72-Year-Old Will Ride in 30th Annual Bike Trek to Shakertown

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Arnold Johnston (left) and Dave Runge (right)

LOUISVILLE, KY (07/16/2015)(readMedia)-- Starting September 19th, 72-year-old Dave Runge of Louisville will bike nearly 142 miles through the beautiful Kentucky countryside in an effort to help fight lung disease. He'll be joined by approximately 200 other participants in the American Lung Association's 30th annual Bike Trek to Shakertown – an event that he has participated in every year since it began in 1986.

Dave's relationship with the event began when Carolyn Embry, with the American Lung Association in Kentucky, reached out to Dave's cycling club for guidance on launching the event in 1986.

"Dave's help over the last 30 years has been instrumental," Embry explained. "He was part of the team that helped us map out the perfect route back then, and has been making updates each year since to ensure that our riders get the quintessential Kentucky experience."

And creating that perfect experience is a job that Runge takes to heart. "We get riders from across the country, as well as people who've lived here all their lives. So we try to take them away from anything they'd see from the highways. There are a few really remote little towns on the first day. You know, our hope is that people will stop and go into the gas station in someplace like Gravel Switch, KY and start up a conversation. We'd love for everyone to walk away with a little bit of that Kentucky charm."

For Runge, the fight against lung disease is a personal one. Shortly before getting involved with the trek, his father passed away from smoking complications. "We all know people who shouldn't have smoked," Runge said. "After a couple of heart attacks in his 40's, the doctors told my dad to stop smoking. And he did. It took courage and a lot of hard work, and he quit. But unfortunately, it was too late. The damage was done." And later, his father-in-law, a coal miner from Madisonville, KY, died from black lung. "I know what lung disease can do. I've seen it. And if I can keep anyone else from experiencing it, I'll have done my part."

Runge isn't the only "30 year-er" who will be present for the trek's anniversary. Friend and fellow cycling enthusiast Arnold Johnston of Louisville will also be joining the festivities for the 30th year in a row, despite his ongoing recovery from a devastating cycling accident.

"AJ has been an incredible fixture for us over the years," Embry said. "He loves the bike trek – the route, the people, the camaraderie, Shaker Village... the whole experience. His family members have asthma, so he is thoroughly invested in our mission and always goes the extra mile in raising pledges for the ALA. He might not be riding with us this year, but I know that he'll be there cheering everyone on. We couldn't do it without him."

It is that sense of camaraderie that has helped the event grow over the decades. "Over 30 years you really get to know the people you're riding with." Runge said. "Eventually the bike disappears and you're just spending time with people you love."

Embry agrees. "There's a lot of love for this event. People relate to the cause and the mission, and there's a spirit of camaraderie that makes everyone feel good. It really brings together a wonderful group of people. And the beautiful scenery makes it easy to keep coming back each year."

The Bike Trek to Shakertown kicks off on September 19 in Harrodsburg and runs through September 21. Two day and three day options are available. To register or learn more, visit biketrektoshakertown.org or contact Embry at Carolyn.Embry@lung.org.