Vicki Doudera - Realtor, Author, Mainer

You know it’s springtime in this state when you can get out on your bike. Yesterday I did a 30 mile ride out to Warren, Union, and back through Hope and Rockport to Camden. Today’s an even better day — sunny, in the 70’s — but my schedule’s too booked to take two hours off today.

What does this have to do with real estate, you’re wondering?  Well of course I passed lots of interesting properties… beautiful big farms with green fields, peaceful horses, and the smell of just cut grass. But mostly I reveled in the lifestyle that Maine affords… and the rural beauty that surrounds you just about anywhere in this state.

My ride took me out Rt. 90 to Rt. 131 in Warren, taking the meandering 6 mile route to Rt. 17 in Union, then west on 17 until I hit 90 once more. Conditions were perfect:  that is, unless I stopped. The few times I pulled off the road to take a quick drink of water (I’m not always coordinated enough to drink and drive at once) I was instantly found by the scourge of the Maine spring:  BLACK FLIES.  The little beasts were everywhere, swarming around my head and doing their best to navigate into my helmet. Ugh!  Luckily, they only last until mid-June or so.  Here in Maine, we identify black fly season as “Mother’s Day to Father’s Day” and that’s usually right on target.

Despite the black flies, I had a fabulous spring ride. Chirping birds, the buzz of lawnmowers, the myriad shades of green — a real treat. I’m getting myself ready for the Trek Across Maine, a 180-mile ride that winds from Bethel to Belfast. This event takes place June 13-16, and is the largest fundraiser for the American Lung Association of Maine.  I need to raise at least $500.00, so if you’re interested in pledging, feel free to see my pledge page.  Thanks and Healthy Spring, wherever you are!