NORWAY — When 350 bicyclists from across the country arrive Sunday afternoon, the tireless work of many to develop Norway into a business- and tourist-friendly community will be justified, Norway Downtown President Andrea Burns said.

On Sunday, Sept. 7, 350 cyclists and 25 corporate sponsors will cycle into Norway as part of their weeklong, 340-mile BikeMaine trek. The event, hosted by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, offers a chance for riders to explore Maine’s people, places, cultures and foods.

“To be recognized and worthy of hosting such an event has validated the considerable work that has gone into making Norway a destination for visitors,” Burns said. “That BikeMaine gives us the chance to celebrate this is gratifying.”

The self-supported event offers meals, tent camping, rest stops, entertainment and porter service for riders. Over the course of a week, riders will pedal about 50 miles each day to visit six communities in Maine.

Westbrook, Winthrop, Gardiner, Boothbay Harbor and Bath will also be host communities for this second annual event.

“As a host community, Norway will benefit as the spotlight focuses on our historical, cultural, business and natural resources,” Burns said. “The event will bring people of the community together with a common goal: generous hospitality. They may also look at their hometown with pride.”

Bicyclists will be welcomed by Norway Downtown members and the public, who are asked to line Main Street from 1 to 3 p.m. with welcome signs, noisemakers and encouragement. The welcome party will take place from Robert Butters Park at Main and Water streets to KeyBank on Main Street.

Burns said the riders will camp near the town’s recreational complex on Cottage Street on Sunday night and be fed by at the Norway Firemen’s Relief Association and the Progress Center. The riders will be entertained at the Norway Town Office and Norway Savings Bank parking lot on Danforth Street throughout the afternoon and evening by Fred Garbo, Michael Trautman of Celebration Barn and local band Bold Riley. The public is welcome to enjoy the entertainment.

BikeMaine ride director Kim True told the Portland Press Herald in a recent interview that last year, the event left $235,000 in the communities BikeMaine passed through. A survey conducted after the ride indicated on average riders spent about $575 per person. Local organizers say the average annual salary of the riders is $150,000. Each paid an $875 fee to participate.

“We’re encouraging them (riders) to walk around, to go downtown,” said Angela Harvey, who was hired by Norway Downtown as the local coordinator for BikeMaine 2014.

Stores that are usually not open on Sundays are opening their doors, special promotions are being offered and free shipping is being offered at some stores for those who want to purchase an item and have it shipped, she said.

There will be open houses at the Norway Historical Society, Roberts Farm Preserve and Lajos Matolcsy Arts Center, among other places.

Norway Downtown has printed hundreds of brochures highlighting the town’s history, businesses, services and a schedule of events using funds from the Healthy Main Streets, a program of the Maine Downtown Center.

In addition to the Norway Downtown steering committee, scores of volunteers have become involved in the event. Fire Chief Dennis Yates is acting as a facilitator, Recreation Director Deb Partridge is in charge of the rider village setup, Bob Hand is coordinating the emergency planning and Burns will serve at the information booth.

“Not only is BikeMaine promoting bicycling in Maine, it is also giving towns in Maine a chance to shine and to make friends who may return to our towns and state in the future,” Burns said.

The event is funded through the Healthy Maine Street Program, funded by Maine Downtown Center Development Foundation, and the Bicycle Coalition of Maine.

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