The Torch Ride, a motorcycle ride to benefit Special Olympics Maine, takes to the road Saturday, Sept. 8.
2012 marks the 28th anniversary of the Maine Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) and the third annual Torch Ride for Special Olympics of Maine. The LETR campaign is the largest annual fundraising event for Special Olympics Maine.
Special Olympics are a year-round athletic training and sports competition program for persons with intellectual disabilities of all ages. In Maine, there are over 3400 athletes involved in the program. In addition to sports, Special Olympics also provides numerous socialization opportunities, a four-season camp for the athletes, travel, athlete leadership positions, self-esteem building, choices, and the chance to develop friendships that will last a lifetime.
The 2012 Torch Ride ride is dedicated in memory of Fred “Razor” Merritt who passed away in February 2012.
This years’ route departs the Owls Head Transportation Museum, 117 Museum St. in Owls Head, at approximately 9 a.m. and travels Rt. 1 through Rockland and Camden to Belfast. In Belfast, the ride will stop briefly at the Renys parking lot to pick up a group of riders coming in from the north before heading out Rt. 3 to Texas Roadhouse in Augusta where riders will break for about 45 minutes.
The return route follows Rt. 17 back to the museum, returning around 1:30 p.m.
At the museum events include a barbecue, auction and live entertainment, featuring the popular local band, Crossin’ Mason Dixon.
Anyone who would like to go on the ride is asked to contribute a registration fee of $25, beginning at 8 a.m. at the Owls Head Transportation Museum. Even those who don’t ride a motorcycle can still take part by riding the bus provided by Schooner Bay.
Anyone who would like to attend just the BBQ, auction and live entertainment, an entrance fee of $10 per adult; $5 children under 10; or $20 per family.
This years’ auction items include a lawn tractor and trailer, flat screen TV, laptop computer, a tailgate grill, miscellaneous hats, tees and gift cards from local businesses.
Local Special Olympics athletes will be attending the event.
Special guest, Miss Maine Collegiate 2013, Callie MacQueston, will be visiting for the day and Darling’s Ice Cream for a Cause will be there to raise money for Special Olympics Maine.
More than 100 businesses who provided monetary support, auction items or food for the event.
For more information about Torch Ride visit the website, email or call 975-01713 or 975-0165
