Bikepacking Downeast Sunrise Trail, Maine

The Downeast Sunrise Trail is 87 miles long from Calais to Ellsworth Maine. It’s the longest continuous segment of the East Coast Greenway. It’s 99% gravel therefore suitable for Gravel bikes with wide tires run at lower pressure than a typical road bike. We found that our 40mm wide tires run at 35 lbs were suitable. During your visit you may share the trail with the occasional ATV. It’s recommended that you bring a face covering due to dust kicked up by the ATV’s. Bring insect repellent and Bear spray. We didn’t see any bears on our trip. See their website for trail details.
www.sunrisetrail.org
www.greenway.org
Music by www.benesound.com

[@duzer]

This looks beautiful! Nothing better than Maine in the summertime

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Maine sure is awesome in the summer. We had a great time! Ryan, your videos are most inspiring. Enjoying the Great Divide series! Mira rules!! Riding the entire east coast of Florida next month on the East Coast Greenway. Can't wait!!

[@rex758]

Never get tired of looking at your videos. Thank you for sharing.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thank you Werner. That was a great and challenging ride. Thanks for watching. All the best, Steve

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thank you Werner. That was a great and challenging ride. Thanks for watching. All the best, Steve

[@FollowThomas]

Nothing is better than long distance bike ride.

[@f2cyclingoutdoors]

Nice ride! Thanks for sharing!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi there and thanks for watching. It was a great ride with many more to come. Have a great holiday and thanks for watching, Steve

[@swnorcraft7971]

Today is my 63rd birthday. Love to see you two enjoying your bikes together. Have only done overnighter bikepacking. Planning some longer gigs this summer. You are an inspiration. Be well........

[@GelMibson-u2y]

I did Ellsworth to lubec a couple years ago. The down east trail was nearly unrideable with the sand, and i cut out to the road after 40 miles of torture. Kudos for getting it done!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

I agree, the trail can be very challenging with the soft sand in places. Not one of my favorite trails. Thanks for sharing your comment. Take care, Steve

[@MikeMassey-fi5of]

I rode Ellsworth to Machias in ‘22 and met my wife at Helen’s for lunch, but I was on 50mm tires and no bikepacking gear. With all that gear, you probably should have been on wider tires.

[@danieloberli3952]

Hi there and thanks for this great video, I like the setup of your bike panier& saddle bag. What amazed me the most are the long straight lines. Greeting from switzerland.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Daniel, thanks for watching. I believe the long straight lines are because portions of the trail were railroad sections. It was a great ride! Next week I'm cycling from where I stopped in Ellsworth Maine to my home in Connecticut. That will complete my East Coast USA journey. Thanks again and all the best, Steve

[@ronhoover5516]

Great video! I really enjoy your videos Steve. Keep on ridin' and keep em coming!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thanks Ron! Just completed a ride from South Carolina to Connecticut. Will start publishing videos of the trip soon.

[@MikeMassey-fi5of]

Great adventure! I’ve only ridden Ellsworth to Machias and didn’t know about the bus. May try that. Thank you!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Mike and thanks for watching. The Downeast Sunrise trail is enjoyable and sometimes challenging. With the right bike for the ride it’s a fun experience. Not a trail for skinny tires. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Have a great day, Steve

[@BluecollarBackcountry]

Hi Steve. I sincerely hope you and Jan are doing well my friend. I haven't seen anything from you in a while so I watched this again. I smiled a lot during this video, being the first of your videos I saw. The 20th of this month I'll be starting the Natchez Trace Parkway. It's been a while since I've had a good tour. Take care, Tony ✌

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Tony, we are doing well and ate too much today it being Easter. I hope you're day is going well. I've been very busy with life and will publish my next video in a week or so. The Natchez Trace Parkway looks like an awesome ride. Can't wait to see how you do. I'm doing the Empire State Trail from Northern NY on the Canadian border down to NYC next month. Then Jan and I are going to ride the Le Petit du Nord trail northwest of Montreal early summer. Very easy ride with friends. Going to make a four day excursion out of it. Thanks for thinking of us and take care my friend, Steve

[@happycamper5900]

A great video! I enjoyed it immensely.

