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Events //
Mount Desert Island Westside Ride
The Mount Desert Island Westside Ride is spectacular scenic route that covers the large island of Mount Desert along the eastern seaboard of Maine. It covers over one hundred miles of roads, villages, towns and cities, leading to the beautiful Acadia National Park and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Date: May 29, 2011 update info
Time: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Event Cost: varies
Venue: varies - Bar Harbor, ME
Contact: Harbor House
Phone: (207) 244-3714
Email:
Website: harborhousemdi.org
Event Details:
What began in 1981 as a small local bike race has mushroomed into a state-wide attraction, kicking off the season on Mount Desert Island.
The Pro Ride follows a 30 mile route around the Western side of Mt. Desert Island. By popular demand, last year we introduced the Easy Rider, for those who want to bike at their own leisurely pace. This year, you can sign up for our Go the Distance Ride and do the entire 30 mile Pro Ride at your own pace. Ideal for families and friends of racers. Race proceeds benefit the Harbor House Sports Program.
Scenic rides and drives across the Acadia Region of Maine are highly popular with locals and tourists. Mount Desert Island Westside Ride is one such route that cannot be missed, covering the majority of Mount Desert Island and parts of the Acadia National Park.
The Westside Ride runs about one hundred and eight miles, one of the longest island routes in eastern Maine. It is a route that was discovered and enjoyed by Samuel de Champlain, an explorer (1604) and has since been the joy of tourists from across the world. In fact, this Frenchman gave the island its name, which is translated to mean an island with bare type wilderness mountains.
The Mount Desert Island Westside Ride can be done by car, bus, bicycle or on foot. It begins in Bar Harbor and runs along through the Mount Desert Narrows and Western Bay areas. Due to the rugged landscapes of the area, the route runs the gamut of terrain with high bluffs (oceanside), rolling hills and quaint bridges. The route invites visitors to discover Somes Sound, the US’ only eastern coastal fjord, and reaches well into Acadia National Park.
The Mount Desert Island Westside Ride also includes many miles of old carriage type roads which were redeveloped from the Rockefeller era of horse drawn carriages for use for walking, biking and hiking. In fact, these old roads cover a broad territory with varied difficulties for the interested modern explorers. Park Loop Road is one such old carriage type route that is can only be used by cars and buses. It circles Cadillac Mountain, a hot spot for sunset and sunrise watchers. Other Park Loop highlights include Jordan Pond House, the Ocean Path, Otter Cliff, Thunder Hole and Sand Beach. However, for those without personal transportation, the Mount Desert Westside Ride can be enjoyed via the Island Explorer, a free bus service that runs regularly across the island and visits many local villages and towns.
For those wishing to extend their Mount Desert Westside Ride to include more of the island, the route leads into Quietside, a more rural part of Mount Desert Island that heads towards Southwest Harbor.
The Mount Desert Westside Ride is spectacularly scenic, quiet, inviting and inspiring. Local harbors, villages and towns offer a taste of Maine coastal history. For those wishing to stop along the drive, there is always something to do, see and experience. When done during the summer months, many festivals and events can be added to the itinery. Varied restaurants, shops, cafes, bars, art galleries and craft shops are on hand. Most importantly, the Mount Desert Island Westside Ride allows visitors to experience the hospitality and warmth that makes the communities of Desert Island so appealing.
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