Maine man bicycles from Fla. for children’s charity

BANGOR – A Penobscot man has spent the last month biking from Orlando, Fla., to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals in eastern Maine.

David Weigel, 47, began his trek Sept. 16 in Orlando, and finished it late Thursday afternoon in Bangor. On Friday, Weigel will meet with children at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor and spend time with the families who could benefit from his fundraising.

“I am really fortunate that I have daughters, 15 and 20 years old, and both wonderfully healthy,” Weigel said in a telephone interview Thursday night. “Those of us who are so fortunate, it is our responsibility to help those out that aren’t so fortunate.”

Weigel, a marketing executive from Penobscot, said he biked 2,000 miles during his trip, averaging 80 to 100 miles a day. He did not know Thursday night how much money was raised by his trek because he said he wanted to be surprised in the end. Fundraising efforts will continue through October, so people who want to contribute still can do so, he said.

Weigel is expected to bike from Larkin Street in Bangor to EMMC just before 10 a.m. today, with the help of a police escort.

After pedaling the entire East Coast, Weigel said, nothing compares to Maine.

“Nothing feels better than to be back home in eastern Maine,” said Weigel.

To donate visit online: www.emh.org/charities.asp and click on Support the Ride for Miracles.