[@darkjewel79]

I've been looking for a first time bike packing trip and this may be perfect! Easy trip from New Hampshire.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

H Catie, It was a great trip. Any questions I'd be glad to answer. I'm leaving next week to finish my east coast cycling trip from Charleston, SC to my home in Connecticut. Should be awesome. Videos of the trip will be posted middle of October. Don't forget to subscribe to be notified. Thanks again and all the best, Steve

[@stefanomigliuolo3468]

The two of you are a great team! Definitely doing this greenway, this summer. Thanks for posting!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thank you Stefano, the Greenway is a great trail (except for segments in South Carolina) be safe. All the best, Steve

[@JosephDowski]

@@steveretiredandcycling Curious? What's up in the South Carolina section?

[@steveretiredandcycling]

@@JosephDowski The South Carolina section includes long stretches of high speed traffic (60-70 mph) with absolutely no shoulder. I want to ride through SC in September but will investigate safer roads. Thanks, Steve

[@biketouring109]

Lovely video...thanks for sharing

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thanks Brian, it was a great ride. Check out my other rides, All the best, Steve

[@bilalchaudry8790]

I really enjoyed the wholesomeness of this video. Just a beautiful couple cycling and spending quality time together. You love to see it! I recently did the whole downeast sunrise trail on my MT bike and was captivating. I did actually see a bear during thankfully, i was distanced from it. Great Video hope to see more :).

[@TheTrakker]

Excellent video! And I loved that you paid respect to the Duzer.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thanks, the Duzer is an inspiration and one of the most positive people ever!! Check out my new video. I just completed 800 miles bikepacking.

[@danielwyvern5]

You young people have all the fun.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Yes we do!! Just completed 850 miles from Key West to South Carolina. Celebrated my 68th birthday on the trail. Will start posting videos of the trip next week.

[@danielwyvern5]

@@steveretiredandcycling - You probably rode within a few miles of my condo in Jacksonville. Just turned 70 but try to get in about 100 miles per week. Looking forward to the videos.

[@PumpkinVillage]

What a nice trail. Thanks for the video and your wife is a trooper for sure, Take care and stay safe, Al

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thanks Al. It was a great trip

[@stevederr4927]

Your videos keep adding things to my bucket list!

[@MsGadgetGal]

Really enjoyed your video. Please more adventures 😃

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thank you for the comment. Next week I'm flying to Key West with my bike, I'll take a few weeks to ride the coast up to Charleston, SC. Will video the trip and post. Thanks again!!

[@BluecollarBackcountry]

Hi Steve. I saw your comment to Pursuing Mountains and I came over to check out your channel. Kudos to you and Jan on you first bikepacking trip together. That's awesome and it looked like a nice trail. I subbed and will be watching for your next video. Atb, Tony

[@MTBIKEXC]

Might have to try that this summer. Thanks!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Brad, the trail is awesome in summer. Not recommended during early spring due to "mud season" Thanks and all the best, Steve

[@1Hanginon]

Nice hooking up with you today on the Green River Pkwy in Port Saint Lucie. Keep on truckin!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thanks, great to ride with you too. Took a few days off at my daughters house in Melbourne. Back on the trail tomorrow for 9 days to Charleston SC

[@arminferrari9094]

wow really impressive , the way how elegantly chose the equipment, the great and smart combination between your bags .. i really have so much respect for your choices , greeting to you

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thank you Armin. A lot of thought went into equipment choice. Everything served me well on my most recent 800 mile trip from Key West north

[@kumarnathen2183]

Hi Steve I got inspired from your videos and started (re) riding from yesterday 😊

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thank you Kumar

[@edbrennan3671]

