I was a rider in the 2015 Bike Maine Tour this year and was disappointed to learn that riders were not able to use the fairgrounds in Fryeburg for our Bike Village campgrounds this year.

There were well more than 350 riders and they would have brought a sizable economic impact to the area, looking for dining, beverages, sports drinks, shopping, etc. Rather than being able to interface with the folks of Fryeburg, we traveled 13 more miles north to a secluded but nice camp.

If the Bike Maine Tour returns to the Fryeburg area, I hope the community and its leaders will recognize the numerous, sizable benefits, including economic tourism support, and will reconsider their decision.

Maybe next time our stay can be longer than just passing through.

Henry Baum, Trinity, Fla.