More than 10 years ago, three or four guys in Gritty McDuff’s Freeport Mug Club decided they wanted to ride in the Trek Across Maine charity cycling event. Today, that idea has expanded into one of the most successful fund-raising groups in the state.
“When Bill Muldoon, Patrick Enking and I had the crazy idea to ride in the Trek, we asked Gritty’s if they would help pay for our jerseys,” said team captain, Jerry Yurko. “We ordered some plain white jerseys with the Gritty’s logo on the back in green ink. For the first few years, we would gain a few riders here and there – but nothing too serious. Along the Trek route other riders would joke about what was in our water bottles: water or Gritty’s beer. We raised some money, had some fun and enjoyed the ride. Then, about 10 years ago Gritty’s made a serious commitment and the team just exploded.”
Now, more than 100 people wear the Gritty’s jersey for Gritty’s cycling team. However, that number ebbs and flows with each charity ride. At this year’s Trek Across Maine, Gritty’s cycling team raised more than $71,000 and since 2005, they’ve raised a staggering $388,000 for the American Cancer Society. At the Trek there are close to 100 people wearing the Gritty’s jersey. At other rides, only a handful of team members may show up, but they still raise money for the charities. The team rides in several charity rides each summer including the MS Great Maine Getaway and the Dempsey Challenge.
“I met Jerry and Patrick, back in 2007 or 2008,” said Gritty’s marketing director, Thomas Wilson. “They came to ask for more support to buy better jerseys. Being a marketing and sponsorship guy, I saw an opportunity. In a state with no billboards, we could have dozens of people riding around Maine with Gritty’s logo on their backs. The guys designed a more colorful jersey. Gritty’s offered to pay for half of anybody’s jersey if they joined the team and agreed to raise funds for the charity rides the team rode in. In six years, we’ve raised over $72,000 for the Dempsey Challenge – so far.”
The Trek Across Maine and the Dempsey Challenge aren’t the only charity rides that Gritty’s
cycling team participates in. The team also pedals for the MS Great Maine Get Away, and you’ll find Gritty’s cycling team members at many other charity rides. And Gritty’s produces their own ride, known as the “Gritty’s Triple” or as the riders call it “The G-3.” In its the third year; the G-3 is quickly gaining traction as a favorite among riders. This ride challenges cyclists to go from Gritty’s brew pub in Freeport to Gritty’s in Portland to Gritty’s in Auburn and back to Freeport. It’s a grueling 75 miles of riding for experienced cyclists only. This year the G-3 will be held on Sunday morning, Aug. 16.
“We can only take a maximum of 150 riders,” said Wilson. “We still have a few slots open so register now at www.grittys.com/g3. You simply pay $60. There’s no more fundraising, just show up by 6:30 a.m. at Gritty’s Freeport ready to ride. We’re raising money for the Dempsey Challenge and for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation this year.”
A few of the 100-plus team members of the Gritty McDuff’s Brew Pub cycling team take part in a recent charity fundraiser. The team has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars since its inception in 2005.Courtesy photoSend questions/comments to the editors.