I did the Sunrise Trail in late July 2018. This may have been deer fly season (if they have a season). It seemed like they were attracted to my Deeps Woods Off. Hopefully the trail improved since then, but I found the part of the trail from Ellsworth was like riding through deep rocky sand. I believe this was caused by the ATV's churning up the trail. It was impossible to get a head of steam to outrun the swarming deer flies. I fell a couple of times. It was a rough time. I had to get on road instead. I got back on the trail going north from Machais and the trail seemed more packed down. It wasn't great, but much better for my 26" tires. As long as I was moving fast enough the deer flies were manageable. The trail along the water from Machais was exceptionally beautiful. I was really glad I gave it another try. Blueberry pie in Machais is mandatory.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Ed, we found many places on the trail with soft sand especially when approaching cross streets. Even with 38mm tires Jan fell twice without injury. Overall a nice trail. And yes, the black flies were abundant and frequent application of Deep Woods Off were necessary. Thanks for watching and all the best, Steve

[@samcash4412]

Totally amazing!!! Really enjoyed your video.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thanks Sam, Check out my new video. I just completed 827 miles bikepacking

[@Tomanart]

Great video and well done to both😊

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thanks Tom, It was a great trip. All the best, Steve

[@vanomadcyclist3474]

Steve, I have had a cold for the last couple of days and have had the opportunity to binge watch your videos!! You are providing me with great information on possible upcoming trips to ride, especially this one!! I have a trek Domane that can handle tires from 32-38 and I was going to put 35’s on but I think I will get some 38’s after seeing so many of your adventures. I definitely need to learn more about the Down East Trail system as I live in RI!! Thank you for all your content, perhaps our paths will cross sometime, or maybe they already have…😊

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Barbara, nice to hear from you. 38's are the way to go if you you have enough tire clearance between tire and frame. The Downeast Sunrise Trail is a great ride. Make sure you don't ride it during the Maine "mud season". For more information the trail has its own website www.sunrisetrail.org. Maybe our paths will cross someday. Ride safe, all the best, Steve

[@pdbike43]

Thanks for sharing your idyllic ride with us. Looks like great fun. Can't wait to see your video on your Key West to Charleston ride. I rode from Key Largo to Key West with a friend in February 2018. Would love your thoughts on riding the 7 mile bridge northbound. We did the southbound and it was a little rough...gravel/grit in service lane and a bit windy Take care and have fun.

[@crustydog1666]

Nice video. I would prefer to ride on asphalt or concrete as opposed to gravel, since I have a road bike that can't take wide tires. You and your wife handled the gravel really well. I love the scenery. There's just something about being on a bicycle with nature around me that lifts my spirits as hokey as that may sound. Best of luck to you two.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

I agree, riding a bicycle in nature is a magical experience. I still like my road bike but the gravel bike with wider tires enables me to ride varied terrain. Thank you for the comment and all the best, Steve

[@jazziered142]

When I retire, I'm going to do exactly what you're doing. I'm saving up for it now.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Sounds like a great plan. I saved up also, the biggest investment was to make sure my fitness level was ready. It's a great life!

[@jazziered142]

@@steveretiredandcycling I ride a lot during the spring, summer, and fall. Utah is way too cold in the winter for me. I live along the Jordan River parkway that connects to the Legacy Highway. It's about a 50 mile paved trail. I ride about 6 days a week, usually about 20 on the weekdays and 40 on the weekends.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

@@jazziered142 Sounds awesome. I hope to get to Utah someday to ride around Moab. Been there on business but now retired its a whole new ballgame

[@jazziered142]

@@steveretiredandcycling I really don't have much experience with gravel riding. But, I hope to do some this summer.

[@pandamac6]

Wasnt aware of this trail, even though i rode w BikeMaine 2017 all through the Downeast area! It looks great: thinking about doing a trip riding the trail from Ellsworth to Calais then back on the roads (many have been resurfaced last few years) which are generally quiet!! Thanks, and cheers! Andrew Mackey

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thanks for the comment Andrew. There's a website devoted to the trail. www.sunrisetrail.org Make sure you don't go during "mud season" which happens through early springtime. Thanks again. All the best, Steve

[@richardwhitehead4684]

So nice. Nothing better than a good companion for an adventure. Is the whole run a former rail bed?

