2008   2007   2006   2005   2004

Click here to view the Fall/Winter 2008 Newsletter

Maine Lighthouse Ride
Our fifth annual Maine Lighthouse Ride held on September 13th was the best ride ever. Hosted by Southern Maine Community College, more than 280 registered to ride, and around 250 biked one of the four loops. ETA volunteers cooked award winning burgers, dogs, clam chowder and veggie chili. Happy riders told us that they'd to be back in 2009 and with friends. Click here for more.

Rave Reviews for Scarborough to OOB Section
Spontaneous user feedback from those using the newly opened 1.6-mile extension of the off-road ET has been wonderful. Many of these comments have been posted on the  web-site. Initial ATV and motorbike trespass problems have been greatly reduced by education and by law enforcement.

2008 Trail Guide Error
The map on page seven of the 2008 edition of the trail guide showing the section from Wells to South Berwick was not included. Instead, the map on page five was used on both pages. The missing map is available at www.EasternTrail.Org. The ETA has crack-and-peel maps to update the guides. Signs for that section were checked and are all in place. ETA regrets the error and is mailing copies of the crack-and-peel map to those who ordered through the website and is notifying stores.

ET Loop Ride Cue Sheets
Mogens Ravn, master on-road route and cue sheet designer, created four loop rides that together include the entire Eastern Trail. Shorter loops based upon the larger loops were also created. There are no maps except for an overall map showing where the 13 loop rides are located. Order online for $5 plus $2 S&H at www.EasternTrail.Org. Orders began coming as soon as the notice was posted on the Web. It's a great way to enjoy the ET.

ETA Sponsors Congressional Candidates Forum
A First District Congressional candidates forum on "Sustainability in Maine" was held on September 28 at the Glickman Library at USM. Charlie Summers, the Republican nominee, and Chellie Pingree, the Democratic candidate, participated in the nonpartisan event. Click here for the Press Herald's article on the event.

ETMD designing two more ET Sections
ETMD awarded a design contract to HNTB for the 6.2-mile section of proposed greenway connecting Rt. 35 in West Kennebunk with Rt. 111 in Biddeford near Southern Maine Medical Center. Construction should begin in 2009 with an opening late in 2010.

ETMD is seeking bids to design the off-road ET from Rt. 111 in Biddeford to Cascade Road in Old Orchard Beach. The design is funded, however only Saco's successful 2007 $500,000 Eastern Trail construction bond is available to construct a $1.7 million section between Thornton Academy and the Cascade Road.

NH East Coast Greenway Inaugural
NH East Coast Greenway members and supporters celebrated the opening the newly signed route across New Hampshire. ECGA Treasurer Dave Read, who is producing the "Boston to Border" trail guide, and many NH dignitaries attended. Mogens Ravn defined an ETA ride for the Portsmouth event. Connecting Casco Bay with Boston is now more than a dream.

ETA's Biggest Challenge
Non-profits follow a natural life cycle from all-volunteer to staff-managed. For nearly ten years, ETA has been able to hire some amazingly talented, dedicated part time staff. Carole Brush, does an unbelievable job. ETA needs her full time; the organization's future requires
that it, like most other non-profits, grow to be able to hire full time staff to manage the organization. Member contributions and fundraising events like Maine Lighthouse Ride determine the future of ETA.

How can you help? Join ETA. Join at a higher level. Invite other ET supporters to join ETA. It's easy. Visit www.EasternTrail.Org and join today. Join NOW.

Limited construction funds provided primarily by federal, state and town allocations to build the ET may NOT be used for ETA operations. Join to receive ETA's newsletter and discounts on ETA events. Create a legacy for future generations. Join at www.EasternTrail.Org.

Join ETA - NOW!
Become ETA's newest member! Member dues pay for more than 50% of ETA's operating costs. Join the campaign to complete the ET. Receive ETA's newsletter and discounts on ETA events. Create a legacy for future generations. Join at www.EasternTrail.Org.

If you can dream it, you can do it.
Walt Disney

If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space.