Brunswick, Maine: Spark Cycling Studio, Coastal Performance Training Center, and the Brent + Lisa Real Estate Team partnered on September 29th for the fourth annual U-PICK 5k or Spin, a twist on the classic road race. The event raised over $11,000 for the Midcoast Youth Center, and the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center.
The unique event allows participants to choose either the 5k road race hosted by Coastal Performance or an outside spin class led by Spark Cycling. The events happen simultaneously, creating an atmosphere that is both fun and different than a typical road race.
“Having run 5Ks and 10Ks in the past, I knew that I liked to be a part of that experience. The energy is so high, it’s just a great feeling,” says Brittany Hyde, Owner and Founder of Spark Cycling. “But I’ve never enjoyed running and thought there was a way to make an event that gave participants additional ways to be involved that were still athletic but not necessarily Running.”
When Hyde, a long time client at Coastal Performance, and Kelsey Bisson, Head Performance Coach of the facility, were approached by Brent Sawyer of Portside Real Estate Group back in 2021, the event was born.
“The idea stemmed from literally just having fun. By bringing our three small businesses together we continue to work towards creating a community that truly cares. I think we have found that in this special event” says Sawyer. Over the four years the event has grown with fundraising efforts totaling over $26,000.
“The vibes were running high this year as were the endorphins,” says Lisa Guerette, the other half of Brent + Lisa at Portside. “Seeing so many friends, clients, and community members in one place for a great cause is heart-warming. I am a firm believer that together, and in community, we can do big things! And we have done just that!”
The beneficiaries serve their direct communities and beyond. The Midcoast Youth Center, located in Bath, focuses on fostering supportive and safe spaces, running programming for teens and adults that includes meal trains, group dinners, homework help, and at its core, a space for people to go and find community. In 2021 they opened an indoor skate park, the largest in the state at 6,000 feet, further solidifying their influence in the midcoast.
“[The] generous $5,000 donation to the Midcoast Youth Center will light the way for our local youth, providing them with opportunities for mentorship, education, and personal growth. Together, we are building a brighter future, and we are deeply grateful for your support in making a lasting impact on their lives!”
Founded by Bruce and Annemarie Albiston, the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center, located in Brunswick and Carrabassett Valley, works “to enhance the quality of life for all people with disabilities through adaptive recreation and education programs.” Their programming includes everything from downhill skiing and sailing, to art and music. With locations in two parts of the state and programming up and down the coast, their presence is strong within the physically and intellectually disabled community. One of the two Albistons attend the event each year with the other running programming up north. In 2022 a tradition was born with AOEC participants creating handmade medals for the runners and riders.
“Our folks have greatly benefited from this event and the generosity from all of [the organizers] and the sponsors and the participants. We are so grateful! [AOEC participants] LOVE making the medals. It brought me to tears (happy tears) when one of the riders said that she still had her medal from last year” said Annemarie after the event.
“Outside of raising money for these amazing organizations, our goal is to bring the community together,” said Kelsey Bisson, Head Performance Coach at Coastal Performance. “Between the other hosts, our local sponsors, and the participants, I am humbled by our outcome year after year. It has been such a treat to see this event grow!”
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