By VALERIE TUCKER
Correspondent

FARMINGTON — A line of hungry, sweaty, happy cyclists wheeled into the University of Maine at Farmington’s parking lot today, waving to cheering fans on the sidewalks.

The 1,817 trekkers from Maine, 28 states and Canada are part of the 24th annual Trek Across Maine, the American Lung Association of Maine’s fundraising and awareness campaign. Participants raised at least $500 each to enter the event, which started Friday morning at the Sunday River Resort in Bethel.

Volunteers Gloria Labbe of Augusta and Maureen Hedges of Winterport have personal reasons for taking their time this weekend for the event. Labbe had attended her brother’s memorial service earlier this week.

“We had seven children in my family,” Labbe, 75, said. “Five have died from lung disease, so now only two of us are left.”

Hedges lost her parents to lung disease, and both women agreed that smoking contributed greatly to their families’ health problems. Many cyclists and volunteers have similar stories of loved ones who have succumbed to cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other lung illnesses, organizer Lee Scott said.
The fundraising event raises money for organization’s research and public awareness campaign.
They’re expected to arrive at Colby College in Waterville Saturday.