Ernest O. Porell was a state representative from Westbrook in 1937 then Mayor of Westbrook in late 1940's. Porell expected to lose the September 1936 election so he promised to ride to Augusta on a bike if he were elected as a state representative. He started his 60-mile ride in Portland on October 15th to pay his debt, anticipating it would take eight hours.

A banner on the automobile reads: “Watch for the arrival of Rep. E. O. Porell on his way to Augusta on a Bike, Courtesy of Cycle Trades of America, James Bailey Co. Portland, Dol’s Hardware, Westbrook.”

This article and photo appeared in "The Portland Evening Express" October 16th, 1936 edition on page 23.