They may be the visitors who stream up the turnpike with a bike or two hanging from their cars, who use their bikes as part of an overall vacation. Only 2 percent of bike tourists came on longer, organized rides, like the five-day trip around Boothbay Harbor. The study, done by Wilbur Smith Associates of Portland, also made some recommendations about how to attract more riders. The focus was on increasing publicity, including more maps, guides, advertisments and Internet use. But there's a growing realization that Maine could do much more to benefit from bike tourism.
Experts say changing demographics make the effort timely.
Norman Patry of Portland worked as a guide for Bike Riders and other tour companies. Now he's starting his own business, Summer Feet. His Maine Coast Cycling Adventures is scheduling most of its trips on the coast, although a fall foliage ride in Bethel is also included. The baby boom demographic is really the growth area. Ramble on the rock or relax in an Adirondack chair.