Everyone rides in Pat's Ride for All

FORT KENT –The annual Ride for All event at 10th Mountain has been renamed Pat’s Ride for All in memory of Jim and Bob Marquis' brother Patrick Marquis, who passed away in May 2011. Organizers will hold the event on Feb. 23 and March 10, and this year, funds from Pat’s estate will sponsor the lunches, drinks, and snacks.

Patrick Marquis had Down’s syndrome. He died at age 61 after medical personnel told his family that he would be lucky to see 30. His brother Jim Marquis, the logistics coordinator for the event, said Pat’s remarkable longevity was due in part to all the love he received and all the love he gave to friends, family, and acquaintances. He described how Pat would joke that he was broke when meeting people, and said the event sponsorship was a way for Pat to treat his loved ones.

When the event originated about seven years ago, the ride began from the Fort Kent Snowriders groomer garage and traveled on the Heritage Trail. Four years ago, 10th Mountain Ski Club and the organizers of the Ride for All event agreed that the ski center would be a better place to locate the event, in part because the lodge has a kitchen and a place where the participants can warm up and have lunches. Marquis praised the facility, saying it was a nice and a safe place to have the event.

“It’s just worked out so well,” he said.

For the participants in this event, Phil Corriveau of Corriveau Arctic Cat and Cliff Audibert of Audibert Polaris designed and fabricated, at no charge to the organizers, two sleds that large snowmobiles can pull. The businesses used donations of materials from Twin Rivers and Quigley’s Hardware to construct the sleds. Daigle and Houghton and Frank Martin and Sons also made cash donations to the event.

Each sled has a gate and a ramp with room for benches or two wheelchairs. Four snowmobiles are available to pull the sleds, but volunteers also bring their own to give participants the opportunity to ride.

Volunteers help in the kitchen serving food and in the yard with the participants. Volunteers who often come back again and again help the event to succeed each year, said Marquis. Staff members from the day programs and the waiver homes also help out.

“Getting volunteers has never been an issue,” said Marquis. He said volunteers tell him, “Jim, if you don’t call me next year [to help out], you’re going to be in trouble.”

The larger of the two events begins at 9 a.m. on Thursday before the Can-Am, and runs until about noon or 1 p.m. Lunch service begins at about 10:30 a.m., and is comprised of hot dogs and fruits, chips, and hot and cold drinks. Many volunteers bring sweets for the participants. There is a second event on March 10. This one is focused on residents of the waiver homes, said Marquis. His brother lived at one of the Northern Maine General waiver homes for 10 years.

Participants do a loop on the trails at the facility. Adults are available to help participants on and off of the sleds and snowmobiles, for those interested in and capable of traveling behind a driver. Marquis said participants are welcome to show up whenever they can make it.

“We never leave without everyone having a ride,” he said.

Marquis said the larger event typically draws participants from the various Madawaska and Van Buren day programs for the physically and mentally challenged and from the Northern Maine General Hospital day program and waiver homes, along with family members, friends, and volunteers. He said the event was “very much a family activity.”

Marquis said the participants recognize him at all times of year when their paths cross.

“It’s a real treat for them,” he said.

Anyone and everyone are invited. Participation in a day program is not a requirement. That’s why it’s called the “Ride for All”, said Marquis.

“As long as I’m walking and talking, I’m going to be involved,” he promised. “It’s a lot of fun.  It’s a hoot.”