AppleCycle

Leaf peepers delight! On Saturday, October 14 hundreds of cyclists across Maine and beyond will ride in the 3rd annual AppleCycle orchard hop to raise money for the Community Bicycle Center’s free afterschool programs for kids. Leaving from Shaker Hill in Alfred (home to Apple Fest), cyclists will enjoy peak season foliage by pedaling on one of four carefully crafted bike tours to participating apple orchards. AppleCycle breaks out of the ride mold with its orchard hop design featuring one of Maine’s most compelling natural resources: our foliage.
Spanning twelve towns, this ride threads through some of southern Maine’s most scenic rural roads to showcase the brilliant foliage for which our state is known. Throughout the ride, cyclists will be spoiled with savory, fall-inspired treats (no cardboard tasting energy bars here!) and even a few cider donuts to motivate cyclists up those challenging hills. Moreover, unlike many other benefit rides, AppleCycle prides itself on providing a low-impact experience by locally sourcing our ride food when possible, limiting disposable waste at rest stops, and composting food scraps.
Proceeds from AppleCycle support the Community Bicycle Center (CBC), which uses bicycles to connect with over 400 kids each year. The CBC’s free, year-round youth programs located in the heart of Biddeford ensure that kids of all ages and backgrounds are provided with a safe place to connect with caring adults through bike rides and repairs. No program fees are ever required, thanks to generous donor support and fundraising events like AppleCycle.