American Lung Association Celebrates 30 Years of Bike Trekking

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Riders enjoy Bike Trek to Shakertown 2014

LOUISVILLE, KY (08/03/2015)(readMedia)-- This year's 30th Anniversary Bike Trek to Shakertown marks a major milestone for the American Lung Association's popular cycling event. The annual Bike Trek, sponsored by Kindred Healthcare, is planned for September 19-21, and the charity encourages bicycle riders throughout the Commonwealth to "Ride for life and help fight lung disease!" Interested participants should register as soon as possible to take advantage of training opportunities throughout the summer months. Cyclists can sign up for a 2- or 3-day tour.

The September event will celebrate 30 years of cycling in support of the American Lung Association's mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. Many of the event's participants have a direct link with some form of lung ailment, while others simply want to enjoy a fabulous weekend of cycling and support a worthy cause. Lung disease ranks as the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S.

The Bike Trek's round-trip route begins and ends in historic Harrodsburg, with the first night's stay at Danville's Pioneer Playhouse, where riders will be treated to free massages and a dinner celebration featuring live music by the Dave Shelton trio, awards and prizes.

Sunday's ride takes cyclists to Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. Participants who registered for the 2-day tour will be shuttled back to the Harrodsburg starting point on Sunday afternoon, while three-day riders will have the added treat of a delicious "Shaker" dinner and very special evening entertainment provided by Kentucky musician & cellist extraordinaire, Ben Sollee.

According to Carolyn Embry, coordinator of the event, "The Bike Trek to Shakertown has been a success from day one because it has all the essential elements for a great charity ride: a spectacular route, first-class service, famous Kentucky landmarks and a worthy cause, the fight against lung disease."

The American Lung Association pulls out all the stops to accommodate Bike Trek participants. Beginners can choose the basic route of 30-35 miles each day, while those wanting a greater challenge will enjoy a 65-mile, moderately hilly ride on Saturday and a similar option on Sunday. Monday's routes will both be shorter.

Among the ride's amenities are experienced tour leaders, a gear truck for luggage, arrangements for meals and lodging, on-road repair service, roving support vans and rest stops with high-energy snacks.

Proceeds from the Bike Trek fund medical research, education, and advocacy for public policy that will advance the association's mission to save lives.

To register for the Trek, each rider pays a $65 registration raises 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: KentuckyOneHealth, Humana, Rockcastle Regional Hospital and Respiratory Care Center; Stifel; Baptist Health Lexington; Byerly Auto Group; Bicycle Sport; Pedal the Planet; WAVE-TV, New Country Q103.1, 107.7 The Eagle, Lite 106.9 (Louisville media); WKYT-TV, 590 WVLK, Z-ROCK 103, and NASH FM 92.9 (Lexington media).

The American Lung Association urges bicycle riders take part in this year's landmark 30-year anniversary event and help end the cycle of lung disease.

For more information about the Bike Trek to Shakertown, including pre-Trek training rides and corporate teams, call the American Lung Association at 1-877-893-5864, visit the website at www.BikeTrektoShakertown.org and follow us on Facebook.