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Richard. It was a great but dusty trail since it's shared with ATV's. Not sure if the whole trail was a railroad at one time. Thanks again and all the best, Steve

[@cjcapozzoli1724]

Lookin good Steve!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thanks Cj, hope you are doing well. Any bike trips planned?

[@cjcapozzoli1724]

@@steveretiredandcycling Working on it! I'm not sure if we talked since I moved, but I'm out in Issaquah, WA surrounded by mountain bike and gravel trails. I'm hoping to do part of the Olympic Discovery Trail once things start opening up. I'll be posting so of my local rides, I put a quick test on my channel if you want to see some of the trails around here.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

@@cjcapozzoli1724 Sounds like a great place! I'll subscribe to your channel so I won't miss out on your future rides. Good hearing from you!

[@KaylaGalway]

Love these videos :) Are these road bikes or gravel bikes? Or road bikes with gravel tires?

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Kayla, the bikes are considered gravel bikes. They have carbon frames and can be used for light bikepacking or road riding. Very comfortable either way. Thanks for watching and all the best, Steve

[@Just2HepCats]

me lubs you two.... Thanks for your videos!

[@motok8425]

Great video! Are you two on ebikes? If so, what type?

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi there, thanks for watching. It was a beautiful ride. No they are not ebikes. They are both Jamis Renegade model gravel bikes. We are not at the age that we feel ebikes are necessary yet. Maybe in a few years. However, Jan will be renting one when we tour Northern Norway later this summer. Thanks again and all the best, Steve

[@beckyblumenthal7133]

Thanks for this great video! I'm thinking of biking a portion or perhaps all of the Maine Eastcoast Greenway this summer. Your video is about the only posting I have found so far on personal experiences of the trail in Maine. If you know of any useful resources (besides the greenway and downeast websites themselves) I'd be grateful if you'd share! Also wondering whether you saw other people much on the off road portions. They look pretty quiet in your video, which is lovely except I will be biking alone and feel better knowing that there are a few others around in case of an incident. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Becky, Thanks for watching and commenting. We saw a few other riders. Not many though. There can be some ATV riders on the trail kicking up dust so I recommend keeping a face covering like a buff handy. The best resource for the trail is www.sunrisetrail.org. I always carry bear spray on any tour for bears and 2 legged creatures. Added security, however never had a problem. The only wildlife we saw on the trail was a rabbit. If you have other questions feel free to email me at [e-mail] Also check out my other videos, subscribe as I am posting videos of our Erie Canal ride. Thanks and all the best, Steve

[@beckyblumenthal7133]

@@steveretiredandcycling Thanks, Steve! I may take you up on that email once I further into planning mode. I've had my eye on the Erie Canal ride as well - I'll definitely check out your videos!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

@@beckyblumenthal7133 Hi Becky, the Erie Canal ride was nice and flat. Many camping options at the Locks however we opted for hotels and one Awesome bnb. Feel free to contact me anytime. Steve

[@outbackwack368]

Excellent adventure! You have a great setup there. How were the mosquitoes, green heads and deer flies around the wetlands? We lived on the north shore near Newburyport for a couple of decades and I rode (road) from Portland to Quebec in 2004 (8 days 400+ miles). That was fantastic, except for a big crash after hitting a dog in Canada at 25mph. Retired in Arizona now (60 & 58) and miss the east coast (except for the bugs!). We bought a couple of gravel bikes and I'm working towards some bikepacking in the near future now that the weather is cooling down here. Have fun and be safe!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thanks for your comments. Sounds like you’ve had great trips with more to come. The black flies were bothersome, however bug repellent worked. Right now I’m bikepacking from Key West to Charleston SC. Having a blast and will add videos to my channel starting end of November. Subscribe to my channel so you won’t miss them.

[@stephenmorton8017]

pie and fried clams in Maine on a sunny day after bike touring. as Vonnegut would say, 'if this ain't nice, what is?"

