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Cycling & Mountain Biking

Adaptive cycling and mountain biking are excellent ways to stay active, explore Maine’s beautiful landscapes, and connect with a supportive outdoor community. Whether you prefer smooth paved paths or rugged off-road adventures, our adaptive cycling programs provide opportunities for riders of all abilities. Adapted cycles, including hand- and foot-powered options, are available for use.

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Adaptive Cycling

Cycling is our most popular summer program, offering a welcoming community of experienced riders who will help you hit the trails. Whether you’re new to adaptive cycling or have experience, we’re here to get you out riding at locations such as Back Cove in Portland and various trails throughout Central and Southern Maine.

 

 

Adaptive Mountain Biking

Take on unpaved trails and uneven terrain with guidance from our trained mountain bike staff and volunteers. These sessions focus on skill-building, from basic techniques to advanced riding, so you can confidently explore scenic wooded trails across Western and Southern Maine, as well as other off-road locations statewide.

 

For those looking for a bigger adventure, join us every September in Carrabassett Valley for two days of action-packed, off-road mountain biking. The Mountain Bike Adventure Weekend features trails suited for all skill levels, from entry-level riders to advanced adventurers. All ability levels are encouraged to participate, and assistance with housing options is available. Whether you sign up for one day or both, this event at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center is a great way to challenge yourself and connect with the adaptive mountain biking community.

Accessible Equipment

We provide handcycles and recumbent cycles to give athletes the freedom and speed of cycling, regardless of mobility challenges. Handcycles, powered by the rider’s arms, are perfect for those with lower-limb impairments, while recumbent cycles offer a stable, comfortable way to pedal with the legs. We offer both on-road and off-road versions, allowing riders to enjoy pavement or mountain bike trails.

Adaptive equipment can be costly, but donations make it possible. Thank you to all our supporters for making sure every athlete has access to the tools they need.

Expert Instruction

Our biking programs are led by a passionate team of volunteers and staff, dedicated to helping athletes develop skills, confidence, and independence. They help riders adjust to handcycles and recumbent cycles, offer support on-road and off-road, and create an inclusive, encouraging environment for all.

Volunteers play a vital role, from guiding new bikers to supporting riders, ensuring that every participant feels confident and empowered.

Where We Ride

Maine Adaptive offers biking opportunities across the state, providing access to a variety of scenic and adaptive-friendly trails. Riders can enjoy the paved loop at Back Cove in Portland, the historic carriage roads of Acadia National Park, the rugged mountain bike trails in Carrabassett Valley and more. Additional rides take place on mixed-terrain routes in Bethel, Western Maine, and other locations in Central and Southern Maine.
Learn More About All Our Locations

Join us for a ride!

Whether you’re an experienced rider or trying it out for the first time, we welcome you to get involved, build your skills, and have fun.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Maine Adaptive programming is open to children and adults with a variety of disabilities. Check out our Guidelines for Participation on the Participate Page for details.

Yes! Even though we are widely known for skiing, we do so much more. In the winter, you can join Maine Adaptive for skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing. If you are looking for summer activities, join Maine Adaptive for golf, cycling, mountain biking, tennis, paddling, pickleball, or climbing.

Nothing! All lessons with Maine Adaptive are 100% free of charge — winter and summer – including your lift ticket/trail pass, your equipment, and the instruction you will receive.

No. Maine Adaptive has equipment to fit many shapes and sizes. We are ready to find the right equipment for your needs. If you already own your own equipment, you are welcome to use it during your lesson.

Getting started is easy! All of the forms you need to get started with us are just a click away. Check out the Participate Page for more information.

All of the lessons at Maine Adaptive are taught by experienced and trained volunteers and stress safety, fun, and learning. When you arrive for a confirmed lesson, you will need to check-in. Check in with us at our meeting location, and our staff and volunteers will make sure you have what you need. 

After everyone has arrived, you will be paired up with volunteer instructors for your lesson. Talk to those volunteers about your goals for the lesson – they are there to work with you. You and your volunteers can decide when to take breaks or stop for lunch. At the end of your lesson, you can return any equipment you used and any trail pass you checked out. This is also a good time to talk to your instructors about your goals. Did you meet your goals for the lesson? What do you want to work on next time?

Directions are available to all regular Maine Adaptive programs on the Directions Page.

Transportation to all activities is the responsibility of the participant. The goal of Maine Adaptive is to get individuals active, so they can enjoy sports with their family and friends independently. However, one way people get to lessons is by carpooling with volunteers or other participants. We can provide you with the names and phone numbers of people in your area that would be willing to provide transportation. All you have to do is contact us!

Just pick up the phone and call us at (207) 824-2440. We understand that life is unpredictable and you may need to change your confirmed schedule. We ask that you contact us at least 24 hours in advance so that we can fill your lesson space. Our phone is always on – feel free to leave a message.

Maine Adaptive only cancels lessons in the case of unsafe conditions. If you think this may be the case, call the office at 207-824-2440 to hear any cancellation information. The machine is updated by 6:00 AM if lessons are cancelled for the day. If we are still holding lessons but you do not want to travel in the inclement weather, just leave a message letting us know.