend our Check-In at the Summit Hotel at Sunday River with the required minimum and paperwork. Save time and avoid the lines. If you turn in the required paperwork and have documented $500 in payments and or pledges by our May deadline, you qualify for our Speedy Check-In.

12. What is Speedy Check-in?


Speedy Check-in is for those participants who have provided us with their $500 fundraising minimum, Bike Inspection form and Safety/Code of Conduct form prior to the May deadline.

13. What is the Trek route?


The route varies slightly from year to year and always begins on Friday in Bethel at Sunday River with a stop in Farmington for the first night and Waterville on Saturday. The ride ends along the beautiful coast in Belfast, Maine.