American Lung Association Bike Trek to Shakertown Celebrates 25th Anniversary!

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American Lung Association Bike Trek Photo

LOUISVILLE KY (06/11/2010)(readMedia)-- Registration for the American Lung Association's 25th Anniversary Bike Trek to Shakertown is well underway, and since space is limited, cyclists who are interested in participating are urged to sign up now. The event is scheduled for September 18-20, 2010 and includes both a 2- and 3-day option. This year's ride will be a special celebration of the Bike Trek's regional prominence as a premier bicycle tour and a highly successful benefit, which has raised over 2.5 million dollars to fight lung disease.

The Bike Trek begins and ends in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, with the first overnight at. Danville's famous Pioneer Playhouse. Sunday's ride takes cyclists across Herrington Lake through beautiful countryside to Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill ("Shakertown"), where they may tour the village and visit the craft shops. Riders who registered for the three-day trip will enjoy a bountiful dinner at Shakertown's Trustees' Inn. A special after-dinner treat will be a concert by folksinger Michael Johnathon, who hosts the popular Woodsongs Old Time Radio Show, which tapes every Monday night before a live audience in Lexington and is broadcast on over 450 radio stations worldwide.

The 2-day option (Sept. 18-19) includes Saturday's ride and overnight in Danville, plus Sunday's ride to Shakertown, concluding with an afternoon shuttle back to the start point.

No matter the level of cycling ability, there's something for everyone. Beginners can choose the basic route of 30-35 miles each day, while those wanting a greater challenge can opt for a 69-mile, moderately hilly ride on Saturday and a similar route on Sunday. Monday's routes will both be shorter.

According to Trek Director, Carolyn Embry, "The Bike Trek's lasting success is due in part to the route's spectacular network of scenic country lanes, coupled with first class service and countless amenities to make the event a "mini-vacation" on wheels." Some of the trek's features include a gear truck for luggage, experienced tour leaders, on-road repair service, rest stops with refreshments and free massages at the end of the day.

Contributions raised by Bike Trek participants help the 35 million Americans living with lung disease. Proceeds fund medical research, education, and advocacy for public policy that will advance the association's mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. "Many participants are riding in honor of someone who suffers from a lung ailment or in memory of a loved one lost to lung disease," Embry said.

To register for the trek, each rider pays a $60 registration fee and agrees to raise pledges to fight lung disease. Participants can qualify for a wide array of prizes as they reach various pledge levels. Co-sponsors of the event include the following: Jewish Hospital & St. Mary's Healthcare; Rockcastle Regional Hospital; Central Baptist Hospital; Barry W. Ceridan, D.D.S.; Stifel Nicolaus; Byerly Ford; Bicycle Sport; Pedal the Planet; WAVE-TV, New Country 103.1 (Louisville Media); WLEX-TV, 590 WVLK, Z-ROCK 103, and 92.9 The Bear (Lexington media).

For more information about the Bike Trek to Shakertown, including pre-trek information programs, training rides and corporate teams, call the American Lung Association at 1-800-586-4872 or visit the website at www.kylung.org.

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