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thanks for the comment Stephen. It was a wonderful trip. Many more to come. All the best, Steve

[@JosephDowski]

Hi Steve! Greetings from Connecticut! Details on your saddle? Assuming you must like it if you chose to use it here?

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Joseph, the saddle is manufactured by the Infinity company. Your sit bones are cradled through the cutouts making for a comfortable ride. Many riders on the Race Across America use them since they are more comfortable for long days in the saddle. A bit expensive, I bought mine used on ebay.

[@JosephDowski]

@@steveretiredandcycling Yikes! Just checked their site. You weren't kidding when you said they were pricey!! Wish there was a way to try out a saddle without having to gamble, buy, & hope for the best... (I have a box of tried/failed saddles & handlbars in my basement... :( )

[@jorgebarcon8100]

Beautiful couple. What an inspiration!!! I would love to do this with my wife.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thank you for the nice comment Jorge. It was a great trip! We have more to come this year once the cold weather leaves. Have a great day and all the best, Steve

[@Doug-tp9qm]

What type of bikes are u useing

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Doug, we are using Jamis Renegade bikes. Nice gravel bikes that are lightweight. Thanks for watching and have a great weekend, Steve

[@jeffsmorczewski2700]

Hi I am Jeff from Maine , what buss service did you use?

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Jeff, the company is West Bus Service www.westbusservice.com/ I hope you have a great trip! Thanks for watching. All the best, Steve

[@jeffsmorczewski2700]

@@steveretiredandcycling Great Thanks You guys are real quick.... Even before morning coffee, I am impressed. I am working for the Largest Hospital system i Maine I am booking people for the Covid 19 vaccine, be very carefull what agree to voleneered? ..... It has been a very rewarding experience, a lot of hours.... Have a great Day!

[@steveretiredandcycling]

@@jeffsmorczewski2700 Sounds like you volunteered during a very busy time. Even though it's a lot of work you will be glad you took part in such an important task when it's over. Have a great day Jeff! All the best, Steve

[@chrisjamieson6818]

How have I not seen this video till now? What have I been doing with my internet?

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hi Chris, thanks for watching. Since I'm still a small channel, I don't get as much exposure yet. It was a great ride with many more to come. Check out my rides on my channel if you haven't already subscribed. Thanks again and all the best, Steve

[@Wayondon]

Your video may just tip the scales in favor of having my wife join me on the same trip. Merci! Wish I could find your equipment review vid.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thanks Alain, once your wife gets out there, she will enjoy it if you work together. I reviewed my bike setup on the Key West part 9 video. Camping equipment video still to come. All the best, Steve

[@joseadavila7445]

very nice ride sir . i am gona do trip with my 1120 trek . but alone i worry . next summer i do it i a m 60 yrs old i am pretty tuff . lots weir 2 legged creepers thats talk in thewoods aka other humans on dope n alcohol .

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Hey Jose, nothing to fear on this trail. Never too far from civilization. Thanks for watching and happy cycling, Steve

[@bilalchaudry8790]

Id say roughly about 20 hours, I did take rest up and take breaks. I also had a butt load of caffeine and a determined 24 year old body =P.

[@westernmaryland1928]

I live in Maryland and I am a member of this rail trail. It's one of our favorite bike RT's. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZW3gIuVibOHg5I My moose video past Dennysville and a year before, a little south of this spot, a grouse. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2mYaomnZ7Cii9k We do not see these in the DC area! Best Mike

[@stephanienegroni7247]

I’m. It far from here. I’d like to do this

[@steveretiredandcycling]

It was a great trip. How far away are you Stephanie?

[@OldBumOnABike]

What an awesome looking rail trail. It's great to see other old buggers out there. Cheers from Australia 👍

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thanks for the comment! Checked out you channel and enjoyed a few of yo videos. Will watch more after the holidays. Just finished a 800 mile backpacking ride of the coastal southeast of the USA. Posting all the videos. All the best, Steve

[@OldBumOnABike]

@@steveretiredandcycling look forward to seeing your newest adventure 👍