Hundreds of riders of varying abilities and ambitions met at the Windham Mills loading dock in the early morning mist , ready to ride in the 18 annual Steeple Chase Bike Tour . The Aug . 15 event , a fundraiser for The Windham Area Interfaith Ministry and the Perceptions Program , offered courses of 20 , 35 , 50 , and 100 miles , plus the 62 . 5-mile “ Metric Century . ”

“ We raised $ 61 , 000 this year, ” tour official Ruth Gordon said . “ Not quite as much as last year, but in this economy , we’re very pleased . About 5 percent of that will go to expenses , and the rest will be split evenly between WAIM and Perceptions . ”

Though the competitive juices were undoubtedly flowing for many of the riders , this was a tour , not a race . The competition is based on the fundraising abilities of the teams and individuals .

The Colchester Dental Group , headed by Dr . Mike Babinski , has won the first place trophy for the past two yearsand hopes to do so again . “ We’ve got 40 riders out here , ” he said . “ Colleagues , staff members , patients and friends , all of who have been raising money through the year. It’s going to be tough to repeat , though . I hear the Thread City Cyclists are really pushing to beat us out . Hey , if they do , great . It’ll mean more money for the cause . ”

The various courses wound through the scenic Quiet Corner , with rest stops at area churches along the way , hence the name “ Steeple Chase . ” WAIM volunteers were on hand at all the rest stops with refreshments and words of encouragement .

WAIM is comprised of 39 faith communities which provide fuel assistance , food , clothing , housing and furniture for needy families in the area . Perception Programs , Inc . offers treatment , case management , education and housing to people dealing with substance abuse and other disorders , adults involved in the criminal justice system and people living with AIDS .

The top two prizes to be awarded for money raised are a week for four at a Moosehead Lake cabin in Maine and a week for two at the Woodward Motor Inn in North Lincoln , N . H . Winners were to be announced later , and all the prizes are donated .