“Air” Force ■
By Rick Leonard
The people of Maine can breathe easier, thanks in part to the Cianbro Cycling Team. During the weekend of June 19-21, 19 Cianbro team members and ten of their friends and family participated in the 25th annual American Lung Association of Maine bicycle Trek Across Maine. Team members who participated in the event include Randy Albert, Lauren Benttinen, Lisa Brown, Erica Caldwell, Mark Caldwell, Stephanie Cote, Paul DeCesere, Doug Dow, Tony Foster, Aaron Gibbs, Justin Ladd, Brian LeComte, Rick Leonard, Sue Morrison, Christine Nadeau, Brian Rancourt, Dan Pellerin, Andrea Pelletier and Cory Verrill. Their friends and family who joined them were Deb Ladd, Megan Ladd, Connor Leonard, Gary Rancourt, Pete Rancourt, Becky Thompson, Jennifer Williams, Jessica Verrill, Jennifer Groh, and Susan Albert. This three-day event raised over $1.5 million in support of educational programs on the dangerous health impacts of tobacco use, continued monitoring and improvement of air quality in public buildings and schools, assistance for people with asthma through education and medical research, and sponsorship of legislation for the development of alternative “clean” energy generation. The mission of the American Lung Association of Maine is to lead in lung health promotion and lung disease prevention. Since 1911, the American Lung Association of Maine has led the fight against lung disease, and impacts every Maine community with nearly 90% of funds staying in the state. The remainder is used to support national education, research, and public policy programs. The American Lung Association of Maine is supported by private donations and volunteers – people just
like you! The Trek Across Maine itself is an extraordinary event, and this year was the 25th Anniversary. From its humble beginning in 1985, the Trek is now nationally recognized as a premier cycling event, with more than 2,500 cyclists from all over the United States riding their bicycles 180 miles from the beautiful western mountains to the rock bound coast of Maine. Averaging 60 miles per day, cyclists are supported by over 500 volunteers and dozens of public safety representatives. Several of Maine’s bike shop mechanics also lend support by carrying gear, directing traffic, fixing bikes,
give back to the communities in which we live and work, while promoting good health, physical activity, environmental consciousness, and team building. The 2009 Cianbro Cycling Team should be congratulated for their recent accomplishments. Together, they not only completed the challenge of riding 180 miles in three days, but also raised approximately $15,000 in pledge money, participated in hundreds of miles of training rides, received education and training on road cycling, and promoted health and wellness with Cianbro’s can-do spirit and style. The team plans to carry its
2009 Cianbro Cycling Team providing food and water, and supplying an endless amount of encouragement as bikers make their way across the state. Cianbro Corporation is a long-time supporter of the Trek. For many years, the company has pledged money in support of individual team members riding in the Trek. 2009 marks the third consecutive year the company has sponsored a Trek team. Company support is provided through a team matching donation, promotional displays at Team Tent City on the second day of the event, and support of the first annual Trek raffle. Events like the Trek Across Maine are important to Cianbro as a way to
momentum from the Trek to other charity rides that complement our healthy lifestyle initiatives. If you would like to participate in other charity rides as a member of the Cianbro Cycling Team, including the 2010 Trek Across Maine, please contact Rick Leonard at 207-679-2250. For more information about the American Lung Association of Maine and the Trek, visit www.mainelung.org. It’s never too early to register for the 2010 Trek and space is limited. Come join in the fun. Let’s help start off the next 25 years by making Cianbro’s Trek Team the biggest and best yet!
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