HEADING OUT FOR A NICE RIDE FOR A GOOD CAUSE — This year’s Loon Echo Land Trust Trek attracted 343 participants. Here, cyclists travel along Route 302, ready to make the left turn onto Knights Hill Road on Saturday, Sept. 17.

The 11th annual Loon Echo Trek was held on Saturday, Sept. 17 at Shawnee Peak Ski Area. The event benefits the Loon Echo Land Trust and helps preserve the beauty of Western Maine for future generations.

According to Executive Director Carrie Walia, the Trek was a phenomenal success drawing 343 participants and raising close to $45,000 with an additional $25,000 of in-kind donations.

The organization, participants and volunteers alike are already looking forward to next year’s Trek, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012.

Trekkers from all over the Northeast cycled or hiked various scenic routes, enjoyed well-stocked rest stops and met other participants and friendly volunteers who equally care about land conservation. Many people agreed the Loon Echo is one of the best Treks in New England.

“Thank you for a wonderful event,” shared century rider Robert G. Schrader, Esq. “The volunteers were great, as were the rest stops and reception afterward. (It is) the best organized ‘century’ I have done and we will ride again.”

People especially enjoyed the new additions at the post trek party, which included a free barbecue meal, beverages, massage and music.

Loon Echo Land Trust would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the sponsors, volunteers, supporters and participants who made the 2011 Loon Echo Trek possible. Loon Echo extends a very big thank you to the trekkers that went the extra mile and raised pledges for the organization: David Silk, Steve Linnell, Mike Tetrault, Wendy Newcomb, Eric Stoddard, Jill Rogers, Deb Dolan, Susan Bosworth-Farrell, John Keller, Brendan Curran, John Curtis, Jeanne Peckiconis, Jeremiah Bartlett, Tammy King, Craig Saddlemire, Mary Brigid-Curtis, John Bement, Richard Marsh, Charles Myers, Grosvenor Newcomb, Linda Christensen, Jerry Holt, Einar Anderson, Tom Bruns, John Rand, Adam Burk, Amy Mussen, Carol Sudduth, Shera Miller, Nancy Kluck, David Heath, Diane DeRice, Granville Aris and Neal Allen.

Major sponsors of the event include Shawnee Peak Ski Area, Hancock Lumber, 98.9 WCLZ, Mount Washington Radio, Appalachian Mountain Club, Norway Savings Bank, Migis Lodge, The Bridgton News, Allagash Brewery, About Time Graphics, Ernie’s Cycle Shop, Camp Wigwam, Moose Landing Marina, Atayne, HealthSource, Hannaford Supermarkets, Advanced Dental Concepts, Bridgton Hospital, Yankee Amateur Radio Club, Cardinal Printing, Macdonald Motors, Chalmers Insurance Agency, Hayes True Value, Sebago Sailing Inc., Main Eco Homes, Tuckerman’s Brewery, Mark’s Lawn and Garden, The Good Life Market, Cry of the Loon Shops and many other supporters.

To learn more about the event, visit www.loonechotrek.com