FARMINGTON - The 24th annual American Lung Association of Maine’s Trek across Maine has 1,817 Trekkers rolling into Farmington today, a record number of riders and teams, and a record $1.5 million was raised for the fight against lung disease.

Sunny weather in the 80s made the first 60-mile leg of the 180-mile Trek from Sunday River Ski Resort in Bethel to the University of Maine at Farmington a pleasure to ride, said Ed Miller, the Association’s executive director after he finished his own Trek into town.

“Beautiful weather brings out smiles on everyone,” he said.

On Saturday, the riders will head out to Colby College in Waterville and on Sunday, to Steamboat Landing Park in Belfast.

The oldest Trekker in the ride, 90-year-old Erlon Blood of Bethel, was accompanied by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Miller said bicycling is not Blood’s primary sport but he excels at Nordic skiing.

“When people start feeling sorry for themselves about going up some of these hills, I just remind them about Erlon and tell them he is on their tail,” laughed