American Lung Association keeps on trekking to fight lung disease!

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Bike Trek to Shakertown Rider

LOUISVILLE KY (06/30/2011)(readMedia)-- After 25 successful Bike Trek to Shakertown events raising more than $2.5 million to fight lung disease, the American Lung Association is still trekking after all these years! The 26th annual ride, presented by Kindred Healthcare, is scheduled for September 17-19, 2011

The health charity is proud of the Bike Trek's prominence as one of the regions most highly regarded bicycle tours, besides being a significant source of funding to support the Lung Association's mission.

Interested participants are encouraged to register now since space is limited and training opportunities are already underway.

The Bike Trek's round-trip route begins and ends in historic Harrodsburg, with the first night's stay at Danville's Pioneer Playhouse. Sunday's ride takes cyclists through beautiful countryside and concludes at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill ("Shakertown").

Participants will have the opportunity to tour the village and then enjoy a hearty meal and after dinner entertainment before spending the night in the village's 19th century guest rooms.

The two-day Trek includes Sunday's visit to Shakertown (excluding Sun. dinner and overnight stay) and a shuttle back to Harrodsburg starting point.

The Bike Trek is structured to accommodate various levels of cycling ability, so everyone can ride. Beginners can choose the basic route of 30-35 miles each day, while those wanting a greater challenge will enjoy a 69-mile, moderately hilly ride on Saturday and a similar option on Sunday. Monday's routes will both be shorter.

"Experienced cyclists scout the route and find the most obscure and beautiful backroads for cycling," said Carolyn Embry, who coordinates the event for the American Lung Association. According to Embry, "The Bike Trek is so much more than just a great ride. Throughout the Trek, cyclists can look forward to delicious food, on-the-road repair service, live entertainment, free massages and plenty of time for relaxing and camaraderie," she said.

Proceeds from the Bike Trek 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.

To register for the trek, each rider pays a $65 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: Jewish Hospital & St. Mary's Healthcare; Rockcastle Regional Hospital; Central Baptist Hospital; Byerly Ford; Bicycle Sport; Pedal the Planet; WAVE-TV, New Country Q103.1 (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 1-877-893-5864 or visit the website at www.BikeTrektoShakertown.org.