Bike Maine with Barry – Day 1

Over the next seven days, Barry Towle, VP Security Officer, will be representing Norway Savings Bank and putting in some serious miles on his bike with Bike Maine! Barry will be sharing updates with us each day so we can all vicariously experience everything that Bike Maine and the towns they visit have to offer. Be sure to check back each day to read his blog posts and view photos from the day’s events!

The Bike Maine adventure has begun! Over the next seven days, I will pedal 349 miles across southern and western Maine. Norway Savings Bank is a contributing sponsor of Bike Maine, and I am proud to represent the NSB as we work with the Bicycle Coalition of Maine to make Maine better through biking and walking.

The fully supported tour includes nearly 350 fellow cyclists from all over the world. Our journey began this morning at Fort Foster in Kittery. Today’s route started at the ocean, brought us inland through Kennebunk, Arundel, Biddeford and Saco to our final destination of the day, Old Orchard Beach.

The night before the tour began, we were treated to a traditional lobster bake and entertainment by comedian Mike Miclon.

Sunday started off drizzly and foggy but the mood was not dampened because everyone was excited to get started. Joining me on the ride today were Pat Weigel and Janet Ross. The drizzle stayed for a few hours until we stopped at the West Kennebunk fire station for lunch.  For lunch we could select from meat or veggie chili, baked potato with all the fixings, broccoli and an assortment of homemade cookies.

L to R: Pat Weigel, President & CEO; Janet Ross, VP Special Assets Officer; Barry Towle, VP Security Officer

After lunch, we set off again to our final destination of the day. After setting up my tent and changing into some dry, comfortable clothes, I headed to dinner on the Old Orchard Beach pier for a fantastic pig roast, (or pumpkin chickpea curry and rice as a vegetarian option) a variety of salads, cornbread and ice cream for desert.

It’s expected to be a very rainy evening. The rain is supposed to stop around 4 a.m., and if the forecast is accurate, we will be getting started Monday morning under sunny skies.

The Bike Maine starting line in Kittery.

Lobster bake on Saturday night before the ride began.

A view of the tent city where cyclists spend their nights.