Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Bike Tour Is Held

Over 170 cyclists from Arkansas and surrounding states took the Challenge and came out a winnenr. The American Lung Association of Arkansas' 6th Annual Clean Air Challenge Bike Tour was held April 26-27 and hosted over 170 riders raising over $60,000 to fight lung disease and improve the quality of air in the Natural State.

Riders of all ages and cycling abilities took off from Joe. T. Robinson High School in Little Rock Saturday morning and pedaled for a purpose along the fun and scenic route in Hot Springs. This year, riders were able to choose from the traditional two-day, 120-mile ride or the new one-day, 50- 100 mile tour. One-day riders return to Joe T. Robinson Saturday afternoon, while two-day riders headed on to Hot Springs where they enjoyed food and entertainment at the Arlington and lodging at the Majestic Hotel.

Serving at this year's Clean Air Challenge Honorary Chairperson was Arkansas' First Lady Janet Huckabee. Huckabee's support of the American Lung Association include riding in the Challenge to do her part to keep our air clean and help the 230,000 Arkansans who suffer with lung disease. Mrs. Huckabee finished Saturday's 60-mile course in the rain alongside fellow Arkansans.

Along the route, cyclists were accompanied by full cycling support, including trained volunteers, communication and medical personnel, massage therapists, mechanical support and law enforcement. Lunch and theme rest stops stocked with fruit, high energy snacks and water were provided along the route for the riders.

During the evening banquet for riders and volunteers, prizes were awarded to the top fundraising team and individual, best team t-shirt, largest team, oldest and youngest riders and much more. For the safety of the riders in the two-day tour, the second day of the Challenge was called off due to unfavorable weather conditions. Everyone loaded up and headed back to Joe T. Robinson where they enjoyed the celebration barbeque despite the weather.

"This year's Challenge was another great event despite the rainy weather. We had over 170 riders pedaling for a great cause and 100 volunteers that worked together to ensure the safety and comfort of those riders. We are especially grateful for the wonderful local and national sponsors and the many dedicated volunteers that helped make the bike tour such a success. So many people pulling together to fight lung disease was quite a motivating sight," said Mark Taylor, volunteer chairperson for the Clean Air Challenge. Along with many of this year's event.

Money raised from the bike tour will be used to fund medical research to one day find a cure for asthma, asthma education programs including Open Airways for Schools and Asthma In-Services, smoking prevention for our children through Healthy Lungs Month and High School Heroes, and cleaner air quality in Arkansas.

For more information about the American Lung association and it's programs call 1-800-586-4872.