NEWRY — More than 2,000 bicyclists will leave Sunday River Ski Resort on Friday and start the three-day, 180-mile Trek Across Maine to Steamboat Landing Park in Belfast.

It is the American Lung Association of the Northeast‘s 29th annual ride and its largest fundraiser for the nonprofit organization nationwide. Last year’s trek raised $1.8 million, so this year’s goal is $2 million, Elizabeth DiMartino, ALA associate of Marketing & Communications, stated recently in a news release from East Hartford, Conn.

Cyclists come from all over the country to be a part of the weekend. All proceeds benefit the American Lung Association and help fund valuable research, education and advocacy.

The first day‘s trek is taking a different route from Newry to the finish line at the University of Maine at Farmington. Rather than riding through Dixfield to Weld, trekkers will ride to Canton, cross over to Jay and head up to Wilton before arriving in Farmington.

Leaving the ski resort, riders will travel to Route 2 and follow that east to Route 108 in Rumford to the first rest stop at the United Steel Workers Local 900 Union parking lot.

The trek then follows Route 108 to Route 140 in Canton to the second rest stop, which is at the former Canton Elementary School lot. From there, it’s a jaunt through farm fields and forest to Routes 4 and 17 in Jay, then up and down Jay Hill to Routes 2 and 4 in Wilton.

The trek continues east to Depot Street/Route 156 and travels to the third rest stop at Bean’s Corner Baptist Church. Then it’s a ride through the countryside on Route 156 to the Vienna Road/Route 41 to Routes 2 and 27 and a ride back to High Street and the college.

South Street, which connects Route 4 and High Street in Farmington, will be closed for the Trek Thursday and Friday.

DiMartino said the Trek Across Maine wouldn’t be possible without the help of local bike shops such as Rainbow Bicycle on Lisbon Street in Lewiston.

Owner John Grenier will send at least a couple of mechanics to ensure that any trekkers needing assistance while on the road get the help and support they need, she said.

Grenier said that his mechanics will be assigned a spot at the finish line on Day One and will move along from there following the cyclists on Trek weekend.

Grenier first became involved in the Trek Across Maine in 1999 when he purchased Rainbow Bicycle, DiMartino said.

“The shop had participated in the event in 1998 for the first time and John’s customers began asking him, ‘Will we still see you at the Trek Across Maine this year? Will you still be there?’” she said.

With the event so popular among his customers, John told her that his answer had to be ‘yes.’

This year the shop celebrates its 15th year supporting the Trek Across Maine. Not only is the shop on-site during Trek weekend, Rainbow Bicycle hosts a bike clinic for trekkers during the winter and co-hosts an information night with the Lung Association for those interested in participating in the Trek, DiMartino said.

“What I really like about supporting the Trek Across Maine is that this event makes cycling accessible to everyone and encourages those who might not otherwise participate in a rigorous bike ride to get out there and experience the joys of cycling,” Grenier said.

“The Trek is not a race, and everyone at the event encourages one another and supports one another as they strive to reach the finish line.”

With the Trek taking place during what Grenier describes as Rainbow Bicycle’s “prime, prime, busy season,” it’s a sacrifice for him to be down a few key staff members for the three days, DiMartino said.

Nevertheless, she said Grenier remains committed to being part of the Trek.

“Not only is this a great cause, I support anything that encourages more people to cycle, and the Trek Across Maine is an event that has no doubt encouraged more people to get on their bikes and ride,” Grenier said.

Registration for the Trek’s 30th Anniversary ride is open online by visiting TrekMaine30.org and will also be available on-site at this year’s Trek.

For the 2013 Trek route maps and itineraries, visit lungne.box.com/s/m7yhvowinv4a52ix0yi3.

tkarkos@sunjournal.com